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I am a 3L applying to various public defense jobs (trial and appellate) in the greater NYC area. The positions require either a two-year or three-year commitment.

The issue is that I want to apply for a one-year federal clerkship for 2017-2018 (and judges are considering applications now). This would be after year #2 of whatever job I end up getting.

I know law firms have an established way of dealing with employees who want to go off to do a clerkship for a year or two, but what about public interest organizations? Assuming I am able to land a clerkship, do you think an organization requiring a 3-year commitment would allow me to take a one-year leave of absence after year #2 and then return to finish my final year?

Also, when is the appropriate time to have this conversation with a potential employer? During the interview process, or after receiving a job offer? The organizations definitely don't advertise the 3-year commitment aspect, so I wonder if it's okay to wait.

"Maybe. It depends."

Can't you just wait until judges are hiring for 2018/19 and go into a clerkship after your three years? What is the point of going 2 years as public defender, one year clerkship, and then returning for an additional year at public defender's office?

Anonymous User wrote:I am a 3L applying to various public defense jobs (trial and appellate) in the greater NYC area. The positions require either a two-year or three-year commitment.

The issue is that I want to apply for a one-year federal clerkship for 2017-2018 (and judges are considering applications now). This would be after year #2 of whatever job I end up getting.

I know law firms have an established way of dealing with employees who want to go off to do a clerkship for a year or two, but what about public interest organizations? Assuming I am able to land a clerkship, do you think an organization requiring a 3-year commitment would allow me to take a one-year leave of absence after year #2 and then return to finish my final year?

Also, when is the appropriate time to have this conversation with a potential employer? During the interview process, or after receiving a job offer? The organizations definitely don't advertise the 3-year commitment aspect, so I wonder if it's okay to wait.

The length at which judge's consider clerkships now is absolutely idiotic.

flawschoolkid wrote:
The length at which judge's consider clerkships now is absolutely idiotic.

agreed. i'm thinking of doing COA as a exit from biglaw in about 3 years and i think i might already be behind?