Tag: 1L

Categories
Daily Dose Law School

Law School Orientation: What to Expect & How To Prepare

You’re gearing up for law school orientation. First, let me congratulate you for getting here. You are a certified badass and all your hard work resulted in this freakout overwhelming feeling to prepare before classes begin. Don’t fret. You will be amazing. You’re probably trying to figure out what to wear, what to pack, and if you need to print anything or read something before Day 1 of Orientation.

Take a breath. Re-read the instructions sent to you by admissions, or the professors running orientation, and follow them to the letter. Add some snacks to your backpack, gum or mints, a notepad, and make sure to carry two pens, two highlighters, and your laptop + charger.

Wear something business casual. Landing somewhere in the middle of professional and casual is the best option. You won’t feel overdressed and won’t feel like a schlub. It may sounds silly, but dressing confidently goes quite a long way. Trust me on this.

Depending on your orientation schedule, you may have a quick few hours or a long week with your classmates. UNTDCOL (my alma mater) hosts a week-long orientation for students. There’s a long list of tasks to complete, including preparing your laptop, signing into research sites, and lessons on how to brief cases, as well as a prep class for torts or contracts. It’s our school’s take on gently introducing students to the law school experience.

These first few days of orientation can feel tense, mostly because the type-A group (which is pretty much everyone in your class) is trying to size each person up. I highly recommend being kind. The people in your class will become your family. You will spend an inordinate amount of time with your law school classmates. So, do yourself a favor and play nice.

Orientation will speed past you and the nerves you’re feeling now will likely ramp up before your first actual class. Take the time this week, if you haven’t already, to start your first week reading assignments. Don’t put this off. You need to brief your assignments and prepare for class. Don’t get ahead of the syllabus though. You aren’t even a baby lawyer yet. Getting too far ahead will cost you, dearly. Wait to get a foundation in each class before jumping too far forward in your reading. It seems odd, and goes against everything your overachieving self believes, but don’t do that!
You’ll thank me later.

Need advice on how to brief your cases for class? READ THIS.

Good luck and have fun!

Categories
Law School

The Socratic Method Nightmare: My First Day of Law School

Here’s the post I wanted to publish, but couldn’t bring myself to do so because it was a  wee bit snarky. After tonight’s panel – I felt it should see the light of day; this way, you know just what was running through my mind that Fall morning.

Enter: Torts Class 1.

Now after almost a week of orientation (“fundamentals”), and finding out that I don’t know a damn thing about briefing a case, I sat in on my first class. Guess who drew short straw?

That’s right – I did.

Dean Pryor said “alright, let’s get started. Miss Dill!”

elle.gif

 

::crickets::
Hand to the good sweet Lord, time passed soooooo slowly. I wanted to raise my hand, throw up, run…

Why for the love of all the green m&m’s did she have to call my name first? My own hand betrayed my emotions, shaking as I raised it.

“Ah. Good. Miss Dill, what is a tort?”

The seconds ticked by…I mean, what the hell is a tort?
I completed all of the reading for this class. I took notes for goodness sake. I knew damn well what the answer was, but my brain and lips failed to communicate.

Has this paralyzing fear ever happened to you?
Saying the right answer means I’m not a total idiot, and failing to speak makes people (and the Professor) think I didn’t complete the assigned reading. Crap.

Finally, my voice received the relay from the synapses, and I answered: “a tort is something…an act…that that causes someone else an injury.”

But, it wasn’t the answer she wanted. Ugh.

snape
“True, Miss Dill,” she said, “…but – tell me more about this act.”

“Umm…the person has to act.”
genius answer, right? double ick.

“The act has to be…on purpose? Ah. INTENTIONAL! It has to be volitional!”

200.gif

“Yes, Miss Dill. That’s right!”

Ok, she didn’t clap. But she did have the super cute Professor McGonagall half-smile. She must have been thinking “ok, I can work with this sorry sack of potatoes after all.”

Well damn, it only took me a million tries.
But hey, I finally answered the damn question.

This Socratic Method business is much scarier to think about than it actually is.
All those pauses I felt? Only in my head, apparently.

The blonde sitting next to me said I did a good job, and assured me I didn’t take as long to answer as I thought I had. Bless her kindness.

I didn’t have to answer any other questions for the rest of class, but I was on edge the entire time. I wanted another shot at answering more questions, faster…and with the perfectly right answer. Yeah, I’m a little type-A…

The rest of the class went pretty well, aside from the gunner in the front row. His hand shot up for everything, and I can’t tell you why – but it annoyed me. Then there was this other guy who just kept adding in a bunch of hoopla to his answers, fancying them up with all these huge words. I mean, we get it – you got into law school and can clearly read. So can the rest of us. 

