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PD vs. Mid (small?) Law
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 2:29 pm
by Anonymous User
2L here at a T30 school top 20% - I have two options for this summer, local public defender or local firm w/ about 20-30 attorneys. If I want to try 3L OCI for big law or a bigger firm, which would be the better option for this summer.
(1) PD - get in the courtroom and handle clients
or
(2) Firm - do mainly research for transactional work
Re: PD vs. Mid (small?) Law
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 2:47 pm
by transferror
This shouldn't be the determining factor in your choice since the odds of landing biglaw through 3L OCI are so slim. PD is better if you want to go criminal and the courtroom experience will help if you apply to small firms where you would be in court early and often, e.g. small PI shop. Otherwise, take the firm job if you want to go civil, and especially if there's potential for full-time employment after graduation.
Re: PD vs. Mid (small?) Law
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 3:12 pm
by minnbills
Unless you want to do crim law I would go with the firm.
Honestly you have a better chance of going small firm to biglaw than you do getting a biglaw job out of 3L OCI.
Re: PD vs. Mid (small?) Law
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 3:48 pm
by CanadianWolf
The small law firm is the better choice if you want to pursue a career in civil law--especially if targeting large law firms. PD work will impress some prosecutors as well as show demonstrated interest for future PD work.
How certain are you about your career goals ? I ask because most PD offices make summer offers based on demonstrated interest. If you are still considering a career as a PD or private criminal defense work, then stay with the PD office throughout law school.
Re: PD vs. Mid (small?) Law
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 7:30 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:2L here at a T30 school top 20% - I have two options for this summer, local public defender or local firm w/ about 20-30 attorneys. If I want to try 3L OCI for big law or a bigger firm, which would be the better option for this summer.
(1) PD - get in the courtroom and handle clients
or
(2) Firm - do mainly research for transactional work
Why in the world would you think that the PD's office would lead to BIGLAW?????
Re: PD vs. Mid (small?) Law
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 7:57 pm
by romothesavior
The firm is a much better option for later firm work.
Re: PD vs. Mid (small?) Law
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 8:55 pm
by baal hadad
romothesavior wrote:The firm is a much better option for later firm work.
This
Decide whether u want to to civil side /work for a firm or whatever it if you want to do crim law and choose accordingly