Category: Advice

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Advice Law School

Joining Clubs in Law School

Friendship Together Bonding Unity Youth Culture Concept

 

Law School Organization.png

Law school is three years of your life. Time will both speed by you and also draaaaaag on (especially when you’re in that 2pm CivPro class, and the tryptophan from your turkey sandwich hits you). The funny thing about time in law school is that you never seem to have enough. Your class reading assignments take time, the assignments take time, your family or significant other takes time – it’s almost currency, and no one ever has enough.

I say this because your time is important. It is crucial to spend it wisely. Understand where your time needs to go before dividing the time accordingly. You may need to study for class, but studying for 5 hours straight, after a long day of classes, may not be the best use of your allotted time. [Obviously you know yourself better than I do, so if you can sit for 5 hours straight studying – then you do you, hun!] However, if you proscribe to my study method of 1.5 hours on, 30 minutes off – then you may enjoy my advice.

The way I see it – your brain needs to take BREAKS! They’re essential. That said, one way in which I take breaks, is by attending Student Organization (law school clubs, essentially) events and meetings. Most groups on campus meet once a month, and then usually have a large event once per semester. I recommend participating in at least one group, and highly suggest that you avoid joining too many.

joiningAclub

Everything in moderation, folks.
Although law school takes focus, on top of boundless energy to complete case-briefs and assignments, you need to find healthy ways to diversify your time. The time you spend away from your books and research trails is crucial to helping you learn the material. It sounds weird, but it works!

If you have the opportunity – attend a student organization fair! Or reach out to student services, and they will be happy to put you in contact with an organization’s executive members (if you already have an idea of the group you’d like to join), to help answer your questions regarding the organization. I fully comprehend that you want to dive head-first into your books, but you can’t forget what the social aspect of law school provides: a network.

Carve out time in your monthly schedule to meet with your peers, work with them on a common goal. Everyone attends law school for different reasons – figure out what yours is, and then find others who are driven by similar passions. You need to start building your network now, especially if you are attending law school straight out of your undergraduate years. Spend some of your precious time forming friendships and making your mark.

 

Happy Networking!

 

Categories
Advice Law School

Dean’s List Advice

Tips for Class.png

 

As a 2L, I feel it’s my duty to give you advice I wish I’d known through 1L. Your first year in law school is going to be hectic, and everyone will experience the learning curve. But, I’m here to share a few tips. These are some of the best tools I found throughout the year, and I personally believe (if you set up your study schedule and plan accordingly) they just might help you land a spot on the Dean’s List!

 

about-to-go-down

  • Quizlet

    • Check out the Quizlet link above, and add me to your circles (BearLaw) – you can get access to some of the card sets I’ve already created, or start your own deck!
    • My favorite quality about this tool is that I can access my cards via the Quizlet App, and work on my studies even when I don’t have all my books with me. Quizzing myself on legal jargon, case information, or even class hypos can all be done via these digital flashcards. Since I am a multiple-modality learner (meaning, I learn by using many different senses) having to flip a card and read the info hits at least two of those modes [visual & tactile]. 
    • ProTip – For you audio-learners: You can use the speaker symbol to have Quizlet read your cards for you!

 

  • LearnLeo 

    • Ok, y’all – this is my newest obsession. I actually took time out of my day to send an email to a professor about how amazing I think LearnLeo is. Just so you know, I stumbled across this app – and have since created notebooks and study tools for the semester.
Powernotes
The extension allows you to mark-up any website!
OrganizeLeo
Outlines Made Faster!

 

Using PowerNotes helps you with case-briefing and smart-highlighting skills by walking you through a skills demo, and essentially teaches you how to brief a case. This is pure. freaking. gold! Use it, people!

In addition, the chrome extension allows you to live-edit any document or website online, and then compiles the notes into a word document that is available for download! This is amazing, and I love it. You’ll save sooooo much time up front by using this to brief and compile your case notes, because a majority of your outline will be created for you.

