Feeling Stuck, But Staying Strong

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Feeling Stuck, Yet Resilient

In the legal profession, timelines are crucial. From law school to licensing to partnership, there are well-defined milestones with specific timeframes. The pressure of adhering to these timelines can be overwhelming, leaving us feeling exhausted, intimidated, and disheartened.

The rigidity of these career timelines may make any disruption, whether early or late in one's career, feel like a complete derailment. Even in a time of global uncertainty due to a pandemic, the anxiety of career milestones being postponed or canceled weighs heavily on law students. Whether it's an NCA sitting cancellation, a delayed bar exam, revamped law school courses, or revoked job offers, the frustration and disappointment are shared by many.

Despite the magnitude of the global disaster, it's entirely normal to feel the frustration and rage caused by these disruptions to our legal careers. It's essential to find ways to keep perspective and overcome the feeling of being "stuck" when our career timelines are upended. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Listen to Your Body, Not the Internet:

  2. While social media may be filled with people taking up new hobbies and encouraging productivity during quarantine, it's okay not to feel the pressure to do the same. Adjusting to remote work or studies can take time, and it's essential to give yourself space to process and take things slow. Checking in with yourself and finding moments of gratitude can be beneficial during this time.


  4. Maintain a Structure & Sense of Accomplishment:

  5. Even if your regular routine is disrupted, try to establish a new structure to maintain a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Create a daily or weekly to-do list with achievable tasks. While it's tempting to indulge in late-night Netflix binges, a structured routine can provide a better sense of stability in these uncertain times.


  7. Talk to Others:

  8. Staying connected with friends, family, and fellow law students can help alleviate feelings of isolation. Seeking advice from experienced lawyers who have faced challenging times, such as the 2008 Financial Crisis, can provide valuable insights and encouragement.

Remember, you are not alone in navigating these unprecedented times. Many lawyers and law students are adjusting alongside you. Together, we will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger on the other side!

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