Careers in Government Guide

1 Careers in Government

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................ 3

ABOUT UCLA SCHOOL OF LAW ................................................................................. 3

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC INTEREST PROGRAMS ....................................... 3

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 4

I. ALUMNI NARRATIVES ........................................................................................... 4

ANNETTE B. ALMAZAN ‘02 ...................................................................................................................... 5

ANDREW BRUNSDEN ‘07 .......................................................................................................................... 5

JULIA FIGUEIRA-MCDONOUGH ‘98 .................................................................................................... 6

BRYAN LEE ‘13 ................................................................................................................................................. 8

JEFFREY PRIETO ‘95 .................................................................................................................................... 9

ANDRE QUINTERO ‘01 ............................................................................................................................... 10

II. STUDENT NARRATIVES ....................................................................................... 11

NISHA PAREKH ‘17 ....................................................................................................................................... 11

DANIELLE GIES ‘18 ....................................................................................................................................... 12

III. CAREERS IN FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ......................... 13

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ........................................................................................................................ 13

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT .............................................................................................................. 14

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES ......................................................................................................... 14

LEGISLATIVE OFFICES ....................................................................................................................... 14

COURTS ..................................................................................................................................................... 14

STATE GOVERNMENT .............................................................................................................................. 15

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ............................................................................................................................. 15

IV. PREPARING FOR A CAREER IN GOVERNMENT ...............................................15

CAREER SERVICES RESOURCES .......................................................................................................... 15

COURSEWORK ............................................................................................................................................ 16

EXTERNSHIPS ............................................................................................................................................... 16

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ...................................................................................................... 17

V. FINDING GOVERNMENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ....................................... 17

1L & 2L SUMMER INTERNSHIPS .......................................................................................................... 17

3L JOB SEARCH ............................................................................................................................................. 18

CAREER FAIRS .............................................................................................................................................. 18

UCLA ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWS (OCI) .................................................................................... 18

UCLA GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC INTEREST INFORMATION FAIR ......................... 18

EQUAL JUSTICE WORKS CONFERENCE & CAREER FAIR ................................................ 19

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PUBLIC INTEREST/PUBLIC SECTOR CAREER DAY ........ 19

ONLINE RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................. 19

VI. ENTRY-LEVEL JOB OPPORTUNITIES ................................................................. 20

FEDERAL OPPORTUNITIES ................................................................................................................... 20

THE GOVERNMENT HONORS PROGRAMS .............................................................................. 21

STATE GOVERNMENT OPPORTUNITIES ......................................................................................... 21

2 Careers in Government

CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ......................................................... 22

CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S HONORS PROGRAM ........................................... 22

POST-BAR GOVERNMENT CLERKSHIPS ................................................................................... 22

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OPPORTUNITIES ....................................................................................... 23

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES .......................................................................................................... 23

PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWS PROGRAM ...................................................... 23

RECENT GRADUATES PROGRAM ................................................................................................ 24

CAPITAL FELLOWS PROGRAM ..................................................................................................... 24

CORO FELLOWSHIP ........................................................................................................................... 25

PUBLIC RIGHTS PROJECT FELLOWSHIP .................................................................................. 25

SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT LITIGATION FELLOWSHIP ....................................................... 25

WOMEN’S LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM ................................. 26

NEW YORK CITY SOCIAL JUSTICE POST-GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP ......................... 26

SOROS JUSTICE ADVOCACY FELLOWSHIP ............................................................................. 26

VII. INTERVIEW PREPARATION ........................................................................... 26

GENERAL QUESTIONS ............................................................................................................................. 27

QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING AT THE INTERVIEWING OFFICE .................................... 27

ACADEMIC QUESTIONS .......................................................................................................................... 27

QUESTIONS ABOUT SKILLS, GOALS, AND EXPERIENCE ......................................................... 28

ETHICAL, PRACTICAL, AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUESTIONS .................................. 28

CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................. 28

3 Careers in Government

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

AUTHORS:

Ingrid Eagly, Faculty Director, David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy

Silvana Naguib, Public Interest Fellow, Office of Public Interest Programs

Gina Papera-Ewing, Student, UCLA School of Law

Liza Parisky, Student, UCLA School of Law

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS:

Careers in Government is the distillation of insights from several decades of experience advising

law students pursuing public interest careers. We thank Jessica Blatchley, Yvonne Denenny,

Brenda Kim, Linda Kressh, Frank Lopez, Elizabeth Moeller, and Lisa Mead for their assistance

with this project. We also thank UCLA School of Law alumni Annette B. Almazan, Andrew

Brunsden, Julia Figueira-McDonough, Bryan Lee, Jeffrey Prieto, and Andre Quintero for their

contributions. Thank you also to UCLA School of Law students Nisha Parekh and Danielle Gies

for sharing their experiences with government work.

ABOUT UCLA SCHOOL OF LAW

UCLA School of Law, founded in 1949, is the youngest major law school in the nation and has

established a tradition of innovation in its approach to teaching, research, and scholarship. With a

rigorous public interest curriculum and the David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and

Policy, the school is a preeminent training ground for students committed to careers in public

service.

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC INTEREST PROGRAMS

The Office of Public Interest Programs strives to enhance UCLA School of Law’s comm itment to

public interest by offering an array of services to students and alumni. The Office’s principal goal

is to encourage students and alumni to embrace a career that incorporates an ongoing commitment

to public service.

4 Careers in Government

INTRODUCTION

A career in government offers lawyers gratifying and dynamic

ways to be involved in public service. Careers in Government

serves as a tool to help chart the best possible career path for

law students and law graduates seeking to embark on this

pursuit. From every level of government—federal, state, and

local—lawyers are involved in defending and enforcing

government policies, as well as developing government

practices. In these roles, attorneys are employed to work with

executive branch offices, agencies, legislative bodies, and

courts. As a result, a career in government is multifaceted,

with a breadth of opportunity.

In an effort to illuminate various government career

trajectories, this Guide is divided into seven parts. The first

part contains narratives from UCLA School of Law alumni

working in the federal, state, and local, government. The

second part contains narratives from UCLA School of Law

students who have worked with various governmental offices

across the country. The third part describes the career

opportunities available in federal, state, and local

government. The fourth part discusses ways to prepare for a

career in government by providing recommended coursework

and methods for obtaining internship opportunities in the

field. The fifth part reviews ways to interview with

government agencies for summer and post-graduate positions.

The sixth part highlights ways to obtain post-graduate entry-

level positions through Government Honors Programs and

fellowships. Finally, the seventh part contains helpful advice

for students when preparing for interviews with government

agencies, including sample questions used during actual

interviews for these positions.

Because careers in government span a multitude of

jurisdictions and agencies, this Guide is meant to serve as a starting point for students. After

reviewing the Guide, students should identify the level of government and type of agency in

which they are interested. In addition, students should thoroughly research the entity, as each

government organization abides by individual jurisdictional hiring practices and rules.

I. ALUMNI NARRATIVES

There are multiple and diverse paths to pursuing a career in government. UCLA School of Law

alumni exemplify the varied career paths that can lead to a satisfying career at every level of

government. These alumni narratives also highlight the different types of government work that

are available in a diversity of institutional settings.

“Over the last eight years, I

have endeavored to build trust

with residents, and show them

that their government can

develop and execute plans to

turn around the future

prospects of our community.”

- Andre Quintero, Mayor of the

City of El Monte, UCLA

School of Law Class of 2001

“Working in a large,

bureaucratic state agency

presents many challenges, and

an equal number of

opportunities. I have learned

so much about what it takes to

implement creative ideas to

maximize impact and

efficiency, all the while

striving to honor the

fundamental intent of the law

and the purpose of the agency:

to offer broad protections to

workers.”

- Julia Figueira-McDonough,

Staff Attorney, California

Labor Commissioner’s Office,

UCLA School of Law Class of

1998

5 Careers in Government

ANNETTE B. ALMAZAN ‘02

Special Assistant to the Gaming Inspector General, Office of the Gaming Inspector

General, New York State Gaming Commission, New York, NY

During my childhood, volunteer work and public service were encouraged in my home and

primary schools. Prior to attending law school, I joined Teach for America (’97, Bay Area). I

recognized how access to quality education positively impacted my life (and my parents’ lives

before me), and I wanted to bring my love of learning to students who did not have the resources I

was privileged to have. I enjoyed teaching more than I thought I would and seriously considered

making it my career, but I had always wanted to be a lawyer, specifically a prosecutor. I told my

high school students that I was leaving so I could contribute to society in a different way, helping

to make communities safer by being a prosecutor.

