The Importance of Community in Law School

Rossiel Reyes, 2L

In Green Hall, you’ll meet people from various walks of life and with different experiences with — and exposure to — the legal world. If you’re like me, that exposure was strictly confined to negative experiences with the criminal justice system and the countless barriers to accessing legal resources. If you are like many at the law school, then you may have family or friends who are attorneys or work closely with attorneys. Or maybe you fall somewhere in between or outside these categories. Whatever the case may be, your own journey through law school will be affected by your past experiences.

Now, this isn’t to say that your law school journey will be negatively or positively impacted one way or the other, but you will come in with different perspectives that influence how you navigate law school. For me, my past experiences have led me to two conclusions: 1) I would never (ever) work as a prosecutor or in big law, and 2) I wanted to become a tool and resource for my community. And, being a first-generation college and law school student, has also meant that much of my law school journey has been filled with confusion, solitude and dread. In an environment where your 1L year classes are chosen for you and where you will be placed on a grading curve, it is easy to be sucked into the idea that there is only one way to do law school. But my hope with this blog is to tell you there is no ‘right’ way and that finding/having community, purpose and grounding experiences could make all the difference.

Community

During my Admitted Students Weekend, I sat in the very back of room 104 with my uncle, aunt and mom. That morning, we had left my hometown early for the three-hour drive, but, as is typical with my family, we arrived a little late and slipped in as Dean Freedman introduced the schedule for the day. During the small moments of break and transition, I would turn to my family and give a brief synopsis in Spanish so that they could follow along. During one of our conversations, a student in front of us turned around and introduced herself in Spanish. Excited to meet other Hispanics, my family immediately bombarded her with questions: where are you from? What’s your name? Where is your family from? I was mortified, but my family was so excited for me, telling me that we had to stick together and help each other out. Funnily enough, we became friends and anytime I go home, they always ask about her and how she is doing.

At Green Hall, I was able to create a strong community filled with people with all different types of backgrounds. Through clubs like the Hispanic American Law Students Association (HALSA), the Public Interest Law Society (PILS) and the First-Generation Professionals (FGP), I found others that I could relate to and go to with all my questions. If you take anything from this blog let it be this: you need a community to get through law school. It’s long and arduous, but trust me, a group of people that care for and love you will make all the difference.

Purpose

Although the first couple weeks of law school can be daunting and overwhelming, I quickly leaned on my community for support. But with the fast-paced and never-ending nature of my 1L year, I often found myself lost in the ‘law school trance.’ I started thinking that I absolutely needed to do everything everyone else was doing. Namely, Law Review/Journal, Moot Court and On Campus Interviews (OCIs) became my narrowly focused goals. Had I heard about them before law school? No! But did I need them to be successful in law school? Of course!

After my first-ever finals season at law school, I found myself burnt out and exhausted. But instead of relaxing during winter break, I started stressing out about summer internships and preparing for OCIs. One night, as my sister and I drank hot chocolate at my aunt’s house, my uncle asked what I was working on. “Getting a job, for the summer,” I explained. My uncle was confused. “But, shouldn’t you be studying in the summer?” He took a moment, “Oh! Is rent expensive? You shouldn’t worry about that! We will figure it out, you need to study!” I tried explaining that usually, summers were meant to be used to gain experience in the legal field, but he would not hear it. “No, no, no. Those are distractions, you need to study!” (To this day he insists that I should not be pursuing internships/summer jobs). Although my uncle’s reasoning wasn’t necessarily to take a break, being with my family that winter allowed me to step back and assess what I truly wanted to do, and — though a very hard decision — I decided OCIs were not for me. I closed my OCI applications and instead decided to only apply for the Judicial Field Placement. I don’t recommend ‘putting all your eggs in one basket’ but I also don’t think applying to everything helps either!

This long-winded story is to say one thing: don’t lose sight of your ‘why.’ And maybe you don’t necessarily know what your ‘why’ is, but you also shouldn’t mindlessly follow what others are saying you should be coveting. I didn’t end up doing review/journal, moot court or OCIs, but have found success in other ways. I have especially focused on volunteering with local grassroots and advocacy organizations and giving back to communities I hope to one day work with.

