Jumping off point?

[Chief30]

Hi everyone,
So I'm being considered for a position.  I'm only a few years out of law school and ideally want a private firm gig (something business/commercial/corporate/etc.-related), but (1) I don't have the experience and (2) don't have knockout credentials.  I'm wondering if a SSA Attorney-Advisor job can open doors to the private sector, another agency, or serious promotion down the road.  I'm a bit of a late bloomer and have become incredibly ambitious, but it's slim-pickings out there in the private sector.  Additionally, in another forum, I read that an AA job probably isn't suited for someone with my "drive," if you will.  Definitely not trying to belittle the position, but it's just not my ideal.

Thanks!

[cardinal361]

Chief,
   I hate to rain on the parade, but the SSA attorney advisor would not help you in trying to eventually work in private practice in the corporate or litigation fields.  Coming from a background at a large firm, the atty-advisor has advantages and disadvantages.  Untfortunately, one of those disadvantages is that the job does not translate well to other areas of law.  With respect to other private practice jobs, your chances with a disability firm is the only job in which your chances would be advanced if you work as an attorney advisor.  The atty-advisor job (disability) is such a niche area of law that you don't develop any other skill sets that would help.  Additionally, the longer you work as an atty-advisor the more your skills that would otherwise be applicable to normal private practice will degrade.  I hope this helps in the advice department, but sorry its not the most ideal news.

[hdm334]

Agreed.  Legal skills relevant to private practice generally atrophy in these positions. 

[jrh83]

It could be a help if you want to represent disability claimants in the future.  The highlights of this job are more along the line of having a life outside your career.  For example, how many private practice jobs only require a 40 hr/wk.