« Blawg Wisdom Issues | Main | But Montana's PD reform continues »
Chicago is about to get a bit better
As the job search continues, Chicago (or the general “chicagoland area,” as locals seem fond of calling it) is starting to look more and more likely. That's not because I'm thinking I'll find a public defender job there, because frankly, finding a PD job anywhere is no longer something I'm counting on—at least not before I've passed a bar exam somewhere. No, Chicago is looking better because it's a place L. wants to go and it's a place we can both find some kind of work (probably). The current Chicago idea is that I could do document review or volunteer at a PD's office or legal aid office while waiting for my bar results, then be well-positioned for fall/winter hiring at one of the many relatively large public defender offices in the area. Theoretically that could work ok. It's an option, anyway.
And that option just got a little bit better because I just learned that, as of February 10, 2006, Chicago area residents will be able to buy Fat Tire Amber Ale from their local purveyor of fine hopped beverages. Fat Tire is high on my list of favorite beers, but until now it has only been available in the Rocky Mountain west—hence my desire to find a job in that part of the country. Now that New Belgium Brewery is expanding its distribution area, my domiciliary options have expanded, as well!*
* I'm obviously kidding. I mean, who would make a decision about where to live based on the selection of beers available in local stores? ;-)
Posted February 5, 2006 03:49 PM | 3L
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://mowabb.com/mt32/mt-tb.cgi/5263
There are a lot of legal aid organizations in Chicago, and I am pretty sure any of them would love to have you as a volunteer. I think, though, you might even be able to get something paid -- even if it's a low pay. The Chicago legal market is huge, after all. And the cost of living is dramatically lower than in DC, so you could actually even live on a lower pay, if you don't mind a slightly longer commute.
Posted by: kristine at February 5, 2006 04:09 PM
Oh, and I could always get Fat Tire in Texas. I haven't looked for it here, since I tend to get Goose Island or Blue Moon. Weird.
Posted by: kristine at February 5, 2006 04:17 PM
that's weird that you don't think PDs are hiring right now. i interviewed with like 7 last fall at the EJW fair. they all hire before the bar.
Posted by: monica at February 5, 2006 04:30 PM
Well, if beer is a factor in relocation, may I recommend Hopleaf.
If you need any info on anything in Chicago, let me know... I love to promote the city. It is the center of awesome legal blogging, you know. :)
Posted by: Dave! at February 5, 2006 04:57 PM
Dude! That's great news! Both you and the New Belgium I mean. I am so totally hooked on the stuff now that I've had a chance to sample the whole line (man, that Tripple and the 1554 are fantastic!). Hopefully, going to wider distribution won't destroy the quality of the beer or upset what is a really great business model. Anyway, it'll be good to be sharing a time zone with you and L. again.
Posted by: Famous P. at February 5, 2006 05:00 PM
Chicago's legal market is sucking right now. I'm graduating in May, and looking for public interest/legal aid, etc., and it's so very difficult.
Posted by: Jennifer at February 5, 2006 05:56 PM
Two words: "Aw" and "yeah."
Posted by: M at February 5, 2006 06:15 PM
I think you know at least ONE person who would make a major life/career decision based on the beer available in the region. And I think we both know that person is me.
Posted by: energy spatula at February 5, 2006 06:36 PM
Hmm. I say you say yes to Chicago, of course. And get out here before I end up the backwoods of Alabama or somewhere. Chicago is just...you know...Chicago!
Posted by: washburn at February 6, 2006 01:27 AM
Beer is pretty near the top of my reasons for wanting to go back to London.
Posted by: A. Rickey at February 6, 2006 05:33 AM
I deeply empathize and believe beer is an important relocation factor.
I used to live about two miles from the New Belgium Brewery. One of the things I hate about DC is its lack of all things New Belgium.
Posted by: tony at February 6, 2006 07:32 AM
Ooh! Chicago! Fat Tire! E. will be thrilled, since he and his cousin have been known to make road trips to St. Louis for Fat Tire. And you guys in Chicago? My almost-hometown? Sweet. We might actually get to visit each other more than once every three years. :) (E. and I were in Bridgeport for a funeral last week and I wondered aloud why the heck we were still in Indy. Damn reasonable cost of living and gainful employment...)
Posted by: raquel at February 6, 2006 09:55 AM
anything from new belgium is worth moving further west. one of my greatest disappointments upon moving to philly was the realization that i could no longer easily acquire my beloved fat tire and 1554 beers. i even email the brewery a heartful email beggin for some delicious beer, to no avail.
Posted by: japhy at February 7, 2006 11:58 PM
