Open Thread: The DOJ Is Hiring Again …
Today is the day that the U.S. Department of Justice emails applicants to set up interviews for the Attorney General’s Honors Program. Each division is sending out its own letter.
If you didn’t receive one of these emails, well, then you probably didn’t attend the Nobody F**** With the Jesus School Of Law:
Congratulations! You have been selected for an interview by the [redacted] for the Attorney General’s Honors Program.The Department of Justice is issuing separate Email messages, component by component, to the candidates selected for interviews. Please note that your application was referred to all components you designated as employment preferences. If you do not receive a message from any specific component, then you were not selected by that hiring component for an interview.
Once all component notification messages have been issued, we will send a separate Email message providing instructions on how to schedule your interview. Please follow the instructions in the notification Email message and review the Travel Memo posted at www.usdoj.gov/oarm/arm/hp/hpinterview.htm.
Thank you for your interest in the Department of Justice and good luck in your interview.
We expect this year’s hiring process to be heavily scrutinized. What should an interviewee do as they walk into that charged environment? Wear a McCain button? Waterboard the receptionist? Or maybe go the other way and give her a hug (and then bus her halfway across town to a superior school district)? Either way, be sure to talk about “change” a lot.
We kid the Justice Department because they’re not nearly as scary as the IRS.
But seriously, what should these interviewees do to secure these important positions? Please share helpful advice on ways that I can kill myself how to ace the interview in the comments.
Earlier: The DOJ Honors Program Hiring Scandal: The ‘Harvard Law Avenger’ Strikes Again?




Comments
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Firsty. Nice closing line Elie. We need more of that.
Great last sentence. Love it!
Great last sentence. Love it!
Why the Jesus reference? Why not crack some jokes about Mohammed? Come one, let's see how brave you REALLY are.
Fail again.
Why the Jesus reference? Why not crack some jokes about Mohammed? Come one, let's see how brave you REALLY are.
ttt
Interviewees should definitely know the difference between "its" and "it's."
4/6: It's a reference to Monica Goodling, idiot.
Mystal, you need to put all of us out of our misery and find a new job. Even though that means you might have to actually practice law, which makes me shudder.
This blog deserves better than you.
Mystal, you need to put all of us out of our misery and find a new job. Even though that means you might have to actually practice law, which makes me shudder.
This blog deserves better than you.
8 -- took the words out of my mouth
oh come on, this is a great post. people just miss Lat...that doesn't mean this isn't still entertaining and mildly informative.
I'm assuming the Jesus comment is a dig at Regent?
I have to give Elie credit. I laughed out loud at this one:
"Water-board the receptionist?"
I went to Nobody F**** With the Jesus School Of Law. While I admit that we are a bit of a joke, at least we don't have a night school. Jesus says, suck it GULC!
Actually 9, 14, I think it's a Big Lebowski reference. Nice Mystal. Consistently great movie references.
The Jesus comment, you ignorant fools, is a reference to The Big Lebowski. It's employed here for the double effect of being a critique on the Regent School of Law; however, the reference is to Jesus, a smack-talking, hustling bowler who plays on a league team that is supposed to go head-to-head against the Dude's team.
Having given that explanation, it is clear that Elie's effort at being funny failed, and the reference, albeit clever with the double meaning, was not apt. Terrible attempt. Terrible website now.
Next week, an archivist will discover a lost Mozart requiem that was written for ATL because this website fell off.
This is a good post.
19 = Elie.
it's != its
Better than average style points, but why always with the politics, MysTTTal?
Yeah, sure, the Jesus can roll . . . but he's a pervert, Dude. No, he's a sex offender. With a record. He served 6 months in Chino for exposing himself to an eight year old. Walter Sobchak: When he moved to Hollywood he had to go door to door to tell everyone he was a pederast.
Now for a serious comment. The current term Honors Program hiring is even more interesting because they are pulling in people who were deselected in previous years for political reasons.
I applied for the Honors Program when I was a 3L (2005 grad) and received the standard "no component selected you" email.
Well, earlier this week I received a letter from the Attorney General's office saying I had been selected for an interview in the Civil Division but was deselected. So, they were writing to invite me in for an interview -- with many apologies for past problems with political hiring. (That shows me for writing a law review article analyzing whether people tortured at Abu Ghraib would have any claims in a federal court).
After graduating I clerked for two years and am now at a mid-size in the Bay Area. Still, a trip to Washington on the government's dime is fun, so I'm taking the interview slot.
