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Looking for some advice on what, if any, DC firms I could target due to fiance's relocation to the area. I'm already licensed there and my law school's state, but don't have the usual additional VA/MD bar combo.

Beginning a D.Ct. clerkship in 2018 in the Midwest; Completed a SSC clerkship with a year at a mid-sized firm in my law school's market (left b/c of bad culture in a practice group I wasn't thrilled about; took job because that's what the market gave me) and have three years of legal research experience in another field for better money, but not what I want long term. Graduated from a T2 somewhere between top 1/3 and top 20%; editorial board position on secondary journal; school and national moot court wins. Would prefer fed gov't work, but know that is likely unrealistic. Just wanted to see if there are any bigger firms out there I might target with less competitive stats, pedigree, etc. where I could concentrate my efforts. I know D.C. is a small market compared to NYC etc. Just trying to gauge what my options are.

Good luck. Traditionally, DC is the most competitive market to land. Top 20% at t13 kids strike out at DC all the time. Dont not try, but it will be pretty unlikely to snag a traditional big law gig in DC. Best of luck.

grades?? wrote:Good luck. Traditionally, DC is the most competitive market to land. Top 20% at t13 kids strike out at DC all the time. Dont not try, but it will be pretty unlikely to snag a traditional big law gig in DC. Best of luck.

Figured as much. I'll brace for striking out then.

Anonymous User wrote:

grades?? wrote:Good luck. Traditionally, DC is the most competitive market to land. Top 20% at t13 kids strike out at DC all the time. Dont not try, but it will be pretty unlikely to snag a traditional big law gig in DC. Best of luck.

Figured as much. I'll brace for striking out then.

I would just hustle hard. But cast a wide net because biglaw is not likely.

Can someone educate me? Why would federal government work be unrealistic for OP, as they stated in their post? Are federal D.C. Jobs impossible to get or something?

Anonymous User wrote:Can someone educate me? Why would federal government work be unrealistic for OP, as they stated in their post? Are federal D.C. Jobs impossible to get or something?

I mean maybe not in this administration because they are desperate to fill lots of jobs, but generally DC fed gov jobs are near impossible to get.

grades?? wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:Can someone educate me? Why would federal government work be unrealistic for OP, as they stated in their post? Are federal D.C. Jobs impossible to get or something?

I mean maybe not in this administration because they are desperate to fill lots of jobs, but generally DC fed gov jobs are near impossible to get.

Oh okay, I've never heard that before. I peruse USA jobs for fun sometimes and there are a ton of federal positions available in the D.C. area.

grades?? wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:Can someone educate me? Why would federal government work be unrealistic for OP, as they stated in their post? Are federal D.C. Jobs impossible to get or something?

I mean maybe not in this administration because they are desperate to fill lots of jobs, but generally DC fed gov jobs are near impossible to get.

This isn't necessarily true for attorneys because so few want to become feds in DC (the pay sucks for attorneys).
My concern with entering federal workforce would be the instability. I lived through shut downs and furloughs and am so relieved to have that behind me. It's not always better in the private sector, but being at the mercy of congress and an insane oompa loompa makes it very unattractive to many.