Reply to Should my kid bail on DOJ Honors

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]There isn't really a right or wrong answer here, DOJ or firm.

First, it's ok to interview and say no to an offer. The clerkship thing is unique to clerkship - you aren't supposed to piss off a federal judge. Though I did once turn down a clerkship offer after the judge asked me an illegal interview question about my marital status.

Second, DOJ doesn't automatically mean better hours. The hours at DOJ can be high, too.

Third, does anyone know if DOJ still gives you a higher step if you come in from the private sector? Sometimes you can make more money by going to a firm for a year or two first, getting the salary history, and getting a higher step as a result. But probably he won't be able to do honors program from a firm and it can be hard to get in.

I dunno, since you are middle class, I'd be tempted for him to go to a big law firm and make a lot of money for a few years. But DOJ Honors is fine too.

It worries me that he is thinking of down a small firm rather than big law, tho. I feel like it sounds like he is not getting good advice. he needs to find some mentors somehow.
Second, [/quote]

Why would you be worried about someone choosing a lit boutique vs big law? Real lit boutiques pay at or higher than Cravath scale, generally have more responsibility for junior associates, and have better pathways to partner.  [/quote]

No, I sort of agree with PP. It sounds like this kid is not really getting good advice or understanding the pathways that elite law grads take. There are great litigation boutiques but lots of bad small firms - and I think it’s likely much tougher to get a slot at one of the “good” boutiques than Biglaw. Plus the hours are the same, if not more. And also at Biglaw he has the chance to try out different practice areas in case he doesn’t like litigation or finds the hours too long. [/quote]

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