An Open Letter to Freshman Law Students: Conquering Law School 3 months ago
Dear Freshman Law Students,
Embarking on the journey through law school is akin to preparing for a great conquest. It's not a battle against your peers or even your professors, but a profound challenge against yourself. Like every warrior gearing up for war, discipline is paramount. This path demands unwavering commitment, mental fortitude, and relentless perseverance.
This open letter is for first-year law students eager to understand what lies ahead. It’s a candid conversation filled with practical advice—not just for achieving success, but for simply navigating the journey.
What to Expect
Welcome to law school. If I were to romanticize it, I’d say this period will be one of profound learning, not just about the law, but also about society and, most importantly, about yourself. You will find yourself continuously surprised by your capacity for growth and improvement, discovering new strengths and capabilities each day. It’s a time of intellectual adventure and personal development, where the challenges you face will shape you into a more knowledgeable and resilient individual.
To be more specific, you’ll get through pages of readings you never thought you’d be able to finish. You’ll learn a new language—legalese—and find yourself not only understanding the law but also mastering its intricacies. You’ll stand your ground in front of professors during intense recitations, confidently defending your insights. You’ll pass exams and quizzes you once found daunting. This is law school through rose-colored glasses, where every hurdle is an opportunity for growth, and every success is a testament to your evolving expertise.
However, let’s not sugarcoat it: law school is also one of the longest and most grueling experiences you will ever endure. The stress is relentless, accompanied by an overwhelming volume of readings and the often-intimidating Socratic method of recitation. You’ll encounter sleepless nights, mental exhaustion, and moments of self-doubt. Yet, through this demanding journey, you’ll build resilience and perseverance, emerging stronger and more prepared for the legal profession.
Why it Matters
During your first week, you'll introduce yourself and answer questions like, "Why do you want to become a lawyer?" or "What kind of lawyer do you want to be?" Most first-year students eagerly share their inspiring stories, which can be intimidating if you don’t have one. I didn’t, I simply found myself here.
By your second and third years, some professors will still ask these questions, while others jump straight into the course material. Some students’ answers evolve with new learnings, while others question their place in law school, overwhelmed by the demands. Some push through; others realize the legal profession isn't for them.
Understanding your "why" or purpose is crucial, but it doesn’t need to be profound. My reason was simply to pass my classes each semester and avoid being an embarrassment to my overachieving family. Yet, that reason got me through four grueling years. Your true foe in law school isn’t your readings, professors, or classmates—it’s yourself. Your procrastination, self-indulgence, and self-doubt are your biggest challenges. Your "why" will be your greatest weapon against these obstacles. It will anchor you during stormy nights and guide you when the path seems unclear, reminding you of your commitment when you feel like giving up. There may be more setbacks than victories, but that’s okay. Each failure is a stepping stone to success, and perseverance is key. When things don’t make sense anymore, your "why" will keep you going.
How to Succeed
Knowing your "why" isn’t enough to get you through law school. You’ll still face readings, recitations, and exams. Here are some tips that have been invaluable to me:
1. Read, read, read
Engage actively and critically with your reading materials to grasp complex legal concepts and identify key themes. While law school demands intense reading skills, maintaining your casual reading habits can help manage the load. Don’t worry if you struggle at first—you’ll improve over time. For more tips, check out Effective Case Reading Techniques for Law Students and Must-Read Books for Law Students: Essential Reading List.
2. Make note-taking a habit
Develop a systematic approach to note-taking during lectures and readings to make review sessions more efficient. For guidance, explore Effective Note-Taking Strategies for Law Students.
3. Prepare case-digests
With the numerous cases assigned each class, remembering every detail can be challenging. Creating case digests is an essential note-taking practice for law students. Summarize each case with key facts, issues, rulings, and reasoning to streamline your review and deepen your understanding. Your case digests will be invaluable. For further guidance, read How to Digest a Case: Step-by-Step Guide and What Is a Case Digest: Understanding Its Importance in Legal Studies.
If you're short on time, consider exploring online legal libraries like Digest.ph. They offer a vast collection of legal resources, including free legal case digests with essential features like highlighting and citations, to help streamline your research and studies.
4. Discover a study method that suits you best
Experiment with various study techniques—such as group discussions, flashcards, or practice exams—to discover what best aligns with your learning style and boosts retention. Additionally, focus on developing your memorization skills, which will be invaluable for classes and exams. For more insights, check out How to Study Law Effectively: Proven Methods for Success and Effective Memorization Techniques for Law Students.
5. Maximize Resources
Gathering reviewers, sample exams, testimonials, and tips from your peers can significantly enhance your class preparation. Every resource you utilize will aid in your readiness. For additional guidance, check out these articles:
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How to Prepare for Law School Philippines: Essential Tips and Advice
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Surviving Surprise Class Recitations: Tips and Strategies for Law Students
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Tackling the Hardest Subjects in Law School: Strategies for Success
Check out Digest.PH, your one-stop shop for a wide array of legal resources. It offers features such as:
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Direct links to full case texts;
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A highlighting tool and bookmarking functionality;
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A legal dictionary;
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Citation generation; and
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The option to download documents in either PDF or Word format.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, law school is an entirely different world—what you think you know is just the tip of the iceberg. As mentioned, it will be akin to a battle, requiring thorough preparation mentally, physically, and emotionally. The challenges will be significant, but conquering them is not impossible. Stay true to yourself, hold on to your "why," and study diligently. Give it your all, and you'll achieve that coveted ATTY title! Good luck, and I wish you all the best.
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