Do’s and Don’ts in Your First Year of Law School

Article written by Karnika Gaira, second-year law student at Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur.

If you’re a fresher in law school, it is necessary that you have an open mindset on how to approach different and novel things around you because if you are a rigid person reluctant to be flexible about distinct ideas, the place which could be a haven of knowledge for law could turn into a toxic environment.

It is true that only you have the power to make this university experience exceptional and gaiety for you, along with it, you must know how to balance the fun and academics together because in life you always win some and lose some. In university you have to be vigilant about your goals, but important aspects like health and happiness should not be sacrificed while trying to achieve your aims.

Therefore, I have mentioned the do’s and don’ts in university which are simple to follow and maintain throughout law school which will make this onerous journey plain sailing.

DO’s

• Being attentive in class– Concentrating in class is easy, as long as you stay away from your tech devices. Be mindful in class and absorb all the knowledge that the professor has to impart. In this way you will understand the concepts better and it will be useful for your exams and tests. Moreover, the first year is the foundational year wherein you can start developing better legal reasoning and analysis power which will strengthen your logic, aid in internships, and make you a better lawyer if your core concepts are clear. Participating in class discussions is a great way to avoid any sleepiness and be observant.

• Reading the Cases – Cases are one of the most important parts of the curriculum as they are always fun to read, we vicariously learn through their judgements about the outcome, and it is important for development in the judiciary and constitution. Landmark judgements sprout from the case laws which are inherently important to know how the laws have evolved. Furthermore, case briefs give a deeper understanding of a legal concept with nuances.
• Getting enough sleep – A proper sleep schedule should be maintained to keep up with the classes and assignments to not lack in any area in university. A good sleep always gives rise to a better day wherein you are energetic and ready to tackle the various tasks that come your way because law school can be incredibly stressful sometimes and health always comes first. Nutrition should also be cared for because a healthy body develops a healthy mind and one can avoid falling sick by eating good food.
• Using correct Academic Support Resources – Every university provides its students with various academic support resources like writing centres, tutors, library resources, etc. Your seniors could also help you in overcoming any problem you have finding materials and researching because using the correct and updated sources is very important in your papers and projects. Collaborating with your peers to collect materials and notes along with sessions of a study group could enhance your learning experience.
• Be consistent – You should be on your A-game from day 1 because law school is no piece of cake and like any other course, its difficulty level will increase each year with heavier subjects coming with each passing year. So, it is important that you stay organised and make a proper routine and follow it for the best results.

DON’TS

• Procrastination – Procrastination is in no way a good habit, and if you slack off in a project or fall behind on assignments or readings, it will come back to bite you because the workload is intense and it will keep on piling up, so it is suggested that work should be done in good time to avoid such consequences.
• Taking feedback – Professors would often give you certain remarks or feedback regarding your performance in exams or projects you have submitted. Take it as constructive criticism and use their suggestions to make your work better especially for exams. They should not be taken to heart and only used for academic validation.
• Don’t isolate yourself – Even if academics matter the most in university, having a social life is important too. In fact, it makes surviving in law school easier. Making connections and good relations is a good trait in a law student. Also, isolating yourself would not help in navigating your way through university. A social circle, which may include friends and roommates, provides happiness in their company to relax and rejuvenate from the arduous environment. Doing what you like and maintaining hobbies is a great way to de-stress and stay balanced.
• Never compare yourself to others – Everyone is different and unique in their own way, so learning capacities and progress differs from person to person, comparing yourself to another does no good for you. One should always study at their own pace, time, and convenience. It is okay if sometimes you face disappointment, but even so, you shouldn’t draw comparisons with someone better than you because it gives rise to unhealthy competition.

The first year of law school can be challenging, but staying organised, engaging in productive activities, and taking care of yourself will set you up for success.

All the best for this rollercoaster known as law school!