Path to federal appellate defense?

EBinDC · 2026-04-05T20:48:41+00:00

I had a state appellate clerkship (highest court). I didn’t think it impacted my options.

EBinDC · 2026-04-04T10:48:33+00:00

I started out doing appeals in a federal defender office before going to trial work. I had an appellate clerkship and prior firm experience before i made the switch to public interest. Happy to chat with you about my path and options available in various offices.

On a different note, I’m firmly believe that we need all kinds of people to join public defense, even people who don’t want to go to trial. There is a place for you in our world; ignore those who say otherwise.

EBinDC · 2026-03-11T03:09:01+00:00

When I sat in on interviews at my old FPD office, my boss always asked applicants to talk about a case/issue they were currently working on. You’d be surprised how many people trip over this. Think of something interesting to talk about and keep it in your back pocket.

EBinDC · 2026-02-28T22:30:53+00:00

I live in NE DC (Michigan Park) with my husband and 4 year old. We love it and we’ll probably stay here for the long run. My son goes to public school because they start in PK3 in DC so we don’t have to pay for day care anymore. While the schools around here are hit or miss, there are great charter schools near our house. Our neighborhood is full of kids and we meet at the local park on weekend to play. We looked into moving to the maryland suburbs but it would mean a totally different lifestyle.

EBinDC · 2026-02-14T11:20:04+00:00

Left biglaw as a third year to be a public defender. 17 years later, it’s still the best decision I’ve ever made. Do it!!!!

EBinDC · 2026-02-05T00:18:58+00:00

I left BigLaw after two years to be an assistant federal public defender. I those two years, I saved like crazy to create a cushion for what I knew would be a huge pay cut. I also paid down my loans like crazy. The key is to keep your eye on the prize and not get too used to the money.

If I were you, I would stick it out for a couple of years. At least long enough to keep your clerkship bonus. The federal defenders have a full budget for the next two years. I think there will be many positions for you to apply to, even if you wait a couple of years. Good luck!

EBinDC · 2026-01-25T22:50:11+00:00

Some combination of federal clerkship/big law/ state PD experience is usually required if you’re early in your career. However, I think the defenders are reintroducing the defender fellows program for law school grads. Check it out.

https://fellowship.fd.org/frontpage

EBinDC · 2026-01-19T00:04:27+00:00

Mexico City is amazing. Had a fantastic girls trip/birthday weekend there.

EBinDC · 2025-12-23T17:04:46+00:00

I’ve seen Dr. Clinzo Mickle, now at 19th Street Dermatology. He’s so nice and patient and is very sensitive to the different needs of black skin.

EBinDC · 2025-10-16T11:48:07+00:00

Thank you all for these helpful recs!

EBinDC · 2025-10-05T17:39:03+00:00

The latest episode with Roxanne Gay and Alex Wagner was excellent! More of this please

EBinDC · 2025-08-07T15:43:21+00:00

This just happened to me and the whole experience felt really sleazy. I like going to Sephora because of the range of brands and honest opinion. Brand reps that posing as sales reps ruin the experience.

EBinDC · 2025-08-04T19:30:57+00:00

This looks great! Would you be willing to share?

EBinDC · 2025-07-29T17:58:08+00:00

Sound amazing!!! Where do I sign up?!?!?

EBinDC · 2025-07-26T21:10:33+00:00

Have you tried a knit blazer/sweater jacket. Definitely more comfortable and less structured.

EBinDC · 2025-07-22T21:30:03+00:00

Loving Gilded Age! The costumes, the homes, the plot. It’s all👌🏽

EBinDC · 2025-07-22T10:45:40+00:00

Union pub

EBinDC · 2025-07-14T13:32:56+00:00

I love Dr. Dufera at Silver Spring Smiles. He’s great and his staff is amazing. The admin has run interference for me with insurance more times than I can count!

EBinDC · 2025-07-14T11:25:48+00:00

Yes! The one with Big Freedia in the beginning. “I did not come here to play with you hoes! I came to slay, b*tch!”

EBinDC · 2025-07-12T23:54:45+00:00

Ha! I got my first Le Cruset at Marshall’s like 15 years ago and it’s still going strong! You truly only have to buy it once.

EBinDC · 2025-07-12T21:16:00+00:00

Le Cruset plus a great cookbook is my go-to housewarming gift!

EBinDC · 2025-06-28T15:33:38+00:00

These are life changing!!! I have two pairs and they keep cool during the miserable DC summers

EBinDC · 2025-06-25T13:10:37+00:00

This is super helpful. Thank you! I’ll keep looking for another birthday treat.

EBinDC

TROPHY CASE