When to tell firm about clerkship (as a first year) Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hey all. Due to Covid postponing my start date I'm starting/have started my Big Law job in January 2021 (vague for anonymity). I have a clerkship lined up for late 2022, and I'm not sure when it is appropriate to tell my firm. On the one hand, I don't want to immediately be pegged as having one foot out the door and risk getting crappy assignments. There's also the job security factor given the pandemic and whatnot. On the other hand, to my knowledge none of the other litigation first years in my office have clerkships lined up (I'm pretty close with most of them, so I think I'd know if they did) and this might make me stand out and get good assignments. I'm also concerned that if I wait to tell the firm they won't love that I sat on this info for a while without telling them. Would appreciate any advice!