The first year of law school is typically the toughest. It’s a new learning environment with tough professors and smart students. There’s nothing you can do to escape the stress of the first year of law school but there are some things you can do to help you make it through while keeping your sanity.
Don’t be too CompetitiveOf course you want to do your best and finish at the top of your class just like everyone else, but in order to do that you are going to need other people’s help. By being too competitive you risk isolating yourself which will make the first year even worse. Remember, it’s the wolf that leaves the pack that gets eaten first. View your classmates as your support system not your enemies.
Write your own OutlinesOutlining helps you understand each case and the principles behind it. By doing your own outlines you are forcing yourself to clearly understand the information you are writing down. It is tempting to use other people’s outlines but will hurt you in the long run. It’s okay to look at other outlines for examples but do your best to create your own.
Get in a Good Study GroupYour study group will probably be your life line during the first year. Study groups are good for more than just studying. They will become your confidants and allies throughout your journey. Try and get into a study group with the best students. It may be uncomfortable at first but they will stretch you and help you become a better student and future attorney.
Go to ClassThis goes without saying but many students are scared to go to class because of the dreaded “Socratic Method.” Some things that will show up on tests will not be in the notes but you’ll miss out if you are not there. If you keep up on the reading and brief each case there’s no reason to be afraid of the Socratic Method because you will be prepared to give a solid response.
Take Time to Relax
Don’t be too CompetitiveOf course you want to do your best and finish at the top of your class just like everyone else, but in order to do that you are going to need other people’s help. By being too competitive you risk isolating yourself which will make the first year even worse. Remember, it’s the wolf that leaves the pack that gets eaten first. View your classmates as your support system not your enemies.
Write your own OutlinesOutlining helps you understand each case and the principles behind it. By doing your own outlines you are forcing yourself to clearly understand the information you are writing down. It is tempting to use other people’s outlines but will hurt you in the long run. It’s okay to look at other outlines for examples but do your best to create your own.
Get in a Good Study GroupYour study group will probably be your life line during the first year. Study groups are good for more than just studying. They will become your confidants and allies throughout your journey. Try and get into a study group with the best students. It may be uncomfortable at first but they will stretch you and help you become a better student and future attorney.
Go to ClassThis goes without saying but many students are scared to go to class because of the dreaded “Socratic Method.” Some things that will show up on tests will not be in the notes but you’ll miss out if you are not there. If you keep up on the reading and brief each case there’s no reason to be afraid of the Socratic Method because you will be prepared to give a solid response.
Take Time to Relax
Take time to enjoy your favorite activities. To do your best in law school you’ll need to recharge by spending time with family and friends doing what you love.
Time Block
Time Block
Set yourself time based parameters when you study. You’ll have better focus and your time studying will be much more productive if you set an allotted time.
Get to Know an Upperclassman
Get to Know an Upperclassman
A recent poll conducted by Forbes detailed how 90% of company CEO’s were mentored by someone with more experience. An upperclassman that has more experience can give you great inside information such as professor tendencies and study tips.
Keep up with your Reading
Keep up with your Reading
Keeping up with your reading is much easier than trying to catch up. Law professors expect students to do the reading so they can answer questions in class. As boring and laborious as it is you’ll want to keep up and not allow yourself to get behind.
RSS Feed