Before I started law school, I got a lot of great advice. (Read about the best nuggets of wisdom I received here!) While these conversations definitely helped me avoid a lot of potential 1L pitfalls and assuage many of my worries, it’s hard to know what law school will be like, and particularly what it will be like for you personally, until you actually do it. Now that I’m finished with my first year and have the benefit of experience, I want to share a few things I wish I could tell my pre-1L self before entering law school. [Read more…] about Four Things I Wish I Could Tell My Pre-1L Self
About Julia Gourary
Debunking Common Misconceptions About Law School
Law school is shrouded in myths and misconceptions that can create unrealistic expectations, both positive and negative, for aspiring lawyers. With all the information swirling around, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. Let’s discuss some of the most common misconceptions surrounding law school and why they aren’t completely accurate. It’s time for a reality check! [Read more…] about Debunking Common Misconceptions About Law School
Common Law School Lingo Defined
When you start law school, not only do you have to learn the language of the law itself—which is its own challenge—but new law-school-specific jargon. People around you might suddenly be talking about briefing cases for class, who’s the section gunner, or how they’ll fare against the curve. From IRAC to issue spotters, Bluebook to bar review (which is not, as you’ll find out below, reviewing for the bar exam), all these new terms can be overwhelming and make you feel even more hopelessly clueless as a new law student.
Keep reading for a cheat sheet of some of the most common law student lingo and what it means. You may have heard some of these words being thrown around, but not really know what they mean, or they may be completely new to you. [Read more…] about Common Law School Lingo Defined
What’s on My Law School Bucket List
I can hardly believe it, but my first year of law school is coming to a close. With the end of 1L, I’ve been reflecting on both how far I’ve come and what experiences I want to have or things I’d like to accomplish during my remaining two years. During my senior year of college, I made a bucket list of things I wanted to do before graduation, so I thought, why not a law school bucket list? Though my list this time around is definitely more oriented towards building my career, I also tried to add a few things just for fun or for my own enrichment or curiosity.
I want to set goals for the future but also make sure to celebrate my past accomplishments, so I’m including a few items I’ve already gotten through. [Read more…] about What’s on My Law School Bucket List
Top 5 Items Under $40 I Couldn’t Survive Law School Without
Whether you’re in your first year of law school or your last, it’s never too late to upgrade your semester or year with some useful supplies that will help ease the stresses of law school life. Beyond the basics of pens, notebooks, and highlighters, it can be hard to know what’s worth spending on and what you will actually use.
Looking back on my first semester, I noticed that most of the things I used day-to-day were not expensive tech gadgets or fancy organizational products, but a few relatively inexpensive items. These items might seem minor, but in the trenches of law school they become true necessities in preserving your physical and mental health. I wouldn’t have even thought of many of these back in August when I was stocking up on law school supplies, but now, I don’t know what I would do without them. So whether you’re a law student looking for ways to improve your day-to-day or shopping for a gift for a law school loved one, consider adding these items to your cart. [Read more…] about Top 5 Items Under $40 I Couldn’t Survive Law School Without
Why You Should Consider Joining a Reading Group in Law School
Given how busy law school can get, you may be hesitant to add yet another thing to your plate, especially if it involves yet more reading. But if you have the space in your schedule and your school offers reading groups, check out the listings and see if anything catches your eye. Reading groups tend to be low commitment and low stress, while providing a lot of benefits, especially for 1L students.
[Read more…] about Why You Should Consider Joining a Reading Group in Law School