[plopz]

The current job market for lawyers is kind of messed up. When in law school you can be applying and accepting job offers clerking or working at law firms 2 years before the start date.

I don't know what even more increased pressure on that job market would do to it.

[oblio]

I'm not sure I understand: do you sign a contract for when you finish your studies?

Or do you do unpaid work in the hope that when you finish you'll get a job?

[plopz]

You accept an offer conditional on passing the bar. But even once you're out of school, if you want to do a clerkship you have to apply for it 1-2 years in advance.