The Do's and Don'ts of Law School

August 4, 2020

I’ve only been in law school for a year but throughout the last few months of observing and living through it I have amassed a list of tips for law school, accompanied by my commentary explaining why. This list is not exhaustive, and as always keep in mind that your experience might be different and what works for me might not work for you.

Here is a list of DON’Ts:

Skip class, I only did once and ONLY because my anxiety was extremely high and I didn’t think I would be able to sit through the whole class without crying or panicking. I attended my second class immediately after.

Repeatedly ask the professor to skip you during a cold call. I did not do this, I answered every cold call (only 3) this semester, regardless of how prepared I was or felt I was, luckily though, my professors took it easy on me the day I wasn’t at the top of my game, again, anxiety played a role. But I was always at least minimally prepared so I could handle a cold call. This is VERY important, but more on that in the DO section.

If your teacher uses a highlight method or index card method or anything that allows you to opt out, if you are not prepared, TAKE IT. Save yourself the trouble. Don’t be the person who to save face highlight that you read and then get called on and say skip me. Please don’t. Again this was not me but it happened and it hurts your participation grade, so just don’t highlight if you aren’t prepared.

Pull an all nighter. If you are getting tired, cranky, hungry, whatever take a break and go back to reading and briefing after a nap or food. Or if you have a headache or are sick or are just not feeling yourself, take the rest of the day off. Yes you will not be fully prepared the next day but your mental health and your body is more important. That’s why teachers have highlighter or other methods. Or email your professor that you are not prepared, they’ll understand, trust me.

Don’t eat only junk food. Everything you eat affects your brain and body. Yeah eat the pizza, or McDonald’s or whatever fast food you’re craving, just not every day. Healthy foods are so important to be at your absolute best, treat yourself, but in moderation.

Same thing with alcohol. Go out, have fun, have a glass of wine or a beer with dinner but don’t overdue it, or you’ll be dragging hard and not as productive the next day. It’s a vicious cycle.

Don’t overextend yourself. Yes get involved, but don’t be so involved in everything your schoolwork gets pushed aside or you’re burning yourself out. Everything in moderation. Don’t be afraid to say no or sorry I am no longer available if you feel you need to cut back.

and here’s what I plan to DO instead

Take rest days. Plan accordingly for one day a week to take off completely from school or at least a decent chunk of hours. Your body and brain will thank you.

Eat healthy. Breakfast is super important and I can’t function without a cup of coffee and either some scrambled eggs (with ham and spinach) or my protein smoothie (recipe here). If I’m in a rush or don’t feel like cooking or using my blender I eat a Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwich, I like these.

Meal prep, as best you can. It’s a time saver, money saver, and you’ll be so happy when you get home at 8-9pm to already have dinner ready, and all you need to do is warm it up.

Brief every case. I admit to sometimes skimming the readings, but I brief all the cases at least minimally to have some idea. I use quimbee for the cases I didn’t get to if I wasn’t feeling well or it was late, or for the cases I had a hard time understanding. But brief every case so you can follow along in class, and so have an answer if you get called on.

Take notes online. I use Evernote. It saves in real time and you can access it on any device. You’ll be thankful if your computer crashes, dies, breaks, dies, etc. OneNote is good too, and several classmates use it.

ORGANIZE. I have a law school folder on my computer. In that folder, I have a 1L folder. And in there, I have a folder per class. Save any syllabi or documents for each class in the respective file, so it’s easy access, organized and you clear your desktop.

I also have an individual “notebook” in Evernote for each class, and create a new note for each chapter, topic or class depending on how my professor organizes their lectures. I may try to do one long note for each class this semester, as some classmates did, this is TBD but I will update when I figure out my system!

I also have one binder with a tab for each folder to have the syllabus and any handouts for each class in it. Makes it super easy and hassle free to stay organized. And all you have to change between classes is books.

HAVE FUN. This is so so so important. Take time off, go out, hang out with friends, be social. Hours of being cooped up in a library without sunlight can be draining, recharge and let loose. I like to go out 1-2 times a week, usually at Rump Court, my schools version of Bar Review, and then Saturdays.

Take time for yourself!!! This is just as, if not more important. Along with sleeping, eating and being social you also need time to decompress so you can be your best self. I like to read, watch netlflix or a movie, take a bubble bath, blog, talk to my friends on the phone and just veg out on the couch. Find a method that works for you.

Work out. I started off really strong here and then after my accident I was out for a month and by then school picked up and I didn’t get back on track. But next semester I will be working out 2-3 times a week in the mornings to get my day going and help me stay fit and focused.

Get involved. Another super important one. With school, in your community, however. Not only is it a resume builder, it gives you something to do outside of reading cases all day, introduces you to people (NETWORKING) and helps you develop passions and discover what you want to pursue.

Join your local Bar association. It’s free for law students, there is so many resources available and events to network and meet fellow lawyers and students. Also its free. And it shows initiative.

Outline every few weeks, or at least once a month. It’ll save you time around November. Because once Thanksgiving is around, it’s crunch time.

BREATHE. RELAX. PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK. EVEN ON THE BAD DAYS.

Law school is tough, there’s not sugar coating it, not that I would have anyway. So take it with a grain of salt and smile and laugh and take a deep breathe. Not every day is gonna be good, pretty or even mediocre, but praise yourself and give yourself a hug because you’re doing the best you can and one day you will be a lawyer and you’re gonna be a damn good one.

I hope this little list helps some of you thinking about embarking on law school or for those in law school, I hope you resonate with these and continue to work hard to improve your experience, thanks for reading!

xo Kayla