Lessons from first year in law school

As a first-year law student, I used to struggle to make sense of a lot of things. Slowly, as time passed, I began to tailor myself to the life of a law student. Experiences in law school may vary from person to person. There are many things that students, through their experience learn during the first year. Below are a few of the things that I learned as a law student.

Be ACTIVE!

Law school is always not only about being buried in books. University provides many opportunities to all and it's up to you to make the best use of them. 

Join the law society, other clubs, or sports teams. That will not only be a great stress buster after the ample amount of reading but it will also help you develop many skills.

Adding all these activities to use CV will make your Cv look impressive and stand out from others.

Build your CV

Making a CV can help you document all your achievements, academic records, interests, skills, work experience, etc. A legal CV must be concise and precise. It can play a vital role while applying for a training contract or a vacation scheme.

Most law schools provide a template of a legal CV. You may make use of it as a guide to build your CV. Once done you could seek the advice of your professors or even your family and friends. 

At my university, we can make appointments with professors to seek advice on our CV. If this is the same at your university, make sure to avail these services as seeking advice from a professional of your field can be of great help.

Don't Panic 

Law as a subject is known to be difficult and stressful.  At times you might find it quite overwhelming but, don't forget you are not alone help is always available. Make sure to make a good bunch of friends and also connect well with your professors. This will make sure you are not left alone and that you can rely on or talk to someone when you feel anxious or overwhelmed. 

Even though studying law always challenges you with different situations so that you can adapt to working in extreme circumstances, make sure to not push yourself too hard and always take breaks.

These breaks can be as short as 5 minutes or even as long as a week. Remember! taking time out from studying will help you destress and recovery from all the pressure around you. 

Don't Compare 

Law school is competitive and, at times we all tend to compare ourselves with our peers. I would always look at other achievements, grades, etc, and would always feel that I don't fit in this competitive legal world. 

I've learned it the hard way but my only mantra to survive would be ' Things may seem difficult at times but, learn to appreciate the small battles that you were able to conquer '. these small battles can be as simple as getting through a bad day or completing an assignment. 

Life in the university is all about exploring new avenues that come your way. Instead of spending time comparing yourself with others, utilize the same time to let yourself grow at your own pace.

Make a schedule

Once you start your journey at law school, you will quickly realize that time management is a key to success in this field. You need to strike the right balance between your social and professional life. this can be achieved if only you stick to a schedule.

It will be a game-changer to start using a daily planner. A daily planner will help you know your priorities of the day and you can plan your day based on that.

I like to plan my day the night prior because, in this way, I don't have to waste a significant part of my morning planing out my day instead, I use that time to do something I like spending a little extra time in preparing my breakfast or working out or even catching up with my family.

Law school is what you make of it

Law school experience may vary from student to student. Don't set your expectations based on other's experiences it might not land the same way. Remember! always keep an open mind as expectations can be altered.

Students always end up saying law school is boring. Don't rely on their experience rather explore, make memories and judge your experience for yourself. It is worth giving it a try. 

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