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I have an upcoming interview with the Department of Interior - Office of the Solicitor, and I was just wondering how difficult it is to secure employment with a federal agency such as the DOI or EPA after graduation. I go to a top 30 school, but I am currently between top 50-75% (this only reflects grades from my first 1L semester). Also, I have a bio undergrad degree and some of related experience as well.

Federal government entry level hiring for attorneys is as brutal as it comes. Even having prior experience through an internship with the agency does not guarantee you'll get even an interview. However, for some employers (agency hiring varies dramatically) prior experience with fed government is a plus during the process.

If it sounds like a good experience, do it. Your 1L Summer is a free experience anyway.

Virtually impossible, sorry. They typically get several hundred applicants for one available spot. No matter how qualified you are, you will still need a lot of luck to get a spot with a federal agency. An internship will help, and as a 1L it's not like you've got better options, but just understand that your chances are very slim.

Anonymous User wrote:Virtually impossible, sorry. They typically get several hundred applicants for one available spot. No matter how qualified you are, you will still need a lot of luck to get a spot with a federal agency. An internship will help, and as a 1L it's not like you've got better options, but just understand that your chances are very slim.

Your chances are slim, but people do get hired for these jobs. I just don't want you to get discouraged if this is what you would love to do. Best way to do this is work your ass off to get it but also have a really workable plan B.

Thanks for the tips and information. I am definitely finding out that there aren't many great opportunities for 1L's that have the potential to turn into jobs later. I want to eventually work in a local, state, or federal gov't role though so at the very least it would be a good line on a resume.

That's for sure. Government employees at any level like to see public service and interest stuff in your resume. With this opportunity, you will start building that component on your resume if you haven't already.