What to Expect in Your First Year of Law School
Your First Year of Law School
Your first year – also called 1L – will contain unique challenges and opportunities. You've probably heard the following expression about law school: "the first year they scare you to death, the second year they work you to death, and the third year they bore you to death." While this is not true for all students, there is an element of wisdom in the statement.
A New Way of Thinking
The most challenging aspect of your life as a 1L will be learning a new way of thinking while simultaneously tackling a large volume of reading. The pressure created by a desire to do well may cause many students to panic. Don't. You should feel confident that you will master the ability to "think like a lawyer" in your first year. Then the rest of the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place.
Stay committed. This is the beginning of an exciting journey.
Law School Myths v. Realities
You've seen the movies, read the books, and heard the sometimes unbelievable stories. In reality, law school is far more manageable and enjoyable than some stories would lead you to believe. In fact, your experience of going to law school will likely also include making life-long friendships and memories.
Learning to Think Like a Lawyer
You go to law school to learn the law, right? Not exactly. What you really do is learn to think like a lawyer. Part of what makes the first year confounding is when professors attempt to hide the "law" from you. Don't be surprised, it's part of the learning process. Your professors want you to examine all aspects of the cases you read, so they'll vigorously question you and your classmates to see how well you understand the material. Expect your professors to call on students at random. Your best defense? Be prepared!
The First Day of Class is Unlike Any Other
You can expect your Professors to jump right in and begin on day one. They'll even call on students by name. Do everything you can to prepare for the first day. If your law school offers a summer reading list, use it. We also recommend our Law School Edge Course, a two-day program designed to give you a comprehensive look at what to expect and how to proceed once law school begins.
Work Hard Every Day
Remember, everyone in your class did well as an undergraduate, had a good LSAT score, and really wants to succeed in law school. You'll need to work hard every day just to be above average. Recognize that law school requires a high level of discipline and concentrated effort. You may want to limit the amount of outside work you do during your first year. If you are interested in additional work with minimal impact, consider becoming a Kaplan PMBR representative. You'll make some extra money and earn a free Bar review course.
About Law School Exams and Grades
It's no surprise that grades are very important in law school. In most classes, there will only be one exam at the end of the semester which covers all the material you've learned in the semester, and which will count for your entire grade (Note: some Professors factor class participation into grades). You will typically study for exams by creating or purchasing outlines of the legal subject you have learned in class Kaplan PMBR offers a full set of outlines for 1L subjects. Exams are usually graded blindly, and grades are often posted (by random number assigned before the test) following the exam.
Stay the Course and Stay Successful All Year
Some students will "ace" their courses. Others may be disappointed. Most students tend to perform in the middle of the spectrum. Remember: perseverance pays off. All students are in the same boat. By the end of your first year, you'll be able to absorb and remember vast quantities of complex material. There's only one way to get there: dig in, buckle down, and keep moving forward.
