State Attorneys Office vs. Paid Small Firm Position

[Gatorlaw]

As a 1L summer gig, what is better work experience on a resume - unpaid State Attorneys office internship or paid position at a small (3-7) attorney firm?

[Suzieq830]

either is insignificant compared to grades.  as long as you have good experience doing something law related, the firm will be happy

[smujd2007]

Do the one that you are most interested in.  As a result, you will perform better and that makes it more likely that you will be able to get references from fellow co-workers. 

But yes, compared to grades, what you do your first summer is insignificant almost.  I have friends who vacationed first summer, clerked second summer, and had jobs after the second summer clerkship.  The second summer is a lot more important than the first.