I wish more people talked about the ups and downs in law school and the legal profession in general. The legal profession is an expert at bringing many conflicting feelings of inadequacy, as well as other mental health issues. It can be difficult to handle the pressure at times, and I think it is certainly worth talking about. Any of these difficult feelings are completely normal. You are just as worthy of this profession at the beginning of law school as you are at the end. The reality is this: you must suffer through the lows in order to bask in the rays of the highs.
With my past experience in other career fields, I have come to the conclusion that, although still unique, the legal field is very similar to other careers. It is the same game. You must navigate working with varying personalities, juggle numerous tasks at once, spend long hours at a desk, and dedicate extra time to networking in your field. The list goes on, but if you have made it this far in life, you are capable of pushing through the ups and downs in law school. If you push through the difficult times, you can surely live out your dreams of becoming a great lawyer.
Experience and Practice are Key
Prior to law school, I had no real legal experience aside from a business law course in undergrad. I was told that this was not necessary to succeed in law school. I still believe this to be true, but being exposed to the legal profession and how things work in the real world make it EASIER to get through it. Experience and practicing legal skills are SO important. I did not understand why school was so hard for me until I started working as a law clerk my first summer. Things seemed to click as time went on, and they got easier, too. When you realize that persistence is the key to success, you will be better equipped to push through the ups and downs in law school.
YOU Define Success for Yourself
It is easy to let others create your definition success. It is easy to succumb to expectations of success that do not align with your values or beliefs. Take some time to lay out what you want in your life. If you do not know what that looks like just yet, it’s okay. However, I think everyone has some baseline preferences or goals, whether specific or not. If anything, outline some of your personal values or general goals for your life. Your values, viewpoints, and goals can always change, but take some time to really get to know yourself. This will make it easier to follow a path that YOU have ultimately created for yourself. Remember, when things get tough, YOU define what success is for YOU, not anyone else.
Make Time For Yourself and Loved Ones
Sometimes, law school can feel like never-ending, constant work. This can certainly make you feel burnt out and bring out negative feelings. I have been there! In order to push through the ups and downs in law school, rest and “self care” are important. You also need to make time to spend time with your support system. This is very important. If you have a supportive group of people around you, it can be easier to remember and connect with who you are. It is easy to lose yourself in this work, but self care and support systems can help stay on your personal path along the way.
Find People in the Legal Community that Align with Your Goals and Values
The people you surround yourself with can have a huge impact on your mental health. I have been there. I started out law school with a group of people that I did not feel inspired by when I was around them. They did not push me to be better, and if anything, they sometimes brought me down. I found a small group of people that were more positive and supportive. They were there to work hard and live the best lives they could. They were healthy for me to be around, and we all positively motivated each other to be better.
In my experience, it is insanely important to surround yourself with people that uplift you during law school. If your non-law school support system is not able to be with you as much as you would like because of distance, scheduling reasons, etc., find a group of students that you resonate with and provide positivity in your life. Find professors that you connect with and support you. The number isn’t important, but quality is.
Celebrate the Small Wins
Celebrating the small wins along the way will keep you going (and definitely help you through the ups and downs in law school). When the big wins come, they will feel even more amazing. Appreciating your daily or weekly achievements will make the more difficult times manageable. You will also discover that you will be more confident in your everyday life.
My favorite wins to acknowledge are eating delicious meals, taking time to shower, finishing my reading ahead of time, participating in class, and designating time to workout. They do not have to be extravagant, but they are certainly wins in my book!