Aside from the ridiculous behavior of some of us trying to be the overachievers within a bunch of overachievers, the day turned out great.
One day down, 40 pages of reading to go.

giphy (1).gif

Lessons I learned so far:
1. Do the reading. ALWAYS.
2. Don’t freak out…well, try not to freak out.
3. Be confident. That goes a long way when you have no clue what the answer is.

Best of luck this year!
I hope you’re ready for this next semester!

Categories
Advice Law School

Advice from 2Ls

 

I want to tell you all the secrets. Law school will create moments in your daily life where your soul is crushed. Everything may suck, and you’ll remember this advice (which you skimmed, but really should have read in great detail.

Here’s the advice that counts, matters, and may quite possibly save you a load of heartache.

 

No one likes a know it all.
Especially when you’re the type to rub someone’s face in it. 

Don’t be the jerkwad gunner (law school term for ass-hat), continuously answering questions in class, and adding in your two cents everywhere. No one cares how smart you seem. So, when you’re interacting with your peers, behave like you’ve got some manners. Be kind. Work hard. You won’t have anything to worry about.

Check your ego on day one.

 

No one gives a damn about what you did in undergrad or your masters programs. I actually met a guy at school who said this to me, after I shook his hand to introduce myself: “Yeah, I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to be the best.”

Law school is a new ball game. If you go into it with an ego, law school will check that ego for you. It will hurt. Do yourself a favor, and lend advice to others when your experiences might be useful. Once you get to know your peers, feel free to let your ego into more conversations (at your own risk, of course). But, don’t you dare tell people how great you are all the time. Let your work speak for itself.

Don’t live off coffee, pizza, and chili cheese fries.

 

You’re about to spend a butt-load of time studying, talking yourself into studying, and reviewing the notes you made while studying. Truly, it’s a crazy amount of studying. There will be many breaks (usually sponsored by the law school) where free food is provided. Law school is expensive, which means we pinch pennies and fall prey to the free food…so we can afford happy hour drinks.😅 With that in mind, make sure to maintain a workout plan. Adding alcohol to the free food will result in an increased waistline. [You’ve been warned.]

 

Outline!Outline!Outline! 

Everyone will stress this to you, and you won’t listen. But the fact is – outlining as you go, SAVES TIME! Studying for finals with your own outline is comforting, particularly since you’ll have put the time in reading and briefing. In the same vein as prepping for class, hold off on study groups. You might find that you mesh with people in conversation, but not in study groups  It may sound harsh, but no one will take it personally [if you’re not a jerk about it]. I have some great friends that are perfect brunch-buddies, but we don’t learn the same way at all! Therefore, we don’t study together. We’d drive each other crazy!

Pro-tip: You can always share study materials with your peers, but I’d recommend only sharing with those you trust. It’s a small number of those who get the materials I work on, and a small number of those who share their materials with me. Don’t be upset if someone doesn’t offer their study materials – you need to earn that privilege. 

 

Take care of yourself. 

 

Trust me when I say, it’s easier said than done. Be sure to take days off, maintain relationships, work out, and keep doing the things that bring you joy. These are essential to surviving and thriving in law school. You can definitely make it to spin class, or go rock climbing, without needing to worry about slacking.Those books will still be there after an hour yoga class. They kind of apparate to wherever you are. Studying follows you everywhere. But, it’s of utmost importance to remember the reason you decided to attend law school. It’s a consuming process, and it will attempt to define how spectacular you are based on numbers, clubs, and awards. It’s stressful. Make the freak out a bit easier on yourself by knowing the best ways to unwind. 

 

Avoid Taking Summer Classes.

One of my favorite professors said that it’s important to take breaks, and that any 1L would be stupid to take summer classes. Several of my peers ignored her. They regret it. Trying to intern and attend a full load of classes is madness. Avoid adding unnecessary stress to your life, and don’t bite off more than you can chew. There’s plenty of time in your legal career to experience burn-out, no need to encourage the feeling in law school.

Your 1L year is important. Take it seriously, but not so serious that you’re the Boo Radley of the 1L class. You need friends to make it through, and there’s not a long, novel-length of time for them to develop a deep love for your presence. First impressions count!
Work Hard + Be Kind. You’ve got three years ahead of you – make the best of it, friends.

