Stress. Anxiety. Overwhelm. Common words associated with law school. Although law school is challenging and students will face many obstacles along the way, there are ways to avoid and relieve some of these stressors, many of which are caused by misconceptions of law school and the reality of being a lawyer.
It’s not all “I object” and glamorous clothes, friends, and dinners.
Here are 12 common things lawyers wish they knew before attending law school and pursuing law.
Imposter syndrome is real and everyone experiences it.
Imposter syndrome. One of the biggest obstructions to a law student’s confidence. This internal feeling of incompetence stems from the unrealistic intrusive thoughts projected by your mind. Don’t worry though – this is extremely common for law students and you are not alone. Remember to remain realistic and focus on the facts. You would not have been admitted into law school if you were an inadequate candidate so do not let these doubts manifest and discourage you.
Don’t go for the money. Seriously.
Many people are interested in pursuing law for its financial prospects. The media portrays lawyers as filthy rich and money-focused. Although lawyers can definitely make high earnings, this is not a reason to become a lawyer. If you don’t have a passion for law, going to law school is a complete waste of time and you will feel incredibly unsatisfied and unfulfilled with your profession. It’s wiser to follow a career path you genuinely enjoy. You’re more likely to be successful at a job you love. Besides, why take a spot from someone else who actually wants to be there for all the right reasons?
Consider taking time off between undergrad and law school.
This one is tricky, but stick with me. Many people are eager to attend law school as soon as they receive their undergraduate degree. If you think this is a suitable and beneficial option for you, go for it! However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking time between your undergrad and law school to work, travel, or figure out what you want to do with your life. Law school is a huge commitment, financially, intellectually, and time-wise, so really consider if law is something you actually want to pursue.
Stress management and balance – do it.
Law school is rigorous and intense. It requires long hours of studying, reading, writing, and learning and you may often find yourself feeling overwhelmed. Despite law school’s high expectations and academic demands, you need to remember that maintaining a balanced life is a more realistic, sustainable, and long term approach to being a law student by preventing burnout. Figure out what you personally need to preserve your well-being.
Big Law attorney Jack Duffley swears by sticking to a routine and manages to create helpful YouTube videos for aspiring lawyers while working a full schedule.
Whether it’s getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night, meeting friends for coffee, or taking yoga classes during the week, there is always a way to work your law school schedule around your needs.
Find study methods that work FOR YOU.
Many students entering law school go in with a mindset that they need a military-like study schedule and new study habits. Although treating law school like a full time job and spending time to study are all crucial, studying EFFECTIVELY is key. Don’t waste time on small details in cases and study methods preached by the majority. Try new study methods and if those don’t work, do not hesitate to use the same study habits that got you through your undergrad if you find them effective. Just because everyone in your class partakes in study groups, doesn’t mean it will necessarily work for you.
It’s not like what you see on TV or in the movies.
If you think being a lawyer means living in the courtroom having heated debates and giving heartfelt speeches, you are terribly wrong. Litigation lawyers only make up a small percentage of lawyers and the reality is, even litigators spend the majority of their time preparing for a case before even stepping foot into the courtroom to present their findings. Actually being in court is a minor part of a lawyer’s job and reality is, most spend their time working from offices.
Public speaking AND writing are critical.
It is true that all lawyers need strong public speaking skills no matter what type of law they practice as communication is vital for their job. However, when people think about lawyers, they tend to ignore the fact that reading and writing are just as critical. If you become a lawyer, be prepared to spend the rest of your career constantly reading and writing. This includes drafting memos, contracts, reviewing documents, emailing clients, researching, and more.
Create an admissions timeline or plan.
The law school application process is lengthy and it is recommended that those applying should begin preparing around a year in advance. This includes researching different law schools, writing applications, and studying for the LSAT. Ideally, you could begin preparing even earlier if you are set on law school and cater your undergrad and extracurriculars around it. You can never be too prepared.