The bonus?
You will have to go back and correct/edit the document that you download; which means, you’re automatically required to read your notes and that’s a great way to make the material STICK!
There is a phone app and ipad app, but the online extension is most user-friendly, in my opinion.

LeoTools

 

  • OneNote & EverNote

    • These platform ideas are similar, and both provide great ways to keep track of class notes. If your school offers you a free Microsoft Office package, then take it! I prefer OneNote to Evernote, mainly because I don’t have to pay for using it (aside from tuition, of course). Plus, the OneNote option allows me to access my notebooks when offline, which has come in handy while studying and limiting my internet access (to avoid distractions). This way, I’m actually working instead of thinking I’m working by reading a page or two and surfing the internet for most of the hour. Let’s face it, you get distracted by reddit, CNN, or Twitter, too!

evernote

 

  •  LibGuides

    • Technically, not an app – but available online! 🙂 
    • These are library study guides that our law school provides. If you’re at UNTDCOL, stop by the circulation desk, or send me an email (cerebellumchef@gmail.com) & I’d be happy to point you in the right direction. These course guides pretty much rock my socks, because they’re jam-packed with study aids, practice questions, and even essay samples! Be sure to check out the study aids your library provides. Your librarians welcome the interruption in their day, I promise!

  • Law Dojo

    • I can appreciate that you may want to spend your time face down in a book, reading every word and hoping to soak in legal knowledge through mere proximity to your text, but I can’t learn that way always. I try to give myself a few brain breaks, whether by walking away to process the information, or by quizzing myself while playing the role of a Stealth Ninja making my way through maze. 
      • That’s exactly what this game is about. You’re a ninja. You must answer rapid-fire legal questions in order to live. 
      • What’s not to love about this?
      • There’s different levels, and different class topics – most basic concepts are covered, but the material gets more difficult when you answer questions correctly. 

 

LawDojo
Stealth. Ninja. Hiiii-ya!

 

  • iTunes U

    • I am not great at picking up information solely through listening, but I know some of you are gifted with this ability – so this is for you! 
    • Check out iTunes U in your iTunes store, and search “Law School” or “Contract Law” – or pretty much anything you need for class, and sift through the titles!
    • There are some great law school professors who host podcasts, or even record their own lectures (Like Professor Glannon!) to help students grasp the concepts. 
    • The topics are plentiful, and you can get many of them for free! 

 

I use all of these tips in my daily studies, and enjoy working with different mediums in which to learn. I search for ways to make my life easier, while not sacrificing my learning. Law school is hard, there’s no way around it. However, you can lessen the burden on your own shoulders by learning what helps you retain information. If you need anyone to bounce ideas off on, feel free to send me a message at cerebellumchef@gmail.com

Happy Studying/Law School Prepping!

 

Categories
Advice Law School

Prepping for Your 1L Year

6 THINGS YOU MUST DO BEFORE LAW SCHOOL (2)

 

Right now it doesn’t feel real. It hasn’t sunk in that in just about a month, you will begin your first year as a law student. By now you’ve received your information on orientation or Fundamentals week, and you likely attended a new student event (or two). Before classes begin, take some time to set your priorities.

I honestly only completed these six tasks before enjoying the rest of my summer. It was hugely important to me to make sure I was ready for law school. But I didn’t go nuts trying to read everything on the suggested reading list, or dive straight into city ordinances. I mean, come on! You have time to dive into research later, for now – cover the essentials.