After a detour as a law fellow, where I used my skills as a former high school teacher to assist law

students who were teaching the law to Washington, D.C. public high school students, I became a

prosecutor in Queens County, New York, where I was born and raised. I was lucky enough to

work as a prosecutor for over four years, handling misdemeanors, felonies, appeals, and homicide

investigations in my own community. However, the increasing cost of living in New York

compelled me to make the difficult choice to leave. I wanted to stay in government and

transitioned to working in-house at the NYC Department of Probation, handling matters related to

supervision and sentencing.

After several years, I began working in government oversight at the NYC Department of

Investigation. These days, public corruption is a hot button issue. Certainly, while I have always

seen government as ensuring a fair, safe, and just society, it is important to hold government

accountable. Allegations vary greatly, including conflicts of interest, employee misconduct, gross

management, and contract fraud. My experience as a prosecutor gave me the foundation for

conducting systematic and thorough investigations. It is gratifying to know that investigations in

which I have participated have exposed issues and led to small and large changes.

In 2015, the opportunity presented itself to work in my current position, which is part of a

relatively new office. This position has allowed me to influence how the office develops and

expanded my knowledge in a completely different area of law: gaming and racing regulation.

Working in government can be as diverse as it would be in the private sector, and I would be

happy to speak with anyone interested in pursuing a career in government.

ANDREW BRUNSDEN ‘07

Associate Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation , New York, NY

I am an Associate Commissioner for New York City in its Department of Investigation (DOI),

which is the independent inspector general for the City. As a member of DOI’s executive

management, I supervise four investigative units of approximately 150 attorneys, investigators,

data analysts, and auditors who investigate corruption and mismanagement in City government

involving, among other areas, City elected officials, social service agencies, nonprofit

organizations, and financial, technology, and personnel administration agencies. I previously

served as a Senior Inspector General supervising one of these investigative units of twenty-five

staff members. Our investigations may involve any agency, officer, elected official, or employee

of the City, as well as those who do business with or receive benefits from the City. Like other

6 Careers in Government

law enforcement agencies, we combat corruption through systemic investigations that can lead to

high-impact arrests and prosecutions to hold criminal actors accountable. However, our role is

unique in that our investigations also address deficiencies in the City’s internal controls and

operations by identifying shortcomings and making policy recommendations to improve the way

the City runs.

Our investigations typically begin with a complaint from the public, a referral from another City

agency, a media report, or our proactive identification of a matter requiring our attention . Our

investigators develop the facts of our cases by issuing subpoenas, reviewing documents,

conducting field operations such as surveillance and executing search warrants, and taking

testimony under oath. In my role, I manage investigative staff in taking these steps to advance

their cases. When we uncover potential criminal wrongdoing, I coordinate with federal, state, and

local prosecutors regarding whether to bring criminal charges and develop evidence for grand jury

presentations and trial. Additionally, when we find operational issues requiring reform, I work

with staff to draft reports of our findings and coordinate with City agencies to remedy those

issues by implementing our recommendations.

I am proud of our team’s investigations and DOI’s impact on promoting integrity, public safety,

and good government in New York City: we are holding elected officials and multiple non-profit

executives accountable for corruption through the misappropriation of government grants; we are

protecting vulnerable populations such as foster children, public benefit recipients, and homeless

families by investigating fraud and mismanagement in agencies that serve these populations; we

uncovered theft by a former procurement director of a local prosecutor’s office and authored a

plan for the agency to tighten its fiscal controls; we issued recommendations to the City regarding

the overhaul of its 911 emergency call-taking system, as well as future large-scale technology

projects; and we exposed mismanagement, waste, and conflicts of interest at the City’s Board of

Elections.

As advice to law students considering a career in government, I suggest learning as much as you

can about the various opportunities for lawyers in government: conduct research of available

opportunities at all levels of government and speak with alumni working in government. In

addition to the more well-known options such as working as a prosecutor or public defender, a

number of opportunities exist within government for enforcement and investigative attorneys,

transactional attorneys, and attorneys who advise officials on policy, compliance, and program

development. I also recommend identifying your areas of interest and gaining experience in those

areas to be in a better position to secure the government employment you are seeking . In my case,

after two federal clerkships, I worked at a law firm that specialized in government enforcement

cases. This experience prepared me to take on my current role as a manager and attorney leading

significant anticorruption investigations. Ultimately, you should, in the words of D.H. Lawrence,

“find your deepest impulse and follow it.” Being driven by your passion is the best path to

fulfillment.

JULIA FIGUEIRA-MCDONOUGH ‘98

Staff Attorney, California Labor Commissioner’s Office , Los Angeles, CA

As an attorney, I have always considered myself first and foremost an advocate for those who are

underrepresented in, victimized by, or excluded altogether from both our civil and criminal justice

systems. As a law student, I pictured myself using my legal skills and degree to tear down

systemic barriers to access to justice for marginalized communities, specifically low-income

7 Careers in Government

workers. I spent my summers working for a labor union and a union-side law firm, and one

semester as a full-time extern for the Federal Public Defender. If you had told me when I first

started practicing that at some point in my career I would work in law enforcement, I would not

have believed it. Yet that is exactly what I have done for almost a decade. It has been challenging

and eye-opening and, most importantly, it has made me a better advocate.

After ten years at legal and social justice non-profits, litigating complex wage and hour and

discrimination cases on behalf of low-wage immigrant workers, and lobbying for legislative and

administrative reform, I found myself inspired by then-New York Attorney General Elliot

Spitzer’s groundbreaking prosecutions of predatory businesses and employers . The idea that a

prosecutor could use existing law and the power of the government to ho ld businesses accountable

for the devastating human consequences of their criminal conduct was compelling to me . Luckily,

the City Attorney of Los Angeles agreed, and hired me to prosecute cases of wage theft and

related workplace crimes. During my six years as a Deputy City Attorney, I prosecuted predatory

employers in the garment, day laborer, construction and car wash industries. In the process, I

learned my way around a criminal courtroom and, through trial and some error, gained a deeper

understanding of the powerful legal tools at a prosecutor’s disposal . In our largest case, the court

ordered restitution of over a million dollars in unpaid wages to more than 300 car wash workers

and—something relatively unheard of in employment cases—jail time for the individual

employers.

One of the best parts of being a prosecutor was that when I went to court, I got to say that I was

appearing on behalf of the People of the State of California. To me, those words were loaded with

meaning: they meant that I represented the individual workers whose livelihood had been stolen

by unscrupulous employers; that the well-being of our entire state was inextricably connected to

their ability to seek justice; and that the government was, for once, recognizing that poverty is a

form of violence, and dedicating its resources to enforce the law on behalf of those whose

indigence would otherwise subject them to unchecked economic exploitation. Every appearance

was an opportunity to educate the bench about the harsh realities of low -wage work and the illegal

conduct of the bad actors who profited from it. I am hopeful that those moments helped pave the

way not just for successful wage theft prosecutions, but also for a broader understanding of what

law enforcement could and should do on behalf of the People.

For the past four years, I have been a staff attorney for California Labor Commissioner Julie Su,

the state’s chief labor law enforcement officer . In this position, I advise our staff (and the

Commissioner herself) on how to interpret and enforce the Labor Code. My duties range widely,

and have included defending our determinations on contentious legal issues, drafting regulations ,

implementing cutting-edge worker-protection legislation, and counseling our fledgling Criminal

Investigation Unit.

Working in a large, bureaucratic state agency presents many challenges, and an equal number of

opportunities. I have learned so much about what it takes to implement creative ideas to maximize

impact and efficiency, all the while striving to honor the fundamental intent of the law and the

purpose of the agency: to offer broad protections to workers. I have also gained invaluable insight

on how the campaigns we wage for justice—whether by legislative reform, policy advocacy,

political organizing or litigation—must anticipate and account for the day-to-day realities of

enforcement if we truly want to see their promise realized.

8 Careers in Government

BRYAN LEE ‘13

Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Civil

Rights, Washington, D.C.

Over the years, I have worked for the federal government in various capacities, all focusing on

civil rights issues. Currently, I am an Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office

of Justice Programs, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The OCR ensures that recipients of DOJ

financial assistance comply with federal laws that prohibit discrimination in employment and the

delivery of services or benefits based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, and

disability. These recipients include local law enforcement agencies, state departments of

correction, and state and local courts. As an Attorney with OCR, I review complaints from

civilians and inmates and conduct compliance reviews of DOJ recipients for noncompliance

issues.

When I interned with the DOJ Civil Rights Division (CRT) the summer after my 2L year, I was

amazed to learn of the incredible opportunities available within federal government to do civil

rights work. That summer, I interned with the CRT Federal Coordination and Compliance Section,

which enforces Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. I primarily investigated state courts for

language access issues, a form of discrimination based on national origin.

