Being someone who aspires to become a lawyer, what specific habits should I develop in college that will help me prepare for law school?
As a senior in high school, I have recognized that college is around the corner. Though I have always considered myself an overachiever, one thing that I do struggle with is studying. When I enter college, I would like to take a more organized approach to my studies, rather than relying on my memory to guide me through my classes. I hope to learn and foster specific methods that will help me retain the most information possible. #law #high-school-students #help #lawschool
2 answers
Briane Cornish, Esq.
Briane’s Answer
A few habits that you absolutely have time to develop. Writing clearly and briefly. Start getting used to reading and finding information quickly. Some lawyers may have to read over 100 pages in a day. usually they are looking for something specific and need to be able to quickly find that. Information. If you want to be the type of lawyer who argues in court, you have to work on your public speaking (work on speaking clearly and making it easy for those listening to understand your major point and the analysis you took to get there.
Briane recommends the following next steps:
Kim’s Answer
Alexis,
Now is the time to identify what techniques work best for you for studying! Be creative. Draw diagrams showing the relationships between concepts, make up poems or songs, use flashcards. You want to learn, and retain, with the least amount of time possible! I was struggling with a particular law class, and found that by googling the cases, I found videos that helped me to better visualize what the cases were truly about. There is a wealth of info out there, so, when the readings/lectures aren't cutting it, find something else.
I think that is an important point: you are responsible for your own learning. If you aren't getting it, it's incumbent on you to figure it out. I encourage you to learn to connect with your fellow classmates. Get their contact info in case you need to miss class. Also try to figure out who takes better notes, etc. so you know who you can rely on. Help others. You might need a favor one day.
Do your readings, before class. Lecture makes more sense that way. Take your own notes. Don't rely on the professor's powerpoint handouts. Synthesize your notes and readings shortly after class. Resolve any conflicts between the two. If unable to resolve, see the professor during office hours. Get comfortable talking with your professors.
PS: Many years ago the opening act of a concert I attended was a college student, performing a song "Reeba, my Amoeba." It correctly had all the cell parts in it.
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