I'm sure that other people who were deselected and get the apologetic letter won't take the interview -- as they're likely in their careers -- but others will probably be like me and take the interview. I'm not sure how the DOJ will compare true Honors Program candidates (ending law school or clerkship) with those who have 3 or so years of experience?
Quality post mystal. See if you can string together two in a row.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=183509&title=barack-obama-he-completes-us
Exactly how difficult is it to get an interview in the Honors Program? I've heard varying response. Anybody know how does it compare to finding a job in biglaw? I've heard fed clerkships are a big deal to DOJ, but how big? Would fed clerkships on the resume make up for mediocre to above average grades at a tier 1 school?
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=183509&title=barack-obama-he-completes-us
27: If you think getting any federal clerkship is a big deal, then you'll have trouble getting a Honors Program interview.
Elie's Political Hack Posting Count - 3 in two days. Why the need to reference Jesus. He doesn't need to be a Republican to get an interview with the Honors Program. He created the law, I think he could practice it without much trouble. (See also, "You tellin' me Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?") Your reference should have been to Federalist Society Torture School of Law(lessness), or something to that effect.
From a frequent Elie-basher: not bad. You brungs the news and the lols, and you did it all short-n-sweety like. That's what ATL is all about. You even improved on Lat's pop culture references, because you swapped out American Idol for The Big.
Except this:
"What should an interviewee do as they walk into that charged environment?"
I'll answer: For starters, don't confuse the singular and the plural.
yep, this is better. it doesn't make up for all the TTTerrible posts preceding it, but better.
24, great comment. Thanks.
"Each division is sending out it's own letter."
*remove from RSS*
Elie's Political Hack Posting Count - 3 in two days. Why the need to reference Jesus. He doesn't need to be a Republican to get an interview with the Honors Program. He created the law, I think he could practice it without much trouble. (See also, "You tellin' me Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?") Your reference should have been to Federalist Society Torture School of Law(lessness), or something to that effect.
The Big Lebowski quote was key to the success of this post. Please, keep them coming. And remember: You might fool the f*cks in the league office, but you don't fool Jesus.
24, aren't you too senior to be in the honors program? I thought it was just for grads and clerks not people working at firms...?
I'd also like to know what a standard DOJ Honors candidate looks like on paper. Are we talking only top top schools, only top of the class?
Obama Barama Shaka Zulu.
Obama Barama Shaka Zulu.
Obama Barama Shaka Zulu.
Obama Barama Shaka Zulu.
Obama Barama Shaka Zulu.
Obama Barama Shaka Zulu.
Obama Barama Shaka Zulu.
Obama Barama Shaka Zulu.
Obama Barama Shaka Zulu.
Obama Barama Shaka Zulu.
39 - wtf?
the comments on this blog have jumped the shark
39 - Shut the fuck up, Donny.
I think lat is posing as elie
What is a "Shaka Zulu"???
37 -
24 here - yes I am too senior for a normal honor's program position, which is why I was surprised to see the letter, and am still confused about how they will compare re-invites (?) like me with regular candidates. Here is the website for the information: http://www.usdoj.gov/oarm/hp2006.htm
It should be interesting
Don't mess with DaJesus, 39!
Seriously, who the hell do you think you are? Learn some respect.
UVA2L
I GOT DA JESUS JUICE!
- Michael Jackson
#38, the ideal DOJ candidate will possess excellent academic credentials from at least a top 150 law school. Candidates should have attempted to obtain membership on a journal; actual membership a plus. Only applicants in the 6th quintile or above need apply.
Has anyone received one of those emails today? When we applied the email back said, "The Department estimates that it will select interview candidates by mid-October and will notify applicants of their status at that time using the email address listed on the application." Does that mean they will select candidates *to interview* or that they will select candidates that *have interviewed* at that time? Oh the stress.
Obama
Obama Barama
Obama Barama Shaka .
Obama Barama Shaka Zulu.
Obama Barama Shaka Zulu Foxtrot Unitis Cody Kilo!
@4...its a reference from Big Lebowski...Elie seems to be trying that theme today...IT'S NOT WORKING!
But the last line was funny.
But you still suck Mystal...at least you can have some fun with it.
Not bad, Elie. But you still had to throw in the partisan digs at the end.
Stick to reporting on legal gossip, and keep the humor focused on pop culture references and snarky insults, and you may just work out after all.
Yankee.
Hotel.
Foxtrot.
Mystal, You Suck!
