Law School Discussion

Crim law. It's absolutely ridiculous.

I've heard Crim Law is hard, but it's a 2nd semester class for us.

Quote from: likewise on September 27, 2008, 12:27:58 PM

3L here.

Most of you folks seem to be adjusting well. A few suggestions, most of which I learned in hindsight.

1) Spend the amount of time you need to do as well as you can in LRW. This will likely be your writing sample, and writing samples help you get jobs. Besides, if your LRW is graded, some interviewers will take note if you do well. However, don't tank in your substantive classes b/c you're re-writing your memo for the 13th time.

2) Don't run out of steam. This is a marathon that culminates in a sprint. Save some juice for outlining and studying in the two weeks that run up to exams.

3) Don't worry about appearing smart to profs and fellow students. "I don't know" is often the best answer, even you get beat down for it by the prof. He/she would rather see you do that than get a C on his/her exam.

4) Avoid large study groups. Anything over three is large. Inevitably as a 1L, you rope in some know-it-all who will really screw up your outline. Or, you get someone so much smarter or dumber than you; the group will then move too fast or too slow for your taste. Do use small study groups early to see if they're helpful. If they are, stick with your crew. Avoid discussing grades with those in your study groups.

5) Use treatises. However, talk to folks that have had your prof before to find out whether a) a treatise will be helpful at all and b) if helpful, which one's the best fit.

6) Profs are people too. Talk to them when you don't get it--and when you think you do. If you're concerned and have the time, grab old exams and review them with him/her.

7) Look at the big picture. There are only a half dozen key sub-areas in each of your classes. Know what they are and have something to say about each on your exam. Look at your syllaboy and the TOCs of each text; what's the prof doing? Why?

Sleep, eat, talk to your family, spend time with your sig other. Go see movies, go clubbing, dance your pants off. Make time: it decreases crash-and-burn likelihood? HOW!!?  Give yourself at least one full day off each week. If you work smart, you can actually get all the stuff you NEED to do into a standard five-day workweek.

9) DO NOT WORRY ABOUT WHAT ANYBODY ELSE IS DOING. You're number one. Be kind and respectful of others, but never let them rent space in your head.

10) Go to networking events, even if you're socially inept. Don't worry, many lawyers are awkward. Yes, 5% of your classmates are very quiet, get great grades, and land GREAT jobs: chances are you won't be one of these. Great opportunities arrive when you least expect it, so smile, shake hands, and eat some free food. (But, don't try to do the food/drink at the same time thing, cuz then shaking hands becomes awkward.) (Always wear your nametag on your right lapel.)

11) Don't be "that guy." He doesn't get a job. Don't get too drunk, don't sleep with your professors (or too many of your classmates), don't go to class when you have the plague, don't talk poo on people, don't talk about grades, and don't drag around a massive wheelie-bag. Do shower every day, do put clothes on that don't make you look like a harlot,  and do talk to people and make friend.

Excellent post. Thank you.

ditto

Workload keeps me busy. 
I seem to be getting the majority of the material, but my torts prof is a stickler for details. 
Gossip is an issue here as everywhere I suppose.
I agree with OP that those gunners who were throwing their hand up 10 times a class the first two weeks are quietly looking at their books/notes when the professor goes searching for another victim now that we are a month in.
Our Con Law professor makes you stand for 20-40 minutes when he calls on you.  The people that haven't been called on yet are freaking out before class starts everyday...
All 4 of my profs want briefs structured differently.  Really annoying but it prepares you for what kind of answers they want on the exam.

People are freaking out about when to start outlining classes and how to do them.
Lots of middle of the pack people, no real 10% gunners that walk around beating their chests to speak of yet. 
Have been really surprised by the number of "I don't care what kind of grades I get as long as I graduate" people their are here.

Lots of parties and group/section functions.  So much so that it seems you can't make it to all of them and I have quit trying to do so. 
Professors are great for the most part, except one has given us 4 different syllabi since school started.......

Workload keeps me busy. 
I seem to be getting the majority of the material, but my torts prof is a stickler for details. 
Gossip is an issue here as everywhere I suppose.
I agree with OP that those gunners who were throwing their hand up 10 times a class the first two weeks are quietly looking at their books/notes when the professor goes searching for another victim now that we are a month in.
Our Con Law professor makes you stand for 20-40 minutes when he calls on you.  The people that haven't been called on yet are freaking out before class starts everyday...
All 4 of my profs want briefs structured differently.  Really annoying but it prepares you for what kind of answers they want on the exam.

People are freaking out about when to start outlining classes and how to do them.
Lots of middle of the pack people, no real 10% gunners that walk around beating their chests to speak of yet. 
Have been really surprised by the number of "I don't care what kind of grades I get as long as I graduate" people their are here.

Lots of parties and group/section functions.  So much so that it seems you can't make it to all of them and I have quit trying to do so. 
Professors are great for the most part, except one has given us 4 different syllabi since school started.......

Workload keeps me busy. 
I seem to be getting the majority of the material, but my torts prof is a stickler for details. 
Gossip is an issue here as everywhere I suppose.
I agree with OP that those gunners who were throwing their hand up 10 times a class the first two weeks are quietly looking at their books/notes when the professor goes searching for another victim now that we are a month in.
Our Con Law professor makes you stand for 20-40 minutes when he calls on you.  The people that haven't been called on yet are freaking out before class starts everyday...
All 4 of my profs want briefs structured differently.  Really annoying but it prepares you for what kind of answers they want on the exam.

People are freaking out about when to start outlining classes and how to do them.
Lots of middle of the pack people, no real 10% gunners that walk around beating their chests to speak of yet. 
Have been really surprised by the number of "I don't care what kind of grades I get as long as I graduate" people their are here.

Lots of parties and group/section functions.  So much so that it seems you can't make it to all of them and I have quit trying to do so. 
Professors are great for the most part, except one has given us 4 different syllabi since school started.......