Legaleagle21 wrote:Anonymous User wrote:Legaleagle21 wrote:GLP selectee here. Does anyone know if the AF will let you defer your commission to clerk for a year?
You can submit a deferment request to JAX. AFI 51-101 5.5.2 says if you want to delay entrance onto active duty you must submit a written request to the Chief of Accessions detailing the reason and the date available for active duty. Deferments are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. AF/JAX is the approval authority for all deferment requests.
Some things to consider too:
1. Do you want to be that guy asking for exceptions right from the get-go as new officer? This kind of move will cost political capital which you don’t have much of starting out. Some people at JAX may think it’s a great opportunity and others may think it’s a waste of time. Probably depends on the prestige or applicability of the clerkship but just something to consider.
2. If you do this your line number will be later compared to everyone else in your graduating class. Meaning you won’t get credit for your clerking time like you would maybe at a firm, and you’ll be lower on the list when they are going through promotions.
3. How does this play in with your long-term goals? Make sure you have a clear reason for how this helps you get where you want to go.
Good luck!
Thanks for the reply. I'm wondering because eventually I think I might want to end up at the USAO in my home state, and having a good recommendation from a judge might make that transition easier. Perhaps clerking post-JAG would be better though, since I don't know at what point my in career I'd want to make that transition, and that way the reference would be fresh. That's what Conor Lamb did (PA Congressman). Plus, then there's a chance I wouldn't even need clerking as a bridge.
Interesting question. I think I could make arguments for the merits of both pre and post JAG clerkships.
I agree with the anon poster above in terms of making sure the juice is worth the squeeze -- I'm assuming we are talking State Supreme Court or Fed District (or higher) in my analysis. If this is for something smaller, my answers would probably change.
So, assuming we are talking a real deal clerkship, I would not worry too much about irking the folks at JAX. You will be one of a million problems are they dealing with any given week.
The advantage to clerking pre-JAG is that you have it in the bag. It is already a solid resume line that can help you when you make your transition off of active duty -- I'm assuming you are considering punching at the 6-8 year mark if you thinking about being an AUSA. You will stand out well as a transitioning JAG that already has a major credential on the resume. I for sure would have liked to already have a clerkship already on my resume when I was making my jump to Main Justice.
Post-JAG does give you the benefit in terms of recency and the ability to more actively market your connections. I know a handful of JAGs that have gone Fed district and/or circuit after getting off of active duty. They've done very well.
Doing it after JAG, however, does add another year (or more) to you reaching your overall goal. It also may mean a move somewhere that is not your "forever" city, depending on the district/circuit. Take it from a now older guy, moving to District X when you are fresh out of law school and young is a very different sight picture than when you are early/mid 30s. You could be married and with a family after six years on AD and frankly, moving for a clerkship may not be as realistic. This is all quite variable intensive but it is worth considering - I know my life plans, maturity, and goals all evolved over six years. Yours may too.
Good luck to you!