California Attorney General Honors Program Forum

[bruinfan10]

There may be a thread on this already, but I used the search function and couldn't find anything other than an interview offer waiting thread.

Does anyone have information on the CA AG Honors Program, whether it tends to lead to full time employment, the competitiveness of the program, or even better, would anyone that's participated in the program like to comment on their experience? From what I can tell, there's no guarantee that you'll be hired full time after your two years are up, but unlike some other state AG honors programs, you actually get paid a decent amount while you're there. Seems like a great gig.

[Yukos]

Since no one else has responded I'll throw in what I know. Based on a panel my school ran last year, it seems to be similar to most government jobs--incredible amounts of responsibility, very interesting work, good hours, but poor pay. One panelist complained that city and county attorneys make much more, although the salary doesn't seem that bad to me considering you're usually in Sacto. I can go into more detail if you want but since this is just vague and secondhand I figure someone else will be more helpful.

[Anonymous User]

Since no one else has responded I'll throw in what I know. Based on a panel my school ran last year, it seems to be similar to most government jobs--incredible amounts of responsibility, very interesting work, good hours, but poor pay. One panelist complained that city and county attorneys make much more, although the salary doesn't seem that bad to me considering you're usually in Sacto. I can go into more detail if you want but since this is just vague and secondhand I figure someone else will be more helpful.

I haven't done the program myself, but I summered with the AG's office, learned about the honors program, and know some people in it.

Here's what I know: It is a two-year program. Although not expressly stated, it is assumed that you will continue on with the office after your two years. The work varies based on what unit you're placed in. The program is super competitive. I think you're better off if you're in a top 20 school, because those seemed to be the people picked this past year.

As mentioned already, the pay is bad. What I've heard from current fellows is that they love it, but would love it if they could get more money out of it.

I hope that helps.

[Anonymous User]

If anyone can speak specifically to the competitiveness of the Earl Warren Solicitor General Fellowship that would be great too. With only one spot, I guess it's pretty hard, but I don't know if it's SCOTUS clerk or bust or more like "if you have a COA clerkship you have a decent shot."

[bruinfan10]

If anyone can speak specifically to the competitiveness of the Earl Warren Solicitor General Fellowship that would be great too. With only one spot, I guess it's pretty hard, but I don't know if it's SCOTUS clerk or bust or more like "if you have a COA clerkship you have a decent shot."

I'm also super interested in that question. I got the sense from the only other TLS thread I could find on this topic that the broader Honors Program--in its first couple years at least--was about half AIII clerks, so obviously they still took a fair number of non-clerks. My guess is that the SG Fellowship could easily draw from feeder-type clerks.

P.S. Thanks all for replying, glad to get a little more info, I'm surprised it's been this hard to find. Maybe cause the program is relatively new?

[Anonymous User]

Let's bring this thread back to life

Here is thread for prior cycle:
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... &start=100

Applying to Public Rights Div, but wouldn't mind the Civil Division.
T2 School, top 10%, past government internships, fed judicial externship, public interest bachelor's and master's degree

[Anonymous User]

I've been searching for information about this program as well. I plan to apply, but I'm not sure yet which divisions. I think that any of them could suit me depending on the specific section within the division.

I'm wondering

• -how realistic it is to get a permanent position at the end of the two years
  -what the interview involves (more of a prosecutor's office substantive interview or a "fit" interview?)
  -how much of a California connection is necessary

Also, am I reading the application right that there is ONE essay only for non-SG fellowship candidates (not one essay per division applied to)? In other words, we should address why we're interested in division X and division Y in 1,000 words total, not 1,000 words each, right?

Here's hoping we can gather some more information as we go!

[zot1]

I've been searching for information about this program as well. I plan to apply, but I'm not sure yet which divisions. I think that any of them could suit me depending on the specific section within the division.

I'm wondering

• -how realistic it is to get a permanent position at the end of the two years
  -what the interview involves (more of a prosecutor's office substantive interview or a "fit" interview?)
  -how much of a California connection is necessary

Also, am I reading the application right that there is ONE essay only for non-SG fellowship candidates (not one essay per division applied to)? In other words, we should address why we're interested in division X and division Y in 1,000 words total, not 1,000 words each, right?

Here's hoping we can gather some more information as we go!

As to your first question, think of the two years as a probationary period. The idea is that if you did well, they will keep you on. But if you don't, they'll get rid of you.

Can't answer the second one.

As to the third one, important. However, if you come from a prestigious school, that might trump lack of connections a bit. But this is a little bit of speculation. Anyone I know who got hired through the program was a Cali native.

[Anonymous User]

I understand from the website that we need to pick one division - can anyone speak to whether within that division, we can work within the various sections? I assume so?

