If you’re thinking of applying to law school or just waiting for your first semester to begin, you’ve probably got a lot of questions in mind. You’re sure to have questions like “how hard is law school?”, “what is law school like?”, “is it hard to become a lawyer?” and “what can you do with a law degree?” If that sounds like your situation, don’t worry! To help you, we have compiled a list of things you should know before starting law school:
1. Is it Hard to Become a Lawyer?
Without meaning to discourage you, it’s important that you understand that law is not an easy profession to pursue. But if it’s where your interest truly lies, you’ll find yourself Keen to learn and won’t ever be plagued with boredom.
2. You Will Have to Read A Lot
Reading is a staple in every law student’s day. Because law qualifies as humanity, there is plenty of reading the subject requires. This will train you for real-life cases, which also include extensive research sessions, most of which will be full of designated reading time.
3. Everyone Will Approach You for Free Legal Advice
This comes with being a lawyer. If you’re good at your work, people will continuously approach you for help in casual settings without paying you a dime. It’s worth noting that as a law student, you won’t know everything at the tip of your fingers. In fact, you won’t always remember exact clauses or rules from the legal book, either. This doesn’t mean you’re a weak lawyer, and it just means that you’re still learning!
However, if you’re having excessive trouble remembering clauses and rules of law, you may want to reach out for online homework and assignment help. If you’re in the UK, you can use writing services that provide law essay help hassle-free! Many law students practice this when they don’t have time to do assignments.
4. It’s Intense
Make no mistake; law school requires insane amounts of dedication. Not everyone is cut out for it, and that’s okay. Each new day comes with the unwavering demand of hours worth of reading, lectures, and group studies, so get ready to face it all!
There is also an extreme amount of pressure on students to be perfect, get the best grades, and never falter. While it is a lot to take on, it’s not impossible at all! You need to stay focused, though. It’s all about the hustle.
5. Organization is Everything
If you want to be on schedule and still be able to take out time for yourself, create a timetable and stick to it. Law is not an easy subject to study, so don’t waste time on unimportant things and do your best to stay on track! Remember, though, to make friends, spend healthy time alone, and have some fun to avoid burning out.
6. Law Books are Expensive
They cost a fortune, but you’re going to have to grab those textbooks regardless! Sometimes, it’s more affordable to photocopy a textbook or share it with a friend, though having your own original copy is better. Remember, it will all be worth it in the end!
7. The Jump from High School to Law School…
During the transition from high school to university, many things change very fast, and it’s not always easy to follow through. You need to allow yourself some time to adjust to your new environment and learn to do things for yourself, as an adult with newfound independence.
Not many people know this, but in your first few weeks or months of law school, chances are you’ll be falling behind. During readings, you might feel incredibly silly, or feel like you’re not smart enough to be here. Don’t worry, most students feel that way, especially if they’re the first ones from their family studying law. It will get better in time.
8. Social Stigma
Every profession has a set of stereotypes attached to it, but the ones that come with law school are brutal. People will call you mean things, like the devil’s advocate, and shun you for defending guilty parties. Yet, you need to remember that not all lawyers are the same. Sure, you will meet people in law school who are in it only for the power and riches that may come with a law degree–though there is no guarantee of this–but there are also people who are pursuing law because they find it interesting, or to help “good people” get out of jail. Both categories can make good money and hold plenty of power in their hands, so don’t worry. You can be a successful lawyer without sacrificing your morals, too!
So, if you were wondering what law school is like, hopefully this summary would have helped you. Just remember to stay focused on your studies and balance your mental health, too, and you’ll be just fine!