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So I am in an interesting predicament. I told a law firm (boutique) that I was hoping to clerk for 2025 (before I worked there) and that I was only really looking to clerk for two particular judges. Fast forward six months, and through a federal district judge's recommendation, I finally got an interview with one of the judges . . . and I received an offer, but for 2026. The offer is still open.

I really want to accept this. But how do I disclosed this to my law firm? I am worried they may renege on their offer. I never could have imagined working at a firm like this, so I don't want to lose them at all.

Any advice?

They’re likely to look at it positively, particularly if it’s a judge in a district they regularly practice in/a COA judge (though really, any federal clerkship is good and they’ll want to bring you back). In this case, tell them whenever, they’ll be interested in taking you back. I did this with my V10 and they were absolutely fine with it.

If you have a material reason to believe they might renege, you could always wait to tell them. No real harm in not disclosing (it’s not like they’ll know when you accepted it).