Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Started Law School
While this site is primarily focuses on personal development and living your best life, our founder, a 3rd-year law student, understands that the law school journey can significantly shake one’s confidence, more than many other challenges. It’s important to recognize that mindset not only shapes your law school experience but can also mold you into an incredible lawyer and a better human being. So, with that understanding, let’s dive into some strategies for thriving in law school.
Understanding the Cake: Reverse Engineering The Study Process
If you’re a law student feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about navigating this journey, you’re not alone. This article will inspire you to create an effective study plan by providing valuable supplements. I’ll explore strategies to help you do your best in law school while maintaining your emotional intelligence and sanity. I like to think of studying for law school as baking a cake. Baking a cake requires understanding its ingredients, understanding law school issues demands comprehension of its elements and requirements. I recommend “reverse engineering” your study process, instead of starting with cases (the cake) start with supplements that provide you with the elements (the recipe that includes ingredients). I’ll be using the baking a cake analogy for inspiration. At the end, we’ll provide you with some valuable tools for maintaining your mental and physical health, ensuring you stay on the path to success in law school and beyond.
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Visualizing The Cake & Unpacking The Ingredients
When first introduced to a law school topic through cases, this is the overwhelming big picture. But just like looking at a beautifully decorated cake, where one can see the icing, the cake layers, and the decorations, but it’s almost impossible to discern what ingredients are required or the exact quantities of those ingredients by just looking at the finished product. Just as understanding the components of a cake makes it easier to recognize and recreate, starting with the legal concepts helps grasp the intricacies of cases. When I reverse engineer before delving into reading cases, I’ve find that the ingredients (legal elements) make much more sense and I can understand how the elements fit together to create the legal analysis.
Firstly, when faced with a new topic, delving into cases I read case briefs specific to the issues that we are covering in class for that week. Then I breeze through Emmanuels Law School outlines and attend class lectures. These step provides the initial vision of what all the legal concepts are. However, just as with our cake analogy, one can’t immediately discern the specific legal elements required or how these elements interconnect at this stage.
Gathering all of the ingredients
Next, the Acing series enables me to simplify intricate concepts. These books effectively give me a simplified shopping list, outlining all the necessary ingredients to bake the legal cake. The Acing series is a valuable resource for those searching for a concise, review in all area’s of law. Notably, most of the editions not only offer a wealth of illustrative examples, but many provide a flow chart of questions or checklists at the end of each chapter, and a comprehensive checklist at the end to reveal hidden complexities and walk you through the legal analysis making the learning process more digestible. And, I use Evernote to compile all of this information.
Going Shopping
Next on the agenda is going shopping, we are going into the grocery store weeding through all of the items there and selecting specifically what we need. Studicata videos work well for fine tuning what really matters in the analysis of the legal issues. Studicata is an incredibly well-structured and concrete resource, and Michael, the educator – he does an exceptional job explaining the concepts. Unlike other courses where you might find your attention waning, Michael keeps you engaged and sharp, delivering content that gets right to the point. Studicata goes the extra mile by providing outlines under the lecture videos. Michael often breaks down complex concepts into charts on his whiteboard, which I have found so helpful that I’d often take screenshots to put in my Evernote. This knack for simplifying complex ideas makes Studicata a game-changer, ensuring that everything you need to learn is presented in an easy-to-understand format.
Organizing The Ingredients
With the shopping phase complete, it’s time to organize. I create a basic outline by noting key elements and definitions from class outlines, Studicata, Quimbee, or Barbri. While it is typically recommended to make flashcards later, in this reverse engineering process, I use supplemental flashcards that are concise, and succinct, and follow an outline format. Starting with commercial sources like Quimbee, which provide essential elements and concepts makes it easier to understand the legal standards. This will shape the foundation for my study outlines, giving me a logical framework for understanding complex legal cases. Quimbee also offers an extensive question bank to deepen understanding concepts. Think of this as meticulously organizing your plan, similar to preparing to bake a cake – assessing and ordering everything you need.
