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I am interviewing soon for a 2015 clerkship in a competitive district court, but not my preferred market. Is it appropriate for me to reach out to other judges in my preferred market (where I have local ties, work experience, etc.) to "parlay" other interviews before the one I've scheduled? I know the term "parlay" usually refers to contacting judges in the market where one is already interviewing and will be traveling for a set period of time (I will likely do this too). But I'm talking about telling judges in one market that I am interviewing in another, but that I would prefer to be in their particular court. Is this worth trying or too risky? My central concern is getting blackballed in my preferred market and then not getting an offer out of the interview I've scheduled already. All thoughts appreciated.

I did this with two judges. It wasn't successful, but the people I spoke with didn't sound shocked or anything. I think it's appropriate if you're still seriously interested in the other judges because if you get an offer from the judge you're interviewing with, that'll be it. Often clerks/judges aren't actively looking at applications so they may come across your app weeks or months later only to find that you've already accepted an offer somewhere else.

Anonymous User wrote:I did this with two judges. It wasn't successful, but the people I spoke with didn't sound shocked or anything. I think it's appropriate if you're still seriously interested in the other judges because if you get an offer from the judge you're interviewing with, that'll be it. Often clerks/judges aren't actively looking at applications so they may come across your app weeks or months later only to find that you've already accepted an offer somewhere else.

OP here. How did you phrase it? It's easy to do the "I'll be in town on X day, and wanted to let you know in case Judge [name] is interested in an interview." Feels harder to do the preferred market call. What about:

"Hi, my name is [anon], I'm a law student/associate at/with [school/firm]. I submitted a clerkship application to Judge [name] but I've just been extended an interview with another judge in [other city]. I wanted to let you know because I would much prefer to stay in [this city], so if Judge [name] is still reviewing applications, I wanted to make you aware of the potential timing issue."

Thoughts?

I wouldn't put it in terms of "I want to stay in this city rather than go to the other one." I'd maybe say something more like "I'm writing to inquire where Preferred Judge is in their application process, as I've been extended an interview elsewhere but am still extremely interested in working for Preferred Judge." I think it works better if you have an offer than just an interview, but it's worth a shot.

A. Nony Mouse wrote:I wouldn't put it in terms of "I want to stay in this city rather than go to the other one." I'd maybe say something more like "I'm writing to inquire where Preferred Judge is in their application process, as I've been extended an interview elsewhere but am still extremely interested in working for Preferred Judge." I think it works better if you have an offer than just an interview, but it's worth a shot.

OP here. Thanks. I agree it's easier to do with an offer in hand, but I am worried about requesting new interviews while a judge waits for my answer. I don't know how long, if at all, I will be able to keep the offer open. It's also my only interview right now so I feel like I should accept the offer on the spot if I get it.

Question: you said "writing to inquire." Should I be sending e-mails to chambers? I figured I should call instead of e-mail.

Oh, I think you can do either.

Earlier anon poster here:

I just said I had an interview coming up with Judge X and remained interested in Judge Y. I think that's all that's necessary because it indicates that you're still interested in Judge Y and that if they're interested in you they should make some sort of move because you may get an offer from Judge X.