Write: "I'm on jury duty [today / through about [date]] with limited access to email. For anything urgent, please contact [name] at [email]." You can say jury duty or simply "away on a civic obligation." Five versions, including one that does not mention jury duty, are below.
Updated 2026 · Reviewed and rewritten for clarity
A jury duty out of office says what you know (the start date and an expected end date if you have one), names a backup, and skips the explanation. Phones are usually put away in the courtroom, so say your email access is limited rather than promising replies at breaks.
| Situation | Line to use |
|---|---|
| Summons day | "At jury duty today with limited email; back tomorrow." |
| Seated on a trial | "Serving on a jury through about [date]." |
| End date unknown | "On jury service; I'll update this reply when I know my return date." |
| Without saying jury duty | "Away on a civic obligation until [date]." |
'Hi, I'm at jury duty today and have limited email access. For urgent matters: [backup] at [email]. I'll respond to non-urgent emails when I'm back tomorrow morning.'
'Hi, I've been seated on a jury and will be in court through approximately [end date]. I have very limited email access during this window. For urgent matters: [covering person] at [email] / [phone]. I'll respond to non-urgent emails when the trial concludes.'
'Hi, I've been seated on a jury and will be in court for an indefinite duration (typically 5-15 business days). I have very limited email access during this window. For urgent matters: [covering person] at [email] / [phone]. I'll respond to non-urgent emails when the trial concludes.'
'Thank you for your email. I am currently fulfilling jury duty and have limited availability through approximately [end date]. For urgent matters, please contact [name] at [email]. Routine inquiries will be addressed upon my return. Thank you for your patience.'
"Thank you for your email. I'm away from the office on a civic obligation through [date] with limited access to email. For anything urgent, please contact [name] at [email]."
Running your own business? Read jury duty as a solo business owner for postponements, juror pay and coverage.
Yes. It is a common and respected reason. If you prefer, "away on a civic obligation" says the same thing without details.
Often a single day, or the length of one trial if you are selected. Federal courts pay jurors $50 a day.
Rarely during proceedings; courts usually require phones to be off in the courtroom. Say "limited access" and name a backup.
General information, researched from the sources above; not legal, HR or tax advice.
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