Tips for Thriving During 1L - Corona Edition
Every year, I give tips to my students as they embark on their first year of law school. This year, some of that advice is going to look a little different — but the core tenants will stay the same.
Stress-Management: Everyone always tells you that 1L is the worst year of law school. It definitely is for most, but it doesn’t have to be! 1L can also come with section bonding and the thrill of learning new things and being able to study your passion for the first time. Nonetheless, there will be lots of stress around you (even if virtually or in group chats!).
Protect your stress, peace, and aura at all costs. Don't be stressed just because others are. Run your own race. You are smart and talented and even if you get every single cold call wrong nothing can ever change that. You have nothing to prove to anybody. You've already proven it. You've already succeeded. You're already successful. Be kind and generous, make friends, don't take yourself too seriously, don't be afraid to admit you don't know something. Ask questions and don't be afraid of looking dumb. Never take yourself too seriously, embrace saying "I don't know" (yes, even on a cold call), and be able to laugh at yourself. Those that embrace not knowing and don't let the fear of not knowing paralyze them tend to come out much happier. Have opinions and stand by them even if they are unpopular (as long as you are open and listen to the viewpoints of others as well). That's how you become a great lawyer.
Helpful Resources: I remember reading Getting to Maybe before law school and I think it made the concept of issue spotting less foreign to me when I encountered it in class later. It also has some really good practical advice about not doing too much, how to work smarter not harder, and ultimately how to stay sane.
Outlining: Don’t feel like you have to reinvent the wheel! Outline banks exist for a reason. Lean on them, and your study groups and your affinity groups (BLSA, Lambda, Women’s Law Associations) for helpful course outlines to your classes. I found Barbri’s 1L Mastery outlines tremendously helpful in my first year (and they’re free!). Some people can only learn if they make their own outlines, but oftentimes getting an outline from an outline bank and then adding on to it with your own notes can be a better and more time-efficient method, especially if the exams are open-note.
Case Briefing: In terms of briefing cases, you are going to have to find your own strategy. Don’t be tunnel-visioned or convinced that there is only one “right” way to tackle this. Some of my friends briefed cases, while others of us had a highlighting/underlining system, while some other preferred to discuss readings over dinner. Briefing your own cases is totally fine and acceptable if it helps you. If it doesn't help you, you can find other methods. I underlined/highlighted things in different colors based on what part of the case it was (procedural posture, facts, parties, issue, holding, rule). Don't worry if you don't know what those words mean, you'll learn them. There are also great case briefs on sites like Quimbee that can save you a lot of time.
Relationships with Professors: This might sound difficult because of the virtual environment, but you may find that professors are even more available now than they otherwise would have been if they were trying to run home to their family after class. Try to take the opportunity to get virtual coffee with your professors and/or take part in virtual office hours so that you can get to know your professors. Be proactive in forming relationships; don’t get discouraged because the format has changed.
Find a Support Network: It is always good to have a strong support network of non-lawyer friends while you’re in law school. There will be a lot of “let me tell you the crazy things that go on in law school” and “why on earth does anyone ever do this to themselves.” It is reaffirming when your non-lawyer/law-school friends go "omg law school sounds ridiculous/crazy/so unreal/absurd what is wrong with society."
Looking for a Support Network?
If you’re looking for a support network, but don’t know where to find one, especially in this virtual environment, my Barrier Breakers™: Law School Edition program can provide that supportive and uplifting community of pre-law and law school students you need.
For $24.99/month, you will get access to group coaching calls, a dedicated community to ask questions, and engage with other Barrier Breakers™, as well as an optional opportunity to engage in scripture and monthly prayer calls to support you on your path.
Pre-Law Students: Advice on applying to law school, including advice on overcoming lower GPA or LSAT scores. Information on scholarship applications, deadlines, and financial aid.
1L: Advice on putting your best foot forward, briefing cases, getting into the right mindset with classes, outlining, networking, and mentorship opportunities.
2L and 3L: Advice on getting summer internships and jobs, resumes, job interviews, and career guidance. Mentorship and networking courses and programs. Advice on how to navigate balancing law school while working and dealing with health demands.
Create a network of future colleagues with students from schools across the country that will support you and propel you into your career. You can enroll in the Barrier Breakers™ program today and start your legal career off on the right foot.
As always if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m always here for you.