The first year of law school is a pivotal time that shapes the rest of your legal education and career. Between adjusting to the demanding academics, networking with peers and professors, and figuring out your interests, there’s a lot to navigate as a 1L.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to tackle the unique challenges of your first year and set yourself up for success
Overview of the 1L Year
The first year curriculum at most law schools includes fundamental doctrinal courses to build your legal knowledge
- Civil Procedure – Rules governing civil litigation
- Contracts – Formation and enforcement of contractual agreements
- Property – Ownership, use, and transfer of real and personal property
- Torts – Civil liability for wrongful acts
- Criminal Law – Substantive criminal law and procedures
- Constitutional Law – Structure of government and individual rights
In addition, you’ll take a legal writing course to develop essential research and analytical skills. This provides hands-on experience with drafting memos and briefs.
Professors use the Socratic method of asking rapid-fire questions to teach legal reasoning. Be ready to think on your feet! Outlining course material and forming study groups are key to staying on top of readings and assignments.
While the first semester focuses on acclimating to law school academics, the spring invites more opportunities to get involved. You may join student organizations like law journals or moot court.
You’ll also start the job hunt process by applying for competitive summer associate positions. This leads up to fall recruiting in the second year.
Tackling the Academics
Use Class Time Wisely
- Take thorough notes of case laws and legal discussions. Review them after each class while the material is still fresh.
- Don’t just transcribe lectures – synthesize concepts in your own words to check understanding.
- Participate regularly by asking and answering questions. This engages you in active learning.
- Visit professors during office hours to clarify points of confusion. Building relationships can lead to mentorship.
Learn the Material Thoroughly
- Complete all required readings, even if not covered in class. The workload is heavy but powering through is key.
- Create detailed outlines of course topics, case laws, and legal principles. Condensing information promotes retention and helps prepare for exams.
- Form study groups to quiz each other on concepts and themes. Talking it through with peers boosts comprehension.
Refine Legal Writing
- Use writing assignments to strengthen research and analysis abilities. These skills are vital for legal practice.
- Take feedback from professors seriously – rewrite drafts until you have a polished, well-supported document.
- Visit the campus writing center for guidance on structure, clarity, grammar, and citation format.
Prepare for Final Exams
- Make updating your course outlines a priority all semester. Cramming won’t cut it for cumulative law school exams.
- Do practice essays under timed conditions. Get comfortable writing coherently under pressure.
- Book exam rooms ahead of time for required multi-day tests. You want to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Building Connections
Get to Know Your Professors
- Schedule one-on-one meetings with each professor at least once a semester. Discuss academic interests and goals.
- Ask professors for recommendation letters right away so they can get to know you better over time. These hold weight for internships, clerkships, and jobs.
- Sign up to be a research assistant for a professor whose work interests you. This offers valuable hands-on experience.
Network with Practicing Attorneys
- Attend info sessions from firms to learn about summer programs and ask about their practice areas.
- Check if your school offers mentorship programs to match students with local attorneys – leverage this access.
- Reach out to alumni practicing in your desired field to set up informational interviews and get career advice.
Bond with Your Classmates
- Find study buddies in each class – having a peer network makes law school less stressful.
- Chat with 2Ls and 3Ls for tips on classes, professors, and activities to get involved in. Seek upperclassmen mentors.
- Attend Barrister’s Ball and other social events to take a breather and strengthen connections.
Gaining Legal Experience
Do Internships Over Winter and Summer Breaks
- Look for part-time internships at small firms, legal aid clinics, and judges’ chambers to build your resume.
- Shadow attorneys to learn more about daily legal practice in your fields of interest. Observe client meetings, hearings, trials, etc.
- Ask to take on research memos, briefs, and other substantive work – avoid just getting coffee and copies.
Apply for 1L Summer Associate Programs
- Target positions at large firms in your desired market – these are highly competitive. Start prepping your applications over winter break.
- Highlight relevant coursework, legal writing experience, and any prior internships or clinics. Play up transferable skills.
- Use spring semester to research firms, ask 2Ls about their experiences, and practice interview skills.
Consider Clinical Opportunities
- Many law schools have clinics where students get hands-on experience advising real clients under professor supervision.
- Clinics allow you to apply classroom concepts in fields like criminal defense, immigration law, housing law, and more.
- Some clinics let you appear in court or assist on active cases – great pre-practice exposure.
Staying Balanced
Find Time to Exercise and Relax
- Schedule recreation time in your calendar to force yourself to take study breaks. All work and no play leads to burnout.
- Try yoga, hit the gym, play sports – anything to stay active and alleviate stress. Your brain needs physical activity to recharge.
Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated
- Meal prep on weekends and pack nutritious snacks like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and protein bars. Avoid leaning on vending machine junk food.
- Drink plenty of water throughout long study sessions – dehydration can exacerbate brain fog. Herbal tea can also be soothing.
Make Time for Loved Ones
- Lean on family and friends outside law school for moral support and perspective. Don’t isolate yourself.
- Schedule video chat dates with long-distance significant others, friends from college or home to maintain ties.
- Plan regular dinners, movie nights, game nights with your law school crew – community is key.
Preparing for 2L Year
- Use summer breaks to recharge and pursue hobbies or travels you enjoy – come back refreshed.
- Start lining up 2L leadership positions in student organizations over the summer. Think journal editor, moot court director, etc.
- Use free time to get a head start on job search prep – update your resume, research firms, practice interview skills.
Staying on top of your courses, making connections, gaining legal experience, and practicing self-care will help you tackle the demands of 1L year. With smart planning, engaged learning, and resilience, you’ll be on track for an enriching law school journey.
Outside the classroom during your first year of law school
For many law students, the first year is a bonding experience. Students bond through common backgrounds, and similar interests and goals. But mostly, students bond through shared obstacles. You’re all in the foxhole together!
Unfortunately, while you’ll make friends quickly, you’ll also start to realize that there’s far more competition among students than in high school or college.
In your first year, you’ll begin thinking about making law review (or some other legal journal). These spots are reserved for students at the top of their class (usually the top 10%). Competition stems from the fact that many highly-desirable employers won’t even consider your job application if you weren’t on law review.
During your first year of law school, extracurricular activities are limited. However, some people choose to join student organizations. Common student organizations include:
- Moot Court Board
- Law School Women’s Association
- Sports and Entertainment Law Society
- Student Bar Association
The second year (2L)
Well done! You’ve made it to your second year of law school. Most law students find their second year easier than their first. By the second year, you know what to expect and you know you’re capable of rising to the various challenges.
Unfortunately, while most law students find their second year easier, they also find it busier.
Introduction to Law School for First-Year Students
FAQ
Is the first year of law school hard?
What is the first year law student called?
What do you learn in your first year of law school?
What is the hardest class first year of law school?
What is the first year of Law School like?
Many college students spend their first year just learning the ropes. In law school, however, the first year – called 1L – is most critical. The curriculum and teaching methods are established. Most classes are large, intimidating lectures.
What classes are taught during 1L year of Law School?
In general, the same seven foundational classes are taught during 1L year of law school. Those classes are Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Legal Research & Writing, and Property Law.
How difficult is the first year of Law School?
The first year of law school is notoriously challenging, but with careful planning and preparation, you can set yourself up for success. In this article, we’ll walk you through essential resources and tips to help you navigate your first year of law school.
What is a good first-year law school experience?
Legal writing —learning legal research and writing are critical elements of most first-year law school experiences. Property law —concepts, uses, and historical developments in the treatment of land, buildings, natural resources, and personal objects.