After law school, I had the tremendous opportunity to join the U.S. Department of Transportation

(DOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), as a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF). As a

fellow, I worked for the FTA Office of Civil Rights, where, similar to OCR, I ensured that

recipients of FTA funding complied with federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race,

color, national origin, sex, religion, age, and disability. There, I reviewed complaints against

local transit agencies regarding bus, rail, and subway service and conducted compliance reviews. I

also managed the FTA’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, which is designed to remedy

ongoing discrimination and the continuing effects of past discrimination in federally-assisted

transit contracting markets.

During my fellowship, I was required to participate in at least one rotation outside my home

office. For one of my rotations, I worked as an Attorney with the CRT Special Litigation Section

and was part of the team that investigated the Ferguson Police Department and Municipal Court

for patterns and practice of discrimination against African Americans. In this position, I was able

to conduct a deep dive into the workings of the Police Department and Court system and

discovered the documents and data that led to our findings. I worked on the Findings Report,

helped host a DOJ Town Hall in Ferguson, and took part in the initial process for settlement

discussions with the City. This investigation and the report it produced set a milestone for both

the Department and my career, setting a benchmark for future DOJ police misconduct

investigations and giving me insight on what I could achieve with my law degree.

After the end of the PMF program, I joined the DOT Office of the General Counsel (OGC) where I

drafted and reviewed regulations, guidance, reports, and directives regarding the Use of Weapons

and Deadly Force by DOT Security Personnel, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority ’s

Safety Oversight, Maritime Administration’s Federal Ship Financing Program and Cargo

Preference, and National Highway System Design Standards. I was responsible for responding to

FOIA requests from the public and requests for information from the US Congress. Working in

OGC gave me the chance to explore new areas of law, including issues related to emergency

preparedness, climate change, and negotiating competing interests during the rulemaking process.

9 Careers in Government

I find that the federal government is an incredible place to work. The PMF program allowed me to

work in a great agency that I never otherwise considered while exploring terrific opportunities in

other offices and agencies. Moreover, the federal government provides great benefits and work -

life balance. Besides positions open to the public, there are a few special paths for law school

graduates to enter federal government service, including the Presidential Management Fellowship

program as well as various honors programs.

JEFFREY PRIETO ‘95

General Counsel, Los Angeles Community College District , Los Angeles, CA

I am proud and fortunate to have a legal career in public service. I don’t come from an educated

family. However, I learned how to work hard from my family. My grandfather worked in a citrus

packing house in Santa Paula, California for over fifty years. He loved his job. He and my

grandmother supported my family in so many different ways, including financially. My mother

was our primary financial earner who worked a variety of jobs. While we were growing up, she

worked a split schedule so that she could be home when we left for and returned from school. Yet,

it is not enough to work hard if opportunities and access are limited. As a Chicano, my

opportunities are a direct result of the activism of my community. My career in public service is

my attempt to repay my debt to those in my community who sacrificed and yet were not

personally able to benefit from their efforts.

I chose to attend the UCLA School of Law because I was encouraged by UCLA’s commitment to

diversity and inspired by the work of Antonia Hernández, a UCLA School of Law graduate

recognized for her lifelong devotion to social justice. I knew I wanted to serve in some public

interest area, but lacked the knowledge and experience to know exactly what I could actually

accomplish. Clerking at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund in Los Angeles

and the Natural Resources Defense Council in New York solidified my desire to seek a public

interest career. UCLA Professor Jerry Lopez provided the needed guidance and counsel to help me

start on my legal career path. I will always be grateful to UCLA for not only nurturing my desire,

but also providing the tools for me to pursue my dreams.

I am currently the General Counsel of the Los Angeles Community College District, the largest

community college district in the nation with nine accredited colleges, over 250,000 enrolled

students, and an annual budget of $5.8 billion. I have also served as the General Counsel of the

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one of the largest federal agencies. Pri or to

USDA, I served in a variety of roles at the United States Department of Justice Environment and

Natural Resources Division (ENRD), culminating with my appointment as its General Counsel. At

ENRD, I was involved in some of this nation’s most important environmental legal cases.

I have served in organizations with incredible missions and some of the finest and most

accomplished attorneys in their practice areas. Yet, as I look back on my legal career, I truly do

not focus on the cases or achievements, but on the relationships and friendships gained and shared

with my colleagues. There is nothing more fulfilling than the camaraderie and joy of working long

hours with limited resources and like-minded friends in pursuit of noble results.

10 Careers in Government

ANDRE QUINTERO ‘01

Mayor, City of El Monte, CA & Deputy City Attorney, Los Angeles , CA

When I was sixteen years old, the American Legion sent me to Boys’ State in Sacramento and

Boys’ Nation in Washington, D.C., and in doing so set me on my current life’s path . I have the

honor of putting my legal education to use as a Prosecutor for the City of Los Angeles and as

Mayor of my hometown, the City of El Monte. While the Legion set me on this path, UCLA gave

me the skills and tools I needed to be an advocate for the People of the State of California and the

People of the City of El Monte.

The focus of this piece will be on my service as Mayor, but for anyone interested in giving back

to their communities through elected office, having a career is step one. With the exception of a

few, elected offices are considered less than full time positions. Whether you are serving on a

local school board or city council, having a strong career helps you to be a thoughtful and

conscientious public servant.

In 2008, I had the opportunity to start working at the largest public law firm in the nation, the Los

Angeles City Attorney’s Office. I was most interested in the outstanding trial advocacy training

program that it has for new attorneys. After my own training, I started working as a prosecutor in

the Metro Branch of the City Attorney’s Office . I remember my first trial like it was yesterday. In

this one trial, I channeled all the training and life experiences I’d had to help the jurors

understand the facts of the case and find the defendant guilty. While I learned about the law in

school, it was my life experiences that enabled me relay the information to twelve jurors.

Having a strong career is not a prerequisite to elected office, but it certainly helps . As a

prosecutor, I learned how to gather evidence and marshal arguments in favor of a conclusion .

These skills are transferrable to elected office. As lawyers, we have a duty and obligation to make

the legal system work and participate in the orderly processes of government. Whether you choose

to run for office, endorse someone running for office, or voice support or opposition for

initiatives, we have an obligation to use our legal training to perfect our legal and governmental

systems.

After having served eight years as a Trustee of the Rio Hondo Community College District, I was

presented with the opportunity to continue serving my community as Mayor. In 2009, during the

Great Recession, the City of El Monte closed a fire station and let go of one-fourth of its

workforce. The City was in a serious fiscal crisis from many decisions made long before the

repercussions were being felt. Over the last eight years, I have endeavored to build trust with

residents, and show them that their government can develop and execute plans to turn around the

future prospects of our community.

No one person can govern without the support of the people. Over the last eight years, the voters

have entrusted me to serve them faithfully. Governing is not easy, especially given the political

divisions that often erupt in any organization. Although there have been many challenges over the

last few years, the City Council and Staff have been able to do a few key things that have

improved the future trajectory of the City: build back unrestricted financial reserves, adopt an

amended general plan, keep crime down below 2008 levels, and adopt and implement an economic

development plan to keep our economy growing and sustain services in our community. Serving as

the Mayor has been a privilege and an honor and I hope many of you choose to dedicate a portion

of your lives to serve others in this way.

11 Careers in Government

II. STUDENT NARRATIVES

The following narratives by a student and a recent graduate highlight ways to pursue coursework,

extracurricular activities, and summer positions to prepare for a career in government work.

NISHA PAREKH ‘17

I graduated from UCLA School of Law in 2017 and am proud now to work for the United States

Department of Labor in the Office of the Solicitor. As a Department of Labor trial attorney, my

role is to represent the United States government as the party seeking remedy for workplace

violations.

My job consists almost entirely of civil litigation. On any given day, I might be drafting and

filing a complaint, preparing written discovery requests, preparing a case file for production to

opposing counsel, researching substantive law or procedural issues, negotiating with an opposing

party, conferencing with a judge, drafting a settlement proposal, deposing witnesses, or going to

trial.

My job reminds me daily of what government for and by the people can look like. In response to

severe worker exploitation during the Great Depression, Congress passed legislation to end child

labor, create a minimum wage and a forty-hour workweek, protect worker pensions, and minimize

workplace death and injury through workplace safety laws. Worker protest and mobilization has

since strengthened these protection laws such that today, the federal government appropriates tax

dollars to pay for attorneys like me to enforce federal employment law on behalf of America’s

workers.

My job gives me hope for the future. My job is evidence that government can work for vulnerable

people. My job is also evidence that the federal government has room for traditionally

marginalized people. I am a queer woman of color immigrant from South Africa and a first

generation attorney. Throughout my life, I have faced an onslaught of stereotyping, harassment,

and discriminatory treatment—the direct result of the United States’ history of racial segregation

and violence against women, racial minorities, immigrants, and queer people.

