Law school assignments during the first year tend to focus on case reading and brief writing. Students often devote several hours each day to studying for classes; many also form study groups to create outlines and review material before exams.
Many 1L students participate in moot court exercises to develop research and writing skills, while some may join their law school journal. It is wise to plan early for such activities.
First Year
Law school can be an extremely trying time, especially for students coming from non-legal backgrounds. Therefore, it’s vitally important that you are ready and plan ahead for this important phase in your life.
Attend orientation to become familiar with your law school environment (where to find food, tech help and library resources, for instance). If the law school is part of a larger university, take time out for a tour so you know exactly how to reach campus when class starts.
Create a law school study schedule with your daily study hours planned in each class or tutorial. Most instructors offer detailed syllabi that include reading assignments; it’s essential that you keep up with cases assigned as well as prepare for class discussions.
Second Year
After several semesters in law school, you should have grown accustomed to its challenging schedule and be more at ease choosing classes based on interest. Still, studying, writing and participating in class discussions are required as your grades largely depend on semester exams and end-of-year exams; thus preventing procrastination is key for success.
Take electives that interest and support your long-term career goals, attend law school events and student groups to meet other students and build relationships with professors who can guide your legal life journey and point the way to new job opportunities.
Consider undertaking a summer clerkship to gain practical legal experience and to explore the field you wish to practice in. Complete all necessary paperwork to defer both federal and private loans before beginning classes, fall externship enrollment forms may also need to be filled out, plus many 2Ls participate in moot court and law review, or seek part-time work during autumn/winter terms.
Third Year
Your third year will consist of more advanced courses that allow you to explore various areas of law that interest or intrigue you – environmental law, labor law, bankruptcy law etc. These may include environmental law, labor law and bankruptcy law among many others. Expect legal writing assignments as well as moot court practice sessions where oral and written skills will be put through their paces.
Fall semester marks an exciting opportunity for many law students, with externships and paid legal positions commencing across many campuses. Students should consult their career counselor and Symplicity to identify relevant opportunities.
Fourth Year
As fall approaches, now is the time to start your law school applications. Draft your personal statement, resume and recommendation letters before meeting with a pre-law advisor, graduate advisor or career counselor on campus to seek their feedback and assistance in contacting alumni for informational interviews, recommendations or advice.
As you begin researching law schools in the fall, make a preliminary list that fits your criteria using all available resources such as databases and guidebooks, admissions fairs, forums and student speaker panels.
As you prepare to embark on your first year of law school, be sure to complete all enrollment requirements, such as sending final transcripts and immunization records. In addition, attend any admitted student open houses, orientations or events before enrolling.
