Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Deputy District Attorneys
To gain entry-level experience as an undergraduate, Bryan, a Senior Deputy District Attorney, strongly advises considering unpaid internships, emphasizing that "you got to treat it like a job," as a serious "long interview process." The importance of a positive reputation is highlighted, with the observation that "we remember the good interns and we remember the bad interns."
Internships, Volunteer Experience, Networking, Entry-Level Jobs, Career Exploration
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Bryan Clavecilla
Sr. Deputy District Attorney
Orange County District Attorney
UCLA class of 2004
Chapman School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2007
Philosophy
Government & Public Sector, Law
Legal
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Internships are crucial for entry-level positions in law and are considered a long interview process.
2. Treat internships seriously; your performance will impact your future opportunities.
3. Volunteering for internships, even without pay, is a valuable way to gain experience and build your reputation.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
One of the things you can do, and I know this is going to sound crazy, is work for free. Yes, you heard me, work for free.
You need to do some internships to get your foot in the door. But one of the things you have to consider when being an intern in any DA's office, or really any law office, is that you've got to treat it like a job.
Consider it a long interview process where you're learning, you're getting your feet wet, and you're trying to understand what this life and this career really entails. You have to do it and treat it seriously because your reputation will precede you.
If you do a terrible job at an internship, you're a horrible intern. People don't forget that. We remember the good interns, and we remember the bad interns. So, take it seriously. Volunteer as an intern in any field that's willing to take you. It's a great way to get your feet wet.
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