The After Hour "Life" of a Law School Building

I don't usually stay late at the law school, after the last class has ended. But I was here one night this week to let students in our evening program know that Career Services was open and available to them as well. I set up a table near the entrance way, had some snacks to distribute (as with mice, one can always attract a grouping of law students with food!), activity calendars and the like and waited for the evening students to enter the building. I then tried to engage them in conversation about Career Services. 

After some in the building that evening, it suddenly hit me: (I did know this once, but my law school years are  but a distant memory) -- the after hours law school building has a distinct after-hours "life." . . . A "rhythm" ...a "hum," if you would:

• students leaving the library to move their cars closer to the building for security purposes then race back upstairs to study;
• students (those who don't have them already reserved) maneuvering for the best study carrels or library locations to settle in for the night;
• fights in the library?? . . One student was telling me how she simply had asked another student to "tone down" her talking so the rest could study. The recipient of the request then picked up a chair and tossed it against a wall! (... "anger management" needed? . . pre-exam stress?) 
• students moving outside of the building waiting around the circle for the coming "pizza man" delivery;
• students attending an evening program with an engaging speaker. . (others students lurking in the hallway waiting for the program to end and eying the trays of food that had been set up for those who were actually attending the program (see, my "mice" reference, above); 
• evening students coming quickly in from their day jobs looking beat and already exhausted (I so admire the diligence and dedication of night students who often have full time demanding jobs, are parents -- and still find the time to pursue a rigorous law school curriculum!) 
• law students friends hugging and catching up, and slumping into couches in the "fish bowl"  
• students taking a few minutes down in the near the snack bar (now closed) and scarfing down dinners of granola bars that will eventually live in the text books that they are currently reading and will NOT be found until the student has graduated and past the bar exam -- TWO YEARS LATER! . . . 

. . .. It just doesn't end with the end of classes for any given day while in law school --does it? Law school and life in the building goes on until the doors finally close (here it's at 2:00am -- Security will escort students to their cars [hopefully parked on the adjacent lot] should they wish). As I said, it was that way when I went to Georgetown years ago. Funny how you forget the little things of how you lived as a law student as time passes.

So, here's to all who are (as I write) getting ready for another evening in the creepy "dungeons" of the  law school. building!!

Here's a thought : . . .Perhaps such a preparatory routine makes it easier for young associates to work those late hours in the pristine corridors of Biglaw., or in the less than elegant floors of a legal clinic in preparation of assisting a single mother save her home. . . just sayin.

Gotta love the dedication of a nocturnal law school building law student! 

P.S. If you study at home. . I know that you have it tough as well!

The Lonliness of the Long Distance Law Student: Do "Study Groups" Work or Not? - Your Call

All right, so I changed it a little 

Prior to attended Georgetown Law, I had been a high school teacher for seven years. As a teacher, I had always tried to engage students in lively discussions and dialogues. I felt that an important vehicle for learning was the exchange of ideas in a lively forum atmosphere. 

It was with this background and thinking that I entered law school. As far as the "study group" concept, I had hoped to participate in a dynamic and innovative study group that would always be "ahead of the curve" in its thinking - perhaps all four of us would reconvene as members of the U.S. Supreme Court someday in the future! . . 

Alas, that was simply not to be. Our group truly "sucked" (not to worry, I will not use that word in a brief!). The group actually spent most of the time "chit-chatting" about current events. By the time we were ready to talk about our courses, it was time to move on to the next class, or whatever. We eventually disbanded like a sports franchise with no fan base. 

Afterwards, I studied, for the most part, by myself. I did fairly well (some students can indeed do it by themselves, but it is a small group indeed). However, I was nowhere near the top tier of my class. As a 3L, I was taking a year-long Criminal Justice Clinic and did not have the full load of classes that some of the others in my class had, but still had some fairly demanding classes on my schedule: Federal Systems (with a professor that made me feel like he was speaking a foreign language); and, Family Law taught by a demanding professor and eventual law school Dean (Judith Areen for you Georgetown types).

