Top Law Schools

I'm top 10% at a 30-50 ranked school, in a big city.

I recently accepted an offer from a Federal District Judge to intern for half of the summer.
I was also recently offered a 1L SA position at a big firm (that I would love to work at) and wont be able to split my summer.

I want to work in big law post grad. What should I do? Is it really as bad as I hear to renege on a judges offer?

Thanks

You can ignore if you want. I decided to search the topic after I made this thread and found some commentary.

Still feel free to discuss what you would do and why.

I would be incredibly hesitant to back out on a federal judge. Assuming you have any interest in practicing within his/her jurisdiction, that would be a really unfortunate bridge to burn.

Having said that, there is a good chance the judge or clerk who supervises you will forget about you soon after you rescind. If you have no interest in clerking, and the firm is where you'd genuinely rather work, then it might be worth the risk. In the event you do back out, make sure it is as professional and respectful as possible.

Backout on the judge. Take the 1L SA. It'll probably lead to a 2L SA, which would turn into a job. Furthermore, you'll be paid well, whereas you'll lose money at the internship for the judge. People act like "Omg you can't renege a judge's offer!" But what will really happen? Is he going to find you and ruin your career? No, nothing will happen.

Back out. Judge probably doesn't even know you were hired. Clerks will, but who cares. Just say you found a position that will last the whole summer and financially you can't do the externship/internship.

I agree with the advice so far. Back out on the judge, regardless of what your CSO says.

Is it true that 1L SAs often turn into 2L SAs? I'm in a similar position as OP and am now kicking myself for not applying to firms.

OP -- could you PM me details about firm and city?

Current Federal District Court Clerk and former 1L SA here --

Just respectfully rescind your acceptance with the DJ. The DJ and the law clerks (who you really interact with anyway) will understand. If you're interested in interning for that particular DJ, then offer to intern during the fall. If not, just respectfully rescind asap, stating that you've accepted a 1L SA opportunity with xxx firm.

You should not directly rescind your acceptance with the DJ. If you call, ask to speak to the career or term law clerk. If you email, correspond with the person that set up your interview.

1L SA are hard to come by so don't kick yourself for missing the window.

Focus on getting a substantive summer experience and preparing for OCI.

1L SA do usually lead to an offer to return.

tonidee wrote:1L SA are hard to come by so don't kick yourself for missing the window.

Focus on getting a substantive summer experience and preparing for OCI.

1L SA do usually lead to an offer to return.

Echo this. If you were competitive for a 1L SA, you are almost certainly set for OCI anyway.

Considering you're at a school ranked 30-50, want to do big law, and have an open door to biglaw, this is an easy decision. Take the SA and run.