My inclusion in the federal government gives me hope that the great web of intersectional

diversity that is the United States can become accepted as the national strength and treasure it is.

My inclusion gives me hope that even the most elite corridors of power in the United States can

one day reflect the great diversity that is the people the United States.

When I started at UCLA Law, I knew I wanted to do government work but thought I did not want

to do litigation. I had done policy advocacy prior to law school and came to law school to be a

policymaker. Once in law school, however, I came to love civil litigation as much as policy and

simultaneously explored both interests. I interned for the government at the U.S. Equal

Employment Opportunity Commission and for private plaintiff’s employment law and civil rights

firms. I took classes relevant to public administration, trial litigation, and employment law, such

as Administrative Law, Federal Courts, Civil Rights, Employment Discrimination, and Trial

Advocacy. I also served as co-editor-in-chief of the National Black Law Journal, participated in

student government, served on student org boards and the Dean Student Advisory Committee. I

also completed a dual master’s in public policy at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affair s.

12 Careers in Government

Not only did these experiences teach me relevant substantive law and expose me to civil litigation

practice, they also helped me better understand legal, constitutional, and political issues related to

government agencies. My journal experience strengthened my editing and Bluebooking skills and

showed employers I was a strong enough writer to run a journal. Students interested in

government litigation work might also consider joining a mock trial team.

I interviewed for my current position at the Solicitor’s Office at fall OCI. I mention this because

many students interested in public interest employment do not realize that fall OCI has many

public interest employment opportunities. To prepare for my interview with the Solicitor’s Office,

I scheduled a mock interview with career services. I reached out to faculty and to recent alumni

working at federal agencies and asked for their advice. I carefully studied the Solicitor’s Office

website. I also got to my interview early and made sure that I meditated and took a moment to

ground myself and feel confident before interviewing, so I could present my best self. I was

offered a second interview, used this same strategy, and was offered a position in the attorney

Honor’s Program.

I conclude by noting that although I am proud to represent the United States, my passion is first

for the community I advocate for—workers. Students seeking post-graduate placement at a

government agency should identify an agency that regulates an issue they care about and then

should take every effort in law school to engage with that issue. While experience interning for a

government agency is relevant, a government employer will most likely prioritize hiring students

with demonstrated commitment to the issues regulated by the employer’s agency. At minimum,

applicants for government positions should be able to demonstrate a clear commitment to pursuing

a career in public service.

DANIELLE GIES ‘18

I decided to go to law school after working with a non-profit organization in Minneapolis whose

entire staff comprised of lawyers. Having only known lawyers to be as they are represented on

television, the experience opened my eyes to the public interest lawyer. I was motivated to be an

immigration attorney because my father is an immigrant who took thirty-two years to naturalize

after his attorney misled him and withheld information about his case. I chose UCLA School of

Law due to its strong immigration law curriculum, faculty support, clinical and experiential

offerings, and connections to organizations in the community. I have not been disappointed —and

the immigration-related opportunities at UCLA Law have only grown since I was a 1L.

Truthfully, I never expected to work for the government. However, at the February Public Interest

Career Day during my 1L year, I met with representatives from the Adelanto and Los Angeles

Immigration Courts. I figured that the best way to know what Immigration Judges were looking

for from respondents’ (or detained individuals’) counsel would be to clerk for them.

That summer, I chose the Adelanto Immigration Court, located about two-and-a-half hours

northeast of Los Angeles in the high desert. Each Immigration Court is part of the Executive

Office for Immigration Review of the Department of Justice. The Adelanto Court is attached to

the Adelanto Detention Facility, a privately-run immigration detention facility—slated to be the

largest in the country. Working with detained immigrants presents unique challenges for all

parties. From the Court’s perspective, respondent s could always be counted on to appear for court,

but they were frequently unrepresented by counsel and often needed more guidance to understand

13 Careers in Government

the nature of the proceedings. Deadlines were tighter because the respondent was being detained

at government expense.

I was the first summer intern at that Court and I took assignments from three Immigration Judges.

Due to the fast-paced nature and overwhelming volume of detained work, I learned on the fly. The

work for judges on a detained docket mostly involves decisions on custody hearings, fear -based

claims, proceedings to determine mental incompetency, and analysis of criminal -immigration

issues. Writing for a court is not the predictive or persuasive writing one learns in a 1L writing

course. I learned to be thorough but efficient in review of the record, fairly summarize the facts

and testimony, and tighten my analysis of legal arguments.

At the Los Angeles Immigration Court during my 2L summer, I received assignments from eight

Immigration Judges. The pace of work was slower than in the detained setting. I had more time to

revise my work and discuss cases with my supervisors, and the quality of my writing increased

rapidly as a result. I also had the opportunity to interact with the judges and learn their

perspectives on the law, careers, and good (and bad) lawyering.

I will clerk for the Los Angeles Immigration Court for two years after I graduate as part of the

Department of Justice Honors Program. I don’t believe I have exhausted all the lessons that

clerking for the Immigration Court can teach me. This time, I will have had the experience of

appearing in front of the Immigration Judge as a law student representative of a detained

immigrant.

I do think that a government career should be balanced with outside experience. At UCLA Law,

I’m an Executive Director of Law Students for Immigrant Justice and Co -Chair of the El Centro

Legal Naturalization Clinic. I have been a member of the Immigrants’ Rights Policy Clinic and

completed an Independent Project on the effect of private bills and gubernatorial pardons for

immigration relief. These experiences, and that of representing a client before the Court, will

undoubtedly shape my return to the Immigration Court.

III. CAREERS IN FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL

GOVERNMENT

At each level of government—federal, state, and local—attorneys advise government officials and

help implement government policies. This part highlights some of the legal employment

opportunities available within each system of government. Students interested in legal policy

work in government should also consider opportunities beyond those described here. Many current

government attorneys consulted during the writing of this Guide stressed that policy positions in

government can give students crucial experience in a specific sector for which legal degrees are

highly valued.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

With opportunities in executive departments, administrative agencies, legislative offices, and

courts, the federal government employs more than 90,000 attorneys. Many federal jobs are located

in Washington, D.C. However, there are also field offices throughout the country that employ

attorneys in federal positions. Specifically, the federal government employs a vast number of civil

14 Careers in Government

service attorneys in advisory roles to help Executive Departments and Administrative Agencies

implement federal legislation. Attorneys also serve in legislative offices as aids to lawmakers, and

in federal courts as judicial law clerks.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Located within the Executive Branch of the federal government, the Executive Departments of the

United States government are responsible for the enforcement and administration of federal laws.

The fifteen Executive Departments include: Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy,

Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Labor,

State, Interior, Treasury, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs. Each department hires in-house

counsel to handle the legal demands of their respective roles. Tasks for in-house counsel include

developing regulations, drafting and interpreting legislation, monitoring compliance with laws and

regulations, representing the agency in administrative hearings, and working with U.S. Attorneys

to represent the agency in litigation. Many Executive Departments hire attorneys through the

entry-level Government Honors Programs. For a thorough discussion on how to apply to these

programs, see Part VI.

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES

In addition to Executive Departments, the federal government contains hundreds of administrative

agencies established by Congress to create and implement legislative acts affecting various

governmental responsibilities. From managing our country’s space program, to protecting the

environment, to regulating communications, federal administrative agencies develop specialized

knowledge to carry out specific assignments or sets of goals. These agencies include the Equal

Protection Agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Federal Trade

Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission, to name a few. Similar to the

Executive Departments, many Administrative Agencies hire entry-level attorneys as in-house

counsel through the Government Honors Programs run by each agency.

LEGISLATIVE OFFICES

Legislative Offices hire attorneys to work as aids on the staffs of individual senators and

representatives, on legislative committees, and in administrative offices such as the Congressional

Research Service. To assist in the legislative process, attorneys may draft and review legislation,

research matters related to the individual committees, and counsel legislators on hearings. Each

legislative office or committee has a separate hiring process. As a result, networking to learn

more about these positions can prove highly effective. To help establish a robust professional

network, students looking for post-grad employment in this area should consider interning or

externing with the office in which they are interested.

COURTS

The courts employ attorneys to fill roles such as judicial law clerk, research attorney, or court

administrator. For recent graduates, federal judicial clerkship programs provide the most common

path to working in federal courts. Clerkships enable new lawyers to hone their legal research and

writing skills under the guidance of federal judges. Discussed in Part IV of the Guide, UCLA

School of Law Office of Career Services offers individualized support for clerkship candidates as

they maneuver the rigorous application process.

