The Law School Journal: My Experience as a 1L

Law School consists of three years of intense legal education, which essentially amounts to near-endless readings and writing. After surviving the three years, one can graduate and earn a Juris Doctorate, or JD. Similar to labeling college students Freshmen through Seniors, law school students also have monikers: First years are called 1Ls, second years are 2Ls, and (can you guess it?) third-year students are 3Ls. I just finished my 1L year, and I’d like to share my thoughts and experiences with all who are interested.

First, I’d like to set the stage by explaining that I’m not a traditional student. I am 29 years old, so I came into my law school career having worked a corporate job for nearly 6 years, so there is no age limit when applying to school. Going to law school after the corporate position gave me a different perspective than the traditional student who transitioned straight from college to law school at the age of (typically) 22-23. I think this gave me a distinct advantage, however, because I had more time to develop a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the education I was about to receive. To any non-traditional students out there, regardless of the education you’re contemplating pursuing, this is my plug to you--go for it; you might be more suited for it than you think. 

This brings us to what the 1L year is actually like. One thing a lot of people might forget to mention is that Law School starts at full speed. You have readings that need to be done for the first day of classes, and the professors will go over them immediately. You’re unlikely to have a professor who will teach you how to brief cases, so you’re expected to come in with the correct study habits from the jump. This can be daunting at first, but it doesn’t take long to get into a good rhythm. Most schools also offer upperclassmen as mentors as a resource to 1Ls who are struggling to acclimate to the vigorous law school study standards. Regardless, tenacity and dedication are two extremely important skills to have to be successful in law school. If you have those, then you can make this work.

To answer the question you might be asking, “should I go to law school?”, you’ll have to look inward. Is this something you think you’d love? Are you analytical, logical, and passionate about arguing on behalf of others? Do you have a high moral standard and value integrity highly? Do you enjoy reading and writing, and would say you have a penchant for both? Answering affirmatively to any of these questions is a great start, but ultimately, you’ll have to decide for yourself! If you are ever interested, a summer internship at a law firm is a great way to be exposed to the profession and learn what a lawyer does.

The Evans International Law Firms is here for you! Feel free to visit our website at https://www.teilfirms.com/ or call us at (708) 531-1740.