How to Survive 1L Year
I was super nervous going in to my first year of law school not so much for the classes because I've always been interested in studying law but because I knew it was a whole different learning environment. I know there are books out there to guide the new law students along but I thought what better person to hear it from than someone who just finished her 1L year. So here goes!! 1. DO start outlining ASAP Your outlines are everything you cling to. Taking 4-5 classes can be a heavy course load and at times they will seem to intersect and it's super important to keep your classes straight. Find an outlining style that works best for you whether it's charts, lists, etc. and keep them updated every weekend. Trust me. It will be your saving grace come finals week. 2. DON'T show up late to class. In fact, I would suggest arriving at least 15 minutes early to get yourself situated. My first week of class I had a Contracts professor who was a bit older who not only hated people who came in late but those that came in late AND slammed the door. That person basically had a target on their back the rest of the semester and that's not a situation you want to put yourself in. 3. DO find a study group and meet at least once a week. It's so important to have a study group you work well with. So far my best friends in law school have been the girls I chose to study with. With that being said, DON'T be afraid to speak up if you feel like someone in the group isn't pulling their weight. It's important that everyone is on the same page and giving their all to the group. 4. DO take advantage of professor's office hours. I'm very fortunate to go to a school where all the professors have an open door policy and are always willing to meet with their students. Sometimes things may not click the way the professor is explaining it in class and that's okay, just go to them for clarification after. It also helps to make an appointment with them after midterms to go over what you may be having trouble with whether it be multiple choice or what they are looking for on their essays. 5. DO adjust your writing style the way the professor wants. I had a variety of writing styles that each professor wanted and it's so important to write their way because that is what they are looking for when grading. You have to be willing to bend to their styles in order to get the points you need. Whether it be issue spotting, IRAC, CREAC, kitchen-sinking, etc. give the professor what they want to see. 6. DO get involved. 1L year is going to be mentally and emotionally draining but it's so important to take the time to start networking. But DON'T run yourself ragged. Pick a few things you may be interested and join them. Once you feel more comfortable add on more. 7. DO make time for yourself before friends and family. Friends & family are unfortunately put to the side because their just isn't enough time in the day to see everyone. But, you need to make time for yourself. For me, my me time has been working out, daily devotionals, and catching up on shows every now and again. You need to stay healthy. I was fortunate enough to not really get sick during the school year because I changed my diet and exercise which lead to me losing 17 pounds in my last semester of school (take that Freshman 15)! 8. DON'T be unprepared for class. Most law school professors use the Socratic method where they cold call on students and you are expected to be prepared to answer their question. I know for a fact that if you are called on and you are not prepared that sticks with the professor which is not the reputation you are trying to have. 9. DO sleep. I know that sounds crazy but it needs to be said. I can't do all nighters. I've never been able to. Are you going to get a full 8 hours every night? Absolutely not! But you have to sleep. Trust me, your mental health & sanity will thank you. 10. DO remember why you are here. You just signed up for 3 years of torture right? Wrong. You are in law school because the law is what you're passionate about. You want to be that person who makes a difference in whatever field you decide to practice in. This above all will get you through the papers, the exams, and the countless hours of studying.
