Difficulty in securing a position as an ADA in this economy? Forum

[Gettingstarted1928]

I'm a 1L, and I came to law school with the intention of becoming a prosecutor. I've done quite a bit of research on how to make myself as marketable as possible to DA offices, but what I would really like to know is how difficult it is to get the job ITE (assuming that I take advantage of all crim courses, clinics, mock trial, etc.). Yes, I realize that certain offices (ex. Manhattan) are as difficult to get as a biglaw, but I'm wondering about your average office in a average city or even smaller communities. Also, how difficult is it to get an internship with one of these offices?

I would really prefer to hear from someone who actually has first-hand knowledge and isn't just speculating based on hiring freezes in many cities.

I really appreciate the advise.

[kalvano]

It largely depends on the size of the city. The bigger the city, the more competitive. However, in smaller cities, it tends to be a bit of an old boys network.

It's as competitive as a decent firm job, meaning pretty damn competitive.

[BarbellDreams]

Getting an internship is not very difficult. They are overworked so they will gladly take free help. The problem with getting jobs is that hiring freezes are in effect in many many places right now for an indefinite period of time. They may very well want to hire you and just wouldn't be able to. I suggest doing mock trial, any clinic or practicum you are able to get your hands on, and interning with a DA office both of your summers and preferably part time during the year. At that point your resume is about as marketable as it can be for that position and you'll basically be applying to dozens of DA offices in hopes of finding one that isn't going through a hiring freeze.

[Gettingstarted1928]

I guess what I'm a little concerned about is that I really don't want to do anything else besides prosecution, so the last thing I want to happen is to graduate, get zero offers from DA offices, and have to settle for doc review or something similar. I'm thinking maybe I'm taking a HUGE risk here. Any thoughts before I spend another dime on my education?

[kalvano]

It depends on how stuck you are on a certain office. If you can get a decent school with a full ride or close to it, then apply all over and not have much debt, you're fine. If you have $200K in loans, it might be an issue.

[leobowski]

Get a 2L internship with an office that is hiring. Don't suck in court. Hope for the best.

[boaltrising3l]

Almost impossible, know a few people at school on this path. They are getting rejected for the opportunity to VOLUNTEER at a DAs office. It's a pretty big accomplishment to be able to get an unpaid position after graduation in an office, full time paying a damn near heroic feat.

[Gettingstarted1928]

Almost impossible, know a few people at school on this path. They are getting rejected for the opportunity to VOLUNTEER at a DAs office. It's a pretty big accomplishment to be able to get an unpaid position after graduation in an office, full time paying a damn near heroic feat.

What market?

[Gettingstarted1928]

Giving this thread one last bump before I let it die.

[Voltaire]

Giving this thread one last bump before I let it die.

If you haven't seen it yet, there's an awesome thread in the employment forum on this topic. It's called "How to be a PD/Prosecution Gunner" or something like that.