Grounding Experiences

This last section ties very closely with my previous section. I would say my grounding experiences involve going home and being with my family — even though I often tell myself I will do work when at home, I never do — and doing things outside of the law school that center my hobbies. It can be tempting to spend every minute outside of classes and club meetings to study (my uncle would be very proud of you!), but you will burn yourself out with that mentality. It’s important then to consciously make time for yourself.

Although not exhaustive, here is a list of things I do that have helped me ground myself and take my mind off law school:

  • Reading for fun (currently: Circe)
  • Journaling (love my Hobonichi)
  • Writing postcards to strangers (I use Postcrossing!) and friends
  • Going home
  • Shopping at Wonderfair on Mass
  • Going to a cute cafe
  • Crocheting (currently: a star-shaped blanket)
  • Playing video games (Minecraft, Legend of Zelda games, Pikmin)
  • Sending long voice messages to my friends and sister

– Rossiel Reyes Enriquez is a 2L KU Law Student Ambassador from Great Bend, Kansas

My Dos and Don’ts as a 1L

Maria Almirudis
Maria Almirudis, 1L

Do Attend Events: As a 1L, I have taken every opportunity to attend mixers with firms and attorneys. As a first-generation law student, these experiences have been invaluable in helping me understand what attorneys do and the variety of fields they can practice in. If you are unsure about what area of law interests you, meeting attorneys and firms can be an excellent way to explore different career paths.

Do Join Groups: 1Ls have many opportunities to get involved at KU Law, depending on their interests and long-term career goals. The groups at KU provide a great way to explore interests, attend meetings and find a sense of community. I have loved meeting 2Ls and 3Ls through these groups and learning from their experiences. The sense of camaraderie and the opportunities to learn about the law through these groups are invaluable and make the law school journey feel less daunting.

Do Get to Know Your Classmates: As a 1L, you will spend a significant amount of time with the same group of people throughout the year. Seeing the same faces five days a week for hours on end can be overwhelming if you don’t take the time to talk to your classmates. I have found that connecting with those who are going through the same experiences as you can be incredibly reassuring. No one else in your life can truly understand the stress and pressure of 1L year like your classmates, so take the time to get to know them.

Don’t Self-Isolate: Law school is challenging, and withdrawing from social interactions will not make it any easier. Expressing your struggles and discussing the challenges of law school with people you trust can help alleviate stress. In my experience, talking to friends outside of law school has been incredibly beneficial. While they may not fully understand the struggles of law school, they know me well enough to offer valuable advice and support. Additionally, faculty, 2Ls and 3Ls are available, and often eager, to provide guidance and encouragement.

Don’t Skip Class: Attending class five days a week with back-to-back lectures can be exhausting, and the temptation to skip a class can be strong. As a commuter, I often struggle with wanting to sleep in instead of making the trip to campus. However, skipping class can lead to falling behind or missing a key concept that could clarify an important legal rule. You are paying for your education, so take advantage of the opportunity to learn from your professors by attending class regularly.

Don’t Avoid Opportunities to Learn About the Law: Especially in your first semester, there are numerous luncheons and events covering a variety of legal topics. Initially, I tried to attend as many as possible because I wanted to learn about different areas of law and the legal challenges we face today. These events have been valuable for several reasons. First, they provide an opportunity to hear from experts in specialized areas of law. Second, they help increase awareness of current legal issues and how attorneys are addressing them. Finally, many of these events offer free lunches! While it may seem like you don’t have time to attend, I encourage you to take 50 minutes out of your day to go to a luncheon where you might discover an area of law that piques your interest.

Law school is a demanding but rewarding experience. By actively engaging with your peers, faculty and legal professionals, you can make the most of your time as a 1L and set yourself up for success.

– Maria Almirudis is a 1L KU Law Student Ambassador from San Antonio, Texas.

Steve Novak TW

Planning for the Future

Steve Novak’s Enduring Commitment to KU Law

Steve Novak doesn’t spend his time considering his legacy, but he does think everyone should plan ahead.

“I don’t want to be too cliché, but the old saying is true,” he explains with a laugh. “If you don’t create an estate plan, the state where you live will be happy to provide one for you. Chances are your family won’t be thrilled with what they have in mind.”

Novak recently updated his own estate plan to feature a planned gift to the KU law school. The decision to support the school with an unrestricted gift was easy.