  1. Apply for Financial Aid + Scholarships
    • Many of you may not know this, but you may qualify for a Direct PLUS loan. It’s government Financial Aid, and comes in handy! If you need extra aid to help pay for tuition or books – check to see if you are eligible!
    • Scholarships are fewer at this level of education, but they certainly exist. Check your institution’s financial aid page for updated scholarship applications and opportunities. Looking around online isn’t a bad option either. Free money is out there, and many times scholarships go un-used. Take advantage of these opportunities!FSA-Eligibility-11.16.12
  2. Buy/Organize a Desk or Study Space
    • You need a designated place to study or get work done. This is a fact. You may not always feel like trudging up to the library to study, and your kitchen table doesn’t usually allow you the flexibility of leaving your books flayed about. This means you need a DESK! There are many affordable options, and I strongly recommend you get yourself one – quick!
    • I purchased a desk, chair, and plastic chair mat for less than $400 at Nebraska Furniture Mart. The products came mostly assembled, and were not difficult to set-up. My desk area is bright, quiet, and perfect for holding many of my study materials at a time. That said, I had to purchase an additional book shelf and wall shelf to accommodate my 1L books and supplies.
    • I also recommend you get a desk lamp. My boyfriend surprised me with a wonderful one, which I mentioned  HERE.IMG_9686IMG_9763
  3. Set a Schedule
    • If you already know your class schedule (and, you should) – then take a few minutes to organize your planner. If you don’t have a planner, use your computer/phone/google to get your digital calendar prepared.
    • Block off time for class, then block off study time. Next, block off time for meals, family, and grocery runs.
    • I suggest you add your family members to your calendar, this way they are aware of what you’re tasks are and know when it’s ok to try and call or steal you away for a movie night.
  4. Rent Textbooks
    • Why buy books when you can rent them? I considered purchasing them for my first semester, but opted to rent (when the rental was cheaper). My favorite site for comparing book prices is BIGWORDS.
      • Type in the ISBN of the book you need, and then select the best option for your wallet. Read the reviews from the seller before choosing an option. I’ve had great luck with timely and affordable rental options, always delivered to my door. 🙂
  5. Buy School Supplies
    • oh.my.GOSH.bestday
    • Buying new school supplies is one of my all-time fave things!
    • Pens, pencils, highliters, post-its….you’ll use them ALL! Everything’s on sale, and you (most definitely) will run through multiple packs of each item. Stock up now, while you have time!
  6. Relax + Meet Incoming Students (Your New Friends!)
    • You will gain nothing from reading ahead. I repeat, NOTHING.
    • Even though you think you know how to read and write well – the fact is, you have no clue how to brief a case or wade through legal concepts. Which means there’s no point in using up your precious down time, before the mayhem begins, trying to get ahead of your classmates.
      • By all means, read cases your professors ASSIGN. But, do not go beyond that scope. This year is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself, young padawan – “burnout” is real.
    • Meet up with some newbies for coffee, or dinner! I felt much more confident walking into orientation week knowing I had a few friends in the mix. We met for sushi a few weeks before class, and asked each other all kinds of “baby questions” like – where’d you find the class schedule? Or, what are you thinking of wearing for day 1? Are you actually going to brief any cases?
      • You’ll love having this built-in support system, so reach out and meet people! It’ll make orientation week much more memorable. <3

smart

 

Trust me when I say that you need to enjoy this time. Your 1L is coming up fast, and it will be stressful. Get yourself in the proper mindset for classes, with this list. You’ll thank me for it later.

 

Categories
Advice Law School

Working with Sharks

Getting the Most From your Internship

 

You just spent an entire year drilling legal theories, concepts, terminology, and cases into your gloriously gyrificated brain. You’ve studied for several years to get to this moment — accepting an unpaid internship. Make no mistake about it, working this hard, only to spend 140 hours of your much-deserved summer, is a hard pill to swallow.

But you know what?

You secured an internship! That’s freaking fantastic! There’s a heap of law students that wish they were in your shoes. Don’t you dare pass up this opportunity to move your career forward. Make your mark.

