LAW SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE
5 reasons not to be rude, dude.
Intro
You’ve been waiting years for this moment – from prepping your undergraduate resume for law school admissions to binge-watching A Few Good Men and My Cousin Vinny. Hey, you might have even snuck in a few minutes of Legally Blonde.
Now that you’re finally here, what do you do? Well, it depends. For starters – don’t be rude. We know what you’re thinking: “I’m a really nice person. I’m very self-aware and I’m not going to be that person in class.”
Here are five reasons to hold firm to that commitment and be your best self to your classmates in law school.
The 5 Reasons
Everyone knows that law school is one big competition, which can make you feel uneasy around your classmates. It’s way smoother and more conducive to learning, though, when people are helping each other – and not giving in to the inherently competitive nature of the whole ordeal.
Your classmates are the first group of contacts you will make in your career, and you want to get your reputation in the legal world off on the right foot. Law school isn’t going to teach you this, but no matter where your career takes you – Biglaw, Public Interest, Academia, the Judiciary, Government, Small Firm/Solo Practice – it’s a business. You’re going to need friends at all levels as you scramble to market yourself as a professional.
Get to know your classmates, because they may have skills you don’t. While you may be a solid legal writer, maybe your litigation skills need some help. Emily, the girl next to you who never talks but participates in every student group, is most likely the super sneaky litigator. Don’t mess with Em! (But, you should get to know her.)
You’re already stretched for time. Did you know your study group can pull double duty by helping you prepare for class AND offering group therapy all in one caffeine-fueled hour? But only if you return the empathy! Mutual support can mean the difference between barely surviving and really thriving in law school.
Tend to your image now, along with studying, prepping your resume and getting ready for OCIs. Your professors and classmates will notice how you show up – and their impressions now could make a difference down the road.
The Preparation Marathon
Exam prep begins before the first day of classes and continues until the moment you sit for your exam.
Sleep is underrated
Sleep helps the body and mind recharge. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, ongoing sleep deficiency can increase your risk of chronic health problems. Be sure to close those lids!
Don't skip breakfast
Before you rely solely on coffee, consider grabbing a banana or yogurt to jump-start your memory and concentration. Eating breakfast also helps to kick your metabolism into gear, so you can burn calories throughout the day.
A support system is a must
Law school is a challenging time in your life. Class assignments, exams and studying for the bar can leave you overwhelmed. Remember that you’re not alone. If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, reach out to family, friends, a counselor or classmate.
A life outside of law school
It’s important to not put your passions on the back-burner during law school. Love reading fiction or exercising? Make time for the things you love so you don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.
Plan your meals ahead
Jumping from class to class? Relieve the stress of trying to figure out when and where to eat by planning your meals ahead of time. Schedule time once a week to meal prep to ensure you always have brain food.
Focus on time management best practices
Ever heard of a law school student with extra time? Probably not. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t effectively manage your time. Consider tracking where you spend your time to determine your priorities – and identify areas you can scratch.
Do you know your legal stuff?
For Negligence claims, what is the standard for the “conduct of a reasonable man?” No, it is not someone who is reasonable.
