Law School Discussion

How difficult is it really to get paid summer work and what should be done to adequately prepare. My resume is dated, I've interviewed extensively in the past year finding work after undergrad and applying for other positions with Target Corporation, so the basics are covered. In a nutshell, what are employers looking for in 1L applicants?

It seems daunting, almost impossible, and definately cruel to have to look for work while embroiled in the grueling toils of 1L.  Should I try to find firm work (which is difficult I know), or should I try to find work tailored to my interests in politics and government. How do most of you all go about looking? Leads from your school? Self-Directed? Pseudo on campus "recruiting", job fair activities? 

Ruskiegirl, I know you live on this board as well as the Bay area, what are some highly regarded things to do in the city for 1L besides firm work? I'll be at Hastings and am interested to know what you think of the legal opportunties in SF. I am thinking of going into the public sector and am curious what some really cool opportunities might be, and then making informal contact with these entities as soon as I arrive. US Attorney's Office? Legal Aide society?

I just wanted to put this out there really quick and see if anyone know why UC Hastings job placement upon graduation hovered around 65% in 2003. I haven't been able to find info for the latest grad, and the hastings website only posts the grad rate 9 months out which is much better. This is of course no mistake, since what school wants you to know that 35% of their graduates can't line up a job at grad time.

Does anyone know anything about this or career placement in general at hastings? I know most people say that to be considered for big law you need to be in the top 25% (Is this true from what you all know?). Where does one need to graduate to even have a job lined up at graduation or is it more about the contacts one has made during clinics, externships, and summer employment? In essence, how important is the networking game for graduating Hastings students?

Thanks to any who can answer some or all of my questions. Comments on the overall Hastings experience would be appreciated as well. General likes, dislikes etc...

It is a known fact that a large proportion of those seeking a law degree do, in fact, possess a political science degree as well. I will be attending, in all probability, UC Hastings which reports that something in the neighborhood of 20% of its students fall into this category, myself included.

I am an idealist, and though working hard to graduate in the top of my class in order to "earn" the right to contribute handsomely to Dewey Cheatum and Howe has its allure (specifically, about $125,000 dollars a year worth of allure), it does not speak much to my core values, beliefs or ambitions. I’ve spent the better part of a year working for corporate America doing various tasks for the illustrious Target Corporation, and know that large firms operate in the same way. It is a lonely, empty, and unfulfilling existence. I am certain that there are many others who feel much the same way.

For all the talk and time individuals spend on these boards ranting about rankings and firm placement, is there not anyone who is concerned about their law degree and how it can be used in significant and meaningful ways:  upholding and advancing civil rights, promoting legislation that furthers the interests of the impoverished, identifying and reverse practices the results of which, though not intended to be racist, are racist.

So my question is, who is with me? Where are you political science majors? Does anyone have eyes for the “greater good”, for working on legislation, and being involved one way or another in public policy? What are you doing to prepare, what avenues are you peering down, and what’s the experience you are carving out for yourself in law school to facilitate your goal?

Ok, will someone tell me why should I be putting down 650-1000 per
month to live in rooms ranging from ridiculously tiny to just tiny.
I talked to someone from the tower and she said the efficiencies are
250 sq ft. Do you know how small that is? I suppose I could always
pay a little more for a room that is 450 square feet.

Thing is, for the price thats small, even by San Francisco
standards, ESPECIALLY considering the neighborhood. Ok, so why is it
that I am trying to move into this place. Whats the benefit? Are my
complaints/concerns not valid?

I also find it intriguing that they do not post any interior shots of the residence units. Are they that bad?

I'm just having a hard time justifying why I'm attempting ot put down large sums of money for a place, that I don't feel is worth the price. Will someone please vindicate my actions?