Letters OF a Law Student.

After finishing my first year of a Law degree and preparing for my second, I thought i'd bestow to you any advice or tips (read: coping mechanisms) I have for any budding young lawyers.

First: Be prepared.  You may see this as your last summer of freedom, but even a little reading before you turn up in September will be invaluable.  I was recommend this posts namesake, Letters to a Law Student http://www.amazon.co.uk/Letters-Law-Student-Studying-University/dp/1408218801/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375646100&sr=8-1&keywords=letters+to+a+law+student - having read it through before I enrolled, I have read it atleast 3 or 4 more times throughout the year and constantly turn to it for reference.  Highly recommend!

Second: Immerse yourself.  One of the first things I did back in September was join the Law Society.  Now, if you're anything like me and feel like you just don't fit in with the typical law students (read: workaholic, arrogant, plain old arseholes. no? just my university?) then don't sweat it.  I've found a small group of girls on my course that are more laid back, but other than that don't panic and stress yourself out with trying to keep up with the facade that seems to come with the territory of being a law student.  Having said that, being involved and keeping your ears open to all the events, contacts and extra curricular-ness going on will only help you in the long run.  Which leads me to my next point...

Third: Don't let yourself be intimidated by others.  Law is a fast paced, often corporate, slightly pretentious subject. I spent the majority of my first year feeling as thought the students around me were in a higher league and that I was far too out of my depth, but you are as capable as you believe you are.  Your experience may be different to mine and you may be in a year group full of humble, genuine students - if this is the case, savour it.

Fourth: Finally, it may go without saying but keep up with the reading.  The information will be invaluable, and with such a densely contextual and face paced subject, it's paramount that you understand every topic and module to the best of your ability, so that when revision comes around, you're simply recapping rather than teaching yourself the syllabus.


Good luck young lawyers, I wish you all the best.  As long as you are committed and put the work in to your degree, you'll reap the benefits.  Working towards my degree is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, and yeah! it feels good to know that you can impress somebody simply by stating your major. Enjoy kids x