I am from the batch of 2026 studying at a tier three nlu. I've interned at multiple law firms, won moots (mostly national and have world rounds achievements at 2 major international moots), have multiple publications etc. I really really tried guys, I truly worked hard for so long hoping to make my parents proud by getting a good job. But nothing has worked out so far. The assessment internships that I did, did not convert and the Partner informed me and my co interns as well that they are not planning on hiring freshers. This was my last internship slot and I'll have to be unemployed even after graduating. I'm so disappointed in myself and cannot process this. I have tried applying to multiple firms, even boutiques for an assessment but couldn't find anything. The threshold keeps getting low every other month guys - just like everyone else, I initially wanted a tier one so that I'll be able to pay off my student loan sooner, then of course I was content with getting a tier two/boutique considering the economy and now I just need a job that pays peanuts and even that's not working out. In general I've been a relatively optimistic person, but now I've just given up on life. Not even gonna bother doing the bare minimum since it's pointless. ▮▮▮

Listen to me OP, even though it seems bleaks right now, I assure you IT WILL GET BETTER. There are many in the same boat as you because the market this year is really bad and hiring is down in general.

You still have some time before graduation and not to mention, after graduation wherein you can still do assessment internships/ask for callbacks or pick up trainee/junior associate positions to work towards a full time role.

NEVER LOSE HOPE OR DO ANYTHING EXTREME, you have plenty of chances to upskill and make the best of your education with or without an offer in hand before graduation. Now is the time to work on your CV, your Cover Letter and yourself and not leave any stone unturned!

Wow. You're a kid in your early twenties sounding like a tired 60 year old! Dude, you have your whole f-ing life ahead of you. There are so many things you can do beyond working as a glorified clerk in a firm. If you've done decently in international moots, you should have the aptitude to pursue many I interesting careers where you will succeed.

Stop having law firm FOMO. Most people quit after a year or two anyway.

Not to sound insensitive but while I understand the stress one goes through during a job hunt (been there more than once in about 8 years of practice) and the financial uncertainty that creeps in but, as a fresher, in your early twenties, there is no reason for you to sound so hopeless.

Jobs will come and go but you cannot base your entire life's outlook around it, especially when you're presently still a student. If you are unable to find a job in your preferred practice area, explore alternatives in the meantime such as clerkship or a chamber to start earning and then make a move when an opportunity arises, don't chase an ideal job or a perfect practice area for now.

You only have one issue - that is thinkinh you are doing law or in college for getting a job in firms. Law firms are useless. People who work there should be ashamed of themselves for chosing such a clerical area of work where they do nothing. Their contribution is nothing. They are clerks. Dont be one. If you want to do something in life, get into litigation. It has both money and respect, and isnnot clerical or a place where self entitled people living in some sort of delulu do clerical work