Chance at LA Public Defender Forum

[TFALAWL]

I'm c/o 2016
stats:

1. 3.5 @ MVP
2. 2 years @ V-15 in LA
3. Current D. Ct. Clerk in 6/8/11

End goal is to be a criminal AUSA, but for now, I would like to take a shot at being a public defender (tldr is I like defending the little guy and fucking up the big guy [though i'm well aware there's plenty of small fish in fed criminal system, but that's separate convo]).

Also, I'm really ready for trial, enough with the desks...

What are my chances? I would love if someone with experience PM'ed me.

[Anonymous User]

Seems unlikely. Here's why:

1. You don't mention having any experience with indigent defense (your biglaw and D.Ct. clerkship doesn't count). Just because you're smart and hard-working doesn't mean you'd make a good PD.
2. These jobs typically go to people who have either interned with the office or done post-grad clerkships or both, people with demonstrated commitment to the field, for whom the risk of wash-out is relatively low. They're pretty hard to get since they pay fairly well in a desirable area. Your experience is good for lots of law jobs, but it actually doesn't help much at a local PD office. You'd have better luck with the FPD, they like to hire former fed clerks. And that job actually would put your research/writing skills to use, which frankly, the PD job would not.

[Beatmyshorts]

I agree with the last poster. You’d probably have a strong chance at AUSA gigs now. If that’s the end goal, why wait?

[Int'lshoe]

Most PD hiring happens for two reasons: (1) you have a demonstrated interest in the PD's office (through internships, pro bono work, etc.); or (2) you know someone that works there. Your qualifications are too competitive and not PD-focused enough for them to consider you a long-term investment. So either submit through someone in the PD's office you know or continue to hold out for an AUSA or FPD position.