Three out-of-office templates for jury duty — for absences with no firm return date. Acknowledge the civic obligation, route urgent matters appropriately, don't promise updates you can't deliver from a courtroom.
Quick answer
A jury duty OOO message states you're on civic duty with an uncertain return date, gives a real coverage contact for urgent matters, and doesn't promise to check email between sessions (you can't bring devices into most courtrooms). Use Template 1 for standard absences, Template 2 if you might be selected for a longer trial, Template 3 for brief.
Template 1 — Standard jury duty
Standard
Hello,
Thank you for your email. I'm currently serving on jury duty and may be unreachable for the duration of my service. I expect to return on or around [estimated return date], but the actual date depends on the case.
For urgent matters, please contact [colleague name] at [colleague email].
I'll respond to non-urgent messages when I return.
Thank you for your understanding,
[Your name]
Template 2 — Possible extended trial
Extended
Hi,
I've been called for jury duty starting [start date]. I may be selected for a trial that could last several days or weeks — I won't know my return date until the case concludes.
For all matters during this period, please reach [colleague name] at [colleague email]. They have full coverage.
I'll send an updated message once I have a clearer timeline.
Thanks,
[Your name]
Template 3 — Brief
Brief
On jury duty starting [start date]. Return date depends on the case — likely [estimated return]. Urgent: [colleague], [email].
— [Your name]
Why jury duty messages are different
You can't promise availability. Phones aren't allowed in most courtrooms. You may not check email all day.
Return date is uncertain. One-day duty might extend to a week or more if you're seated. Use "approximately" or "depending on the case."
It's a legal obligation. No need to apologize; jury service is a civic duty.
Coverage is essential. Brief your coverage contact thoroughly before you go — you can't backfill from the courtroom.
Update if extended. If you're seated for a long trial, update your auto-reply when you can with a revised timeline.
// You're a juror, not on call.
Route urgent matters to the right person — so coverage isn't on call alone.
If you might be out for a week, one coverage contact gets buried. OutOfOfficePro routes by issue type to the appropriate person for each kind of urgent matter. Your team handles things; you focus on civic duty. $9.99/month.