Recruit season is upon us. This year’s 2L class is facing additional stress due to the pandemic and will be navigating the first-ever virtual recruit process. As I stare at the Excel spreadsheet I made with the list of employers, application requirements, practice information, and contacts, I can’t help but wonder when this will end. For some odd reason, the time from January – April always seems to go by faster than the September – December semester, and with the recruit taking place in February/March this year, I truly wonder how I will have time to focus on my academic responsibilities.
When in 2L, law students have been enrolled in post-secondary education for approximately 5-6 years (more or less for students who entered prior to finishing a four year bachelors, and more for students with graduate degrees). I am currently having flashbacks to the law school application process, which seems like it was just yesterday, but this recruit application cycle is just as daunting. While I would like to think that the opportunity that is meant to be for me will work out, I can’t help but worry that I will be in the group of students that does not get a job from OCIs, and will have to continue the application process long after call day.
Other thoughts that come into my mind are related to my original reason for applying to law school. The very reasons which made my personal statement stronger than it could have otherwise been. I personally never thought I would be doing OCI’s and applying to Bay Street firms, but here I am. Osgoode has provided me with incredible opportunities to learn about different areas of law and just as I am still interested in the original non-business practice area, I am incredibly intrigued by the type of work that students at full-service firms get to experience. Not only that, but I now have serious financial considerations. Tuition is at an all-time high, it didn’t change though we are learning entirely online, and I understand that. We are still getting top tier education from highly specialized faculty. However, in the midst of a global pandemic, I wonder how the law job market will change within the next few years. I am no longer certain that relying on a government or social justice/public interest position is a feasible option given the high debt load.
I try and take a deep breath and stare away from my colour coded spreadsheet. I close the multiple tabs on my browser and try to talk myself down from yet another breakdown. I tell myself to be confident in my abilities and focus on reflecting my experience, commitment to excellence, and ability to persevere through hardship in my application documents. I know this won’t be the last breakdown before the January 25thapplication due date, but I also know that as an Osgoode student, no matter what happens, I will be equipped with the highest quality education upon graduation from law school. I know that if OCIs do not work out for me, some other opportunity will come my way. At the end of it all, I close my eyes and express my gratitude for the privilege that I have been given to study law.