I felt that it was time to "buckle up" and do the study group "thing" again. This time around the students in the group were actual friends that I had made since my 1L year. Moreover, we were all fairly responsible, focused, and well organized. We wasted little time and went through the material with a vengeance. It was a very productive experience for me and -- with the group's help -- I was able to win a "prize" (a summer long internship with family law attorney, Arnie Becker from "L.A. Law")  for the highest grade

in my Family Law final.

A study group eventually worked for me. . but does it work for you? Maybe, maybe not.  Here's my take: 

Law school is way different from undergraduate studies. There is an analytical component that most students have yet to see in their academic careers. A student not only has to learn difficult principles, but then need to apply said principles to a specific set of facts -- real life, if you would. 

Whether it be a formal study group like the ones I've described here that meets on a regular (or irregular) basis, or just a tried and true study partner, a student needs to sit down and exchange the very ideas that are discussed in the classroom. For me anyway, there was no way I could possibly understand everything that a professor went over in class. I always needed to grab at least one person and ask, "What was the professor talking about there?"   

Thus, I urge all law students to define the "study group" concept in a way that best works for them, but have a regular and consistent way to exchange legal concepts with other students and/or professors.

Like what? 

• A formal study group meeting weekly, bi-weekly, or as needed (as defined by the group) that have set assignments and group presentations;
• "Tres Amigos (o dos) - just an informal group of students that meets for specific courses and reviews and studies in a more informal manner;
• "Buddy System" (remember those days in away-from-home camp?) - a good law school friend and/or trusted colleague who will look after you (and you him/her) when you get in "deep water" in a course and are having trouble swimming;
• the class assigned student tutor -- meet with him/her and let them know that you need some help;
• a trusted upperclassman who knows the ropes;
• and yes -- never forget the PROFESSOR  

   

  No not this guy -- Lord no! I mean your classroom professor

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Your professors are there to assist you - no matter how it seems. Take advantage of their off hours expertise -- either online, or in their offices. Memorize their student hours (or have them handy). One of the professors here told a group of students at the beginning of the year: "If you wait till the end of the semester to ask for help -- it's TOO LATE!"  

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After this round of exams that's up and coming, do some personal reflection: Ask yourself if your study group (or lack thereof) helped or hindered you during the semester. Make whatever adjustments you need to make for the upcoming Spring semester and get running -- but DON'T DO IT ALONE! 

. . P.S. What other study group configurations worked  for you this semester. What are the keys to good study habits (or if you are not a law student -- what would you suggest for students). Please let me know in a comment below. 

Good studying and much success!

The "Two Minute" Pre-Interview Drill

You are sitting in the waiting room. . waiting. . waiting to be called for your interview. They should be coming to get you in about ten minutes. You are trying to stay calm by taking deep breaths and thinking positive thoughts. You are reviewing in your mind the chief areas of practice in the firm. .

Hold on ---  Let’s go over some last minute tips here – real quickly now. Take another deep breath. . Here we go:

• Watch your body language – lean forward -- hands on your legs --  cues that you are interested and engaged;

• Look your interviewer in the eye;

• Have a “story line” for your path here to this interview (everyone loves a story!);

• Have some specific examples of your successes that highlight your strengths, ready to pull out and use;

• Don’t just sit there like a goalie “catching” questions, turn the interview into a conversation – like you're speaking to the interviewer over coffee (easier said than done, I know – but go for it!)

• Have three well-thought out questions ready (no need to wait until the end if you can fit them in appropriately during the interview).

• Do NOT leave the interview without knowing what’s next in the interview process. When can I expect to hear from you? Then follow-up. Don’t assume that you didn’t get the job. ASK.

O.K . . here comes the receptionist to escort you into the interview room. Good luck!  