15 Careers in Government

STATE GOVERNMENT

Legal opportunities in state governments are generally analogous to those offered in the federal

system. State government attorneys work in executive agencies, administrative agencies,

legislative offices, and courts. In California, the state’s largest legal employer is the California

Attorney General’s Office. Entry-level positions with this office are available through the

California Attorney General Honors Program discussed in Part VI.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Just like in state and federal government, city and local governments often have municipal legal

departments with city attorneys who provide legal advice to the city leaders, boards, and agencies,

and represent the city in litigation and in other transactions. Depending on the size of the city,

these departments vary enormously in size and structure. The Los Angeles City Attorney, for

example, has over twenty units, such as, the Environmental Justice and Protection Unit, Gun

Violence Protection Unit, and Wage Theft Unit.

IV. PREPARING FOR A CAREER IN GOVERNMENT

UCLA School of Law offers a wide array of support for students as they prepare for a career in

government. This part focuses on the specialized resources available at UCLA Law, as well as

recommended coursework and internship and externship opportunities to help students present a

demonstrated commitment to government service.

CAREER SERVICES RESOURCES

Students interested in government work should take advantage of the Office of Career Services

(OCS) and the Office of Public Interest Programs (OPIP) at UCLA School of Law. Both offices

staff J.D. counselors with whom students can discuss their summer and employment goals and

OPIP has a career counselor that focuses on government employment. Students interested in

judicial clerkships should consult with OCS’ clerkship counselor for guidance through the

rigorous application process.

For tips on developing a resume for government employment, we strongly recommend that you

consult OPIP’s Public Interest Resume Guide, available online:

https://law.ucla.edu/~/media/Assets/Office%20of%20Public%20Interest%20Programs/

Documents/UCLA%20Law%20Public%20Interest%20Resume%20Guide.ashx.

OCS provides various print and online resources for students to find opportunities in government.

OCS maintains the Symplicity website at law-ucla-csm.symplicity.com/students/. On Symplicity,

students can read the reviews written by former students of their experiences while interning at

various government agencies. The reviews can be found under the “Summer Employment

Evaluation” shortcut on the right side of the main screen. Additionally, every year, OCS publishes

a list of students who have agreed to discuss their summer experiences in government agencies.

This list is accessible through the Career Services page on MyLaw.

16 Careers in Government

Students can access additional information through the “Career Services” tab under

“Departments” on MyLaw. Here, under “Public Service Career Paths/Sectors,” the Office of

Career Services provides guides on government jobs, information about various practice areas,

and federal, state, and local resources. Finally, OCS has also developed Practice Area Listservs,

including for Public Interest Law, to provide advanced students with relevant streamlined job

opportunities, career resources and tools, and networking events. OCS emails 2Ls and 3Ls with

instructions about how to opt into the listservs.

COURSEWORK

Upper division students have a considerable amount of flexibility in choosing courses that

demonstrate a commitment to government service. To assist in selecting relevant coursework for

government careers, UCLA School of Law has created several comprehensive curriculum guides

related to government practice. These are available at curriculum.law.ucla.edu. Students are

especially encouraged to take Administrative Law, which focuses on the source of law for agency

action while examining the large, powerful role agencies play in governance.

There are many seminars, doctrinal, and experiential courses related to government. Topical

courses include Legislation and Regulation, Local Government, State and Local Taxation, and

Statutory Interpretation. Students should also contemplate courses that will help them decide

whether to pursue a career in litigation or transactional work, as there are opportunities for both

in government. Of course, students interested in a particular field—Immigration, Education,

Securities, for example—should seek out substantive courses that will further their knowledge of

these subjects.

Experiential courses provide students with the opportunity to develop practical skills outside of

the classroom. For example, the Community Economic Development Clinic places students in the

role of attorneys in this field by working directly with local community development corporations

to integrate aspects of corporate finance, social policy, infrastructure development, and

community organizing to bring about economic change.

EXTERNSHIPS

In addition to doctrinal courses and clinics, externships during the semester allow additional ways

for students to explore different types of government agencies. UCLA School of Law has an

extensive, well-established, and diversified externship program, providing credit for either full-

time or part-time placements. Students can pursue opportunities in Los Angeles or spend a

semester in another city. To find out more about the Externship Program, stop by their office or

visit their website at: https://law.ucla.edu/academics/clinical-and-experiential-

programs/externships/overview/.

Uniquely, UCLA School of Law allows students to participate in the UCDC Law Program in

Washington D.C. During this fourteen-week externship, students work full-time at a government

agency. Additionally, students participate in a weekly seminar focused on the theory and practice

of federal lawyering and how federal statutes, regulations, and policies are made, changed, and

understood. Throughout the externship, students have contact with all three branches of

government. Students in the program receive ten units for the field placement portion and three

units for a companion seminar. Interested students should look for emails from the UCLA Law

Externship Program, which hosts information sessions on the program every semester. To apply,

17 Careers in Government

students must submit a UCDC Law application, resume, unofficial transcript, and brief statement

of interest.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Volunteering with an El Centro Legal Clinic at UCLA School of Law can be an excellent w ay to

demonstrate one’s interest in and commitment to a specific area of law. El Centro is a student-run

program that provides students the opportunity to volunteer with various legal aid clinics across

Los Angeles starting in the fall of 1L year. These student-run volunteer clinics allow students to

work with clients, develop written and oral advocacy skills, and give back to their communities.

Government agencies have been known to ask students about their involvement in such clinics

during interviews. Examples of clinics include the Veterans Clinic, Workers Rights Project,

Landlord-Tenant Clinic, and the Immigration Clinic.

V. FINDING GOVERNMENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

This part provides some common ways to learn about the hundreds of job and internship

opportunities available across each level of government, as well as strategies to obtain summer

and post-graduate government employment. It details information specific to 1L & 2L Summer

Internships and the 3L Job Search. Career fairs, some of which occur on-campus, generally

provide important opportunities to find out about government career paths . Additionally, there are

several online resources that aggregate job postings across the country.

1L & 2L SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

During 1L and 2L summers, students should focus on applying to offices that practice the type of

government lawyering they are interested in pursuing. When making this determination , it is

important to consider the level of government in which you would like to practice, the type of

government agency, and its role in creating and upholding the law. This is an essential first step

in creating a personal network of professionals who can provide guidance and connections when

you are applying for a competitive permanent position in a government of fice.

One of the first things 1L students should do upon arriving at UCLA School of Law is meet with

their Attorney Advisors. To find out who your Attorney Advisor is, stop by the Career Services

Office at 77 Dodd Hall (next building to the law school, bottom floor) or call 310-206-1117. The

Attorney Advisor can assist with important preliminary steps, including finalizing one’s resume.

Students should also contact the Office of Public Interest Programs (OPIP), which serves as

UCLA School of Law’s principal information center for public interest law opportunities. OPIP

provides information, resources, and advising on careers in government.

In choosing a summer internship, students should take advantage of the other OCS resources,

discussed in Part IV. Notable 1L and 2L summer government internship sites have included the

Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, the California Attorney General’s Office, the California

Coastal Commission, the Department of Justice, the Federal Communications Commission, and

many more.

18 Careers in Government

3L JOB SEARCH

Rising 3Ls interested in careers in government should begin their job search in the summer before

their 3L year, as many applications open at this time with deadlines as early as September. In

early summer, students should begin regularly checking government agency websites for hiring

instructions, as well as USAjobs.gov and the Arizona Guide, discussed later in this part, for

postings announcing Government Honors Program opportunities. Through the course of the job

search, students should dedicate time to expanding their professional network. In the competitive

government job market, securing a position often depends on personal contacts passing an

application along to individuals responsible for making hiring decisions.

3Ls should also become familiar with the security clearance process for government jobs at each

level of government. Depending on the agency, many require some degree of a background check.

Clearance issues may include past drug use, prior arrests and convictions, defaulted student loans,

or failure to comply with federal laws such as intellectual property and tax laws.

For California State hiring, 3Ls must register for the Graduate Legal Assistant or Deputy Attorney

General exam online. Completion of the exam is required to be considered for employment in state

government agencies and placed on the hiring list. The exam is similar to an employment

application and determines placement on the hiring list. For additional information on obtaining

post-graduate employment in California state government, see Part VI.

CAREER FAIRS

Career fairs serve as an essential opportunity for students to learn about agencies at each level of

government. Many of the career fairs that feature government employers provide interview

opportunities for both summer internship and post-graduate positions. Notably, such fairs give

students the opportunity to meet and network with current attorneys working in government, many

of whom are UCLA alumni. In this section, the various career fairs are discussed in chronological

order, starting with those occurring at the beginning of the academic school year.

