Should my kid bail on DOJ Honors

[Anonymous]

Well, this was just canned, too. I’m sorry, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son graduated with honors last year from a Top 6 law school and is currently doing a federal appellate clerkship

He didn’t take a BigLaw offer while in school and is now gearing up his job search. Hoping for a boutique litigation firm but also just had interviews with a couple of sections for the DOJ Honors Program

After the election, he’s now thinking about totally bailing on DOJ. Would that be a sensible decision? Not a lawyer, so I have no insight to offer him and am looking for advice

Student loan debt isn’t an issue and he doesn’t have a burning desire for public interest / government service, is focusing on trying to find interesting work with decent work-life balance

I was in law school when the US attorney firing scandal happened under the Bush administration. I applied for DOJ SLIP and was rejected. Years later, I was notified that DOJ-OIG determined that my application was flagged for improper political purposes and invited me to apply to the Honors Program via a pathway for those students impacted by improper hiring processes. I hesitated, but my parents urged me to apply even though I was not a supporter of the current administration. I did, and was hired. I spent a wonderful decade as a DOJ lawyer under multiple administrations and highly enjoyed my time. I'm glad I applied.

That said, I would not encourage any law student to apply to DOJ right now. This administration is toxic.

[Anonymous]

Yes he should bail, I've heard of honors offered revoked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Revoked

That's awful, but TBH he probably dodged a bullet. It's not going to be a good time to be a DOJ attorney for awhile.

[Anonymous]

I cannot believe they went through the hiring process, got offers, and then on the second full day of the administration DOJ sends out messages that said "This email is about your application to the Attorney General's Honors Program. Pursuant to the hiring freeze announced January 20, 2025, your job offer has been revoked. We appreciate your interest in employment in the Department of Justice. This email is for informational purposes only. Please do not reply to this email."

Not even a signature from an actual person!

And if anyone wants to complain about the honors program hiring from elite law schools, I invite you to look at where the members of supreme court, the VP, and most cabinet nominees went to law school.

[Anonymous]

They just lost a ton of top attorney recruits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son graduated with honors last year from a Top 6 law school and is currently doing a federal appellate clerkship

He didn’t take a BigLaw offer while in school and is now gearing up his job search. Hoping for a boutique litigation firm but also just had interviews with a couple of sections for the DOJ Honors Program

After the election, he’s now thinking about totally bailing on DOJ. Would that be a sensible decision? Not a lawyer, so I have no insight to offer him and am looking for advice

Student loan debt isn’t an issue and he doesn’t have a burning desire for public interest / government service, is focusing on trying to find interesting work with decent work-life balance

You know the answer no to DOJ

I would never higher him if he worked their during Trump

[Anonymous]

OP here - DC ended up getting an offer but turning it down after much thought, most of it centered around what it might mean to work in the Trump DOJ

At least he had already decided for himself, I feel terrible for kids that had ended their job search after accepting an offer

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At entry level he will be well insulated. But he should have a plan to leave for private as soon as possible.

Yes. He'll be fine.

These comments didn't age well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He hasn’t committed to DOJ honors yet? I’m a lawyer and I agree with his plan to bail. With his resume he will get a job at a small firm and he could look at non profits and state government as well, there are some great positions in those sectors.

+1. I wouldn't want the stress and uncertainty of working for this administration. He has other great options.

I was definitely not in the mainstream when I made this comment, but it turned out to be right. There is indeed too much uncertainty under Trump, including receded offers. I'm glad OP's son turned it down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son graduated with honors last year from a Top 6 law school and is currently doing a federal appellate clerkship

He didn’t take a BigLaw offer while in school and is now gearing up his job search. Hoping for a boutique litigation firm but also just had interviews with a couple of sections for the DOJ Honors Program

After the election, he’s now thinking about totally bailing on DOJ. Would that be a sensible decision? Not a lawyer, so I have no insight to offer him and am looking for advice

Student loan debt isn’t an issue and he doesn’t have a burning desire for public interest / government service, is focusing on trying to find interesting work with decent work-life balance

I was in law school when the US attorney firing scandal happened under the Bush administration. I applied for DOJ SLIP and was rejected. Years later, I was notified that DOJ-OIG determined that my application was flagged for improper political purposes and invited me to apply to the Honors Program via a pathway for those students impacted by improper hiring processes. I hesitated, but my parents urged me to apply even though I was not a supporter of the current administration. I did, and was hired. I spent a wonderful decade as a DOJ lawyer under multiple administrations and highly enjoyed my time. I'm glad I applied.

That said, I would not encourage any law student to apply to DOJ right now. This administration is toxic.

Do you mean "hiring scandal"?