Remaining Calm and Focused:
During your law school ordeal you will rapidly find that you have little or no time for an active life outside the doors of your law school. Unfortunately, this lack of opportunity to pursue outside interests will not be corrected upon graduation. Only the master will change; the pursuit, and/or practice of law will take all of the time you have to offer and demand more. You must, however, resist the temptation to do nothing but study. During our orientation class, before the first day of law school, a professor encouraged us to study hard and to play hard. That professor was right on the money with his advice. You must find a vent for the stress and frustration that law school fosters in all students. In fact, we believe that most of the stress and anguish is intentionally placed on the students to test their resolve. There simply is not enough room in the second-year class to accommodate the placement of all of the first-year students so law schools use the pressure as a screening device to separate those who can deal with the stress from those who cannot.
It is not uncommon to find that many of the first-year class gain weight as the year progresses. This situation is similar to the freshman year in college when many students put on a few pounds as a result of cafeteria food and lack of exercise. Therefore, jog or walk, play tennis, basketball, or racquetball-just engage in some sort of physical activity on a regular basis and eat healthy food as opposed to fast food whenever time permits. Most students feel that some sort of physical activity is best to promote a more refreshed attitude toward classes.
Should you actively date during law school? There is enough pressure on law students already without adding complicated relationships to the mix. Certainly, casual dating is encouraged, but remember that serious law school relationships will be subjected to competing turmoil and distraction. Our advice is to encourage you to remain focused on your ultimate goal.
There will also probably be some conflicts between spouses when one attends law school. The law student will not have the same amount of time to devote to his or her spouse and/or children. "Quality time" should still exist, but when one member of the family goes to law school, in essence, all of the family attends. Before you begin law school, sit down with your loved ones and explain to them what attending law school will mean to your relationship. Tell them what they can expect from the adventure, and ask for their understanding in advance.
Personality Profile:
Law students recognize typical personality profiles of themselves as they progress through each year of study. Perhaps by briefly discussing them here, future students, their families, and friends might better understand the changes that law students undergo.
First-year law students are fearful, easily intimidated, and very touchy about any topic or request that may be made of them. They are operating under a tremendous amount of pressure and perceive themselves walking a fine line between remaining in control and losing it altogether. Therefore, it is best to give them plenty of time alone to study and fret. Friends and family should offer ample support at this time if the student needs someone to act as a sounding board for his or her frustrations.
Second-year law students are survivors of the harsh weeding out period known as the first year of law school. They are much more confident than they were just months before because they now know the ropes of law school and have replaced a significant amount of the previous year's fear and stress with a determination to succeed.
Third-year law students are at the top of the law school food chain. They are the veterans of the long war and, as a result, have ridden the pendulum from the extremes of fear and distrust experienced during their first year, to an almost swaggering arrogance. These students know the law or know where to find it. However, it is almost unthinkable to imagine a situation where they will not be able to produce the answer from memory. They are looking forward to the day of graduation and the almost guaranteed riches and fame that await them. Very few third-year students fail to graduate, but that guaranteed wealth and fame can tend to be very illusive.
Here are some more tips to ensure that you stay sane:
Don't Aim Too High:
It's nice to have big dreams and to aim high but it would not be right to overdo it and have unrealistic dreams. Keep on checking off whatever you have accomplished and don't get too aggravated or upset about what you have not been able to achieve.
Relax After The Lectures:
The lectures are tough and your mind needs a break. Take time off. Play with your dog, watch TV, just spend a little time away from thoughts of the classroom.
Budget Your Time Well:
Don't just jump into work, without looking at the clock. Review your weekly and daily goals and set yourself a schedule and then follow it. Make it a little flexible. Managing your time well will mean that you will have accomplish more and in less time.
Eat Well:
Eradicate junk food from your menu. Eat a balanced diet. Don't eat food while studying. Enjoy your food and make sure that fruits and vegetables are an important part of your meals.
Have A Clear Picture Of Your Finances:
Law school is scary enough; don't exacerbate it further by worrying how you are going to pay for it. Have plan for investment before you join, so that money is the least of your worries.
Have A Stress Outlet:
When you start feeling that the law school is becoming all-consuming and that you are having the professors lectures coming out of your ears, do something that you really enjoy doing. Go to the gym, take in a movie, eat out. Give yourself some quality time so that you don't burn out.
Understand And Curtail Procrastination:
Facebook may beckon you but the more time you spend away from your books, the more you'll lag behind. Procrastination is a big enemy and law book, unlike other schools and colleges does not give you time to catch up - you either keep up or stay where you are.
Keep Things Organized:
Break things and work into small manageable sizes. This will not only help keep things organized but also inspire and motivate you when you accomplish small goals.
Don't Try To Be A Perfectionist:
Don't aim to do everything perfectly. We don't have to be Mr. Perfect's. You don't have to be the best in class to make a success of your career. Some of the top lawyers in the world never got A's in their entire law school time.
Remember That This Too Will Pass:
Keep in mind that law school is temporary and that after three years you are out of here. Each passing years things will become a lot less tense and more relaxed. See the difference between the first year and the third year students and you will understand what I am trying to say.
