The No-B.S. AI Law Blog

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It’s been a few months since my last post on The No-B.S. A.I. Law Blog, and this is not for lack of exciting artificial intelligence developments, but instead for “not so artificial” experiences I plan to incorporate onto the blog as weekly segments. My unannounced hiatus from The No-B.S. A.I. Law Blog was less of a break for me than a breakdown, but nearly halfway through my 2L fall semester, I feel ready to address this period, to destigmatize these experiences and help others feel they are not alone.

So… what the hell happened?

Unexpected Grades, Nonstop Rejections, Existential Dread

I like to think that, as an aspiring legal professional, I think quite logically. My expectations reflect what I know to be true from evidence, but beyond evidence, I possess a keen sense of intuition, all to say that not many things surprise me. This was true for my 1L summer and fall semesters. I studied hard and got the grades I wanted. I therefore expected the same for my spring semester grades.

And then I received my Property grade, somehow such an outlier in comparison to my other grades that it brought down my GPA enough to kiss most (if not all) Big Law jobs goodbye. My inbox was filled with automatic rejections and recruiter emails informing me firms had already filled their Summer Associate classes (by May, yes, that early), and I received zero offers for on-campus interviews. 2L summer, still a year away, felt over before it started.

I may have felt more confident about finding a 2L summer job had my 1L summer job search gone better, but by late May, I still hadn’t received any offers to work, for pay, for free, or for credit. The difference here was that I had interviewed and received great feedback, only to get rejected. As the school’s job board began posting for fall internships instead of summer, I felt completely defeated and out of options. So, I logged onto LinkedIn and started perusing what seemed to be left for summer internships, all unpaid, with no credit available. I found an internship that aligned with my AI interests, and I applied figuring that because it was unpaid, I’d likely be hired, and I was, but my role was limited without legal supervision, and it became increasingly difficult to rationalize doing legal work that others get paid thousands of dollars weekly for, for free, and without direction. (I’ll speak more on this in another post, because I did have a great experience here, until I didn’t).

I voiced my frustrations to anyone at my law school who would listen, especially career services. As someone heavily involved on campus, and a named-scholarship recipient for having faced financial difficulties on my journey to law school, I felt unsupported by school and uncertain in my choice to attend in the first place. With amazing faculty mentorship, I managed to get by during the summer as a research assistant, but even this role had its lows. At one of our first meetings, one professor I researched for posed the question, “You know, I wonder if it had been a different day, a different time, a different room… if your Property grade would have been different.” I completed as much research for him as I could handle thinking about that question, day after day through the summer.

An Unexpected Perspective

I spent most of my summer ruminating about my lack of success, and this took its toll. I struggled to celebrate wins like my selection as Staff Editor for the Cardozo International & Comparative Law Review and wondered if my on-campus involvement generally was in vain. As Vice President of the Student Bar Association, I was set to travel with our President to the American Bar Association’s Annual Conference in Chicago, yet days before the conference I looked for any excuse not to go. Embarrassed, I hesitated to attend without worthwhile professional plans to share. Of course, there was no real reason not to attend, and I couldn’t just ditch after my school paid for my attendance, so I packed up my best professional wear and set off for the conference.

And I’m so glad I did. As it turned out, attending the ABA Annual Conference in Chicago was exactly what I needed. Despite my initial hesitation, the experience opened my eyes to a broader perspective on law school and the legal profession.

During the conference, I had the opportunity to connect with law students from across the country. These conversations were enlightening, to say the least. I discovered that many of my peers were facing similar challenges, while others were grappling with entirely different but equally significant issues. One student shared that they had been offered just $1,400 for a summer public interest internship. This revelation put my own struggles into perspective and made me realize the diverse range of challenges law students face.

Finding My Voice

The general assembly discussion on Resolution 514 became a pivotal moment for me. The resolution aimed to encourage law schools to offer both pay and credit for opportunities, which seemed like a step in the right direction. However, I felt compelled to speak up, suggesting that the resolution could go further.

I proposed that no law student should go unpaid for summer work and that everyone should have access to the resources they need to succeed. To my surprise, my fellow students reacted positively to this suggestion. It opened up conversations about broader issues, including the realization that many of us, as law student representatives, weren’t fully aware of the extent of our potential involvement and the changes we could enact if we chose to.

This experience was truly eye-opening. I began to see the multitude of legal issues that need addressing, far beyond my initial focus on securing a Big Law position. It dawned on me that there are numerous paths within the legal field, each offering unique opportunities to learn and make a difference.

Shifting Perspectives

Following the conference, I found myself reevaluating my approach to my legal career. I started to look beyond just Big Law opportunities, seeking out firms and roles that aligned more closely with my values and work ethic. I’ve had the chance to connect with associates and partners at firms that have a more dynamic, innovative approach to legal practice. These conversations have been inspiring, showing me that there’s a place in the legal world for my drive and determination, regardless of the setbacks I’ve faced.

Learning to See the Forest Through the Trees

As I reflect on my journey so far, I’m beginning to understand the importance of resilience in this field. Law school and the legal profession are full of challenges and unexpected turns, but they’re also rich with opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

The setbacks I’ve experienced – the disappointing grade, the job search struggles – while difficult, are part of a larger picture. They’re teaching me valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my values.

Moving Forward

As I continue my 2L year, I’m carrying these lessons with me. I’m approaching my studies and job search with renewed energy and a broader perspective. I’m less focused on a narrow definition of success and more interested in finding opportunities that will help me grow as a legal professional and potentially make a meaningful impact.

To my fellow law students who might be struggling: know that you’re not alone. The path through law school and into the legal profession is rarely smooth, but each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. It’s okay to feel uncertain or overwhelmed at times – these feelings are part of the journey.

Looking Ahead

As I return to regular posts on The No-B.S. A.I. Law Blog, I’m excited to bring this new perspective to my writing. While I’ll continue to explore the fascinating developments in AI and law, I’ll also be sharing more personal insights and experiences through this “Not So Artificial” segment. I believe that by being open about the challenges we face as law students and young professionals, we can create a more supportive and resilient legal community.

Remember, in the midst of the challenges and uncertainties, we’re all learning, growing, and working towards making a difference in the legal world. Let’s continue this journey together, with honesty, resilience, and a commitment to supporting one another.