Here are a few tips for you to make the most of your 1L Summer Internship.

intern

 

  1. Be Kind.
    • This seems so completely unreasonable to write down. Of course, you should be nice and respectable. If you have any sort of home training, you’ll be a decent human being because that’s the right way to behave. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Our Dean (a retired Judge) shared this story with us during our first week:
      • He hired a clerk for his chambers. The young guy had great grades and a good suit; looked professional and carried himself well. On the first day of his clerkship (if I am not mistaken) the Judge’s court coordinator, who had spent more than a decade working with the Judge, asked the young man to move some boxes for her. Such a simple task, right? Well, this guy told her that he didn’t spend his life working through his undergrad and law school years only to get a clerkship where he had to do secretary work. Now, imagine what this nice woman said the Judge…?
    • Do not be that jerk. If you can be helpful, that speaks volumes! Make a coffee run, organize files, direct lawyers to the proper courtroom. Do what you can to make people want to have you around. Niceties go a long way.
  2. Dominate Your Tasks.
    • This internship is a foothold for you to further your career. That said, make sure you see every task assigned through to the finish. Do not cut corners, because it will show. These Judges have a plethora of experience, which means they can easily tell the difference between great work, and half-assed work.
    • Own your work and make it stand out – in a good way. Polish your writing assignments, give them a look-over, and edit several times before giving them to your law clerk or Judge.
  3. Re-Read Everything You Publish. Twice.
    • This goes hand-in-hand with the previous tip, but I wanted to echo it. Read your work. Step away from it, and then read it again. Go line by line if you have to – because skimping on this is just a bonehead move. Judges and Attorneys want to trust in your abilities, so make it easy on yourself and proof-read your work before handing it off.
  4. Represent Your School with Fierce Pride.
    • Getting this internship could mean potential internships for the students that follow. Keep your eye on the prize. Your work with these judges and attorneys might open the door for other students looking for the same opportunity. By working hard and being memorable, you might be able to inadvertently offer a hand-up to a fellow student. Be the change, little shark. 
  5. Offer Simple Answers.
    • So often we read convoluted cases and lengthy explanations, written in legalese, when fewer words would suffice. That said, you’re still a student. Take the time to figure out a simple way to explain what you need to get across to your audience.
    • Pro Tip: Simple and elegant are not mutually exclusive, don’t let your creativity falter.

 

potential
You’ve got potential.

 

The work you do is important, it can change lives. Learn everything from this internship. Ask questions, especially when uncertain on a particular topic. The judges and attorneys know you aren’t perfect. Their choice to hire you is reflected in what they hope to teach you. Make the most of it!

 

Categories
Advice Law School

4 Things You Must Do After Finals

beachready
Congratulations on making it through finals! <3 You earned yourself some much-needed time off. But before you can go traipsing off on worldly travels, you need to get a few things handled first:

  1. SAVE your DATA!
    • You worked so hard all year. Prepare for the worst! What if your computer crashes forever? Mine did right before midterms. Thankfully, I didn’t panic. I save everything important to dropbox and to the Sharepoint system for our campus.
    • If you haven’t done so already, BACK UP YOUR FILES! Those gorgeous law school outlines will be plenty helpful when studying for the bar. Do yourself this little favor and take the time to save your hard work. Create zip files and email yourself backups too! Trust me. Your future self appreciates you.
  2. Organize your DESK.
    • I know this sounds lame but, if your desk looks anything like the hellacious disaster mine does, you need to CLEAN it up! Seriously. Go full-on Monica Gellar. Re-organizing your study space will prepare you for a few things: summer classes, summer internships, and the peace that comes from ordered spaces. Get yourself a filing cabinet and organize all your 1L classes. Go through any paperwork you have and determine what’s needed and what’s superfluous. Again, this will make it easier to find your study materials in the future. The Bar exam is right around the corner and you’ll be happy to have retained your study aids and materials for future use.monica-shredder
  3. Return Your Textbook Rentals.
    • Forgetting to send them back, even for just a day, is a waste of money. Maybe you have those extra $$$ to spend, but I sure don’t. Send your books back on time and you won’t rack up late fees. Plus, you can cross one more task off your list. [I really love doing that]
    • If you bought all your textbooks, then you may want to hold onto them and sell them to the next class! You can ask professors if they’ll be using the same textbook, and offer to sell yours to incoming students for a cheaper rate than they’d have to pay at the bookstore or Amazon. It’s pretty much a win-win situation. You sell your books for a bit of cash and have moolah to buy your next semester’s books too.
  4. Plan Out Your Summer.
    • Just because classes are over doesn’t necessarily mean you have nothing to do. It does however mean that you need to be more lax with your time. You’ve been selfish (I really hope so) all year. This summer, make time for more friends and family events, or go try a few new restaurants. Some of you may be interning for judges, or working at law firms. [I am studying for the patent bar…yes – more studying.] Make time for more fun activities, which you can intersperse amongst work commitments and possible classes (if you’re taking summer courses).  Don’t lose track of your planner/calendar. Keep up with the good habit of knowing your schedule, otherwise it’s easy to fall out of sync and forget to keep yourself on track.

