What a ride. Your first class. Your first cold call. What’s it like? How will you make it through? Here’s some tips on your first week of law school from my fresh 1L perspective.
Imposter syndrome
I think just about everyone feels this their first week. Looking around at the older students, hearing just how much is expected of you, and how much your professors know can be overwhelming. You can begin to wonder, “How did I get here? Can I even DO THIS?!” Yes, you can do it. By the time the first month has passed, you’ll realize this. Listen, you got in. That LSAT was hard. You made the score. You got into law school. You’re already beating the odds. You just have to finish, now. It’s up to you to stick with it.
Chill out
This time is about you practicing reading cases and taking notes. So just focus on that. Don’t stress about 2L year, internships, or even exams. Create a strong study routine. Improve your reading and comprehension skills. Learn your professor’s habits. But most importantly, learn to relax in the midst of stress. Don’t be in the library all afternoon if it stresses you out to be around all those people studying (or procrastinating). Exercise daily, if that’s what you like to do. Cook, if that’s what you like. (Hi, that’s me!) You might like making memes in your spare time. But, absolutely take one day of the weekend to relax and do no work at all. This will a helpful habit very, very soon.
The cold call
This is formally known as the socratic method. Instead of straight lecture, the professor will pose a question, then choose (sometimes randomly, sometimes not) a student to answer. You’ll laugh about it later, but in the moment you might actually break a sweat. Sounds stressful, and it can be. Here’s why. It’s not ask one question, and they move on. It’s more like this:
Prof: “Tell us what happened in the case.”
Student: Begins with the facts of the case..
Prof: Interrupts. Poses question.
Student: Answers
Prof: Okay, continue.
Student: Continues with facts..
This continues until they decide they’re done with you. It’s supposed to being preparing you. Like for court and arguments and what not.
Its okay. Read the assignment before class. You won’t have all the answers, but you can start there and begin to understand how you’re supposed to be thinking soon enough.
Outlining
It’s a summarized version of your notes from class, grouping together rules and information you need to know for exams, organized into sections. You don’t have to start this right away, so don’t stress about it.
Learn how you learn, NOW
Know which ways you learn best. Handwritten notes, flashcards, etc. There are apparently studies that show students learn best when they take notes in their own handwriting, so some, possibly all of your professor will ban laptops/technology in class. There are a couple articles from Scientific American and NPR on why that is and how scientists have come to that conclusion.
This is not undergrad
You HAVE to prepare for class. You’ll likely change your mind on this later on in law school, but for now, absolutely read the cases, do your briefs, and be prepared. Don’t make a bad first impression. Don’t ruin your experience before you even start.
Lastly, I want to mention something that’s quite important. You may have already made your mind up about this topic, and that’s fine. As a Pharm.D., I feel I have to mention it. It’s common knowledge that many people take drugs in professional school, including law school. This does not have to be you. Drugs are physically and emotionally expensive. They cost a lot of money, they can get you in more trouble than you’re ready to deal with, and they’re addictive. Please don’t do drugs.
Law school is one whirlwind of an experience, but you can do this!! One day we’ll all look back and think, “Wow! Glad that’s over.” I’m kidding…or am I?
Prescribed by Law 