Dealing with unexpected loss, deadline for Toronto articling applications coming up on Friday

[Garfield]

Long story short, I’m dealing with unexpected loss of a close family member a month ago and I’ve been paralyzed since then. I am hardly able to get myself together and the Toronto articling recruit deadline for applications is coming up this Friday. I’ve written a few cover letters for the jobs in the areas that I am most interested in and that’s about it. (They’re very specific government jobs though that I have tailored.) 

Does anyone have any advice for how I should move forward? I have little time and energy and can barely stop crying. Skipping the recruit entirely probably isn’t an option because, like others, I am loads in debt. (Perhaps this thread will be useful for others dealing with other kinds of crippling depression too.)
 

What would you recommend I do in this situation if I am struggling to work? Perhaps I should make a generic letter for each practice area that I’m interested in and tailor them only if I have time? And avoid really competitive firms (I am a straight B student)? Any other recommendations would be appreciated. I have a lot of material from the 2L recruit that I’ve been recycling too.

[Hegdis]

I am so sorry for your loss. 

You know how people ask you if there is anything they can do? Time to tag your law school friend to help you send this stuff out and make sure it is complete. Seriously. Tell them you need help. They need to review your application for any errors or omissions and send it in for you. They need to help you decide which firms etc. This is what friends are for!

If you get interviews down the road you can decide if you are in any shape to do them. By then you may be. Worst case you cancel, briefly explaining your loss. People understand these things. 

[Rashabon]

In addition to the above, try and seek assistance, like speaking to a therapist or other mental health professional. Not just to get your articling applications in order but because this is likely affecting other areas of your life as well. Mental health is health and powering through legitimate mental health issues is often about as good as just trying to power through a broken leg or a heart attack.