Dear 1L
So you've made it this far. You're actually going to law school. Congratulations. Welcome.Orientation is over (thank God) and you just want to cut your teeth on your first classes. What's a tort? Where is my contracts class? Can I print wirelessly from my laptop? And what's up with the library?
Yes, these questions and many more will be asked and answered throughout your first semester at law school. I'm sure you have many other questions and more important things to do with your rapidly diminishing time, but I welcome you to read the following suggestions from someone who has laughed, cried, and endured his first year at law school. Besides, leisure reading is good for you!
12 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE GOING TO LAW SCHOOL
1. Study aids are your friend- especially Examples and Explanations.
2. Study groups are your friend- but only if you are actually doing something besides watching the person typing out the outline. Find out if study groups work for you; even meeting once a week is good for moral support as long as it doesn't degenerate into self-doubt.
3. Professors have offices for a reason- go see your professors (or email them) every time you have a question that you've pondered and cannot get an answer to. Besides, it'll be helpful for you when you ace that class and need a letter of recommendation for your summer job search.
4. The lockers at Case can hold more than you think. Try to do a lot of your work at school and maybe you can save yourself from having to read a ton at home. Your aching back will thank you for it.
5. The printers are set by default for double-sided printing to save paper. I'm all for preserving our natural resources and maximizing efficiency, but sometimes double-sided printing doesn't work for what you want to print. Remember to set it to print single-sided if you need this functionality.
6. Since we're talking about computers, I thought I would say a few kind words about the Case Law IT Department. Every one of them is excellent- treat them with respect and try to inject some humor into your exchanges with them. They are your allies because they are professional, knowledgeable, and can fix darn near any problem you can throw at them. My IBM Thinkpad T42 had several problems (mostly software) that they spotted and fixed. That was above and beyond the call of duty since they primarily service Dells.
7. Meet your classmates- and make friends. There is no better group (and no worse if you are on the outside looking in) to look to for support and mutual aid during finals week and throughout the semester. You will forge partnerships and friendships tempered by the rigors of law school- don't miss out on opportunities to do so. You will be glad you did.
8. Believe half of what you see and a third of what you hear. It's true- law school = high school. Don't assume anything about anyone; don't gossip about anyone, despite the temptation and despite a recent article on it. It will get back to you.
9. CORE is more useful than you may think. Just take it for what it is: a class to better your writing and a foundation for what you will be doing for the rest of your life if you practice law. Yes, parts of it need help but keep in mind that the administration and Prof. K. M. are really receptive to student criticisms and suggestions.
10. Be yourself. There's only one you, and you admitted because they wanted you. Now that you're here, change for the better but stay true to who you are.
11. Give back to your community. You got to where you are because of your pluck, but also because others were pulling for you. It's your education, but it's not all about you- try to remember that as you resist the temptation to "get the edge" over someone else. Share your notes (if they're legible) if someone next to you is absent. Don't hide the practice exams, and be courteous to your fellow students. What goes around comes around, and even if it doesn't, you'll be making the law school environment a better place than you found it.
12. Law school is not for everyone. If you find, after much soul-searching, that law school (or the law school you're at) is not for you, there's no shame in admitting it and making arrangements. You'll be saving a lot of money and time by doing so.
ENJOY LAW SCHOOL! (Find a way to like what you're doing, because if you don't these three years will be some of the most miserable years of your life).
posted by Unknown @ 11:30:00 PM
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