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I am a rising 3L. I loved my 2L summer firm and have an offer to go back, but I will be clerking for two years after graduation. My judges are okay with me accepting the offer, but three years in biglaw is a long time- certain partners and associates I like might be gone, and the group I want to go into could completely change. As of now, though, I have no desire to go to any other firm or office. My firm knows about the clerkships. Would it be bad form to accept the offer now (to signal my desire to come back), and then back out in three years if things change?

Anonymous User wrote:Would it be bad form to accept the offer now (to signal my desire to come back), and then back out in three years if things change?

Bad form, maybe -- but insignificant. I think they would understand that your acceptance of an offer of at-will employment to begin some 3 years in the future is not very serious. As you said, a lot can change in 3 years. The firm could go belly up or just not be in a position to hire you anymore. You could get a more lucrative offer elsewhere. I think everybody involved would understand this.

A more professional course may be to state your intention to join the firm but acknowledge with them that 3 years is a long time and situations may change. Perhaps ask if you can plan to get back in touch with them no later than a year or so before your anticipated start date to firm-up your intentions and inquire if there is still a position available for you at the firm. (Unless they've already told you unequivocally that there will be a position for you).