This is really quite incredible. Did you ever get an explanation as to why they do this?

All I know to do is tell you to hang in there; its a jungle out there for all of us just starting in the law this year.

No explanation as to why was given, my best guess is that maybe they are compiling a list or a pool for when hiring does start up again but that is just pure speculations and I have not heard a peep from them since the interview, positive or negative.

The fact that you were mailed a package, rather than invited for a semi-annual meeting (every April and November, I believe), indicates that they are desperate for people, and that you have a fantastic resume. Let’s analyze what happened.

First, they asked if you had any commitment to public interest or gov’t work. You told them that you took some volunteer classes, but that didn’t impress them. They wanted to hear more.

Second, they asked you for a personal, not a legal, opinion about how the defendant presented its case. The work of a court attorney at the appellate division involves writing confidential memoranda explaining the reasoning behind the decisions you’re making. The decisions themselves are very short. The reasoning — legal and common sense — is what counts, and the judges need to know what’s really going on.

Don’t worry. The job itself is nothing to write home about. It’s in a cubicle, not in the court house. From what I heard, the quota is one case per 2.8 days.

I used to work at the App Div 2nd Dept and went through the same interview process you did. They actually pretty much always tell people that there are no positions available — and generally this is true — but a new position often comes available (as it did for me) shortly after your interview and if they like you, they’ll call you back for another round of interviews with the Judges. I suspect that in this market, people might stay around longer, but I thought it was a pretty cool gig.

I am sorry for your misforture. I have to say though there are some laugh out loud parts of the story. Thanks for brightening my day.

Sounds familiar. Got the same packet with the same case. It took them four months to get back to me but only after I called them to ask what was up. If found the case to be somewhat interesting – lots of conflicting cases and interesting facts – although I didn't even score an interview. Ran into someone later who worked for a different appellate division and she said my biggest mistake was to put an out-of-state address (Los Angeles) even though I was relocating to NYC. She said the out-of-staters rarely get called back. Congrats on even getting the packet. They don't send even send the packet unless you are well qualified (top 10% etc., law review, etc.).

I enjoyed reading your blog! The OAF posting had me spewing out coffee, for reals.

I went to the 2d Dept orientation a couple weeks ago along with some 30 people of different age groups and levels of experiences.
And by different age groups I mean people who've been practising for over ten years and asking questions about job grades and pay scale at that level. Not only did I get the impression that we were all competing for the same job, but after reading this blog, I am convinced that there is actually no position open at this time. I remember this place I used to work for went on various on-campus interviews and OCI's even though they were making no offers to anyone, when I asked why they bothered, they said it was for marketing purposes. However, with the 2d department, which needs no marketing, I'm just confused why they would even bother with the orientation and all the interviews.

After reading your post, I wouldn't be exactly “devastated” if I never hear back from them.