Measuring & Mixing All Of The Ingredients
At this stage, it’s time to measure and mix all the ingredients for a cake. Everything goes into the bowl, but it still looks like a mess; the batter isn’t very attractive and doesn’t resemble a cake. Similarly, seeing how all elements work together can be a bit hazy, and everything might seem like a blur.
To gain clarity, this is where practice questions become invaluable. I utilize the school’s practice questions along with Quimbee’s courses and questions and fill in my outline with explanations from those answers. Emanuel’s outlines are a game-changer at this point. These study guides break down the legal standards for each issue into easy-to-understand elements. What’s fantastic is I’ve found that they reference the exact cases assigned in class. At this point my outline is usually sufficient so that I can start practicing my essay writing.
Overall, these are my holy grail of resources. They’ve been instrumental in me successfully making it this far in law school, especially through the first year, and I’m confident they can do the same for you. Now let’s briefly go over some pointer for the mental and physical issues that are commonly associated with attending law school.
Mindset Pointers
- Beware of the Comparison Trap: Comparing yourself to others in law school can lead to insecurity, anxiety, and depression. Remember, comparison steals your joy.
- Embrace Your Unique Journey: Every law student’s path is distinct. Your journey to success may differ from your classmates’, and that’s perfectly fine.
- Focus on Self-Improvement: Instead of measuring yourself against others, concentrate on personal growth and development. This shift can lead to greater satisfaction and emotional intelligence.
- Enhance Problem-Solving: Self-improvement fosters critical thinking, a cornerstone of legal practice, making you a better problem solver.
- Cultivate Adaptability: The legal field is dynamic, and self-improvement encourages adaptability and the ability to embrace change.
- Strengthen Your Emotional intelligence (EQ) Muscle: Improving your EQ in school is crucial for lawyers. It helps you connect with clients, understand their needs, and navigate complex interpersonal situations.
- Future benefit of Strengthening Client Relationships: High EQ lawyers can build stronger client relationships, fostering trust and loyalty.
- Better Able to Resolve Conflict: Emotional intelligence aids in navigating conflicts effectively, whether in negotiations or litigation.
Physical Health Pointers
- Quality Rest: Despite the challenges of law school, it’s crucial to aim for good rest. Quality sleep is essential for mental clarity, focus, and overall well-being.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is vital. Dehydration can lead to mental fatigue and reduced cognitive performance. Make it a habit to stay well-hydrated throughout the day.
- Stay Active: It’s beneficial to ensure you get enough physical activity. Aim for a minimum number of steps per day to maintain your physical health and keep your energy levels up.
- Ergonomic Workspace: Pay attention to your workspace ergonomics. A comfortable and well-organized workspace can reduce physical strain and improve your productivity.
- Balanced Nutrition: Don’t overlook your diet. Eating well-balanced meals can give your mind and body the necessary nutrients for optimal performance during your demanding law school journey.
Additional Law School References and Suggestions:
- Kaplan and Barbri for classes and review questions.
- West Academic and Studicata for a solid foundation in legal topics.
- Acing for simplified understanding of complex issues.
- Legal Writing: Quickstudy Laminated Reference Guide for quick references and structure.
- Emmanuels for logical outlines and examples.
- Accelerate your typing words per minute.
- Accelerate the speed of video lectures.
- Make sure to put self care on your calendar. Check out our articles for self-care ideas and favorite products.
Take Action for a Fulfilling Law School Experience and Legal Career
As you embark on your law school journey, keep in mind the analogy of baking a cake. Reverse engineer your study process, starting with the essential elements and building your understanding from there. Avoid the trap of comparison; instead, focus on your personal growth and well-being.
By implementing these strategies, prioritizing self-improvement and emotional intelligence, and mastering the art of accelerated learning, you’ll not only reduce stress and anxiety but also enhance your legal career prospects. Although it may be one of the most challenging things you do, Law school doesn’t have to be a daunting obstacle course; it can be a transformative experience that prepares you for a successful legal career.
Remember, it’s not just about reading the cases; it’s about understanding the ingredients that make up the law. With this approach, you’ll not only succeed academically but also develop valuable skills for a fulfilling life in the legal profession. So, go ahead, thrive in law school, become a better lawyer, and make the most of your valuable time.
Best of luck in your law school endeavors!!!