What is Law School Really Like?

Question: What is Law School Really Like?

Answer: Law school isn't like your traditional lecture classrooms. Instead, it is more of an interaction between the professor and the students. Professors ask questions and let the students determine the best way to analyze and strategize the material being presented. Additionally, Professors assist students in learning how to analyze and evaluate different subject matters through a Socratic Method and Case Method.

Most of the courses that are required in Law school cover material such as legal rules and principles and how to conceptualize them. Learning how to practice a specific Law speciality is not taught in Law School. These activities are taught after you graduate and enter your specific area of interest. For example, learning how to practice immigration law isn't taught until you graduate and become involved in immigration law.

Attending lectures is necessary in Law School. Failure to attend classes can lower your grade, which are usually based on attendance, participation, and one final exam. Courses in Law School test your knowledge of the material on one final exam. There are no quizzes or midterms in Law School.

Most Law students are very competitive but don’t let this discourage you. Focus on your own progress through graduate school, be prepared, and study as often as possible. Law School is a three year commitment and each year is different from the last. The following is a brief description of each year in Law School:

First Year:

• The first year is the most competitive.
• Take many courses.
• A common curriculum looks like:
  • 1. Torts
  • 2. Property Law
  • 3. Contracts
  • 4. Constitutional Law
  • 5. Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure
  • 6. Civil Procedure
  • 7. Legal Research and Writing
• Make friends and establish your network. These individuals will be your future colleagues.

Second and Third Year:

• Continue taking more courses.
• Courses are now chosen by you.
• Courses that are offered cover various subject matters.
• Somewhat less competitive than the first year.

While in Law School, you are being prepared to think like a Lawyer and develop analytical, creative, and logical thinking skills. Additionally, you strengthen your reading and debating skills. Law School is very competitive and requires extreme dedication. Always be prepared.