UCLA ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEWS (OCI)

UCLA hosts OCI, a program where organizations from across the country interview 2Ls for

summer internship opportunities and 3Ls for entry-level positions. OCI consists of two sessions,

“Early Interview Week” in late July/early August, and a “Fall Interview Program” in September.

Several government agencies typically participate and conduct on-campus interviews at these

times. Past participants have included various public defender and district attorney offices as well

as other government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of

Transportation and the Comptroller of the Currency. Students interested in participating should

keep an eye out for emails from OCS over the summer.

UCLA GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC INTEREST INFORMATION FAIR

Every fall the UCLA School of Law hosts a meet-and-greet with representatives from over sixty

government and public interest organizations. This is an opportunity for 1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls to

network with and receive information from government agencies at each level of government.

Many organizations also accept resumes from 2Ls and 3Ls for internship and entry-level job

opportunities. Participating organizations have included: California Department of Fair

19 Careers in Government

Employment and Housing, California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, Los

Angeles City Attorney, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and many more.

EQUAL JUSTICE WORKS CONFERENCE & CAREER FAIR

The Equal Justice Works Conference (EJW) & Career Fair in Washington, D.C. is typically held at

the end of October with registration for attendance and interview bids closing in early September.

EJW is the largest national public interest legal career fair in the country. Employers conduct

interviews for internships and full-time jobs, as well as meet with students in informal “table

talk” discussions regarding public interest job opportunities. Additionally, there are workshops on

public interest career fairs, networking opportunities, resume review, mock interviews, and panel

discussions. With the concentration of federal offices in Washington D.C., many federal agencies

bring representatives to the fair, including Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Office

of General Counsel, the Department of Justice, the Administrative Office of the Courts/Federal

Judiciary, and many more.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PUBLIC INTEREST/PUBLIC SECTOR CAREER DAY

Every February, the Office of Public Interest Programs (OPIP) hosts the Annual Southern

California Public Interest/Public Sector Career Day at UCLA School of Law. This Public Interest

Career Day is comprised of prescheduled, formal interviews for summer and postgraduate

positions as well as informal “table-talk” with representatives of the participating organizations,

agencies, and firms. Additionally, there are a series of informal lunchtime discussions on different

substantive areas of public interest practice and on issues related to the public interest job search,

such as postgraduate fellowships and the DOJ Honors Program. Public Interest Career Day also

sponsors panel discussions that may be of interest to those seeking government careers .

As the preeminent Career Fair in California for public sector opportunities, the all-day event

attracts government agencies from across the country, including California Department of

Business Oversight, California Public Utilities Commission, Internal R evenue Service, Los

Angeles County Counsel’s Office, Sacramento County Office of the Public Defender, U.S.

Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, to name a few .

ONLINE RESOURCES

Throughout the job search, students should regularly consult the Government Honors and

Internship Handbook prepared by The Arizona University James E. Rogers College of Law

(Arizona Guide), available at arizonahandbooks.com/u/UCLALaw (password: UCLALaw2015;

username: UCLALaw). The online publication is continually updated with internship and post-

graduate honors programs in federal, state, and local government departments.

Additionally, the Public Service Jobs Directory, available at

PSJD.org/Public_Sector_Career_Paths, aggregates resources for lawyers seeking jobs at every

level of government. In addition to posting job and internship opportunities, the website contains

information on pursuing legal opportunities at the federal, state, and local level.

On the federal level, USAJobs.gov contains a comprehensive list of all federal job opportunities

searchable by location and keyword. The keyword search allows users to narrow opportunities

specifically for attorneys.

20 Careers in Government

Similar to the comprehensive list provided by the federal government, the California Pers onnel

Board website, spb.ca.gov, contains a complete list of California state offices that hire attorneys .

Its accompanying website calcareers.ca.gov/ lists any open job opportunities. These websites also

provide complete information on the civil service exams required to qualify for employment

opportunities with California state agencies, discussed further in Part VI.

Finally, on the local level, most city attorney’s offices post job openings on the ir websites. For

example, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office maintains a “Careers” section of its website where it

lists current opportunities, available at lacityattorney.org/careers. The website

governmentjobs.com can be a good starting point for students interested at exploring the legal

opportunities available in cities and counties across the country.

VI. ENTRY-LEVEL JOB OPPORTUNITIES

This part discusses popular entry-level and post-graduate

government employment opportunities at the federal, state, and

local levels. Each level of government has specific opportunities

available to recent graduates, though students should be advised

that many agencies seek attorneys with more experience. For this

reason, Honors Programs at both the federal and state levels can

be the ideal way for students to secure post-graduate employment.

Additionally, many fellowships exist at all levels of government,

sponsored both by the government directly and by non-profits.

Interested students should be aware that the application process

for many of these opportunities begins the summer before their 3L

year.

FEDERAL OPPORTUNITIES

Federal job opportunities are available in more than fifty executive branch agencies. The

Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Labor, and the Securities and Exchange

Commission are but a few examples of federal agencies that employ a significant number of

attorney in their respective General or Chief’s Counsel’s Office s. These attorneys are tasked with

enforcing an agency’s regulations and policies.

The federal government also employs in-house counsel in most of its executive branch agencies.

These roles tend to be focused less on litigation, with lawyers offering legal opinions and input on

the agency’s substantive programs, draft ing regulations, and representing the agency in

administrative proceedings. Certain agencies also employ attorneys in their respective Inspector

General’s Office. The se attorneys are responsible for investigating allegations of waste and

corruption within the agency.

Most agencies prefer to hire attorneys with several years of experience. Accordingly, the

Government Honors Program is the main way through which new law school graduates can secure

legal positions in these agencies. There are Honors Programs across a diverse array of federal

Departments. Still, students should regularly check the Arizona Guide, USAjobs.gov, and

PSJD.org/Public_Sector_Career_Paths, all of which are discussed in Part V of this Guide, for

“Students seeking post-

graduate placement at a

government agency should

identify an agency that

regulates an issue they care

about and then should take

every effort in law school to

engage with that issue.”

- Nisha Parekh, Trial

Attorney, United States

Department of Labor, UCLA

School of Law Class of

2017

21 Careers in Government

listed entry-level opportunities. Additionally, students should explore the Presidential

Management Fellows Program and Recent Graduates Program discussed in the Fellowships section

of this part.

In addition to opportunities in the federal executive branch, Senators and House members on

Capitol Hill often employ attorneys both on their individual staffs and on congressional

committees. Attorneys working on a Congressman’s staff may be involved in advising him or her,

preparing him or her for hearings, and interacting with constituents. Attorneys working on

congressional committees may be involved in drafting and reviewing proposed legislation. Each

office and committee conducts its own hiring. Previous related legal experience—preferably on

Capitol Hill, in a legislature, or on a campaign—is typically required for permanent positions. In

additional to looking at individual Congressmen’s websites for opportunities, students should

check OPAjobs.com, HillZoo.com, and Senate and House Employment Bulletins.

THE GOVERNMENT HONORS PROGRAMS

Each year, hundreds of new attorneys are hired in the federal government through Government

Honors Programs. Programs typically require a one- to three-year commitment, after which some

participants are hired in permanent positions. Most Honors Programs consider a variety of

qualifications when reviewing applications, however, most typically they examine: 1) law school

Grade Point Average, with some programs requiring a minimum GPA; 2) law school activities,

such as law journals, moot court, and clinical experience; 3) skills, including oral, written, and

analytical skills; and 4) experience, including relevant summer experience and law school clinics.

In July before 3L year, interested students should begin checking the Arizona Guide for

comprehensive updates on Honors Program application information at the federal, state, and local

levels. The applications for many of these programs open in the summer with applications due in

September. It is advantageous to apply early as some agencies conduct interviews and make hiring

decisions on a rolling basis.

Typically the largest and most competitive Government Honors Program is the U .S. Department of

Justice Attorney General’s Honors Program. Participating DOJ organizations have included: the

Antitrust, Civil, Civil Rights, Criminal, Environment and Natural Resources, and Tax Divisions;

the Federal Bureau of Prisons; the Executive Office for the Immigration Review; the U.S.

Trustees’ Office; and select U.S. Attorney’s Offices. For more information on the program and

application, visit justice.gov/legal-careers/entry-level-attorneys. Other popular Government

Honors Programs include the Environmental Protection Agency, the Housing and Urban

Development Program, and the Department of State. Applications for these programs generally

open in mid-summer with application deadlines in July–October.

It is important to note that hiring freezes and federal budgetary cuts will affect the size and

availability of entry-level federal positions through the Honors Programs. This is highly

dependent on the scope and length of any federal hiring freeze. Programs should make applicants

aware of these potential issues when applications become available.

