1. The DC program does have a two step process. You apply to the program director - a legal writing professor - who will interview you. Then your resume is submitted to a pool of hosts in DC. Each placement will individually interview the candidate. My friend actually interviewed with multiple placements and had a choice. Like I said in my earlier post - she is really enjoying the program. You do have to pay for the program. The credits are in line with the school's summer school tuition. And you'll be responsible for living arrangement - but loans are available.AT9 wrote:I know I'll have plenty of chances to ask questions in like a month, but I'm going to fire off more questions because you guys are awesome (and because I feel like the anecdotal input from students is more representative than what I'd get from the school faculty and staff):
-Are there any requirements for the DC program? Extra costs, etc?
-Any input on how insular the market is? I'm an out-of-stater with no ties to NC directly, which I'm a little concerned about. For those wanting local jobs, how badly will no ties hurt?
-Any stories on grads getting back to out-of-region markets where they have ties?
I think I want to work in one of the bigger NC cities, one of a few cities where I have ties, or DC if I do well enough, so I'm just trying to get a feel for what it will be like.
Also, I quit my job in like 5 weeks to get ready and move. Can't wait!
2. My experience with the legal market in NC is limited. I think that going to school at Wake is very strong evidence that you want to be in NC. That is going to be something you want to communicate effectively in an interview. I do not get the impression that out of state students are discriminated against en masse.
3. This is something I have much more experience with. I am still 50/50 on where I want to end up...NC or my hometown in a fly-over state. I spent a lot of effort in the Spring trying to get in touch with firms in my hometown. As a 1L, it was difficult. I ended up getting two interviews with no offers. Both made it clear that the interviews were more for getting to know me for 2L because they didn't have 1L spaces. The key is hustle. You have to do the leg work. Only regional firms are coming to OCI. You have to go to them. What I can say is that the Wake name does not close any door. If you have the grades, a reason to work in the location, and are willing to do the work - you'll have the opportunity to sell yourself. I'm currently doing a summer a few states away...
Hope that helps...
