Joseph
What is the expectations of going to Law school
#lawyer #law-school #law-practice #law
3 answers
Imre Ilyes
Imre’s Answer
There are many expectations associated with law school. Most importantly, you are expected to do the best you can to absorb and synthesize a large amount of material. Although there are many ways of doing this, with some obvious best practices, it usually comes down to time management and the willingness do the work. The work itself generally entails reading and analyzing between 20 and 80+ pages of caselaw for each class, with 8-12 classes a week.
Expectations also change as you progress in law school. As a 1L you have the luxury of focusing on your studies. Extracurricular activities like journals, moot court and clubs usually predominate your 2L schedule, but you’re still expected to keep your grades up. 3L year is either focused on getting a post-graduation job or represents the last chance of freedom, depending on your circumstance at that point.
The most important expectation associated with law school is the expectation you have for yourself. Being a law student is not the same as being a lawyer. Not many lawyers I know regret going to law school, but some resent being “stuck” in a job they don’t enjoy. This largely depends on the amount of loans you end up with, but school prestige and class rank also play a part. This is why it is very important that you have a good understanding of what lawyers actually do before deciding to go to law school.
Finally, being an attorney can be one of the most rewarding careers you can possibly have. Lawyers play a crucial role in the most important moments of people’s lives (criminal law, family law, etc.) and can have a huge impact on society (civil rights, class actions, etc.). If you’re interested in law school, talk to lawyers; get a job at a firm or law office; check out some trials or arguments at your state or federal courthouse. If you have the right expectation and correct information the rest will fall in place.
Mariana León García
Mariana’s Answer
1. There are many logistics to deal with: You may be envisioning law student life as consisting of lectures, briefs and hours of studying at your favorite coffee shop. While these things are all part very much part of the picture, there are quite a few practical issues to get through first.
2. Your schedule is out of your hands: Because the majority of law schools organize first-year students into 'sections'. The section you are in determines the course you will take and when you will take them or if you´re in a school in which you could make your own schedule there´re going to be sometimes that you´ll need to risk.
3. The reading is intense: If you have done your research and talked to law school students or alumni, you have probably already been informed of the massive quantities of reading you will be assigned in your first year of law school. This is no exaggeration.
4. Your social life will change: Law student life is inherently competitive. While this can make forming close friendships difficult, it can also create a unique environment of camaraderie. Developing bonds with classmates in your section as well as via study groups can help you come out ahead.
Good luck!
Mariana
