How to Succeed as a 1L

Starting law school can be a daunting task for many students. It requires a significant amount of time, dedication, and effort to succeed. However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can excel in your first year of law school. In this blog post, we will explore some tips on how to succeed as a first-year law student.

Develop a Study Plan

One of the most critical aspects of succeeding as a first-year law student is to develop a study plan. Law school requires a significant amount of reading, writing, and studying. Therefore, it is crucial to schedule your time efficiently. Creating a schedule can help you prioritize your work, set deadlines, and manage your time better. Make sure to include breaks in your schedule to avoid burnout.

Attend Classes Regularly

Attending classes regularly is essential for law students. In law school, professors often cover complex topics that can be challenging to understand without context. Attending classes can help you gain a better understanding of the material and ask questions to clarify any doubts you may have. Additionally, attending classes can help you build relationships with your professors and classmates.

Practice Taking Law School Exams

Law school exams are different from exams in other fields. They often involve complex hypothetical scenarios that require you to apply legal principles to a specific set of facts. It is therefore essential to practice taking law school exams to develop your exam-taking skills. One useful resource which helped me our immensely when I was in school is the Law Essay Exam Writing System (LEEWS), which provides a step-by-step approach to answering law school exam questions. Purchasing and taking LEEWS can help you improve your exam-taking skills and increase your confidence when it comes time to take exams. Additionally, make sure to take advantage of any practice exams or resources provided by your professors or school. Practicing taking exams can help you identify areas where you need to improve and develop better strategies for answering exam questions. We recommend purchasing LEEWS directly from the website, but it can also be found on Amazon here.

Start Outlining Your Class Materials Early

Outlining is a crucial aspect of law school. Outlines are detailed summaries of the material covered in class and can help you organize your notes and prepare for exams. It is important to start outlining early in the semester to avoid falling behind and to ensure that you have enough time to review and refine your outlines before exams. Additionally, starting early can help you identify any areas where you may need to review the material more closely or seek clarification from your professors. As you progress through the semester, make sure to update your outlines regularly to reflect any new material covered in class. Starting early and keeping your outlines up to date can help you save time and reduce stress when it comes time to study for exams.

Stay Organized

Staying organized is crucial in law school. With multiple assignments, readings, and deadlines, it is essential to stay on top of your work. Keep a planner or use a digital calendar to help you manage your schedule. Additionally, make sure to organize your notes, readings, and other materials to avoid confusion and save time.

Figure Out the Type of Studying That Works Best for You

Law school requires a significant amount of studying, but the type of studying that works best for you may vary depending on your learning style and preferences. Some students prefer to study alone, while others prefer to study in groups. It is important to figure out what type of studying works best for you to maximize your learning and retention.

Build Relationships

Building relationships with your professors and classmates can be beneficial in law school. Professors can provide valuable advice and mentorship throughout your law school career. Additionally, building relationships with your classmates can help you create a support system and provide you with study partners.

Take Care of Yourself

Law school can be stressful, and it is essential to take care of yourself. Make sure to prioritize your mental and physical health. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat healthy foods. Taking care of yourself can help you manage stress and perform better in school.

In conclusion, succeeding as a first-year law student requires dedication, effort, and a strategic approach. Developing a study plan, attending classes regularly, participating in class, seeking feedback, staying organized, developing writing skills, building relationships, and taking care of yourself are some tips that can help you excel in law school. Remember that law school is a journey, and it is essential to enjoy the process and learn as much as you can along the way.