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Dude and lady brahs I need some assistance.

So here is my current ranking of possible summer jobs where I would like to work for my 1L summer. 1) Small/medium firm-2)Judicial 3) Govt.

I have a 2nd interview with a clerk for a judicial internship the day before I have interviews with some small/medium firms in the area. I feel pretty good about my chances for the judicial internship, but I doubt a small firm will let me split. I have no clue what to do. I would really like to work for $ and put a foot in the door at a firm. BUT I also don't know what my chances are of getting a position with the firms who are interviewing me. (I am from the rural area and go to a T-25/highest school in state with median grades.)

SO what should I do? Part of my problem is not knowing whether I can turn down a judicial internship. Thank you in advance.

Can you turn one down? Sure...but it looks bad on both you and your school.

There are a bunch of threads on whether turning down an externship offer is appropriate:

http://www.top-law-schools.com/search-f ... x=0&sa.y=0

That being said, you'll likely find that people are split on it so while it is helpful to read the logic behind it but you won't get a definitive answer. My thoughts are that the "you don't turn down a judge" logic stems from clerkship offers (and there it has more with the school's rep rather than the individual's because the school stands more to lose than the individual). People have debated back and forth whether it applies to externship offers. I'm personally on the fence and lean more towards the "it's okay to turn down for 1L summer" camp, but if the judge expressly gave you time to think about it then there's nothing wrong with taking that time imo. I wouldn't renege once you accept but there's nothing wrong with taking the time the judge has explicitly given you to consider it.

If I were in your shoes I would ask your judge for some time to think about the offer (ETA: assuming you get it).

OP here. Yeah I am on the fence for turning down a judicial internship as well. I have worked in high political offices before so I understand the prestige factor involved, but I might be closing the door on establishing myself with a well regarded firm in my home region. Everyone I have spoke with is split 50/50 as well. Part of problem is not knowing what my chances are for the private jobs and missing out completely. I also have a fall back plan but on the other side of the country.