Categories
Law School

Law School Necessities

Prepping for classes is one of my absolute fave activities, in the history of – well – ever. When I was teaching, I had even more fun shopping for school supplies because I got to buy loads of stuff! Filling up a basket with notecards, the perfect pens, binders, and mechanical pencils is soooo much fun. Staying organized (and color-coded) is one way through which I fuel my studies. Getting ready for law school classes, especially as a 1L, can seem overwhelming. You have no clue what your professors expect, or even allow in class, until you get your hands on their class syllabus.

I’m here to tell you exactly what you need to bring with you to class, and what you should make sure to keep handy at your home desk/office area. Prepping for class is half the battle, really.

As an added bonus – I stock my desk ahead of time so that I don’t use shopping as an excuse to side-track my studies. Because honestly, who can concentrate on studying when the one highlighter you have is dying and you still have 30 pages of reading to do?

[Let’s not discuss why you would only have one highlighter. That’s not a happy thought.]

I am a firm believer in using various study tactics to improve your retention. School supplies will drastically improve your study habits and learning techniques. Though this list is not comprehensive, it does include every item I feel is absolutely essential to your success in law school. I’ve also made it easier to access these supplies, by including their Amazon links. Just click on an image, and you’ll arrive at the product’s page. 🙂

1. Backpack/Rolling Briefcase

I personally purchased this backpack and I LOVE it. I’m not a fan of the rolling luggage-type bags, and needed a bag with a laptop cushion. After scouring the nets, I found this little guy in a variety of colors! Enter the professional backpack – which I felt was adorable, and functional. I can fit 2 medium size casebooks (or 1 large Civ. Pro. text), a notepad, my 15″ Macbook pro, a pencil case, my clutch purse, and 2 bottles of water in this bad boy.

    • After a year of use, it’s showing no serious signs of wear and tear, which is phenomenal considering how much weight it carries on the daily.

For those of you that have seen the Herschel bags, this one is an off-brand version. Call me crazy, but I just refused to pay $120 for a Herschel when I could pay $40 for an identical, and lesser-priced bag. #thrifty

2. Insulated Drink Bottle

(Or, a ridiculously cute one that could potentially sweat on your books, but looks awesome so you don’t care.)

My bestie gifted me a Corkcicle tumbler and it is fantastic! I can fill it with coffee before an 8am class, and it will stay hot hot hot for several hours! Equally impressive is that, if filled with ice, the beverage will stay ice cold for 6 or more hours! One of the best gifts ever. Truly. <3 Fill it up before class and don’t worry about not having enough hydration. My Corkcicle goes pretty much everywhere with me.

3. Laptop


I personally own a MacBook, because it’s the only brand I’ve ever used (my first laptop was a gift), and I didn’t feel the need to switch over to a different operating system when my last Mac died last semester (right before midterms…)

But you should know that I have seriously considered purchasing a touch screen computer, or even the iPad Pro. I’ve learned that I enjoy taking notes in class, by hand, and wish I could test out a digital attempt. With the new handwriting apps, taking notes with a stylus or pen, on a digital medium seems like a no-brainer. But, those options can get pricey.

I recommend you figure out what kind of computer requirements your school has for testing procedures before you take the plunge into laptop commitment. Our campus requires specific software capabilities in order to run ExamSoft (program in which we take exams).

4. Planner

I’ve mentioned my love of planning before, and I’ve decided I need to explain how it’s done, but that will be for another post. Today, all you need to know is that a planner or calendar of some sort (digital or physical) is necessary in law school. You need to know what’s going on in class, when stuff is due, and when networking events will be. Get with the program and keep track of your responsibilities!

5. Pencil Bag

Everyone needs a reminder now and then, right?
I feel law school can get stuffy sometimes; you need a pick-me-up designed in the little things. For me, those moments come in the form of accessories. This pencil bag is more than $2, but totally worth it! After all, you’re a brilliant badass – studying law!

6. Highlighters, Pencils & Pens

If you are a visual learner, or someone who enjoys adding color to their world, then these are for YOU! I color-code my notes, as well as my case briefs. Everything has a color, so I know exactly what information I need to extract. I find this to be extremely helpful during class, when I may have lost my train of thought and a professor needs an answer from me ASAP.

Finding a highlighter was hard, but I think (aside from the standard yellow Bic version) these Sharpies are great! I would even recommend buying a large pack with 6 different colors, if you are going to really go wild. However, any more than that might just be overkill. The choice is yours though – buy them all if you want.

I stumbled across colored mechanical pencils (did you get that? colored. mechanical. pencils. Y’all. They’re real! I use mine to mark up my research papers, usually while trying not to snot-cry all over my professor’s desk, with edits and suggestions.

