Those fortunate enough to have a summer internship (it wasn't cancelled) experienced atypical times. reports Abovethelaw.
According to a survey by Am Law, they had the pocketbook issue of earning less because the internship was shorter than usual. Austerity visited that part of legal life, too. Of course, because of COVID-19, they were laboring at home, not in a law office.
The work they did was fake. The real assignments were reserved for associates who, well, were not busy enough. We heard all about the partners poaching whatever work had been available. So, there wasn't that deep down satisfaction of an important task well done.
Unlike last year's summers who were focused on work/balance, this year's group pondered job security. Yes, they received job offers. But they are aware from 2008 - 2009 that job offers can be not only delayed (DefLand) but also rescinded. The offer today could be the ticket to being stranded in nowhereland after graduation and having to start a job search from scratch.
Yes, of course, they were concerned also about their mental health - more so than last year's pool of interns. Getting, holding and moving up in a job at a prestigious law firm can eat away at the soul.
A testament to the resilience of the human being is that anyone can jump through all the hoops associated with a career in law without totally becoming emotionally undone. They range from scoring good grades from K-8 and acing the LSAT to presenting themselves well on interviews and not being knocked out of the box on performance reviews. Meanwhile they are establishing their personal brand. If they are wise, they are also "hedging." That is, while they are striving to make partner they are simultaneously researching how they leverage skills and experience to another niche inside or outside law.
This blog wishes continued inner strength for the JD Class of 2021.
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