A Comprehensive Guide for Law School Students: Advice from a Lawyer

A Comprehensive Guide for Law School Students: Advice from a Lawyer

Entering law school is an exciting yet challenging journey. As a lawyer who has navigated these waters, I understand the importance of preparation, effective study habits, and strategic planning. This comprehensive guide aims to help students starting law school with advice on various aspects of their academic journey. From studying tips to preparing for the bar exam early, this blog covers everything you need to know to excel in law school and beyond.

Lawyers earn a median annual salary of nearly $130,000, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is roughly three times the national median wage for all occupations.

Entering Law School: What to Expect

Entering law school marks the beginning of a rigorous academic journey. The first year, often referred to as 1L, can be particularly challenging as you adjust to a new way of thinking and learning. Expect to encounter a heavy workload, including extensive reading assignments, case briefs, and legal writing exercises. Developing strong time management skills and a disciplined study routine will be crucial to your success.

How to Study Effectively in Law School

Studying in law school requires a strategic approach. Here are some tips to help you study effectively:

1. Active Reading: Engage with the material by highlighting key points, making notes in the margins, and summarizing cases in your own words.
2. Case Briefing: Create detailed case briefs that include the facts, issues, holdings, and reasoning of each case. This will help you understand and recall important legal principles.
3. Outlining: Develop comprehensive outlines for each course, summarizing key concepts and organizing your notes in a structured manner. Regularly update your outlines throughout the semester.
4. Practice Exams: Take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you will encounter. This will also help you identify areas where you need further study.

How to Study Effectively in Online Law School

1. Active Reading: Engage with the material by highlighting key points, making notes in the margins, and summarizing cases in your own words.
2. Case Briefing: Create detailed case briefs that include the facts, issues, holdings, and reasoning of each case. This will help you understand and recall important legal principles.
3. Outlining: Develop comprehensive outlines for each course, summarizing key concepts and organizing your notes in a structured manner. Regularly update your outlines throughout the semester.
4. Practice Exams: Take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you will encounter. This will also help you identify areas where you need further study.

Preparing for the Bar Exam Early

Starting bar exam preparation early can alleviate stress and improve your chances of passing. Here are some strategies:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Format: Understand the structure and content of the bar exam in your state. This includes the subjects tested, the format of the questions, and the scoring criteria.
2. Take Relevant Courses: Enroll in courses that cover subjects tested on the bar exam. This will give you a strong foundation and make bar preparation more manageable.
3. Use Bar Prep Materials: Begin using bar prep materials, such as practice questions and outlines, during your third year of law school. This will help reinforce your knowledge and identify any gaps.

What to Expect During Final Exams

Final exams in law school can be intense and demanding. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Comprehensive Coverage: Exams often cover the entire semester’s material, so it’s important to stay consistent with your studying and review.
2. Issue Spotting: Law exams typically involve spotting legal issues in hypothetical scenarios. Practice identifying and analyzing issues in practice questions.
3. Time Management: Develop a strategy for managing your time during exams. Allocate time for reading, outlining your answer, and writing.

When to Commit to a Bar Prep Company

Committing to a bar prep company is an important decision. Here’s when you should consider it:

1. Early in Your Third Year: Start researching bar prep companies early in your third year. Compare their offerings, including course materials, practice questions, and support services.
2. Consider Your Learning Style: Choose a company that aligns with your learning style. Some companies offer live lectures, while others provide online resources and self-paced study options.
3. Financial Planning: Bar prep courses can be expensive, so plan your finances accordingly. Some companies offer payment plans or financial assistance.

Pros and Cons of Taking an Internship in Law School

Internships can provide valuable experience, but they also come with pros and cons:

Pros:

• Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience in a legal setting and apply what you’ve learned in class.
• Networking: Build connections with professionals in the legal field, which can be beneficial for future job opportunities.
• Skill Development: Develop important skills, such as legal research, writing, and client communication.

Cons:

• Time Commitment: Internships can be time-consuming and may interfere with your studies.
• Stress: Balancing an internship with coursework can be stressful and demanding.

What to Do During the Summer to Get Your Mind Off Law School

Taking a break during the summer can help you recharge. Here are some activities to consider:

1. Travel: Explore new places and cultures to broaden your horizons and take a break from your routine.
2. Hobbies: Engage in hobbies that you enjoy, such as reading, hiking, or painting, to relax and unwind.
3. Volunteer: Participate in community service or volunteer work to give back and gain new experiences.