STATE GOVERNMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Similar to the opportunities available on the federal level, states employ attorneys in various

departments and agencies. Students seeking jobs in state government should consult the materials

22 Careers in Government

available on the Career Services page on MyLaw, which contain a sampling of state agencies that

employ attorneys.

Students interested in California state government should consult information available at OCS on

California’s civil service system, which requires applicants to take specific tests to qualify for a

list from which specific agencies fill positions. Interested students can search for California

entry-level job postings at calcareers.ca.gov. Students should be sure to check the Class

Specification for a position before applying to ensure that it is at the appropriate level.

While this Guide highlights the California Office of the Attorney General since it employs a

significant number of graduates, students should be aware that opportunities exist across multiple

agencies in California. In addition, most states have similar Honors programs for hiring entry-

level government attorneys. Students should conduct independent research on opportunities

available government agencies in the state in which they are interested.

CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

California’s Office of the Attorney General represents the State of California in both civil and

criminal matters at both the trial and appellate levels of California and the United States. In

addition, the Attorney General provides legal counsel to state officers and many state agencies,

boards, and commissions. Although the Attorney General typically hires attorneys with significant

experience, in recent years there has been some entry-level hiring of new attorneys. Interested

students must begin their job search by taking the Deputy Attorney General Examination, which is

actually more of a questionnaire, and getting on the hiring list. New graduates should be aware

that applicants who are not yet members of the California State Bar will be permitted to take the

exam but will not be considered eligible for appointment until they are admitted to practice. For a

complete description of the application process, students should consult the Getting a State Job

and Careers sectiosn of the California Office of the Attorney General website.

CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S HONORS PROGRAM

Entry-level positions for students coming directly out of law school seeking jobs in California

state government are available through the California Attorney General’s Honors Program. The

Attorney General’s Honors Program is a highly competitive, two-year program for recent law

school graduates and newly admitted lawyers. Honors attorneys have the opportunity to work with

experts employed by the Attorney General’s Office in a wide variety of legal subject areas

including but not limited to consumer, antitrust, environment, business, tax, criminal, and civil

rights. Participants gain courtroom experience, as well as draft motions and pleadings for

submission to the court. Placements are allocated across three divisions—Civil, Criminal, and

Public Rights—and depend on the staffing needs of the office. Typically, participants will be

based in Sacramento. Further information about the program may be found at

oag.ca.gov/careers/honors/introduction.

POST-BAR GOVERNMENT CLERKSHIPS

While awaiting bar results, students can work in Graduate Legal Assistant (GLA) positions. These

positions provide an opportunity for students to work for state agencies with the possibility of

securing long-term legal careers in state service. The paid, twelve-month position gives recent law

graduates who are not yet barred an introduction to legal work in the state practice. There is no

guarantee this will lead to a full-time position, however if students perform well and a position

23 Careers in Government

becomes available, a permanent staff attorney position can be offered once the participant passes

the bar. In this role, GLAs work under the supervision of attorneys assisting in legal research and

preparation for other legal matters. Work includes preparing drafts of resolutions and legislative

matters; compiling, annotating, and indexing provisions of law and legislative measures; and

assisting in answering court calendars.

Before seeking GLA positions, students must submit a complete application . The application

includes the Graduate Legal Assistant Examination, which is actually more of a detailed

questionnaire. These examinations are scored. If a student receives a high score, he or she is

placed on an eligible list for GLA positions. Hires are made from this list. Students should submit

applications early, as it takes some time for the exam to be scored, and students cannot apply to

jobs until they receive an exam score. Links to all of the necessary documents and instructions

can be found at oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/careers/bulletins/cnt_grad_leg_asst.pdf .

One example of a GLA position is the California Department of Fair Employment & Housing

(DFEH) Civil Rights Honors Program. Civil Rights Fellows assist DFEH attorneys in

investigating, mediating, and prosecuting claims of unlawful discrimination and hate violence in

employment, housing and public accommodations. Fellows are placed in either the Los Angeles or

Elk Grove DFEH office. Applications are typically due in early March before graduation. For

more information, visit dfeh.ca.gov/jobs/.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Students seeking positions in local government should research the localities in which they are

interested in working. Counties and municipalities typically have websites detailing their

departments and agencies, and the opportunities available therein. Students should consult the

2017 State and Local Government Fellowship Guide available on the Career Services page on

MyLaw for a sampling of the various opportunities available across the country. Several of the

local fellowships available to recent graduates are discussed under Fellowship Opportunities later

in this part.

One of the main ways to work in local government is at a City Attorney’s or City Law Office.

Attorneys work in myriad criminal and civil divisions dealing with labor, housing, environmental,

and employment issues, to name just a few. Students should check the City Attorney websites of

their chosen cities to find opportunities. Not all offices hire new graduates, but some major cities

such as New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia have entry-level positions available.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Fellowships provide students the opportunity to work for a government agency or non-profit

engaging in government work. Fellowships tend to last for a set amount of time, typically one to

three years. They give recent graduates valuable experience with government work, along with the

opportunity to make connections with various agencies.

PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWS PROGRAM

The United States Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program is a highly competitive,

flagship leadership development program for advanced degree candidates. Sponsored by the U.S.

Office of Personnel Management, the PMF Program is available to individuals who obtained an

24 Careers in Government

advanced degree (including law degrees) within the

preceding two years of applying. The two-year fellowship

provides training on leadership, management, policy, and

other topics as well as at least one placement in a federal

agency. Fellows do not engage in litigation, but may rotate

through an agency’s General Counsel’s Office . At the end

of the two-year program, fellows are reviewed and the

position may be converted into a permanent position. For

more information on how to apply, visit PMF.gov and

USAJobs.gov. Opportunities are usually available in the

late summer or early fall for the following year.

RECENT GRADUATES PROGRAM

Like the Presidential Management Fellows Program, the Recent Graduates Program is offered

through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and is similarly available to individuals who

received a qualifying degree (including bachelor’s degrees) within the preceding two years of

applying. Successful applicants are placed in a dynamic, developmental program with the

potential to lead to a civil service career in the federal government. The program lasts for one

year. For more information on how to apply, visit OPM.gov.

CAPITAL FELLOWS PROGRAM

The Capital Fellows Program, housed at Sacramento State’s Center for California Studies,

consists of four individual programs: the Jessie Marvin Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program, the

Executive Fellowship Program, the California Senate Fellows Program, and the Judicial

Fellowship Program. Each program places students in either the California legislative, executive,

or judicial branch, and requires a separate application. Fellows are matched to placements that

best utilize their education and skills. Although a legal-related work assignment is not guaranteed,

law school graduates have put their legal training to use in each of the four programs. Fellows

receive a monthly stipend, benefits, loan deferments, and graduate units from Sacramento State in

Government or Public Policy. Finalists are interviewed, in-person, in Sacramento and Los Angeles

beginning in April and early May before graduation. Hiring decisions are made in May.

Executive Fellows are placed in one of the executive offices of California’s Executive Branch.

Under the guidance of an individual mentor, Fellows serve as full-time professional staff in these

agencies and meet weekly for graduate seminars in Public Policy and Administration. Through the

program, Fellows gain experience in project management, public administration, legislation, and

much more.

Senate Fellows are placed in an individual Senate member’s or policy committee office as part of

the public policy staff. Those working with Senate members assist in researching and drafting

bills, deal with constituent services, and help develop policy proposals. Those working on policy

committees develop expertise regarding the subject matter jurisdiction of their committees,

complete research assignments, and assist Committee Chairs as needed. Fellows also participate in

weekly academic seminars at the Capital.

Assembly Fellows are placed in an individual Assembly Member’s office in Sac ramento to serve

as a Legislative Aide or as a Committee Consultant for a policy or fiscal committee. Fellows

“The PMF program allowed me to

work in a great agency that I never

otherwise considered while

exploring terrific opportunities in

other offices and agencies.”

- Bryan Lee, Attorney, Office for

Civil Rights, U.S. Department of

Justice, UCLA School of Law Class

of 2013

25 Careers in Government

perform a variety of tasks, which include facilitating bills through the legislative process,

advising the Member on policy issues, and preparing speeches and press releases.

Placed in Superior Courts across the state, Judicial Fellows work with court administrators at all

levels of the state judicial system on the management and development of court programs,

budgets, and policy. For more information about the programs and how to apply, visit

csus.edu/calst/programs/.

CORO FELLOWSHIP

The Coro Fellowship is located in Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and St.

Louis. Throughout nine months, the twelve Fellows participate in a series of full-time projects

across a variety of sectors in public affairs. Sectors may include government, business, electoral

politics, organized labor, media, and non-profit/philanthropy. Elected officials, staffers,

department heads, executive directors, and CEOs provide the knowledge and perspective to help

Fellows assess how organizations accomplish tasks in the social, political, and economic spheres.

