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I just received a summer law clerk offer (via e-mail) from a medium sized firm that I am very excited about. I definitely want to accept the offer; the problem is that the program goes until the day before my wedding. While I don't want to do anything that might compromise this job, I'd like to ask if it will be acceptable for me to take a couple days off before my wedding. Any advice on how to approach that? Should I just throw it out there and make it clear that if they are not ok with it, I'd still love to accept the job? Should I wait and bring it up when the summer program starts? What is the best way to stress that having this job is a higher priority than having time off in the days before my wedding?

On a less serious note, when is a good time to ask if I can keep my beard? I shaved for the interview, but I HATE being clean-shaven (obviously I'd shave if they told me to... hell I'd shave my eyebrows if they wanted).

If the firm gave you an offer, then they're probably not going to care if you miss a few days at the end of the summer program for something of mild importance like a wedding. They'll be happy that they don't have to pay you for another full week.

It's either the beard or the days off before your wedding. They won't give you both. Seriously, I can't imagine them having a problem with taking those days off, come right out and ask. I think if you waited until the program starts it could look as if you were keeping something from them because you knew that if they found out prior to your start, they might go with one of the other candidates for that position. Tell them you really would like those days off prior to your wedding, but if it's not possible you will juggle whatever you need to in order to keep the position because your future as a lawyer is second only to your future with your fiance. Thanks Hallmark.

Does anyone at the firm have a beard?

They should be understanding given it's your wedding
shave the beard

I think they would definitely be understanding about the wedding.

As far as the beard, I would shave when you first start, but after that just look around and see how everyone else is. Or ask if it's ok that you have a beard as long as you're not meeting with clients or going to court.

I don't imagine the wedding being a big deal.

I would absolutely not push the beard issue. Go clean shaven all summer. It's 10 or 11 weeks...what's the big deal? In my experience, partners judge you. You'll like only get 10-15 minutes of face time with partners (generally speaking). During this time they will make judgments about your competence level based upon your appearance (just like any human being). Even if they do not think having a beard as a young man is not a big deal, they might think their clients would. Additionally, these assumptions they make, based upon your appearance, will filter how they view your work.

This may sound paranoid, but it's true of many partners and associates. And if you don't believe me, what do you have to lose by following my advice?

wear a beard when you get there. you're that worried about the off chance someone will look at you the wrong way? have some self-respect - if its well-trimmed, don't worry about the beard...

aleph209 wrote:wear a beard when you get there. you're that worried about the off chance someone will look at you the wrong way? have some self-respect - if its well-trimmed, don't worry about the beard...

It has nothing to do with self-respect. It has to do with weighing the value of the beard versus jeopardizing your first impression. Working as a summer associate is a 11 week long interview. If you wouldn't sport a beard to the interview, you shouldn't sport it during the summer. From my experience, only older men have facial hair at large law firms. Maybe it's regional but I would not do it on the first day. If you are older it may be acceptable.

If being a "rebel" is that important and how you define "self-respect" then by all means wear the beard. If getting an offer is the #1 goal then don't. Anyone who has actually worked at a large firm will tell you the same, at least in my region.

i don't care what anyone says

clean shaven is the most professional you can be. a well trimmed beard may look professional but clean shaven will be better