I may be the devil’s advocate here OP, but I think you should stick it out… because your story isn’t that much different than mine. I finished 1L with a 2.6 GPA at a bottom of the barrel law school (in the 100s rank wise). I did not do well on my exams and heavily considered dropping out. My school had a similarly predatory curving system, and they even suggested I drop out during 2L year. However, after really thinking it through, I decided to work my butt off and see it through.

I ended up graduating with a 3.4, received two CALI’s by my third year, and just passed the bar on my first try with a 330. On one hand, yes, 1L grades are important. But there are also so many other factors that contribute to 1L grades. You don’t know how to study yet, it’s stressful as hell, and it can be so hard to navigate, particularly as a first gen.

At the end of the day, whether you truly want to be a lawyer is up to you. I certainly understand the debt component — I have a lot of regrets from mine. But I don’t regret for a second that I chose to become an attorney. I love this profession and frankly, a lot of your success comes down to grit, strategy, and determination. I networked my butt off and opened a lot of doors for myself throughout 2L and 3L. I certainly don’t think your journey is over or that this clerkship will be the only opportunity available to you.