Struggling as a law clerk

Hi all,

I’m a law clerk in an appellate court. I am really struggling, which upsets me because I think practice will actually be harder.

The hardest part for me about the job is proposing definitive resolutions of cases and having other judges disagree. It’s hard to not feel like I’ve “missed” an issue or a case or a fact when this happens, even though I know disagreement is inevitable and part of the process.

Because I really beat myself up over getting stuff wrong, it’s become hard to enjoy the job. My anxiety is also way up—I want to avoid disagreement and I think constantly about my cases. Any tips on how to cope? Will this get easier? Will being at a firm be different because instead of resolving cases I just have to advocate for one side?