Feeling Stressed at Law School and How to Cope With It

You'll Know You're Stressed If You Feel:

• Angry
  

You may harbor hostility during your first year. It is common to feel anger toward professors. "Why won't they just spell it out? Why do we have to go through this crazy Socratic torture dubbed 'the case method.' I can learn to think like a lawyer without it. Why is the professor assigning so much reading? I hate the professor. The professor is stupid. The professor does not deserve to be teaching at this school."


You may also get angry, annoyed, and perturbed at the significant others (for example, your husband or wife) in your life because they don't understand, because they complain that you are not spending enough time with them, and because they are normal human beings (and you are not anymore).

In law school, you learn a problem-solving approach. This is what law professors like to call "learning to think like a lawyer." Most professors believe that the best way for students to learn this problem-solving approach is by "hiding the ball." What this means is that professors ask many difficult questions and never give the answers. Sometimes professors do this because they want you to figure out the answer on your own. Most of the time professors do this because there is no "right" answer.

Many first-year students come to school thinking they will learn rules (formally called blackletter law). It soon becomes apparent that the rules are not pivotal. What is important is not clear. The Socratic Method can feel like an attempt to make over your personality. What you learn your second year is that it is-sort of. You will be amazed to realize how differently, and more clearly and critically, you think as a result of suffering through the Socratic Method your first year. You may even appreciate it. However, during the first few months of your first year, you will probably not recognize the changes in your thinking, and the Socratic Method will leave you confused.

• Anxious
  

First-year students are well acquainted with anxiety. Anxiety over whether you are "getting it" as fast as the competition. Anxiety over whether law school was the right decision. Anxiety over grades and career choices.

You may have a tendency to catastrophize: "I'm going to flunk this Bankruptcy exam and then I'll never get a job and then I'll never pay off my loans and I'll have to declare bankruptcy-but I don't understand bankruptcy, which is why I'm going to flunk this exam." Resist this type of thinking. It will do you no good and may give you an ulcer (ouch!).

During finals of my first year, I picked up the book again. As I reread certain passages, I smiled in recognition. Suddenly I realized that I was Scott Turow. I was horrified at what I had let myself become.-TRICIA SIMPSON, FORDHAM LAW SCHOOL

• Lonely
  

You may be attending law school in a new city far away from familiar faces. There are times when it would be great to grab coffee or shoot hoops with someone who truly knows you. Even if you are attending law school in your hometown, old friends don't always understand what you are going through or have the patience to put up with your "law school" problems.

You will make new friends at law school who are in your boat, but there is a tendency to hide what you are really feeling-your true emotions-from new friends. You may not trust them yet. You may not want to reveal your weaknesses.

• Depressed
  

Life is the pits. You're tired. You're not having fun anymore.

SOLUTIONS: STOP THE MADNESS

Talk Things Out

All the emotions mentioned above are common and normal during your first year. Talking with others about what you are going through helps keep things in perspective. Drop by the dean of students' office and share your concerns-you'll be reassured. Talk with a professor about your anxiety over a class. Who knows, the professor who assures your sniveling self that it "all will make sense in time for the exam-stay fluid" may be the same person who goes to bat for you your second year so you can get that great federal clerkship.

Most importantly, don't forget to talk things out with classmates. You'll probably get a great laugh and be surprised when your friends admit they are dreaming about torts, too.

Keep a Sense of Humor

Laugh. At yourself. At your professors. At classmates (behind their backs, of course). Laughing is a great stress release.

Find a section mate with a good sense of humor who likes to make jokes at your and others' expense and try to spend as much time as possible with that person.

Keep Perspective

As mentioned previously, some stress is normal during law school. You will make it through. You will pass. You will get a job. This, too, shall pass.

Get Some Sleep, and Don't Forget to Eat

There is enough work in law school that a person could conceivably not sleep during the week-or at least only sleep a few hours a night. If you are the type of student who feels compelled to do the supplemental reading, overcome that urge if it cuts severely into your beauty rest.

Similarly, if you are the type of person who forgets to eat during times of extreme stress, make sure to remind yourself to EAT! You really will think better if your body is fueled.

Pray

If you practice a particular kind of religion, take time to attend religious services. Services will give you time to relax and remember the big picture. If you do not enjoy religious services, but still believe in something bigger than yourself, pray on your own.