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My clerkship advisor told me I could have a shot at a Circuit Court clerkship in the city where my 2L summer firm is located. I asked the firm if they're ok with me clerking and a few days later I get a carefully worded email back saying that they neither encourage nor discourage clerking and decide whether or not to hold open offers for a year's clerkship on a case-by-base basis. It was far from the enthusiastic "yes, we love clerks" response I was expecting.

So what I'm getting from this is that if I get a clerkship, I might lose out on a job offer. Is it worth taking it? Am I all but guaranteed to get a different job out of the clerkship? I really have no idea what the job market for clerks looks like. Advice appreciated!

If you can get a federal circuit court clerkship, don't worry about your 2L firm.

What if I just get a federal district court position instead?

Still don't worry.

I'll elaborate: the firm probably has that policy because they won't want to be stuck holding open an offer for some bozo who takes a state trial court clerkship or something. Federal clerkships are more desirable to firms and any mid- or big- law firm will hold your offer for a federal circuit clerkship. I'd guess most would do the same for federal district, too. But even if your firm doesn't want to, you have a year to find other employment during your clerkship.

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