1L Judicial Internship Interview: Thank you note Forum

[Anonymous User]

I have a few questions about the thank you note. I've seen a lot of threads where people were given offers on the spot, however I was not. I appreciate any advice!

1. I interviewed with both the judge and his clerks, to whom do I address the thank you letter? Do I need to address the letter to the Judge and all of his clerks? Do I need to address a separate letter to each of the clerks in addition to the letter to the judge? Just an additional letter to his senior clerk? Should I send a thank you letter to the judge's paralegal through whom I scheduled the interview?

2. Should the letter be sent through the mail? What kind of stationary? Would resume paper be ok (since I have some already and it is nice thick paper)?

3. If through the mail, should it be typed or hand-written? I was planning on typing it and then signing it by hand; is that acceptable?

Thank you in advance for your responses! I would be happy to clarify any questions if you need more info. I should also note that I have not received grades yet but was asked to send them once I receive them.

[Anonymous User]

Questions like these are exactly why so many TLSers are against thank you notes. FWIW, in my judge's chambers a thank you note wouldn't have moved the needle at all. If you're insistent on writing one:

1. I'd just send a single note addressed to the judge. You can mention in the note that it was nice to meet/speak with everyone in chambers (or something), but don't make a lot of extra work for yourself. Other people in chambers are used to the judge being the center of attention even though they do a lot of the work.

2 and 3. Send the letter through normal mail if you're going to write one. If you use resume paper, you should probably type it. Otherwise, I'd handwrite it on a blank stationery card (design on the front, nothing printed inside). I'd probably always handwrite if I was going to bother at all - if you're looking to create some sort of personal connection in the judge, a typed letter accomplishes that a little less effectively than a handwritten note and is less consistent with the tone of the note's contents.

As always, YMMV.

[Anonymous User]

Questions like these are exactly why so many TLSers are against thank you notes.

Ahh I didn't realize this was the general consensus for judicial internship interviews. I appreciate the advice, thanks.

[1styearlateral]

Questions like these are exactly why so many TLSers are against thank you notes.

Ahh I didn't realize this was the general consensus for judicial internship interviews. I appreciate the advice, thanks.

I think this is the general consensus in general for any type of interview.