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while retaining options to return to big law.

JAG and AUSA are obviously the best bets, but what else is out there?

I'm in DC and would honestly prefer to go up against the government, so DCPDS looks interesting. I'm not sure how diehard public interest your resume needs to be for a gig like that. To a certain degree, I am sure it's all about connections, but can anyone shed some light on the DCPDS hiring process and what kind of credentials are necessary?

look at smaller lit boutiques. biglaw lit practices are designed to NOT give young associates trial experience. they are built on leverage and service high-paying clients who pay a lot for the PARTNERS (not the associates) to do the actual litigating (there's a reason why the partners make 4 million per year and the associates get paid market)

Pro Bono criminal defense.

Summered at DCPDS recently. You will need a resume that is very focused on public defense. It's a "true believer" office meaning they don't take anyone who isn't highly committed to defending the indigent. Plus, their hiring classes are extremely small. I would recommend what the above posters said: either lateral to a smaller firm or do pro bono criminal defense. You may also try to get hired by the CJA panel but that requires some crim experience as well. Otherwise, you may have to venture out to a podunk PD, DA, or Solicitor's Office. It won't be prestigious, but you'll be trying cases out the wazoo.

I should probably take a look at the smaller lit boutiques.

Any other federal PD jobs that are attractive for biglaw, or other suggestions more generally?