Eternally yours,
Jeebus H Christ
@49: It means you'll be scheduled for an interview around that time. The components will not notify you as to whether you are getting an offer until probably mid-to-late November.
@29: You are right. Especially if you express interest in the Appellate Section of whatever Division you are interviewing with. Those sections will not consider you without having had at least a federal appellate clerkship.
"out it's own letter. "
55 comments later and mystttal still hasn't fixed it.
what is up with the lame lateral link post
Anyone out there get this email today?
This email was sent out to non-GULCers only.
49: I received an email today; they were sent out. Within an hour or two of receiving the first emai, I received a second email with the travel survey attached. The interviews are being conducted between October 6-24.
54 - what if Elie doesn't believe in Jeebus?
60: Are you a current 3L or a former applicant?
You have no frame of reference 57. You're like a child who walks in in the middle of a movie, and
Walter, Walter, what the fuck are you talking about?
What the fuck am I...? What the fuck are...? I'm talking about the other Lebowski, Dude, the millionaire!
His name's Lebowski? That's your name, Dude.
62: I am a current 3L. From my understanding, the former applicants were notified by letter, not through the email notification system
-60
62: I am a current 3L. From my understanding, the former applicants were notified by letter, not through the email notification system
-60
Way out west there was this fella I wanna tell ya about. Goes by the name of Jeff Lebowski. At least that was the handle his loving parents gave him, but he never had much use for it himself. See, this Lebowski, he called himself "The Dude". Now, "Dude" - there's a name no man would self-apply where I come from. But then there was a lot about the Dude that didn't make a whole lot of sense. And a lot about where he lived, likewise. But then again, maybe that's why I found the place so darned interestin'. See, they call Los Angeles the "City Of Angels"; but I didn't find it to be that, exactly. But I'll allow it as there are some nice folks there. 'Course I ain't never been to London, and I ain't never seen France. And I ain't never seen no queen in her damned undies, so the feller says. But I'll tell you what - after seeing Los Angeles, and this here story I'm about to unfold, well, I guess I seen somethin' every bit as stupefyin' as you'd seen in any of them other places. And in English, too. So I can die with a smile on my face, without feelin' like the good Lord gypped me. Now this here story I'm about to unfold took place in the early '90s - just about the time of our conflict with Sad'm and the I-raqis. I only mention it because sometimes there's a man... I won't say a hero, 'cause, what's a hero? Sometimes, there's a man. And I'm talkin' about the Dude here - the Dude from Los Angeles. Sometimes, there's a man, well, he's the man for his time and place. He fits right in there. And that's the Dude. The Dude, from Los Angeles. And even if he's a lazy man - and the Dude was most certainly that. Quite possibly the laziest in all of Los Angeles County, which would place him high in the runnin' for laziest worldwide. Sometimes there's a man, sometimes, there's a man. Well, I lost my train of thought here. But... aw, hell. I've done introduced it enough.
8 year olds dude.
60 and 62 -
24 here, I also understand that former applicants are being notified by letter only (since we don't have active applications and email addresses may have changed). We probably won't find out for some time (if ever) but I'd be interested to know how many re-invites go to an interview, and what ratio of offers go to current and former applicants.
It's a cool job if you can get it (I have a friend who did) so good luck to everyone (current and former) alike.
Does anyone know what the odds are of getting an offer if you've received an interview? 1/2? 1/3? 1/4?
Odds are not what you should be focusing on.
What's the best way to prepare?
You should be focused on putting Federalist Society on your resume and an American flag on your lapel during the interview.
Give props to Bradley Schlozman and some of the other captivating members of the Civil Rights Division.
It won't be until Jan. 20, 2009, when being a member in an environmentalist society, or a member of Lambda, or, even, DailyKos will be acceptable in the Justice Department. (Of course, assuming all other qualifications are met.)
You should be focused on putting Federalist Society on your resume and an American flag on your lapel during the interview.
Give props to Bradley Schlozman and some of the other captivating members of the Civil Rights Division.
It won't be until Jan. 20, 2009, when being a member in an environmentalist society, or a member of Lambda, or, even, DailyKos will be acceptable in the Justice Department. (Of course, assuming all other qualifications are met.)
Fortunately, I'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug, uh, regimen to keep my mind, you know, uh, limber.
60: Does your receipt of the travel survey mean that all interview invites have been sent for all components, or just the one you're interviewing with?
I'm interviewing with the EOIR only (for an Immigration Court clerkship). Any advice?
and,
DRUG TESTING: the DoJ site says they test "prior to employment." Does anyone know if this occurs during the initial interview, or at some later point?