Cold calling is very real.
Cold calling in law school is real. There will be a point during law school where the professor will call on you and you may or may not know the answer. If you don’t, do not panic and give it your best shot. Your effort will be appreciated and your fellow peers will be too focused on the lesson and what they will say rather than your response. Nevertheless, remember to stay up to date with your reading and come to class prepared.
Find a field of Law that you enjoy.
There is a whole world of law for you to explore during and after law school with a variety of different practices from environmental law to criminal. Do your research and take time during law school to explore your interests. Being a lawyer requires hard work and often long hours so it is essential that you choose a field of law that you genuinely enjoy.
When applying, know that your LSAT score and GPA play the biggest roles.
Law schools do not care where or what you majored in for your bachelor degree (as long as it’s a legitimate university). This means that you have the freedom to choose a major you enjoy studying. Your application itself is important during the law school application process, but know that your GPA and LSAT score are the most impactful so keep this in mind when you select your bachelor program.
Developing skills > knowledge
The difference between law school and many other graduate programs is that it doesn’t require you to have any prior knowledge about law. With no prerequisites, how do you really prepare? The best way to do so is by building strong writing, reading, public speaking, and critical thinking skills. Even during law school, developing these skills is just as important as specific knowledge and will take you a long way. This is because law schools don’t necessarily teach you how to be a lawyer, but rather how to have the perspective of one using different case studies and theories. So keep in mind that memorizing details of every case you learn isn’t always relevant.
Written by: Grace Sun (Article Researcher and Writer, Campus Ambassador) and Top Class Edge
Sources:
Clark, Benya. “What I Wish I Knew before Starting Law School.” Medium, Age of Awareness,
29 May 2019,
https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-starting-law-school-f36d5ebacbd
Benya Clark, a lawyer from North Carolina, reflects back on law school and the mistakes he made that future law students should avoid. Benya narrows down the list of the most important things he wished he knew during law school that would have made his life a lot easier into a brief article.
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This site poses six different questions that those interested in pursuing law should ask themselves before attending law school. In addition, the site debunks common
misconceptions about the role of a lawyer as well as their salary range. The information on the site allows people to think about the role of a lawyer in different perspectives and truly consider whether or not law is the right career path for them.
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Nov. 2021,
www.ucdavis.edu/majors/blog/career-paths/6-things-i-wish-i-knew-when-i-applied-law-school.
This article gives readers a perspective from a lawyer and different factors they wished they had taken into consideration before applying to law school. Kristen Mercado provides valuable advice to better prepare students for their law school application process and how to successfully earn admission. She also addresses common mistakes made by students and the false representation of lawyers in the media.
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Mara Santilli shares things that lawyers Amanda Devereux, Rachel Rodgers, and Jamie* experienced during law school and what they wish that they had known beforehand. The article covers a wide range of advice that should be considered or kept in mind before or during law school.
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This article outlines the proper timeline and the necessary steps one must take to become a lawyer and practice in Canada. The extremely detailed and insightful information provided in the text covers everything from graduating highschool, the most advantageous undergraduate degrees, the LSAT format, how to choose a suitable law school, the admissions process, law school’s layout, what to do after graduating, and the different fields of practice after successfully passing the bar.
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https://abaforlawstudents.com/2016/09/27/five-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-law-school/
Steven Sweat outlines the 5 things he wished he knew before law school. The article covers information about law school’s curriculum format and how to effectively perform academically.
Vann, Riley. “10 Things I Wish I Knew before Law School.” Legally Blonde AF, Legally
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https://www.rileyv.com/legallyblondeaf-blog/things-i-wish-i-knew-before-law-school
This comedic, informal, blog written by Harvard Law student, Riley Vann, provides readers with insight into her personal experiences during law school. Her blog is a combination of reassurance, opinions, the realities of law school, and things to keep in mind. Riley lets students know that although law school is not smooth sailing and there will be many bumps along the way, they are not alone.