If you’re a college student considering law school, you’ve probably heard an attorney say: “Don’t do it.” You’ve probably heard that it’s a difficult, sometimes miserable affair and people regret it more often than not. Here at Abdnour Weiker, we don’t subscribe to that belief. We know firsthand that you can find a fulfilling career in the law and live a happy, balanced life. We also know how important it is that you step into this new chapter of your life fully prepared for the myriad of challenges it can present because law school and the practice of law are not easy. If you’re reading this, you probably already know that you will need to take the LSAT and ensure your college GPA is high as you begin applying for law school, but you may not know what to expect about law school itself beyond that initial admissions process. In this article, we’ll try to give you some insight into five core principles you should know as you begin your law school journey.
1) Honesty is the Only Policy
When you apply for admission to law school, you will need to disclose if you have ever been accused or found responsible for academic misconduct or arrested and convicted of a crime. Many students are hesitant to make these kinds of disclosures because they fear they will be denied admission. While that may be a risk, the reality is that this is the first of many ethical examinations you will undergo in the practice of law. Failing to disclose a history of misconduct will come back to be a bigger problem for you in the future when you undergo the Character & Fitness portion of your state bar admission process. If you disclose upfront, you show that you are able to admit mistakes, you are honest and can be trusted going forward. They will respect you more for disclosing upfront than if the issue comes up after you’ve already begun as a law student. Further, if you do not disclose and it later comes out that you should have, the law school you are attending may choose not to confer your degree to you. When it comes to the law, honesty is the only policy.
2) Studying Begins Well Before You Apply
This does not mean you should spend the summer before law school memorizing case law. Rather, you should be preparing for the intensive studying you will be engaging in once your 1L year begins. Figure out what works for you: some people study best using online systems like Quizlet or Quimbee, and others prefer to create physical flash cards, outlines or study guides. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing – focus instead on what kind of studying works for you and make the necessary preparations ahead of time. If that means stocking up on highlighters, that’s fine!
3) Know What You Are Looking For In a Law School: Not Just What a Law School is Looking For in You
Believe it or not, not every law school functions the same way. Some law schools have strong clinical practicum components; some do not rank students in order to foster a more collaborative environment; and others have niche programs providing a focus on certain kinds of law. Consider the kind of law you are interested in practicing, the kind of environment you want to learn in, and the location you wish to reside in. Remember: you’re not just applying for law schools, they are applying for you, too.
4) Clinics Are Critical
It is an oft-used phrase among lawyers that law school does not teach you how to practice law – it teaches you to think like a lawyer. This is largely true, but there are some clinical options you can engage in as a law student that will provide you with valuable experience. Every law school is different, but generally you can begin engaging in clinics during your 2L year. Your law school may have a criminal law clinic, an immigration law clinic, a family law clinic or something else. Know your options early, and schedule your coursework with an eye toward what clinics you want to engage in. Remember – these clinics provide the opportunity to engage with clients and the court system just as you would when you begin practicing law. The experience truly is invaluable.
5) It Doesn’t Get Easier – You Get Better
Law school is a marathon, not a sprint. It can be tremendously difficult but that does not mean it will always feel like an insurmountable challenge. The workload is high and the content is often difficult. The truth is it does not get easier – you get better. If you apply yourself during your law school career you will notice changes as you progress from 1L to 2L and 2L to 3L. You will improve in your studying, testing and advocacy skills as a result of the challenges you face in law school, and it will make you a better lawyer one day. If you are interested in applying for law school, we at Abdnour Weiker say: “Go for it!”.