As a rising 2L Evening Division student, I wanted to share some of the helpful tips that I wish I knew at the beginning of my 1L year…

1. Law school is a marathon, not a sprint. School should be your priority; however, burn out is very real. If you give 120% of yourself to school, and don’t make time for your mental and physical wellbeing, your law school education will suffer. It is important to find a balance! For some people, that means sticking to a very rigid calendar and scheduling time for classes/homework/studying, as well as some sort of time for family/friends/fun. For other people, that means taking one night “off” from school work most weeks. Find the balance that works best for you.
2. Comparison is the thief of joy. There is no need for constant comparison with your law school classmates. What works for others might not work for you, and that is okay. You will likely have different study habits (alone vs. in a group, flashcards vs. re-writing rules, etc.). As long as you are doing your readings, keeping up with all assignments, and studying/outlining in a way that works best for you, you will do great!
3. Your classmates are your friends and future colleagues. Bond with them and be kind to one another! These are the people who rant to you, laugh with you, cry on your shoulder, study with you, celebrate with you, and ultimately help you through this journey. Nobody truly understands the struggle of law school more than your classmates, so lean on them, and don’t burn any bridges!
4. Have fun! Law school is what you make it. Join a new group, become a student member of a local Bar Association, attend networking events, enjoy social events, and take the opportunities that come your way! You will meet amazing people, including attorneys who you might turn to for advice, refer a client to, or see in a job interview one day.