Juggling Two Clerkship Interviews (F. Magistrate; SSC) Forum

[Anonymous User]

Looking for some guidance on strategy & etiquette.

1) I just accepted an interview for SSC (non-flyover).

2) I was just offered an interview for federal magistrate judge.

Both positions are for the same clerkship term.
In an ideal world, I would do both clerkships.

How do I navigate this? Is there any acceptable way to task for a 'deferment' for one of the positions?

Do I tell 1) at that interview about the upcoming 2) interview?

[JusticeJackson]

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[Anonymous User]

Based on my experience as an interviewer-clerk, I think the most professional route is to do an interview with your primary choice first. If you get an on-the-spot offer, then accept, and tell the second interviewer that you already got a position. I would recommend against trying to leverage your offer. If you don't get an on-the-spot offer, then do the second interview, and take whichever job makes you an offer first.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. Between the two replies, I'm able to synthesize my professional plan of attack.
TLS to the rescue!

[Anonymous User]

I had a somewhat similar situation. I had a Fed. Ct. interview set up for a Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, had my application in to the SSC job I really wanted (in the same state as my school). SSC called on Friday prior and I explained my situation; we set up a dinner interview for Tuesday. The two interviews were about 1200 miles away, with no good flight options.

So, I drove 1200 miles to Fed. Ct. interview. It didn't go great (in both directions--I knew I wouldn't be a good fit, and the judge probably saw the same). I got in the car and drove through the night to the other interview. Slept a little, showered, shaved. Went to dinner. Crushed it.

Then I did something that may be considered a major faux pas by some. I emailed the Federal Judge's chambers to thank him for his time and let him know I was withdrawing my name from consideration. I really don't think my odds were great, but I didn't want to risk getting a call while I was still waiting for what I wanted. Got the SSC offer about a week later.

Be honest with yourself about what you really want, and you'll have a pretty good idea how to play it.