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« on: May 30, 2005, 04:16:56 PM »
I agree with Rapunzel. Hopefully my second year will be as fulfilling as hers.
I found 1L year to be full of emotional responses to work that I didn't expect. I think I had a false sense of preparation from reading books like PLS, Law School Confidential etc. Most of those books tell you that you have nothing to fear, just do it their way. And I believed that, kinda. But when I got there, everything is a lot more unclear than I thought it was going in. Further, I knew what to do according to those books, but I still had to find a system that worked for me. I think that's really the most difficult thing. Finding a system that works for you and learning an entirely new way to think, write, and learn (almost).
I would suggest not going in too idealistic, but not pessimistic. With all things there must be a balance.
Along with the work, you must find time for yourself. A lot of people in law school either work themselves to death or pretend to.
The other aspect of law school was the "game" of it all: the people, the work etc. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster and cutthroat type A people no matter where you go. You will probably meet one or two people you like, but be cautious. It's better to be prepared that shell-shocked.