PULL IT TOGETHER

In baseball (here I go again!), a minor league player who finally realizes his dream and is

called up to “The Show” may need time to adjust to the high level of play in the major leagues. He is a very good player, of course, or he wouldn’t have reached the major leagues in the first place. However, he is suddenly playing against the very best players in the game and may need to find his way in a totally new environment. This young player needs to get into the major league “routine”

·         learn from his mistakes;

·         work all the harder to succeed in a new quality playing field;

·         take more batting practice;

·         learn the styles of new pitchers/hitters.

 In time, the successful major leaguer will “pull it all together” and settle in for a successful career.

            In my view, it is no different for a first year law student in law school. Graduate school – law school – is certainly the dream – the major leagues. For most 1L’s, it is a far cry from university life. Like the newly minted major leaguer, he/she is “good” and they would never have reached law school if not worthy. However, adjustments need to be made: new study routines; decisions about study groups, or partners; learning and mastering the Socratic Method, being directly placed in the “spotlight” during class; decisions as to when (and whether to ) contact professors and student tutors for assistance; methodology as to course outlining . . . and on it goes.  Hopefully, the truly successful law student will settle into a routine and “pull it together.”

            The critical test for the new law student to note whether he/she is indeed pulling it together is the first round of final exams – which happen to be rolling down the road shortly. Thus, it’s time to “Man or Woman UP!”  Start now. Pull it together.

How?

·         Start this weekend – make sure your outlines are up to date. No class lectures missing

·         Go back and start your review of course outlines NOW.  . . . No time with everything you are doing?  . . .That’s not going to cut it. Find the time. (watching football on the weekend? Put it on the shelf – the NFL will be there after finals, it’s “all hands on deck time!”).

·         Do some internal analysis. . Are you mastering the material? What are you NOT getting? . . . Go to your professor, tutor and/or study partners and figure it out.  If you wait until after the exams have been graded, its way to late. . you missed the boat.

·         Get your hands on your professors’ past exams and start writing practice answers. . Don’t do it alone. This is where you need input from your study group or study partner. . Doing it “your way” alone?  . . Get writing and find someone to discuss it with. Law school should NOT be a “solo” experience!

This is the time to go! . .Right now! This weekend! 

Pull it together. .  Hit a home run in your final exams.                 

           

A Picture(s) Post Card from the EJW Career Fair and Conference, October 25-26, 2013

I wasn't able to make it to this year's Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair this year, but my "spies" were able to take many pictures of the event which I present here for you. Students, make plans during your law school career to attend at least one major career fair:

• Bid for jobs and internships
• Prepare your "elevator speech"
• Go and do "Table Talk" confidently  

As the song says about New York. . " if you can do it at a big scale career fair. . you can do it (network!) anywhere." 

David Stern introduces the guest speakers

Great advise for law students and lawyers alike

                          

Fellows and law students highlighted throughout

                                                                           

Table Talk in a huge auditorium

Do you have the "stuff" needed to "work a room"?

Orientation Day: Some Thoughts For 1Ls During the Program

  

This morning, I sat in on a talk given by our Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Donald Corbett,  to nervous, but eager entering 1Ls. I thought I would pass along a few of his many great comments:

              You Can’t Always Get What You Want

In college, things tend to come relatively easily. You spend a little time on your studies and you do relatively well. The more time you spend, the better you generally perform academically. That’s not the case in law school. You may put a great deal of time, energy and effort into a course and, yet, you still manage a “C” in the course. What was that about?!?

Law school is an endeavor where you may not exactly succeed in the way that you thought that you might. You must persevere and stay in it for the long run.

   

        Reintroduce Yourself to Friends and Family

Your family and friends may know that you are in law school, but may not appreciate what that exactly means. When you start getting the normal: “Hey, you want to go to the mall,” “ You want to hang out tonight?” “How about that movie?” . . you may have to tell them no. You may have to explain and re-educate those close to you that you are now in a completely different ballgame.

    

       

           Let Go of the Drama

You will travel as a group in your 1L class. Stay focused. When you law school colleagues start to get snarky and start gossiping about others – walk away. Sounds trite? Hardly. This can be serious stuff if you let it get out of hand.

