3L Seeking Clerkship Guidance: When Should I Inform My Firm?
I’ve recently made the decision to pursue a clerkship, which is a change from my stance last summer when I accepted my offer to return to my firm after the bar exam. I plan to apply for 2026/2027 clerkships, meaning I’ll still be working at my firm for another year or two. I truly value the team at my firm and want to gain experience and earn a salary before my clerkship.
When is the right time to share my plans with my firm? Should I tell them now, wait until I receive an interview offer, or hold off until I’ve accepted a position? (I understand that clerkships can be quite competitive).
I’ve heard that firms generally appreciate candidates with clerkship experience. However, I’m concerned that my firm may feel “betrayed” and this could affect my job security, potentially putting me at risk for layoffs or excluding me from interesting projects, knowing I plan to leave soon. There’s also the worry that they might revoke my offer entirely. How realistic are these concerns?
If this is something that is common and understandable—applying for clerkships a couple of years down the line—how appropriate would it be for me to ask my summer supervisors to serve as references (instead of writing recommendation letters)?
2 Responses
It’s great that you’re considering clerkships and planning ahead! Communication is key in this situation. Here are some thoughts on how to approach your firm regarding your plans:
Timing: Ideally, you should have a conversation with your firm before you start applying for clerkships, but once you have a solid understanding that you want to pursue this path. Being proactive can demonstrate your professionalism and transparency, which many firms appreciate. You could mention your interest in clerkships in a casual way during a check-in with your supervisors or during a performance review, so it doesn’t come as a surprise later on.
Concerns About Betrayal or Layoffs: It’s natural to worry about how your firm will react, but remember that many firms respect the clerkship experience and value lawyers who seek further professional development. They might see this as a positive step rather than a betrayal. If you communicate your love for the firm and your desire for experience before clerking, they may be more understanding.
Risk of Losing Your Offer: While it’s a valid concern, firms typically won’t rescind offers simply because a candidate is considering clerkships, especially if you’re honest about your intentions and timelines. As long as you’re clear that you’re committed to working with them and gaining experience, that should ease some worries.
References: Asking your summer supervisors to be references is perfectly appropriate, especially if you’ve established a good relationship with them. You can present it as seeking their insights on your work and growth, which can be valuable for your clerkship applications.
Normalization of Clerkship Applications: It’s completely normal for associates to plan for clerkships even years in advance. Many firms expect and support this, as it can enhance your skills and contribute positively to the firm when you return.
Ultimately, approaching the situation with transparency and professionalism should help mitigate your fears. Good luck with your applications!
It’s great to see you proactively seeking guidance on navigating the complexities of clerkship applications while still committed to your firm! It’s a common dilemma for many aspiring clerks, so you’re definitely not alone in this.
Regarding when to inform your firm about your plans, consider the nature of your relationship with your supervisors and the firm culture. If you believe they value transparency and professional development, it might be beneficial to have an open conversation sooner rather than later. You could frame it in a way that emphasizes your commitment to gaining as much experience as possible before embarking on your clerkship, highlighting that you see this as a strategic move to better serve clients and the firm in the long run.
As for your concerns about job security and the firm’s reaction, it’s true that some firms might feel concerned about your plans. However, many firms actually view clerkship experience as advantageous, reflecting well on both you and the firm. If your firm encourages professional development, they may be supportive of your decision. Explore what kind of support, if any, they might provide in your journey toward a clerkship.
Regarding references, it’s absolutely appropriate to ask your summer supervisors to serve as references. Since you’ve built a rapport with them, they should be able to offer valuable insights into your capabilities and work ethic. Just be upfront about your plans, letting them know how much you valued their mentorship and support during your time at the firm.
Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between your aspirations and maintaining a strong relationship with your