No matter where you went to school or how rigorous your undergraduate program was, law school will be different. Unlike undergrad, law school has a very specific purpose: developing the skills you need to become a successful lawyer and teaching you the unique obligations you have as a member of the legal profession. Almost everything about law school — from how classes are conducted, to the kind of reading and writing you do, to the overall workload and the grading system — will be new.
Get Ready to Read
First-year law students typically have little or no choice with respect to the courses they take, and the reading will be very different from the typical college course. Most of the reading will come from casebooks containing judicial opinions. Other assignments will involve reading statutes, such as the Uniform Commercial Code or criminal statutes, or rules, such as the Rules of Civil Procedure. There will be a lot of reading, often 50 to 100 pages a night, and the reading can be difficult, with unfamiliar vocabulary and ideas. You will need to use your best time-management skills. Even if you previously had success cramming at the last minute, that approach isn’t likely to work in law school. There is too much work, and assignments build on each other. Develop a plan for getting everything done on time.
Enhance Your Writing and Research Skills
You will also do a lot of research and writing in law school. Legal research and writing are very different from the research and writing you may have done before, although your undergraduate experience provides a solid foundation on which to build your new skills as an aspiring lawyer. Legal research involves finding court decisions, statutes, and regulations that apply to the facts of your particular case. Often, there won’t be a case or statute that directly addresses your case, and your job will be to argue why particular authorities support your position or why other, contrary decisions don’t apply. Good legal writing lays out a clear, concise argument that is supported by authorities and addresses the best arguments of the other side. A good legal memo or brief leads the reader to conclude that your argument is the most logical outcome for the case.
Start Building Your Professional Identity
Law school will also help you develop your own professional identity. In addition to teaching the critical skills and ethical obligations of lawyers, law school allows you to determine how your personal strengths, values, passions, and interests fit into the path you choose for your legal career. The skills you learn in law school will serve you well in every kind of legal practice, but also in other fields, such as government, public policy, or business. Building your professional identity is an important part of your legal education.
Seek Support
Take advantage of your professors’ office hours, and use the law librarians as a resource. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help, even if you never felt the need to do so as an undergraduate.
The good news is that most of the students in your class are facing the same challenging experience. This shared experience often creates a strong sense of community in your class. While law school can be very competitive, it also provides great opportunities for students to work together. First-year study groups can be very helpful in preparing you to participate in class, thinking through assignments, and studying for exams.
Practice Self-Care
One final piece of advice about your transition to law school: Take care of yourself by making time for yourself. Whether it’s running, playing music, watching movies, or some other passion, be sure to reserve time for the things that keep you grounded. You will be better positioned to succeed in law school if you find your work-life balance and stay committed to it.