I have just received summons for Jury Duty. It's in the middle of a contract as an edit producer. Does anyone have any advice for how to deal with it? Thanks!
2 Likes 
David Lawrence
You can postpone or cancel due to work commitments. I think you're allowed to do this once (it should say on the form). I basically told them in my reply that I'm freelance and if missed a certain block of it, I'd lose my contract. They let me off it.
Peter Sweasey
I was summoned in the middle of a project I was series producing - I reported back that I was effectively irreplaceable at short notice, but offering to do Jury service when the contract was complete. That was accepted though sadly the summons never came again...
Load 4 more comments...
Paul Durgan
Thanks... that's basically what i've done - suggested some dates at the end of the contract
Kate Nowicki
I got called for Jury duty- and the initial summons officers were being very difficult about letting me go- due to the number of cases postponed because of covid. It was the week before, and they sent a form to declare any issues so the Judge could review. After speaking to the Jury officer directly at the court, via phone, they said you should contact them directly if you have problem with your summons and the judge can review it the weeks beforehand rather than wait until the last minute.
Matt Born @ DV Talent
Expert Contributor
I did it once - between jobs at the time - and it was an interesting case. It was over in a week, but I remember worrying about being landed with one that lasts for months. From memory, they paid a minimum day rate and/ or partly recompensed your employer. But not sure if that's changed now for freelancers.
Scott Corben
I was flattered to be summonsed as it confirms that I operate on the right side of the law (at last!). Having said that, if you're a company director you can say that the business will not function without you. Plus if you're a sole breadwinner for a family that buys a lot of sympathy.