State USAO v. State AG v. State DOJ (not SLIP) Forum

[Anonymous User]

I have an offer for a state DOJ. I just interviewed with the USAO and AG (both state/not fed) (too early for offers). I have tried Googling this topic as much as possible. Assuming I will work at a private firm post-graduation before having the chance to work in a public interest capacity, which of these internships would look great on my resume while also giving me a leg up on experience? (I know what government offices do and do not hire right out of law school). State DOJ and AG (if offered position) would be able to split. USAO ≠ split.

BIO:
I worked as a law clerk in a mid-size firm my 1L summer (lots of writing experience)
All states involved allow student attorney certification (potential court time)
None of the offices are located on the East Coast (FYI)
T20
Goals: hands-on litigation experience; impress future employers.

If you've worked at one of the following, I appreciate feedback from your individual experience.
Is there really any one internship, among those listed, that appears more prestigious?
If you're a 3L and have secured full-time employment for this Fall, and had one of these internships, did it help/harm, didn't matter?

[swampman]

I just interviewed with the USAO and AG (both state/not fed).

What do you mean by state USAO? I've only seen that used for the United States Attorney's Office.

[Elston Gunn]

I just interviewed with the USAO and AG (both state/not fed).

What do you mean by state USAO? I've only seen that used for the United States Attorney's Office.

I assume he/she just means a regular USAO, as in not the federal DOJ in D.C. But it is confusing.

[transferror]

Why do you assume you will be working at a private firm post-graduation?
Most people that get entry level positions at firms work for the firm during 2L summer and/or clerk during the year.

USAO doesn't really hire fresh grads, so do AG or DOJ. If one pays, do that one.

[Anonymous User]

Why do you assume you will be working at a private firm post-graduation?
Most people that get entry level positions at firms work for the firm during 2L summer and/or clerk during the year.

USAO doesn't really hire fresh grads, so do AG or DOJ. If one pays, do that one.

Just because you aren't working for a private firm during your 2L summer does not mean you won't be employed by one post-graduation. Both the AG and USAO like to see anywhere from 1-5 years of prior litigation experience.

None of the positions are paid, and that doesn't really matter–I'm looking to know what would look best when I apply for full-time employment and the major differences in experience.

[Anonymous User]

I just interviewed with the USAO and AG (both state/not fed).

What do you mean by state USAO? I've only seen that used for the United States Attorney's Office.

I assume he/she just means a regular USAO, as in not the federal DOJ in D.C. But it is confusing.

Yes–It was meant for me to avoid having to say this: I don't have an offer to work for Eric Holder himself, which would be the slam dunk public interest position. Sorry if confusing.

[transferror]

Why do you assume you will be working at a private firm post-graduation?
Most people that get entry level positions at firms work for the firm during 2L summer and/or clerk during the year.

USAO doesn't really hire fresh grads, so do AG or DOJ. If one pays, do that one.

Just because you aren't working for a private firm during your 2L summer does not mean you won't be employed by one post-graduation. Both the AG and USAO like to see anywhere from 1-5 years of prior litigation experience.

None of the positions are paid, and that doesn't really matter–I'm looking to know what would look best when I apply for full-time employment and the major differences in experience.

There's no objectively correct answer, there are too many variables. For instance, at the state DOJ or AG's office, your experience will vary greatly by practice group, and the corresponding importance to employers will depend on the type of firms you apply to and how you can weave your experience into a narrative. If you do labor law at the AG's office and then apply to labor firms, I imagine you'll have a boost. If you apply to small personal injury firms that want to throw you in court from day 1, courtroom experience will be important (and the OP said that's a possibility).

What types of firms will you be targeting when you graduate?

**Sort of scooped by Anony

[Anonymous User]

Or one has a better commute, pick that one.

Food for thought: USAO = no relocation, AG & DOJ = relocation

Would splitting the Summer be beneficial, or just a waste in terms of losing experience gained by staying in one office?

[CanadianWolf]

Splitting might help you get a better idea of where your professional interests are, but, possibly, at the expense of developing stronger references.