u/Fusionman29

I'm going to post this on my main account but i've vented on burners previously I believe. I was licensed Spring 2022 and received my first position in the Fall. Due to the partner's retirement plans and business wrap-up plans not being what was originally promised, we agreed it was best to part ways in the summer of 2023. From there until the start of 2025, I could not pick up employment. My first job that year was a debt collections firm that completely deteriorated my mental health. I was fortunate to be able to leave that position and get a family law position (the field I want to work in) immediately but that position ended after only a few months due to economic concerns at the small boutique firm.

In July, it will be a year since I've had a legal position. I keep getting interviews, I know I'm an excellent legal writer and researcher but something just feels wrong with me. I've been trapped in a loop of "we need someone with courtroom experience who can first chair" but its difficult to exactly get that experience in civil litigation without a position. My money is extremely tight and I'm just struggling to see any hope in my career prospects changing.

I wouldn't be surprised if the response here is just "the legal field isn't right for you, you need to give up this dream" but I truly don't know what else to do.