Participating government agencies include City of Pittsburgh Emergency Management, City of St.

Louis Mayor’s Office, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Office of the Bronx Borough

President, and the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. Typically, the application

deadline is in January and Fellows begin the program in September. For more information visit,

corofellowship.org.

PUBLIC RIGHTS PROJECT FELLOWSHIP

The Public Rights Project Fellowship is a two-year opportunity for attorneys who have three to

five years of practice experience. It is hosted by the Public Rights Project, a non-profit dedicated

to helping state and local public law offices increase enforcement of civil rights, consumer

protection, and environmental laws. Fellows are placed in a City Attorney’s Office, District

Attorney’s Office, or Attorney’s General’s Office, where the y engage in litigation, coalition

building and community engagement, policy research, and other enforcement projects. Geographic

locations vary depending on the application year. Fellows receive a yearly stipend of $60,000 -

$80,000. For more information, visit publicrightsproject.org/fellowship2.

SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT LITIGATION FELLOWSHIP

The Social Justice and Impact Litigation Section offers a two-year fellowship with the County of

Santa Clara’s Office of the County Counsel. The fellowship gives recent graduates and judicial

clerks an opportunity to assist the department in litigating high-impact cases, draft innovative

local ordinances, and develop new policies and programs to advance the County’s goal of

achieving social and economic justice for its residents and to promote local, state, and national

public policy reform. Fellows help shape policy; conduct legal research and analysis; draft

pleadings, ordinances, resolutions, and memos; participate in all aspects of ongoing litigation; and

help identify and develop new cases and projects. The position typically begins in September,

although applications are due a year earlier around August. Hiring decisions are usually made by

October. For members of the California Bar, the starting salary is approximately $100,000 per

year. For additional information on this opportunity, visit sccgov.org/sites/cco/opportunities

/pages/fellowship.aspx.

26 Careers in Government

WOMEN’S LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

The Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program (WLPPFP) is a yearlong fellowship

offered to law school graduates and people in their final year of law school. Hosted by

Georgetown University Law Center, the WLPPFP provides an opportunity for public interest

attorneys to work on women’s issues in Washington D.C . Throughout the fellowship year,

participants gain invaluable experience working in public interest organizations or government

agencies on a vast array of topics promoting women’s rights. Participants work directly with

leaders in the legal community while gaining advocacy skills through in-depth training provided

by the program. Typically, applications are due in the fall for placement the following year. For

more information on this opportunity, visit law.georgetown.edu/academics/centers-

institutes/wlppfp/index.cfm.

NEW YORK CITY SOCIAL JUSTICE POST-GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP

The New York City Social Justice Post-Graduate Fellowship (SJPF) is a nine-month fellowship

for students interested in public service. Fellows are placed in mayoral and non-mayoral City

agencies and offices, or the City Council. Specifically, fellows engage in work designed to foster

equity for underserved and under-resourced communities. While the work is legal in nature,

fellows can also expect to be involved in policymaking and governance. Fellows receive a stipend

of $46,500. To apply, students must be admitted to the New York State Bar. For more

information, visit nyc.gov/html/dcas/html/employees/social_justice.shtml.

SOROS JUSTICE ADVOCACY FELLOWSHIP

The Soros Justice Advocacy Fellowship funds projects related to criminal justice reform in the

United States at the local, state, and national levels. Students can design projects involving a wide

range of tactics: litigation, public education, coalition-building, grassroots mobilization, and

policy-driven research. The project must be related to a broad criminal justice reform goal, for

example, reducing the number of people who are under correctional control, eliminating extreme

forms of punishment, or promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in the justice

system. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to seek a host organization, which can

include government agencies. This fellowship lasts eighteen months. Fellows receive a generous

stipend plus project-based expenses, depending on their experience. Applications are typically due

in December during 3L year. Fellowships can begin anytime between July and November of the

following year. For more information, visit opensocietyfoundations.org/grants/soros-justice-

fellowships.

VII. INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Interviews for positions in government vary depending on the agency. Students should be

prepared to answer general questions about their law school experience and their interest in

government work, as well as more specific questions about their interest in a particular field. This

part provides interviewees with a framework for understanding and responding to interview

questions. It contains sample questions asked by government agencies in their interview

processes. UCLA School of Law students who were consulted about their interview experiences

for positions in civil government positions covered in this Guide stressed that most interviews

tend to be more conversational than adversarial, although this may not always be the case.

27 Careers in Government

Agencies value fit in an office and with the type of work. Therefore, being yourself and building

rapport with the interviewer is important. Students are always recommended to research the

agency before the interview, including by talking to other students who have summered at the

agency and gone through the interview process.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Be prepared to answer initial questions about yourself and your background. These questions give

you a chance to tell the interviewer things about yourself that may not be directly related to the

position, but you should take the chance to provide answers that make you a compelling

candidate. These questions also give you a chance to build rapport with the interviewers.

o Tell me about your background.

o What are you looking for in a summer internship?

o What are three of your strengths that would make you successful at this internship?

o What is your greatest weakness?

o What kinds of books do you like to read?

QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING AT THE INTERVIEWING OFFICE

Be prepared to discuss both your interest in government work and your interest in the specific

agency. Employers want to know why you are pursuing an opportunity in the public sector over

the private one. It is important to demonstrate knowledge about a particular ag ency, its function,

and its goals. Before an interview, be sure to review both the agency’s current projects and more

generally, current developments in that particular field.

o Why are you interested in government work?

o Why do you want to work at this level (local/state/federal) of government?

o Why do you want to work at a regulatory agency?

o Why do you want to work with [this specific department or division]?

o What do you know about [this specific department or division]?

o Why are you drawn to this issue area?

o Many government agencies have different units or practice areas. In this department,

which practice area interests you the most?

o Have you studied [law specific to our department]?

o The internship is unpaid—how do you feel about that?

o You would be the only law clerk—are you comfortable working alone?

ACADEMIC QUESTIONS

Government interviews, especially those for summer internships or externships, tend to focus on

your experience in law school. Be prepared to discuss your classes and assignments, especially for

the portions of your academic study that are directly relevant to the position .

o Why did you decide to go to law school?

o Do you enjoy law school?

o What has been your favorite class in law school, and why?

o Have you taken any courses related to our area of practice?

o Tell me about the work you are doing in your [El Centro clinic].

28 Careers in Government

o Tell me about your writing sample.

o Tell me about a legal issue you have researched or studied (such as a legal issue in your

Legal Research and Writing course).

QUESTIONS ABOUT SKILLS, GOALS, AND EXPERIENCE

Just as in any other interview, an employer will want to know about your previous experiences

listed on your resume, the skills you have developed that would make you an excellent intern, and

your goals after law school. Remember that any public service experience is important and

pertinent, as it demonstrates your commitment to working in the public sector. Be prepared to

discuss your research and writing skills in particular, as they are highly relevant to any

government internship.

o Please describe your most important public service experience?

o What about your background has shaped your interest in working for our office?

o What professional or academic experiences would inform your work in this internship?

o What litigation skills and experience do you have?

o What experience do you have with legal research and/or writing?

o What was your favorite part of your internship last summer?

o What did you do at [Job X on your resume] that made you feel good about yourself?

o In what kind of environment do you thrive?

o I have your resume in front of me, but is there anything that is not apparent on your

resume that you would like to share with us? For example, have you overcome any

adversity that you would feel comfortable sharing with us?

o What is an urgent civil rights issue that you are interested in working on?

o What are your career goals?

o Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?

o Do you imagine yourself going into politics?

ETHICAL, PRACTICAL, AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUESTIONS

During an interview for a government position, you may be asked questions that test your ethics,

ability to work with others, or stance on applicable issues in the related field. In particular, be

ready to discuss examples from your past experiences.

o If you disagreed with a judge or thought he or she was wrong about the law, what would

you do?

o Tell me about a time when you had to confront a manager you disagreed with and how you

dealt with it.

o What would you do if you had to work on the opposite side of an issue you cared about?

o Give me an example of a time you had to complete a project with a team.

o What would you predict would be an emerging issue in our agency’s legal practice?

CONCLUSION

Federal, state, and local governments provide innumerable opportunities for attorneys to engage in

public service across diverse interest areas. Students can gain rich experiences through summer

29 Careers in Government

internships at government agencies and departments and new law graduates can launch their

careers in gratifying agency positions and fellowships. Our hope is that through this Guide, law

students may become interested in this career path, excited about the multitude of ways one can

work in government, and informed as to how UCLA School of Law can support their journey.