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I sincerely hope you enjoy your summer. This part, right after finals…waiting for grades to post…it’s the most stressful time. If you’re worried – there’s nothing you can do about it now. Take a few steadying breaths and be thankful you’ve made it through your first year of law school. Congratulations!

Categories
Advice Law School

How to Prep Your Oral Argument

You’ve been chugging along, gobbling up every nugget of wisdom the professors have to offer. Everything is ok. You’re fine. Law school is finally feeling right and then – POW!

koala

Your first oral argument comes bounding around the corner and you have no freaking clue what to do. This is the point where you realize one of two things:
1) Well damn. I don’t like to speak to crowds and this is going to suck; or
2) I’ve totally got this and I’m confident, so I really don’t need to prepare – right?

You’re wrong in both scenarios. 

If you’re in the first group, then you need to give yourself more credit.
You were accepted to LAW SCHOOL. 
You MADE IT THROUGH your first semester.

This oral argument is going to be another feather in your cap of amaze-balls. 
Don’t think it’s going to defeat you or break your spirit. 
The point of the exercise is to give you a little taste of how it feels to be a zealous advocate. You need to feel the rush of what it is to be a competent attorney, otherwise, your efforts to earn high grades in class fail to relate to the real world. 

legalsuperhero

Trust me when I say this: If you can speak and write eloquently, you will have a much easier time winning a Judge over.

Now, if you’re in the 2nd group, listen here, child. Bottle up that confidence and store it away for the actual argument. You need to strut your stuff to impress the Judges, but if all you have is confidence – it’s not going to get you far. Do not make the mistake of thinking that you can get by with a few quick glances to the case facts and a few briefs of the defendant’s motion for summary judgment. Do not be the one caught unprepared!

Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Folder/Notebook/Padfolio
2. Notecards
3. Tape
4. Document Flags
5. Permanent Writing Tool (sharpie, felt-tip pen, pen)

Oral Argument Prep
Organize! Organize! Organize!

 

Your argument should be mostly drafted by the time you get here. 
Why? 
This is because you will likely have been asked to draft either a motion for summary judgment or an opposition to an MSJ (or other Motion brought in front of the Court).

Set up your argument! Write like the wind, and be FIERCE.
You’ll want to practice your argument multiple times before the real deal. Feel free to use your family members, or even pets, as an audience.
[If you were told not to collaborate with ANYONE – follow directions!]

erin
True, but we love it.

 

Now, you’re going to set up your already written argument!
Get your notecards and give them titles. I needed to create arguments for each of 3 elements, as well as have an introduction and a roadmap (to let the Court know where I plan on taking them).

 

IMG_1150
So, extra? No – soooo prepared!

 

Use the tape and flags to organize your argument and keep everything in place.
On the front of your cards, include what you want to say. Only tape the TOP of each notecard, so you can flip it over when you’ve made your point.
BONUS – Write the case names and facts you need to have on hand (on the back of the notecard where your point is), in case a Judge asks you for them!

Notice, I also used the extra space on my folder to write key points and notes to myself.
They’re in smaller chunks, so that I can catch them easily when I glance down.

Remember – DO NOT read directly off your notecards.
I prefer to write my entire argument down because it’s basically a security blanket!
By reciting  it often, the argument morphs into information that is easier to remember and feels much more natural discussing out loud. Ideally, your argument should not sound as if it is coming from a robot – you need to add flair and passion to your style!

Be awesome!