If you haven’t tried Staedtler pens – BUY THEM NOW! I’m left handed, and these are the best things ever. The pen dries quickly, almost like a marker. There’s very little left-hand-smudge syndrome as a result, which means my hand is virtually ink-free! ::woo::

7. Desk Lamp

The Beau gave me this lamp as a gift. It’s perfect because I can move it virtually any which way around my desk, and it comes with it’s own vice, allowing you to attach it to virtually any desk. Unlike a traditional lamp with shade, this little guy packs a punch of brightness, which you can angle exactly over your books/notes. Plus – he’s super cute, and reminds me of my Disney youth.

8. Lunch Box Set

I cannot stress how much you NEED this in your life. Our campus is downtown, which means it’s near oodles of scrumptious places to eat. Since my wallet simply cannot handle the prospect of scrounging enough cash for lunch five times a week, I opt to pack mine. I meal prep on Sundays, and prep 3 days worth of meals (breakfast + lunch). Making dinner in the evenings is relaxing for me, because I love mixing it up in the kitchen.

I just ordered this bag and container set for myself, and I am stoked about putting it to use! There’s 4 containers, which will allow for snacks and meals. AMAZING!

9. DropBox Account

Everyone needs an account. YOU need an account! There’s an amazing calm that comes with the ability to access your work from virtually anywhere with an internet connection. The auto-save feature is worth the three minutes of setup time. Once installed on your computer, creating documents and saving them is seamless. If you’re not already a DB fan, you will be.

 

10. FOCUS Notes

If I can take notes on a laptop in class, then I take advantage of my typing skills. However, I could not be successful in ::analog:: classes without these notepads. They’re set in a Cornell style and help create neater notes. You write the major topic or concept on the right side of the page, and then the explanation on the left side. Writing out concepts helps me, so I am a huge fan of these beauties.

There are other things I require, like coffee, coconut rum, and a gym membership. But, they’re not absolutely necessary for everyone. In your time at law school, you will figure out what works for you (and what doesn’t). Your entire body will be tested. There’s no exact way to be ready for it – you just have to experience it. This supply list should make starting out easier though. You’re going to have a great year. <3

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
Daily Dose Reviews

Mesero – Dallas

Summer

The Beau and I brunched at Mesero on Sunday. We took the pups, which was a riot – because getting to the patio (with a blocked entrance…fire hazards be damned) was challenging.

Our original plan was to eat at a pet-friendly restaurant (which is a short list in Dallas proper). Now, I’d eaten at Mesero before and was not super thrilled to go back. However, we were now trapped by cars on all sides and there was no end in sight to get our Jeep back from the valet…so off we went toward the bright umbrellas (seriously, they’re ORANGE). The seating hostess was nice, but when we got to our table, the group nearest us leaned over to say the service was sub-par. One patron went so far as to point out which waiter to avoid!

Their brunch menu is small, but the portions are HUGE. Here’s wahat you need to know:

  1. They portion control the tortilla chips. Which is completely NOT okay.
    I’m a firm believer in spreading the chips and salsa love; if you see two people at a table, and you serve chips in a tiny 10oz container that can only fit 14 crisps (yes, I counted them) – then, by the sweet Gods in heaven, bring more chips!IMG_1531
  2. The plates look great, but that does not necessarily mean they’re good. My french toast wasn’t cooked. It was a burned glaze on the outside and a mushy cinnamon-flavored mess on the inside. Normally I don’t send food back, but the Beau insisted because they were completely inedible. They did a better job on the second try, but it was still undercooked. 🙁 One redeeming quality is the whipped cinnamon butter that comes with the warmed maple syrup to drizzle over the toast. Absolutely sinful. And yet – tragically – not enough of a reason to come back to this pop stand.IMG_1533
  3. Their chilaquiles (eggs + chicken + salsa + corn chips) were fantastic. Honestly, their salsa verde brings all the ingredients together in a magical concoction. I’d certainly order that dish again. But I probably will not be back here. Two times, you’re out. Their dinner is pricey and you don’t really get much. Basically, if I can make it in my own kitchen – then why bother going to the restaurant?
  4. In a crazy twist – the cocktails are pricey! Nearly every drink cost more than an actual brunch dish. What in the actual hell? Just know, if you do order one (we ordered the Meserita) then you’ll be plastered on just one drink. Fair warning.

wait, what?

Overall, we were not too pleased with this brunch spot. I felt like I could seriously teach the Chef a thing or two about Mexican cooking (or whatever they think they’re actually making…). We will not likely be back, barring some sort of kitchen-staff overhaul and a change in menu options.

I hope you’re enjoying your summer break!

