The secret formula to being a successful law student is easy to follow, but not many law students do it. I promise that by following these steps, law school and the transition to your legal career will be much smoother.
- Get to know your professors 1:1 beginning your 1L year.
- Your professors can be instrumental when it comes to looking for jobs and I’m writing bar application recommendations – as well as the obvious, helping you with your class materials.
- Begin outlining early.
- Try your hardest not to fall behind in any class.
- Don’t be a jerk.
- Your classmates may one day be your work colleagues or even your boss. So be kind.
- Network with everyone!!
- As a law student (especially a first-gen law student), you most likely don’t have many attorney mentors around you so seeking them out will be crucial. Network, Network, NETWORK!!
- Ask for Help!
- Everyone around you is likely going to act like they know EXACTLY what they’re doing, but they don’t. Don’t be afraid to ask your professors for help when you need it – that’s why they’re getting paid the bug bucks.
- Find a group of students you relate to – they will be your support system.
- Some people get really lucky and make life-long friends while in law school, while for others, seemingly everyone around them is their competitor. If you are able to find a handful of student who genuinely want you to succeed, cling on to them. They will make law school much more bearable. You can likely find these students within affinity groups that you are the most interested in – its also a great way to begin networking!
- Maintain your mental, physical and emotional well-being.
- Law school will likely consist of 3-4 years of pure chaos and emotional distress. Focus on making sure your mind, body and spirit are balanced.
- Set boundaries with your family and friends.
- This is going to be exceptionally difficult, but will be critical to your success. Your family and friends will have to be informed on how your studies will take priority and this will mean you are likely going to miss a few family gatherings and holidays together. Its not your job to make them understand what you will be going though, but keeping them informed shows them that you care about them and once this chaotic time in your life has ended, you will be back.
- Be authentic in all of your interactions.
- Again, don’t be a jerk (unless that is your authentic self). You need to show up as the most authentic version of you at all times. You never know the impact you can make on someone.
- Don’t give up!
- You’ll be tempted to quit many times, but you’re dedicating so much time, energy and effort to this career.
