- Create a schedule of reading: I block off time in the day in my schedule rather than creating a to do list. This is helpful because it allows you to have realistic expectations about what you will get done. Yes, sometimes it is hard to estimate how long something will take. Because of this, I write down how long my readings took me for a few weeks and then used that info to help me plan well.
- Create a chart with how many pages of reading you have for each class: On a similar note, I found it very helpful the second semester to have a chart with the pages required for each reading. This allows you to know which weeks will be the hardest and plan your life accordingly.
- Have other pursuits besides law school: I read this suggestion somewhere and promise it is true. Whatever you like to do and prioritize, do it. You only have so much free time, so I would suggest being as intentional with extra time as possible.
- Simplify your life: it helped me a lot to simplify my life as much as possible by planning ahead (meal prepping, regular scheduling for calls, using a grocery delivery service, etc.). Essentially, I automate as much as possible to focus on the things that matter!
- Cherish the small moments: these are years of your life, so we encourage you to cherish them. Yes, there are hard days, but, if you can celebrate small wins and small moments of joy, it will help your experience to be much better.
- Don’t feel like you need to be perfect: Take a deep breath and remember your best is incredible. amazing. fantastic. This is not to say you will not mess up, you will. Whether it be a botched cold call or submitting an assignment late, you will inevitably mess up. But that is okay. Take everything in stride, and know that it is okay not to be perfect.
- Forget imposter syndrome: imposter syndrome is feeling like you do not belong for any list of possible reasons. Almost everyone feels this. But the voice saying that you do not belong in law school is wrong. It is wrong. Also, everyone may seem like they know what they are doing, but it is really a facade, so do not feel alone if you feel this way.
- Try new things: even if you came in knowing exactly what you want to do, I would encourage you to try new things: different classes, experiences, or internships than what you thought. This allows you to (1) confirm if this is what you want to do; and (2) learn new skills that are transferrable.
bold brookings & brews 