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I accepted a Fed. Dist. clerkship in July (to begin in 2017), and have spoken with the Judge/chambers probably only 1-2 times since then... Is that normal?

I don't have any pressing issues or concerns, but it just feels kind of awkward to not talk to chambers much and then show up to begin work next summer.

I had very little contact with chambers for the almost two-years between acceptance of the offer and starting work. Before getting my pre-work contact from the outgoing clerks, I think I only communicated with chambers twice over that period of time. I also felt a little weird about it but I understand that to be normal with my judge.

Boltsfan wrote:I had very little contact with chambers for the almost two-years between acceptance of the offer and starting work. Before getting my pre-work contact from the outgoing clerks, I think I only communicated with chambers twice over that period of time. I also felt a little weird about it but I understand that to be normal with my judge.

Thanks for the response. It definitely puts me at ease. Would it be appropriate for me to send an email to the JA asking about a more official start date (they only had a ballpark date for the interview) and then ask about any next steps that I should be looking for? I don't want to bug anyone, so maybe I should just wait until they reach out again?


EDIT: I would also like to know the Judge's policy on post-clerkship employment. Is that inappropriate to ask about in an email?

I think it's normal to experience radio silence between acceptance and just before you start.

I'd probably wait a little longer if awkwardness were currently my best reason for reaching out - it's just easiest to ask about a start date, and you seem a little less intrusive, if you can say "I'm starting to look for apartments" or "My current employer is starting to ask when I'll be leaving" or something. That said, I don't think it'll be a big problem if you ask now, particularly if you're also seeking more detail about the process generally (e.g, should I wait for HR to reach out to me?).

It's normal. I don't think I had any contact between acceptance and about April.

Its perfectly ok to start asking questions through the JA as your start date approaches. I've found that exact dates can be a little up-in-the-air until they get close as out-going clerks finalize their plans. You also may need to ask for a formal letter of employment to show a new landlord.

Also kosher to ask about an employment policy.

If clerkship starts Fall 2017, it's still pretty early to ask for a starting date.

And not having any/minimal contact between offer and starting date is the norm for sure, so there's nothing to worry about.

Current Fed. Dist. Ct. Clerk here

I did not hear from Chambers regarding a start date until July/August (meaning when I was available to start). During the early part of the summer, I was asked for an updated resume and to complete some HR forms. You won't know your firm start date until the out-going clerk determines when she or he is leaving.