Things I Wish I Knew...

... before entering law school.

There is a list of different things that I wish I knew before finding it out on my own as a 1L.

Perhaps it is a "right of passage" to learn theses things on your own during the first year of law school but, if there are any potential, asprering law school students out there, I hope this list will be useful.



1. Time Management

I cannot stress the importance of being able to manage your time.

During your first year your classes are picked out for you.

You are placed in a Section and for one year this group of 1L students are your classmates, friends or competition. They are however you want to describe them.

There will be nights where you sleep late and have to wake up early for the classes the next day.

Be prepared for that.

Also, be prepared to cut down your social time. If you are used to hanging out with friends and going out late at night, you can say goodbye to the good ol' party days. I prepared for that the summer before law school. I went out, drank, partied and had a good ol' crazy time up until the day before orientation.



2. Do NOT shut yourself off from the real world

As described above, you may not be able to "hang out" with your family and friends as often as you did before but that is where Time Management comes into play.

I make time to have dinner with at least one BFF, once a week.

It is always nice to see someone that is NOT in law school.

I do love my TJSL folks but you must give yourself a break from the people you see everyday.

Did I mention that yet? Class is everyday, for fulltimers.

It's funny because my friends always ask me how school is and I always answer them with a short "it's good. it's okay. it's going." Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for attending law school and love what I am doing but if they honestly wanted me to answer that question it would turn into a lengthy converation about cases, rules, reading and writing. I'm sure no one will understand what I am talking about so I don't even bother. Also, the whole point of hanging out with non-law people is to get away from it, for just a little while. I don't want to talk about it, let's talk about something else in life, please?!



3. Sleep

Sometimes it is not possible to allow yourself a full 8 hours of sleep each night but get at least 5 or 6 and then try to catch up on the weekends.

Getting rest will keep you sane. It really will.



4. Exercise

Now I'm no gym freak but being just a little active will again keep you sane, just like sleep.

I walk my doggie Jaden everyday and at least every other day go on the eliptical.

I'd love to workout more and shed some pounds but just getting in a slight routine of getting some motion each day will be sufficient for now.



5. Prepare yourself for at least 4 hours of reading, studying, homework outside of class time each day

4 hours is good enough to fit in reading and facebooking! If you want to take notes and review previous notes and fit in Legal Writing Research prepare for 5+ hours.



6. Start your outlines early

What is an outline?

An outline is comprised of the main issues of the class.

They include the topics and brief information on each topic to be studied for the midterm (if your school even has midterms) and the final.

DO NOT DEPEND on others for their outlines.

I have looked at 5 outlines from others and some of the information can either be omitted or was completely different from what I knew.

It's all about what YOU know.



7. Go to class... On time

My Torts Professor has a "Wall of Shame".

If you walk in even 1 minute late, you put your name up and you will be called on.

Not only is is important to arrive to class on time but it is good to make your best effort to attend.

At TJSL you are allowed up to 4 absences per course. Save up those absences for emergencies. Going to class is your benefit and you did not pay up to $20,000 a semester to not attend.



8. Find Section Friends, not Frienamies

It may be the impression of other law schools for your classmates to be your competition but at TJSL they emphasis to help each other out. You want to make section friends so you can have study groups. Duh! And if you miss a class, you can ask for their notes. And, if you get called on and need help, they might be able to give you a hand. It all works out for the best!



9. Know where other law libraries are in your area

When it is time for Memos to be written you will fight for the same books in your law school's library. If there is an alternative, (county law library other law school libraries) take advantage of it. The San Diego County Law Library is totally empty and your books will mostlikely be there for you to use.



10. Take ALL the FREE stuff they give you

During orientation the school was giving away free t-shirts, water bottles and highlighters. TAKE THEM! Take them all! You'll never see these free things again. You've paid thousands so you're entitled to take them, unless they give you a limit and they Don't. My mistake was not taking enough highlighters. It's week 10 and I've gone through 4 highlighters. You WILL NEED them! Also, if there are events that are free and include free food... GO! Some meetings for clubs are actually interesting and you might just want to get involved.



11. Make sure your cell phone and laptop are on silent.

Just save yourself the embarassment. One of my Professor's makes you buy breakfast or lunch for the class if your phone rings in class.



12. Stay ahead of the game

Try reading ahead for class so you don't read it all the night before. Go ahead and read a class or 2 ahead if you can and if your Prof. does not advise you to not do so.



13. Office hours and help sessions

If you are HELLA lost or just want some construcutive feedback or have some questions. GO to office hours and help sessions. They really do help!



14. Buy Black's Law Dictionary

You can look up definitions online but I like Black's. If you have an iphone you can dl the app.

15. Have Fun!
Although there is endless reading you have to remember to have fun. I study everyday with my Law School bffs and we make it fun since we have jokes and stories that are "outside" of law school. We're silly girls too so it's pretty funny being around us!

... This list will continue throughout my 1L year but for now it's back to Memo 2 research!