Ask Agony Aunt: Do Not Panic

AUNT MYRTLE
Volume 2, Issue 5 (Originally Published 20 August 2012)
 
This week our in-house agony aunts received several letters from students tearing their hair out because of the clerkship application process and the inevitable stress it causes. We at De Minimis wish you to know that being calm is the best thing you can do for yourself; if you want something enough, then don’t give up!

 
Dear Aunts
 
I submitted sixteen clerkship applications, and already have four rejections. I don’t know what I’ll do if I don’t get a clerkship! Please help!
 
Sincerely, Panicked
 
Dear Panicked
 
As there are so many students that applied for clerkships, some rejections are inevitable. Hopefully you do get some interviews, but even if you don’t, it won’t be the end of the world. There isn’t just one easy route to becoming a lawyer. Make an appointment with a careers counsellor and have them look over your CV and cover letter, research other firms or internship opportunities, and bolster your extracurricular activities for your next applications.
 
Even if it doesn’t work out for a clerkship, your hard work will pay off if you keep applying and trying other avenues for experience and employment.
 
Sincerely,
 
Aunt Myrtle
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