Just started out in the profession but I am finding it to be very overwhelming.

I wanted to start out as a corporate lawyer but no one seems to be interested in taking a law graduate from a state university, despite my best efforts. Consequently, I picked a law office from the bunch one can easily find at Def Col at my father's instance. Now I know that I don't come from a family of lawyers or from a prestigious law school, but I thought, if maybe I put enough hardwork and dedication into it, I might be able to turn things a little into my favor.

Sadly, after a year, I am still at the same place. The dedication and hardwork has turned into exploitation at the hand of my employer. I am working 12 hours a day and with no leave even on public holidays. I am sure alot of people would relate. On top of it, I haven't received my "peanuts" for last three months. The stress is overwhelming. I am not moving, I am not learning, I am not getting the exposure or the experience I was promised.

For months, I kept telling myself that this is what it takes, everyone has to go through this. Infact, I wanted a compelling story for myself, one of great efforts, dedication and hardwork.

But now a almost a year has passed and I don't see it happening for me. I have lost weight, lost a fair share of hair, heaviest eyelids and darkest circles under my eye. Even after a lot of initiatives I am still delegated the same classic work of taking adjournments and running after my senior with an Ipad - of which I have no use.

It really hurts when my parents ask about my work. They always expected great things from me. How do I tell them the reality?

I pass Dhir & Dhir and Saraf & Partners everyday on my way to work. They seem so close yet so far. Alot of people here will say that they are not great firms either, but to me, they are definitely better than the one I am working at currently.

I don't want to be the one who cries for recommendations everywhere, but with no connections in the fraternity and being a first gen lawyer from a mediocre state university, I am left with no other options.

I just need an opportunity. I sincerely request everyone consider this heartfully and to divert any leads or openings they come around towards me, or recommend my name to their teams and offices, or simply suggest me a way forward from this point. I would be grateful beyond words.

The mail reads, " Dear ▮▮▮, Thank you for applying to Krishnamurthy & Co for a position of an Associate. We have reviewed your candidature, however we are unable to match an opening at your level. We have stored your resume in our database and we will reach out to you in case an opening arises in the future. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours."

And this came within minutes.

I thank everyone for their inputs, but I will be even grateful if someone can divert a real lead towards me, I am sincerely in need. I don't mind the grind or the toxic work culture or the shit pay. I just want real work ex. Pls don't take any offence but most of you here have the privilege of choice. I don't. I just want a job for now.

Apply to Klaw. As simple as that. They are hiring. Since you’re a fresher expect lower pay. The team has all Tier 1 lawyers in their team right now and is doing well. You will get a lot of exposure there. Don’t listen to anyone saying anything negative. B&F is a very competitive field and you’ll need to read into it a bit. It’s not just DRT and all. Apply there and you might secure yourself an interview at least.

Apply to JSA banking team called ATU, they are quite toxic and pay less compared to peers but you will get experience and will end up working for most banks. You can move to another place in a few years if you survive the grind. If you cannot handle too much toxicity or are a female then avoid ATU and join team SM. You will get experience with SM also but you will have to work smartly.