Best Law Schools for DOJ, Big Gov, US Attorney Path? Forum

[Lschooler66]

I am interested in pursuing a career in the Department of Justice after graduating from law school, more specifically in the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division or the Criminal Division. What are the best T14 schools for this career path? I would like to hear about schools other than YHS

[A. Nony Mouse]

Other than HYS, there isn’t a specific T14 that’s better for this path than any other T14 (and that’s only because HYS are better for all paths, all else like costs being equal). It’s what you do while you’re there that matters

[cavalier1138]

In addition to what Nony said, the vast majority of grads will not be able to go straight through. If you want DOJ, plan on putting in some time at a big firm (and getting a clerkship).

[quiver]

In addition to what Nony said, the vast majority of grads will not be able to go straight through. If you want DOJ, plan on putting in some time at a big firm (and getting a clerkship).

Other than HYS, there isn’t a specific T14 that’s better for this path than any other T14 (and that’s only because HYS are better for all paths, all else like costs being equal). It’s what you do while you’re there that matters

I agree with both of these. Just want to note that clerking straight out of law school preserves your DOJ Honors eligibility, so you could do law school-->clerkship-->clerkship-->DOJ Honors. But even so, Nony is right that you'll have to demonstrate your interest through internships, coursework, etc., and cav is right that most people won't be able to go this route. Both clerkships and DOJ Honors are very competitive.

[globetrotter659]

FYI, the Civil Rights Division at DOJ is currently MIA.

[TripleM]

The best step you could take would be to delay law school and devote yourself full-time to the defeat of our current president. That way the CRD might actually be a thing by the time you graduate.

[ChutzpahSaxa15]

The best step you could take would be to delay law school and devote yourself full-time to the defeat of our current president. That way the CRD might actually be a thing by the time you graduate.

THIS.

[cuzzydunlop]

The best step you could take would be to delay law school and devote yourself full-time to the defeat of our current president. That way the CRD might actually be a thing by the time you graduate.

By the time he/she graduates law school, I think/hope our country will have returned to sanity. But yeah, probably not much hiring action at the CRD under this administration.