When it comes to law school, the biggest adjustment isn’t always the course load. It’s usually pretty clear that the workload will be far greater than what you were used to in undergrad. However, one key aspect people often overlook is the mindset shift that’s needed to keep up with this level of work. It’s not just about study habits but also about reshaping your work habits, social life, and even your approach to success and failure.
While it may seem obvious that all these adjustments are necessary, they’re often not at the forefront of students’ minds as they begin their journey. For instance, you have to be prepared to hear “no” more often and—most importantly—learn to be comfortable with being wrong. Accepting when you’re mistaken is crucial to growth; after all, real learning starts when you’re willing to challenge your own assumptions and recognize where you can improve.
Lean into your support system and talk things through with them. I’ve found it especially helpful to share my school-related concerns with people outside of law school, as they provide a fresh perspective and are removed from the daily pressures. At the same time, remember that your law school peers can become an equally vital support system—no one understands the unique challenges of law school quite like they do. While this might seem contradictory, I’ve found it invaluable to have both perspectives during my journey.