How To Handle Missing Law School Class

How To Handle Missing Law School Class

We know that life happens during law school and while preparing for and taking the bar exam. For one reason or another, you’re probably going to have to miss a class or two or more at some point during law school. Maybe you’re not feeling well? Perhaps you have an important family event to attend? You might even need to take a mental health day. Whatever the reason is for missing class, it’s not the end of the world. Missing a law school class doesn’t automatically undo all of the hard work you’ve put in throughout the semester. Here are some steps to make missing class a little bit easier on yourself, your friends, and your professors.

How To Handle Missing Law School Class

Communicate With Your Professor

If you know ahead of time that you’re going to need to miss class, let your professors know. This helps to ensure that they can plan accordingly and work around your absence. For example, many professors let students know the class prior whether anyone is going to be “on call.” If you’re going to be on call and know that you’re missing class, a forewarning can really help your professor (and you!). They may be able to switch your “on call” date so you can still get credit for participating in class.

Even if you don’t know that you’re going to miss class, any communication with your professors is better than nothing. For example, if you wake up before class and don’t feel well, still make a habit of emailing your professor. While they may not see the email until after class, they will likely appreciate your efforts.

Let Friends Know

Missing class doesn’t mean you have to miss learning what was discussed that day. Similar to above, if you know you’re missing class, let your close friends know. You can even ask them to take notes for you so you don’t feel lost in the next class. Of course, be smart about who you ask to take notes for you! While your best friend may be awesome, maybe their note-taking skills aren’t. Again, even if you don’t know for sure whether or not you’re going to miss class, you can always shoot your friends a quick text!

Plan To Review

Since you’re missing class, it’s a good idea to plan to take some time afterward and review what was discussed. Regardless of whether you did the reading for the missed class the night prior, take time to evaluate missed material. This might mean reviewing notes that friends took for you or attending office hours to chat with your professor. Also, be sure to check that your professor didn’t upload a recording of the lecture you missed. Similarly, be sure to double-check that any PowerPoint slides weren’t uploaded. Class recordings and slide decks are a great way to review the information discussed in the class you missed!

Check The Attendance Policy

Each professor has a different attendance policy that is likely outlined in the class syllabus. Some are more relaxed about students missing class, some are more rigid, and some may not care at all. Depending on where your professor falls on this scale, you may need to review the attendance policy. Make sure that you haven’t already exceeded the number of days allowed to be missed. Most professors on the stricter side of the absence scale tend to allow students only two or three absences. Anything past that is grounds for negative impacts on your overall grade in the class. If you do find yourself in excess of the policy, reach out to your professor as soon as possible to discuss other options.

• 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.