seriously, though, I'd go biglaw, make bank and live terrrible hours for a couple years, then quit and do what you really want to do with your life. You get the big name on your resume and make money to pay off debts and get started in post-education life.

the big firms are good for getting a GC job down the way, but I've not found that the federal system is particularly impressed with big names. maybe more so in DC area, though.