Experienced DOJ jobs with bad grades Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm interested in working for one of the main branch divisiosn of the DOJ in DC and I see vacancies posted all of the time. However, whenever I look at linkedin profiles of attorneys working for the DOJ they always have very prestigious credentials (fed clerkships, top 10% class rank, big firm experience or other prestigious fed experience). I'm a few years out of law school and I have a top 10 school on my resume (also interned at a USAO during ls) but my grades suck. Is it even worth me applying for these jobs? Which branch is least grade conscious? Also I'm a URM and I notice that few of the profiles I see on LInkedin look like me...

[Anonymous User]

First off, I don't even know why you're asking "Is it even worth me applying for these jobs?" No one loses by sending off an application, you're only hurting yourself if you don't. It's not as though it takes a substantial amount of time to gather an application together.

Second, I think historically the National Security Division has been a little bit more difficult to break into without solid grades. But certainly grades are not the only factor when considering an applicant for DOJ. I know at least 2 folks that work in main justice, that were "average" students during LS, and still obtained positions based on work experience and other soft factors.

Lastly, I wouldn't bank too hard on the "URM" card for a position with DOJ. It's only going to be relevant insofar as you use it as part of your narrative when interviewing (if you get to that stage).

[Anonymous User]

URM comment was more about asking if they have a lack of diversity similar to biglaw firms. Not a fan of that type of environment. It seems particularly odd to me considering that in most contexts, the government is usually pretty diverse.

[Anonymous User]

I work in DOJ and it's actually one of the most diverse legal environments I've seen. Not saying it's some kind of utopia, but I'm struck by the contrast with firms (and this isn't even so much just my office as it is when I go to trainings with people from across the country). You just may not be seeing people on LinkedIn because a lot of people don't bother with LinkedIn.

[Anonymous User]

how much does diversity help would you say? Also do you know what it takes to get Civil Rights coming from MVP (Honors or after work experience)? Sorry to barge in!

[Anonymous User]

I honestly don't know how much diversity helps; I think DOJ does a pretty holistic evaluation (aka black box). So I really don't know how to qualify that, and mostly wanted to reassure the OP that I don't think the atmosphere is quite the same as firms, diversity-wise.

My purely anecdotal impression is that Civil Rights is extremely competitive and demands great grades/school pedigree/relevant experience - I'm not sure if it's grades per SE or the kinds of clerkships you usually need top grades to get. But that's entirely anecdotal, and based partly on the fact that in recent years, the honors program has hired as few as one person (this last year was much better).

[kellyfrost]

I would look at the following agencies:

Mine Safety and Health Administration

Risk Management Agency

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Engraving and Printing Bureau

Weights and Measures Division

[jess]

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[Anonymous User]

But what do you do now?

Local government 1983 litigation and some employment law.

[Anonymous User]

Is it ok to use a non-confidential document filed in litigation (e.g., brief or writing sample) as a writing sample for a DOJ position? Are there other writing samples that would be preferred, e.g., a journal article or something for an online publication like Law360?

[jess]

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