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I had an interview with a federal judge's clerks for a fall externship. They were nice, but when my schedule came up, I tried (and failed) to make a joke about being available to work until May/June. One of the clerks told me that the judge does not allow externs to stay longer than one session and that in all honesty, allowing law students to do externships was for our benefit and that the clerks can do our work faster. I completely agree with everything she said; I'm just wondering if my failed joke killed my chances of getting the job. I really wanted it too, but because the courthouse I work in has no reception, I had to run up to the roof and might have been a little out of breath at first.

I wouldn't worry about it too much, I had a similar experience.

I had an interview with an appellate judge (for an internship) from my home town... we were really kicking it off and having a good time, making each other laugh and just genuinely enjoying the interview to the point that a 20 minute interview turned into a 45 minute interview without either of us noticing. I figured I had it in the bag and was super confident.

The next day I had an interview with a federal agency, and while riding off the high from the prior interview, I figured it would be a good ice breaker to make a slight joke half way through the interview as well. These guys did not find it funny and just stared at me for a good 10 seconds. Very awkward. The interview ended a few minutes early and I felt kinda depressed the rest of the day because of how awkward, embarrassing, and stupid I mustve looked.

Fast forward to months, I was denied the internship with the judge and offered an internship by the federal agency...

moral of the story: making a joke, or having a great connection, does not truly make or break you in all circumstances

Thanks; that make me feel a little less embarrassed.

I'm waiting my 24 hours to write the thank-you letter and mention how I appreciate them teaching me more about the externship system. As a side note, I just found another interview request from a different judge in my email... I guess it's a lucky break, but no more jokes for a while.

Anonymous User wrote:Thanks; that make me feel a little less embarrassed.

I'm waiting my 24 hours to write the thank-you letter and mention how I appreciate them teaching me more about the externship system. As a side note, I just found another interview request from a different judge in my email... I guess it's a lucky break, but no more jokes for a while.

Don't worry about it, but certainly don't write anything in a thank you that might make the recipient recall any awkwardness. Just move on