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At the beginning of one spring semester, during the time I taught at the University of Montana School of Law, 40 first-year students in my legal writing classes responded to the following question. Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently to prepare for law school? The term "dead week" in their comments refers to the reading week most law schools provide. It is a week, or some cases just a few days, during which no classes are scheduled. It occurs just before finals begin and its purpose is for students to prepare for finals. DEVELOPED STRONGER BASIC SKILLS (12) The one thing that I would've done differently prior to law school was to spend more time writing. It took me a while to get back into writing because in the business school we hardly ever wrote anything. I would have taken more writing classes and classes focused on reading and absorbing material. Actually, better grammar skills would have helped a lot. Considering that I was out of school for one and a half years before beginning law school, when I started again I felt that my writing skills were a little shaky. I would have practiced and honed my writing skills before jumping directly back into school. I would have told myself to look at sample writing of exam questions to see what the format was. Also reviewed English/grammar and perhaps do some sample essays to get back into the groove of writing (I'm very rusty). Also, I would have told myself that people in law school are generally uptight-deal with it. Knowing what I know now, I would have spent more time preparing my reading and writing skills for law school. I felt that simply keeping up a regular program of reading-anything-would make beginning law school much easier. To go from not "thinking" much over the summer, to right away diving into black and white treatises is a big jump. I would have been more prepared for law school if I had done more reading over the summer, so that my reading comprehension and analysis would have started off better and not been so slow to get the hang of things. One year and six months ago I would have told myself to develop better study habits. In college I did not develop these habits and now I wish that I would have. I have now formed habits conducive to studying but I learned them the hard way, by getting behind and discovering how incredibly hard it is to catch up. I would have read more, specifically introduction books on the core studies of law, poetry, and classic literature. I would have gotten some help to improve my poor reading skills. I would have gone to law school when I was younger (closer to undergraduate). I probably would have gone to a less expensive school instead of going out of state. I would have sold my house prior to starting. Prior to coming to school I wish I would have read Law School for Dummies . Had I done that I would not have spent the first month learning how to brief a case. I also would have saved more money prior to coming because there is nothing more stressful than finals and no money to eat on. CASE BRIEFING, OUTLINES, & PRACTICE EXAMS (7) Start outlines earlier. I think I would have spent some time reviewing old exams on the internet to get an idea of what professors were looking for in their exams. Had I known that all the eggs were in one basket, a final exam, I think doing that would have helped me siphon through the material we received better. I fell I was well prepared as far as writing abilities, comprehension, etc., just not in reading minds. I would have started my own outlines from day one, supplementing them with those given to us by our J.P. (junior partner-like a teacher's assistant), as I spent much too much time preparing them over dead week and not enough time actually studying the material we covered. I could have begun to brief FIRAC (facts, issue, rule, analysis, conclusion) and read legal opinions to get a taste of familiarity with the work ahead. I wouldn't have spent so much time briefing all of my cases. Also, being in the library a lot meant that I'd get distracted easily. I have to be better and not talk to everyone. I'll try to make more time for myself this semester. You don't have to study the same way everyone else does. Write notes in casebooks instead of separately, start outlining sooner. INVESTIGATED LAW SCHOOL MORE (5) I would have taken some time to investigate what law school really was and made the decision whether to come or not. Probably not. To better prepare for law school I would have attend a few classes and take notes in the spring semester prior to attending fall semester. I would also have spoken with some of the attorneys I had worked for and made them give me advice about being successful in law school. I would have looked into more detail what law school encompasses and what it involves. In particular, I would have researched the kinds of analytical skills that are essential for the legal profession. Other than that, more preparation itself would have helped. In other words, reviewing the assignments shortly before class. I should have gained some sort of legal background. I feel I started off with a disadvantage never having been inside of a law firm, nor did I ever take a law related class. NOTHING (4) I probably wouldn't have done anything different. I wouldn't have done anything differently. I don't think there is anything else I could have done to prepare me. I worked at a law firm with three attorneys and they prepared me so I knew what to expect somewhat. I'm not really sure I could have done anything differently because I had a very busy summer before coming-left my job in July, found a house, got a bid accepted, drove across the country, got a puppy, got married in August, went on a honeymoon, drove back with a new wife, puppy, and with 1½ days to spare before starting on Monday. It was hectic, but I guess I could have arranged for a more relaxing summer before a hectic semester. NOT STRESS (4) I would tell myself to get used to not taking myself too seriously. I would stress over and over again that law school is a big challenge that exams and grades are not the final indicator of future success. The only thing I would have done differently is worry about it less. The workload was very similar to what I was used to and I generally like having the final as the only grade. To better prepare myself for law school, I would have told myself to relax. Coming in I was very concerned with certain aspects of school that I didn't need to be: getting answers correct in class, getting perfect grades, having friends. After being in school for a semester, all of the time spent worrying was pointless. I got the things I needed: enough right answers, good grades, and friends. I didn't need to worry. MONEY (2) Make more money. I wish I had applied for financial aid so I wouldn't have had to work so much first semester. MISCELLANEOUS (6) Purchased more 3-ring binders; read anything but Acing 1 st Year. I would have asked more questions. I feel like pestering people are sometimes obnoxious, but it is crucial in law school. Taken a year off and not enrolled in law school this year. I was only half-heartedly involved in my studies last semester because I was so busy trying to decide if/why I should get a law degree. I should have been emotionally prepared . . . I forgot about actually really being involved and excited in my studies which I always have been up to now. I would not have tried to read ahead in classes when I had free time. It seemed better and I remembered more if I just read the assignments the day before we discussed them. There is too much to remember over seven classes to try and get ahead. I would have told myself that it is possible to budget time in order to have a personal life and that one learns new skills along the way that seem impossible. Other related articles on this website include
Advice-The Explanation and Advice-Question 2. Below are two additional articles that discuss the law school experience and making the adjustment to it. Good luck in law school! Michael Santana
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