Every fall, 1Ls are thrust into the crazy world that is law school, with all its opportunities and challenges. This can be incredibly anxiety-inducing and contribute to imposter syndrome. Naturally, new law students have a lot of questions, from specific logistical questions about school itself, to questions about how to set themselves up for success and develop their interests in the law.
Here, I help demystify law school by answering some common questions. As you can probably guess, most if not all of them do not have one correct answer. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to law school. Nevertheless, it is helpful to understand and weigh all the considerations, so don’t be afraid to ask upperclassmen, professors, and practicing lawyers for advice. Just remember that ultimately, you should make the decision that is best for you. [Read more…] about Common 1L Questions, Answered
“I. Declare. BANKRUPTCY!” If you are like me, this iconic line from Michael Scott may be one of the first things that comes to mind when you think about bankruptcy. Of course, the joke is that bankruptcy does not really make “all your problems go away,” per Creed Bratton. In fact, bankruptcy is a complex mechanism and not everyone or every entity can take advantage of its benefits.
Are you dissatisfied with law school class discussions about legal doctrine and policy goals? Are you not sure what practice area is a good fit for you? Are you tired of reading cases and doing legal research? Working during the summer gives law students a more comprehensive understanding of what lawyers do on a day-to-day basis, how open questions are dealt with, how a young lawyer supports a team and more. For students who are looking for practice-oriented classes or experiences in law school, doing the work is the best way to learn.
After a stressful cycle of law school applications, you’ve finally picked your home for the next three years – Congratulations! You may be thinking, so what’s next? You may have heard that the first year of law school, or 1L, is not easy. Whether you are transitioning from working or from your undergraduate studies, law school will be a big change.
Throughout law school, I have discovered things that are mysterious and tedious: from taking exams to choosing extracurriculars, from searching for jobs, clerkships, and fellowships to handling the logistics of bar admission. I am now a third year law student, but some things still remain a mystery and I often find myself full of questions. While law school administrators and professors offer helpful resources, I’ve leaned most heavily on the wisdom of students that have come before me. I find that their perspectives and advice to be the most practical, reliable, and insightful. Now as a 3L, I’ve made it a point to make myself available (whether in person, phone, or email) about topics on which I can offer my thoughts.