75 - I think that it means that it means that all invites have been sent for at least the four components that I applied to. The first email said that I wouldn't receive the survey until selections had been made for all components I selected. I applied to antitrust, tax, criminal, and ATF (in that order), and received an interview with antitrust only.
-60
No DOJ interviewee would be properly dressed without this lovely totebag - or maybe t-shirt
http://bags.cafepress.com/item/doj-hiring-criteria-tote-bag/289666443
Does anyone know which components have sent invitations for interviews?
I know that Civil and Antitrust have sent their invitations, and my understanding is that all the components have sent them now.
Drug test is not at the interview, silly. It's only if you get hired, and I think it happens the summer before you start. Though if you're using now, I think you're sunk.
I know that Civil and Antitrust have sent their invitations, and my understanding is that all the components have sent them now.
Drug test is not at the interview, silly. It's only if you get hired, and I think it happens the summer before you start. Though if you're using now, I think you're sunk.
Its not it's.
Top ten law school, editorial board on law review, no email. WTF?
maybe because you didn't have membership in the federalist society and the NRA on your application?
DOJ hiring eh... maybe they can find a couple lawyers to investigate this: http://wikileaks.org/wiki/California_Bar_complaint_against_former_federal_prosecutor_Miles_Ehrlich
My resume screams left-winger and I got an interview. Granted I am interviewing for a less ideologically sensitive component, but I think they are making a genuine effort to recruit on merit rather than on Fed Socness.
you all are fucking douche bags. i hate lawyers
when do/did they send out invites for applicants to the summer honors program?
http://www.usdoj.gov/oarm/arm/hp/hp.htm
For those of you asking what the Honors Program is, here is the DOJ's description:
"The highly competitive Honors Program is only way that the Department hires entry-level attorneys."
I guess they need help editing.
24: I understand your reasoning for taking the interview, but there are those out there (myself included) who did not get offers to interview who are highly qualified and truly wanting to work for DOJ.
83: I feel you. Federal clerk, law review editor, separate journal executive editor, published twice, top 1/3, former USAO intern, etc.---no email. WTF?
24: I understand your reasoning for taking the interview, but there are those out there (myself included) who did not get offers to interview who are highly qualified and truly wanting to work for DOJ.
83: I feel you. Federal clerk, law review editor, separate journal executive editor, published twice, top 1/3, former USAO intern, etc.---no email. WTF?
90/91 -
24 here: Don't get me wrong, I think working for the DOJ would be a great job, which is why I applied before and am still willing to take an interview now. Obviously, I wouldn't waste the government's time or money (especially since they're spending so much of it to save Wall Street) if I were interested only in a trip to DC. It's actually in my first-choice for divisions, so I'm actually pretty excited about the interview.
Since they are extending offers to all previous applicants who were deselected (for any reason), I'm not sure how much -- if any -- reduction in the current program is being made to account for former applicants.
Hopefully ATL will post something else on this subject in November when the DOJ makes its decisions, and people can see what -- if any -- effect there was from the re-invitation process.
83- you know, I'm more than a little surprised you didn't get an interview, because you interned with the DoJ. However, several of the previous disappointed applicant probably don't have that kind of experience. As someone who did get an interview (albeit with a rather specialized component) from a second-tier law school, I can safely say that my affinity for the subject-matter was a huge component of their decision to take me. Relevant experience or demonstrated interest is everything in criminal and civil rights law, for example.
I second 93. I'm a 3L, average grades at circa-20 school, but I got the interview because I have strong displayed interest in antitrust.
How did you display an interest in antitrust? Did you write a note on the subject? Just curious...
Anyone out there interview with ENRD and get an offer yet?
Anybody get an offer from any of the branches yet?
How about OIL or AUSA field offices? And does anyone know how to figure out which component selected you as a finalist?
97, there are posts on autoadmit that people got offers from Antitrust-Field, Civil-Com.Lit. and Tax-Civil have made some offers.
Question - Why has my work ISP been banned from commenting? I made a comment about boycotting ATL and it gets deleted and my ability to make comments removed. Elie and/or Lat, you got to chill the fuck out. Relax. Your over reaction and detour into useless information is bad enough, but censorship? Really???
What is "autoadmit"?
Go to autoadmit.com, select law, select DOJ Honors Interviews.
It's kind of hard to find and you have to join to post- you can google it or link through at
http://www.xoxohth.com/thread.php?thread_id=867220&mc=87&forum_id=2#10295707
Thank you!