                   Professors can Help From August through April, But not in June

A law student needs to put in the time and effort during the school year to: read the cases, keep up with outlines, and seek out help from professors and tutors in the moment. If you wait till after final exams and start making excuses for underachieving – it’s way too late.

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Good thoughts, Professor Corbett. I thought I would pass them along.

1Ls: "Get Ready, Get Set, Go!"

So you finally arrived in law school. Orientation is next week. The “angst” of the admission process has finally come to an end. Some are still telling you that you are crazy to go to law school in the current climate (perhaps that person is that little voice that you hear from time to time in your head). 

What now?

Get Organized With the Basics

Where am I living (dorm, apartment)??  Alone, roommate? What works for me? By the way, you are now a student of the law. Make sure that you actually read the terms of your lease! I can’t tell you how many horror stories that I’ve been part of with landlords that try and take advantage of unfocused law students.  How do I get to the school from where I am living? What are the best routes? Traffic? When do I need to leave? Safe neighborhood? Do I study late at school? What’s it like to come back home late at night?

Know Your School Building

Where are my classes located? Where in the building? What is the flow of each of the weekdays? Memorize your schedule during orientation week. This will help you move through each day for the first few weeks until you have the routine down pat, eliminating early year “jitters.”  Where am I studying? Home, or at school after class? Do I try and study in between classes?

Speaking of studying, please, please make plans to have "Social Media Free” timeframes. Staying reliant on checking up on your favorite social media sites will simply only cause complications and distractions from what you are supposed to be doing during the day. If you are spending a substantial part of your school day on social media sites, I have a suggestion for you:  . . . “Go home and save the money”

Get Into a Routine, Modify It As Needed, Then Stick to It

Going to law school has a comfortable rhythm. It is not the same for each student. Know who you are and figure out what works for you. As I mentioned above, develop a study pattern. Do you work best at home?

If you have a roommate situation, will that work with your study routine? Are you the kind of person who wants to stay at school until you get all your work done, and then have your home time “free?” How is your family, if married, going to affect your study patterns?

Put the Preparation Time In For All Your Classes

You know full well what is expected. Read the cases, prepare for class. Take good notes. Have a block of time where you actually go over all the notes from a prior class (weekends work well for this) as you prepare for the next day. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare (did I say “prepare?”)

How Do I Study?

Study group, or alone?  There are many variations depending on who you are. I would advise that if you are not a study group kind of person, that you find one or two colleagues to meet (regularly or intermittently) to simply go over all the “stuff.” Law school is not like college where you own work and memory skills served you well. There is an analytical component that requires you to actually first evaluated, then apply what you are hearing inside of the classroom. I am of the view that you simply can’t do that without someone else’s participation. We all need the thinking of someone else to ask “what was he/she (professor) talking about today?”

Don’t Forget Who You Are!

Part of your routine is to remember to find time to talk to do “normal” things and get away from the insanity of law school. I took up running while in law school and it became an integral part of my life, post law school. Be active, do things! Don’t bow down to the shrine of Social Media and blow your entire weekend staring at your smart phone! Ever stop and watch people walking down the street staring at their phones as they blindly step into the road? Ever tried to interact with someone staring at their phone? Is that you?

You like football? All good, but please don’t spend all day Sunday watching the: 1pm game, then the 4pm game, then the Sunday night game! Your life as  a multitask-er has just begun (guess what real lawyers need to do?).

To summarize: find other things to do to take you away from law school. If you do, you will be constantly rejuvenated  and ready to get back into the grind at all times.

“In Conclusion”  . . .

. . . (As they say) . . . I would love to tell you that: “you will look back with fond memories about your law school years” . . . you wouldn’t . . . or at least. .  I don’t! They are three stress-filled years of hard work. That’s not to say that you will not have some good times and make great friends and colleagues.  Just remember to start to develop good habits and simply do the best that you can. Let the law school “neighsayers” whine as they sit on the fence and tell you that law school is a scam. Give it your best shot.

You wanted to be a lawyer, right? Go out and get it done.