Pros and Cons of Study Groups

Study groups can be beneficial, but they also have drawbacks:

Pros:

• Collaborative Learning: Share insights and perspectives with peers, which can enhance your understanding of the material.
• Motivation: Study groups can keep you accountable and motivated to stay on track with your studies.
• Support System: Build a support network with fellow students who can offer encouragement and advice.

Cons:

• Distractions: Study groups can sometimes become social gatherings, leading to distractions and reduced productivity.
• Group Dynamics: Differences in study habits and learning styles can create conflicts and hinder group effectiveness.

The Best Place to Buy Law School Textbooks

Purchasing law school textbooks can be expensive. Here are some options to consider:

1. Campus Bookstore: Convenient but often more expensive. Check for new and used books.
2. Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Chegg, and eCampus offer competitive prices and a wide selection of new and used books.
3. Student Exchanges: Buy from upperclassmen or use online student forums and groups to find cheaper options.

Pros and Cons of Renting Law School Textbooks

Renting textbooks is a popular option, but it has pros and cons:

Pros:

• Cost Savings: Renting textbooks can be significantly cheaper than buying new ones.
• No Resale Hassles: Avoid the hassle of reselling books at the end of the semester.

Cons:

• Limited Use: You can’t keep the books for future reference.
• Condition Restrictions: Rental agreements may prohibit highlighting or writing in the books.

How to Prepare for Class and Case Briefs

Preparation is key to success in law school. Here’s how to prepare effectively:

1. Read Assignments: Thoroughly read all assigned cases and materials before class.
2. Case Briefs: Create detailed case briefs that include the facts, issues, holdings, and reasoning. This helps you understand and remember the material.
3. Class Participation: Be prepared to participate in class discussions and answer questions. Active participation can enhance your understanding and retention.

Pros and Cons of Reading Cases vs. Reading CliffsNotes

Choosing between reading full cases and using CliffsNotes depends on your study habits and goals:

Pros of Reading Cases:

• In-Depth Understanding: Reading full cases provides a deeper understanding of legal reasoning and principles.
• Preparation for Class: Professors often expect you to be familiar with the full text of cases discussed in class.

Cons of Reading Cases:

• Time-Consuming: Reading full cases can be time-consuming, especially when you have multiple assignments.

Pros of Reading CliffsNotes:

• Time Efficiency: CliffsNotes provide concise summaries, saving you time while still covering key points.
• Quick Review: Useful for quick reviews before exams or class discussions.

Cons of Reading CliffsNotes:

• Lack of Detail: CliffsNotes may omit important details and nuances found in full cases.

What Notes to Take During Class

Taking effective notes during class is crucial for success. Here are some tips:

1. Key Points: Focus on key points, legal principles, and important cases discussed by the professor.
2. Class Discussions: Note down significant points from class discussions and questions posed by the professor.
3. Outline Format: Use an outline format to organize your notes, making it easier to review and study later.

Helpful Electronics for Law School

Certain electronics can enhance your law school experience:

1. Laptop: Essential for taking notes, researching, and writing papers. Choose one with good battery life and a comfortable keyboard.
2. Tablet: Useful for reading e-books and taking notes. Some tablets also support stylus input, making it easier to annotate PDFs.
3. Smartphone: Keep track of your schedule, set reminders, and access study materials on the go.

Should You Get a Briefcase or a Backpack for Class?

Choosing between a briefcase and a backpack depends on your preferences and needs:

Briefcase:

• Professional Appearance: A briefcase presents a professional image, which can be beneficial for internships and networking events.
• Organization: Typically offers better organization with multiple compartments for documents and electronics.

Backpack:

• Comfort: A backpack distributes weight more evenly, making it more comfortable to carry heavy textbooks and a laptop.
• Versatility: More versatile and practical for everyday use, including commuting and carrying larger loads.

Law School Clubs and Honor Societies

Joining clubs and honor societies can enhance your law school experience. Some options include:

1. Moot Court: Participate in simulated court proceedings to develop your advocacy skills.
2. Law Review: Contribute to legal scholarship by writing and editing articles for your school’s law journal.
3. Student Bar Association: Get involved in student governance and organize events for your peers.
4. Special Interest Clubs: Join clubs focused on specific areas of law, such as environmental law, international law, or criminal justice.

