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I have the option to either work part time at a small firm during the semester or intern for a federal judge. I'm considering doing the latter because my resume has a ton of firm experience but nothing judge related. I'm just having a hard time justifying turning down a paid position for an unpaid one. what's the better call?

Depends.

Fwiw, I interned with a judge instead of working at a firm (summer firm asked if I'd stay part time) and I think I made the right choice. The judge hired almost exclusively from his intern/externs so that appealed to me.

It was a great experience, but unfortunately its going to be judge specific as to whether you enjoy your time. Do you want to clerk?

If small firm might potentially hire you after grad then small firm

If judge usually hires exclusively from intern pool for clerkships (rare) then judge

If you get to do 'real' work for the firm, and they may hire you after grad, then take the small firm.

Interning/externing/whatever with a judge (especially a fed judge) is an awesome experience if you want to be a litigator. It is definitely more valuable than working at most law firms. But again, getting a real job is more important than experience quality.