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.

wedding-planning-gifs
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
Law School

The Night Before Your Final

bookstack

The week before Finals is stressful. Deadlines. Meetings. Coffee Runs. Mentor Lunches. Dinner with your neglected significant other.

But now, everything feels like you’re moving in slow motion; no class means you have time to binge-watch every episode of all your favorite shows, which you’ve dutifully ignored and tended to your reading all semester. Right?

Now, here you are, the night before your exam. I really hope you studied. In fact, I am damn well willing to bet, you studied. You completed your readings. You finished your assignments. You discussed class topics with classmates, or even your (gasp) non-law school friends and family.

Without realizing it, you’ve done nothing but think of law school concepts for the past several months. Everywhere you look: torts. That case in law&order? Absolutely, in no way, followed proper federal question jurisdiction procedures. [I, personally, have taken to reciting, out-loud, criminal law elements whenever they come to mind.]

topanga

 

We are all striving for perfection. There’s nothing wrong with that, per se.

But, what doesn’t kill you may just leave you with a giant ulcer.
Now, as much as I love the rush of deadlines and pressure to get something done, I simply don’t enjoy the madness before an exam.

Which is why I am sharing this little piece of brilliance with you.
You’ve studied ENOUGH. Cramming one more piece of information on res ipsa loquitur will not help you.

Sleep, however, will help you!

Rest that gorgeous brain. Pack your backpack, download your exam, and then put your laptop in your bag. Be ready to go in the morning. Get in bed by 10pm. [I know you’re going to surf the interwebs on your phone, or read one last reddit thread…]

My advice is simple: Stop studying.

Your exam is less than a day away. There’s no damn point in wrecking yourself before getting to the gut-wrenching part tomorrow.
Rest up. Be prepared. You’re fierce. You’ve got this.

Categories
Law School

5 Tips for a Great Study Space

organized

 

Sometimes [ok, more often than I care to count] I find myself procrastinating. I think we all do it, from time to time.

One of my best friends says she “can’t seem to study until the entire house is clean, [she’s] prepped her next three meals, and there’s nothing left to distract her.”

Another one of my law school besties forces herself to come to the library because then “it’s just you, your books, and zero excuses.”

shocked
Amazing self-discipline, right?

My point is – every student has their own moment of distraction. Many times, my moments last a few hours.

What? Baking brownies for friends that might come over later obviously takes precedence over studying Civil Procedure…right?

oprah
We’ll have none of that, Oprah. 😛

In all seriousness though, sitting down to study takes some serious focus. Here are five tips that will help you find [or make] the perfect study space!

  1. Desk space!
    • Studying law is a hefty experience. There’s so many books! You need to find an area that can hold up all those books. I’d say a good, sturdy table, about 3 feet by 2 feet, will serve the purpose well. Anything larger would be wonderful, but not wholly necessary.
  2. Lighting
    • This is KEY. Lighting is important. I don’t do well with yellow lights, so my study space requires white light. It’s a must. Thankfully, the beau purchased an adorable Pixar-esque lamp. I love him. The lamp – just to be clear. He’s perfect, and I’ve named him Trevor. He’s adjustable and, combined with my other lighting, can lighten or darken my study space.
  3. Comfortable Walking Area
    • I am a firm believer in taking BREAKS! Which means I don’t always like to study in the library. There’s almost always someone wanting to kick me out of a study room (which can only be reserved for two hours) or there’s simply too many fantabulous friends around; we distract each other and can quickly turn to different (more like cute cat videos on youtube) activities.
    • That said, find a space you’re comfortable walking away from for a bit, somewhere you’re comfortable leaving your belongings for a quick minute or two. Personally, I frequent some nearby coffee shops and eateries. The staff know me, so I’m comfortable taking a call and walking away from my laptop and books (let’s face it, the books cost more than my macbook.)
  4. Sounds
    • Ambiance, people. The sounds has to be perfect. I have found a perfect study combination. Spotify’s Instrumental Pop Songs playlist and (judge me, if you must) Hogwarts Rooms. I’ve personally been hanging around in the Hufflepuff common room lately. The chirping birds and raspy quills add to my study mood.  #HermioneRocks
  5. Perfect Distraction Level
    • As I’ve told you, studying new material with friends is always a non-starter for me. I need to capture the material before reviewing it. So I prefer to study alone and then review with a few people. It keeps my study group small and everyone is easily held accountable.
    • Find a spot that doesn’t necessarily have all your comforts, or maybe even one that does. Just know, you need to find your middle ground and keep yourself focused. Law school is only three short years. Put in the effort and you will pull off the grades you deserve.

 

Happy Studying!