Starting Law School: Essential Tips Every 1L Needs to Know

Starting Law School: Essential Tips Every 1L Needs to Know

Starting law school is an exciting and challenging time. As a first-year law student (1L), you’re embarking on a journey that will shape your future legal career. However, the transition to law school can be overwhelming, with new academic expectations, heavy workloads, and a competitive environment. To help you navigate your first year successfully, we’ve put together a guide on what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of your 1L experience.

Starting Law School: Essential Tips Every 1L Needs to Know

1. The Socratic Method

One of the first things you’ll encounter in law school is the Socratic Method, a teaching style that involves professors asking students questions to stimulate critical thinking and discussion. Rather than simply lecturing, your professors will engage you in dialogue, often calling on you unexpectedly to explain a case or legal principle.

Tip: Prepare for every class by thoroughly reading and briefing your assigned cases. You never know when you’ll be called on, and being prepared will help you stay confident and engaged.

2. Heavy Workload

Law school is notorious for its demanding workload. As a 1L, you can expect to spend a significant amount of time reading, briefing cases, and preparing for class discussions. On top of that, you’ll need to balance writing assignments, legal research, and extracurricular activities.

Tip: Develop strong time management skills early on. Create a study schedule that allocates time for reading, reviewing notes, and outlining. Our law school tutoring services can help you stay on track and manage your workload effectively.

3. Outlining and Exam Preparation

Outlining is a crucial part of law school success. Throughout the semester, you’ll need to create detailed outlines of your course material, which will serve as your primary study tool for exams. Unlike undergraduate exams, law school exams are typically essay-based and require you to apply legal principles to hypothetical scenarios.

Tip: Start outlining early in the semester and update your outlines regularly. This will make exam preparation less overwhelming. Consider using our law school outlines to supplement your studies and ensure you cover all key topics.

4. Grades and the Curve

Law school grading is often done on a curve, meaning your performance is compared to that of your classmates. This can create a competitive environment, especially since your 1L grades are crucial for securing internships and job opportunities.

Tip: Focus on your own performance rather than comparing yourself to others. Seek feedback from professors and take advantage of academic support resources to strengthen your understanding of the material.

How to Prepare for Class

1. Reading and Briefing Cases

Before each class, you’ll be assigned cases to read and brief. A case brief is a summary that outlines the key facts, issues, holding, and reasoning of a court’s decision. Briefing cases helps you understand the legal principles and prepares you for class discussions.

Tip: Develop a consistent method for briefing cases, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling with a particularly complex case. Our one-on-one tutoring can provide personalized guidance on how to brief effectively.

2. Participating in Class

Active participation in class is essential in law school. Not only does it help you engage with the material, but it also allows you to demonstrate your understanding to the professor. Even if you’re not called on, participating in discussions can enhance your learning experience.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask questions or contribute to discussions. If you’re unsure about a topic, chances are, others are too. Engaging in class will deepen your understanding and prepare you for exams.

3. Time Management

With the heavy workload and rigorous demands of law school, time management is critical. Balancing classes, reading, outlining, and personal time requires careful planning.

Tip: Use a planner or digital calendar to schedule your study sessions, assignments, and extracurricular activities. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance, and make sure to set aside time for self-care and relaxation.

Getting Involved: Clubs, Groups, and Networking

1. Join Law School Clubs and Organizations

Law school offers a wide range of clubs and organizations that cater to different interests, from moot court and trial advocacy to public interest law and legal technology. Getting involved in these groups not only enriches your law school experience but also helps you build valuable skills and connections.

Tip: Attend the student organization fair at the beginning of the year to explore your options. Joining a club that aligns with your career interests can also help you network with like-minded peers and professionals.

2. Build Relationships with Professors

Your professors are not just educators; they’re also valuable resources for mentorship, networking, and career guidance. Building strong relationships with your professors can open doors to research opportunities, recommendation letters, and career advice.

Tip: Visit your professors during office hours, ask thoughtful questions in class, and express your interest in their areas of expertise. Building these relationships early on can have long-term benefits throughout your legal career.

3. Networking and Career Planning

Networking and career planning should begin in your 1L year. Law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations often start recruiting early, so it’s important to start thinking about your career path and making connections in the legal field.

Tip: Attend career fairs, networking events, and workshops offered by your law school’s career services office. Don’t be afraid to reach out to alumni or professionals in your areas of interest for informational interviews. Our career planning services can also help you map out your career goals and develop a plan to achieve them.

How Much Work to Expect

1. Reading Assignments

You can expect to spend several hours each day reading and briefing cases. For each class, you might be assigned 30 to 50 pages of dense legal text, which requires careful analysis and attention to detail.

Tip: Don’t just read passively—engage with the material by taking notes, highlighting key points, and asking yourself questions as you go. This will help you retain information and be better prepared for class.

2. Writing Assignments

In addition to reading, you’ll have writing assignments, such as legal memos and research papers. These assignments are designed to develop your legal writing and research skills, which are critical for your future career.

Tip: Start writing assignments early and seek feedback from professors or writing tutors to improve your skills. Law school writing is different from undergraduate writing, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure about the format or expectations.

3. Study Groups and Practice Exams

Many 1Ls find study groups helpful for reviewing material and preparing for exams. Additionally, taking practice exams under timed conditions can help you get used to the format and improve your exam performance.

Tip: Join a study group with classmates who are committed to regular, focused study sessions. Practice exams are also available through your law school or JD Advising’s resources, which can help you gauge your understanding and identify areas for improvement.

Preparing for Success

Starting law school is a major milestone in your legal career. While it’s a challenging journey, with the right preparation and mindset, you can navigate your first year successfully. To ensure you’re ready, check out our comprehensive Pre-1L Law School Checklist to help you prepare before classes even begin.

Remember, you don’t have to do it alone—JD Advising offers a range of law school services to support you every step of the way. From personalized tutoring to comprehensive outlines, we’re here to help you excel in your 1L year and beyond. Embrace the challenge, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. With determination and the right resources, you’ll be well on your way to a successful law school experience!

• Seeking Success in Law School?

  • Benefit from personalized one-on-one tutoring by our seasoned law school tutors.
  • Explore our NEW and highly acclaimed law school study aids, available for a free trial.