[zot1]

I don't think so. My understanding is that you get assigned to a specific section within a division and that's where you stay. Someone feel free to correct me.

[Anonymous User]

I don't think so. My understanding is that you get assigned to a specific section within a division and that's where you stay. Someone feel free to correct me.

This changes things a bit - I was hoping to get exposure to multiple areas. If you happen to have any contacts that can verify this - it'd be much appreciated!

[zot1]

Here's what I got:

Hey zot1!

If he is assigned to a particular section, then he'll have to say in that section for the program term. However, if he is given the opportunity to work on an AG special project, then he'll have the opportunity to work with others from other sections and be exposed to the work generated by other sections. Also, he can always transfer to other sections /divisions if hired by another section /division; however, I would not recommend making this type of move until the end of the program term. Hope this answers your question.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks, Zot1! Actually, this is something I am fine with. I hope to make it into the Natural Resources section and stay there.

Unrelated- but I have another question for your friend, Zot. I was told from another source that Nat. Resources will be moving out of the SF office to the Oakland office. Really bummed, I don't know if this will affect the program, as government moves can be very slow. Any insider scoop is very much appreciated

Here's what I got:

Hey zot1!

If he is assigned to a particular section, then he'll have to say in that section for the program term. However, if he is given the opportunity to work on an AG special project, then he'll have the opportunity to work with others from other sections and be exposed to the work generated by other sections. Also, he can always transfer to other sections /divisions if hired by another section /division; however, I would not recommend making this type of move until the end of the program term. Hope this answers your question.

[zot1]

Thanks, Zot1! Actually, this is something I am fine with. I hope to make it into the Natural Resources section and stay there.

Unrelated- but I have another question for your friend, Zot. I was told from another source that Nat. Resources will be moving out of the SF office to the Oakland office. Really bummed, I don't know if this will affect the program, as government moves can be very slow. Any insider scoop is very much appreciated

Here's what I got:

Hey zot1!

If he is assigned to a particular section, then he'll have to say in that section for the program term. However, if he is given the opportunity to work on an AG special project, then he'll have the opportunity to work with others from other sections and be exposed to the work generated by other sections. Also, he can always transfer to other sections /divisions if hired by another section /division; however, I would not recommend making this type of move until the end of the program term. Hope this answers your question.

Have you interned with them?

I can ask about the move, but I don't understand your concern. Why would it affect it? How?

[Anonymous User]

Have you interned with them?

I can ask about the move, but I don't understand your concern. Why would it affect it? How?

Hi Zot,

Thanks - I am concerned because the program for the 2016-2018 cycle is for the San Francisco office. Since I wanted to work in Environment or Natural Resources section, that will be a huge bummer since Environment/Land law is already in Oakland, and Nat Res is in both Oak/SF right now. So as you can see, that would be a let down to be placed in SF for 2yrs and the section I want moves across the Bay before/during placement. Some of the other sections appeal to me as well, but the main draw was the Natural Resources section out of the public rights division in SF.

[zot1]

Have you interned with them?

I can ask about the move, but I don't understand your concern. Why would it affect it? How?

Hi Zot,

Thanks - I am concerned because the program for the 2016-2018 cycle is for the San Francisco office. Since I wanted to work in Environment or Natural Resources section, that will be a huge bummer since Environment/Land law is already in Oakland, and Nat Res is in both Oak/SF right now. So as you can see, that would be a let down to be placed in SF for 2yrs and the section I want moves across the Bay before/during placement. Some of the other sections appeal to me as well, but the main draw was the Natural Resources section out of the public rights division in SF.

Ah. I got you now. I didn't know that the program was going to be in SF next year. They switch so much I lose track. That will certainly make it more competitive by the way.

I have someone who would likely know about this, but I can't see how they would do it quickly enough for it to affect the program. However, if the decision has already been made, they might not accept people in that section for that reason.

I'll check. Hopefully I can bring you good news.

[Anonymous User]

Bump bump bump let's do this.

[Anonymous User]

Bump bump bump let's do this.

yes! Just received my confirmation email for receipt of my application

[Anonymous User]

Sent my application too. Nervous about the whole process, but I'm pumped to try for it! Anyone apply for the Earl Warren fellowship as well?

[Anonymous User]

Did not apply to the Earl Warren fellowship - I think you had to be a judicial clerk for that one.

Early November is next week! Here's to hoping we'll hear back relatively soon re interviews.

[Anonymous User]

Anyone have an interview scheduled already?

[Anonymous User]

all quiet here.

[Anonymous User]

all quiet here.

[Anonymous User]

Silence!

[Raramuri415]

Nada...