Clerkship offer from judge by email- how long to respond? Forum

[Anonymous User]

So relieved to have an offer, but was hoping to talk things over with my family. A day's not too long is it?

[Citizen Genet]

1. You probably mean an internship, not a clerkship. (In the judicial context, a clerkship is post-graduation employment and an internship is summer employment.)

2. A day is probably not too long, but you should not leave it hanging out very long. Standard advice is that you should very rarely say no to a judge, absent a compelling reason. There shouldn't be too much you need to talk over other than determining if you have a very compelling reason to say no. (There are exceptions to this, and some people disagree with this as standard advice, but it's the best route in my opinion.)

[Anonymous User]

1. You probably mean an internship, not a clerkship. (In the judicial context, a clerkship is post-graduation employment and an internship is summer employment.)

2. A day is probably not too long, but you should not leave it hanging out very long. Standard advice is that you should very rarely say no to a judge, absent a compelling reason. There shouldn't be too much you need to talk over other than determining if you have a very compelling reason to say no. (There are exceptions to this, and some people disagree with this as standard advice, but it's the best route in my opinion.)

Thanks. I'm a 3L. It would be a clerkship. (Your assumptions were pretty warranted given the lack of detail I provided and how frequently people use clerkship, externship, and internship interchangeably on her. My bad for being unclear.)


I'm pretty sure I'll accept; it's just with some unexpected health issues arising over the last few weeks everything feels so uncertain so I was hoping to wait until tomorrow morning so I can speak to my family tonight. I'd still be able to accept approximately 24 hours after the offer.

[Anonymous User]

Two things:

1.) My judge made the offer on Monday afternoon and gave me until Wednesday (I assumed COB his time) to decide. I was uncomfortable letting it sit overnight, so I went for a run, called my wife, got her sign-off, and called back within maybe two hours.

2.) You might be more comfortable letting it sit overnight. No big deal, but I'd definitely email the judge back with your timeline. Emphasize that you need to get the OK from your spouse and/or kids and will respond first thing in the morning.

[Citizen Genet]

Oh, congratulations! That's great news for you! And thanks for avoiding a snarky response about my assumption. Agreed with the above anonymous.

If you don't mind PMing me details about your clerkship, I'd be much obliged. If not, I can understand the desire for anonymity. (I like knowing what judges hire late, hire out a year, etc.)

[Julio_El_Chavo]

School? Grades?

[LittleJenn]

If you're willing, I'd appreciate a PM with details as well. Thanks, and congrats!

[Anonymous User]

It's not federal and not state supreme.