Pros and Cons of Joining the Law Review

Joining the law review has its advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Prestige: Law review membership is highly regarded by employers and can enhance your resume.
• Writing Skills: Improve your legal writing and research skills through rigorous editing and writing.
• Networking: Build connections with faculty, peers, and legal professionals.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: Law review requires a significant time commitment, which can interfere with your studies and personal life.
• Stress: The workload and deadlines can be stressful and demanding.

How Many Hours a Week to Study

The number of hours you should study each week varies, but here are some general guidelines:

1. 1L Year: Expect to study around 40-50 hours per week, including class time, reading, and outlining.
2. 2L and 3L Years: Study time may decrease slightly, but you should still plan to spend around 30-40 hours per week on coursework and exam preparation.

How Many Hours to Prepare for the Bar Exam vs. Studying for Class (First Year Law Student)

Balancing bar exam preparation with studying for class requires careful planning:

1. During Law School: Dedicate a few hours each week to bar prep materials and practice questions, especially in your third year.
2. After Graduation: Plan to study full-time for 8-10 weeks before the bar exam, dedicating around 40-60 hours per week to bar prep.

Books for Law Students

Several books can help you succeed in law school:

1. “Getting to Maybe: How to Excel on Law School Exams” by Richard Michael Fischl and Jeremy Paul: A must-read for understanding how to approach law school exams.
2. “Law School Confidential: A Complete Guide to the Law School Experience” by Robert H. Miller: Offers practical advice on surviving and thriving in law school.
3. “The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation”: Essential for legal writing and citation.

The Best Study Aids for Law Students

Study aids can enhance your understanding of complex legal concepts:

1. Examples & Explanations Series: Provides clear explanations and practice questions for various subjects.
2. Emanuel Law Outlines: Comprehensive outlines that cover key topics and concepts.
3. CALI Lessons: Interactive online tutorials that reinforce classroom learning.

Pros and Cons of Picking an Area of Law Early (First Year Law Student)

Choosing an area of law early in your studies has advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Focused Learning: Allows you to tailor your coursework, internships, and extracurricular activities to your chosen field.
• Networking: Helps you build connections and gain relevant experience early on. (first year law student)

Cons:

• Limited Exploration: May prevent you from exploring other areas of law that might interest you.
• Changing Interests: Your interests may change over time, leading to a potential shift in focus.

How to Determine What Area of Law to Focus On

Determining your focus area requires self-reflection and exploration:

1. Internships and Clinics: Gain practical experience in different areas of law through internships and clinical programs.
2. Courses and Seminars: Take a variety of courses to explore different legal fields and identify your interests.
3. Mentorship: Seek advice from professors, practicing attorneys, and alumni to gain insights into different practice areas.

Pros and Cons of Picking an Area of Law Early in Law School

Choosing a focus area early in law school has both benefits and drawbacks:

Pros:

• Career Planning: Helps you plan your career path and build a relevant resume.
• Specialization: Allows you to develop expertise in a specific field, which can be advantageous in the job market.

Cons:

• Narrow Focus: May limit your exposure to other areas of law and reduce your flexibility.
• Interest Shift: Your interests may evolve, leading to a potential change in focus.

Potential Career Paths for Law Graduates

While many law graduates become attorneys, with options across various industries and specializations, a law degree’s versatility empowers others to pursue diverse careers. This can extend beyond the legal field, encompassing business, government, diplomacy, education, and more. Law internships for high school students offer an early glimpse into these possibilities, providing valuable experience and insight into the legal profession.

How to Maintain Good Health While in Law School

Maintaining good health is essential for success in law school. Here are some tips:

1. Exercise Regularly: Incorporate physical activity into your routine to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
2. Healthy Eating: Maintain a balanced diet to fuel your body and mind. Avoid excessive caffeine and junk food.
3. Sleep Well: Prioritize sleep to ensure you are well-rested and alert. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
4. Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to manage stress effectively. Take breaks and engage in activities you enjoy.
5. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a counselor if you are feeling overwhelmed. (first year law student)

Conclusion

Starting law school is a challenging but rewarding journey. By adopting effective study habits, planning ahead for the bar exam, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, you can set yourself up for success. Remember to take advantage of resources like internships, study aids, and mentorship opportunities to enhance your learning experience. At Daniel S. Pickens Law, we are committed to supporting law students and helping them achieve their academic and professional goals. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to contact us.