“There is no way I could repay what I owe to the KU Law school,” Novak said. “I’m a huge fan of what the school did for me. The return on my relatively small investment has been unmeasurable. I am indebted to the school and this plan is an effort to, hopefully, help future students benefit from the school as much as I have.”

Novak, a Lawrence native and 2001 KU law school grad, is a partner and wealth advisor with the Dallas office of Corient, one of the largest integrated fee-only Registered Investment Advisors in the country. He spends a good bit of his time advising clients as they establish their estate plans. Novak had been a practicing attorney for nearly 20 years before turning his attention to financial services.

“I use my law degree every day,” he said. “Estate planning law, financial planning and investment planning have a lot of complications and overlap, so my experience as a lawyer has helped me navigate the financial world well.”

Novak is so passionate about the work of estate planning that he teaches a class at KU on estate planning. He travels from Dallas weekly in the fall to teach the class, which is offered jointly by the law school and the School of Business.

“The class is a lot of fun,” Novak said. “I get to be back on campus, in my hometown no less, and interacting with the students is inspiring. To be honest, it feels like I’m working to help the school even more, which is extremely gratifying.”

If you’re considering making a planned gift to the school of law, or have any questions about the process, please contact Kristin Shore at KU Endowment (785-832-7341).

-By Derek Helms, KU Endowment

The top 5 best (and free) ways to escape Green Hall

Gabby Fischer, 1L

Most law students spend nearly 40 hours a week inside Green Hall, and you can only sit in your study carrel for so long before becoming restless. So, I have done the hard work of exploring Lawrence and finding the best ways to get the heck out of Green Hall without hurting your pocket. 

1. Lawrence Public Library

    Nestled downtown, the Lawrence Public Library is a great place to relax with a good book or hang out with some friends while doing some light studying. The kids’ area is also great if you have little ones in your life who need to let out some energy.

    Make sure to get a free library card and enjoy the tons of free events for all ages. My favorite events are their book and music sales, where everything is usually $2 or less. 

    2. Spencer Museum of Art

    At the Spencer Museum of Art, you’ll never know what new exhibits or pieces will be on display. Since the museum is on campus, it is only a short bus ride or walk from Green Hall, so it is the perfect place to relax between classes.

    Admission is free to everyone, and they have free postcards with artwork from the museum printed on them. They also have an event called Open Friday where they will pull artwork upon request, so you can look at it up close and personal.

    3. Baker University Wetlands

    Even though it’s a little farther away from campus, the Baker Wetlands are great for those who love to experience the outdoors and all Kansas has to offer. It’s full of interesting animals and vegetation. I love to walk my dog through the wetlands when the plants start to bloom in early spring.  

    During September, they host a monarch butterfly migration and tagging event where people can attend for free to watch butterflies travel through the wetlands. It is really magical! 

    4. Clinton Lake

    Much like the wetlands, Clinton Lake is for those who love the outdoors but enjoy a little more solitude. It is a great place to camp for the weekend in the summer or go fishing if you are so inclined. 

    I love to take my car and open the hatchback to have a little picnic with friends while we watch the water roll in. 

    5. Mass Street Shopping

    Last, but certainly not least, is to just go window shopping on Mass Street. For those unfamiliar, Mass St. is the epicenter of Lawrence and has an amazing day and nightlife. There are a bunch of local places to eat and shop, so you can always find something you haven’t seen or tried yet. 

    You have to stop by Wonderfair as they have the coolest stickers to decorate your laptop with so it really sparkles when you inevitably have to head back to Green Hall!

    – Gabby Fischer is a 1L KU Law Student Ambassador from Salina, Kansas

    Life and Law: Unsolicited Advice from a Not-Quite-Burned-Out 3L

    Karen Campbell, 3L

    Do all your readings (yes, all of them!) even if you don’t understand them or only have time for a quick skim.

    This is the #1 tip I give to all incoming 1Ls, and it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. Making sure that you do all your readings — even if just as a half-effort skim — ensures that you’re as prepared for class as you can be. It means that even on the most boring day of class, you’ll be able to pick out details from your reading and make connections with the material. It also ensures that you’ll get an A for effort if you’re cold-called.

    Book brief — don’t take notes on paper.

    Taking notes in a notebook as you read for class is a waste of time. Book brief instead! Book briefing entails underlining, highlighting, circling, and writing important terms and guideposts in the margin of your textbook. It saves time and effort, and if you’re trying to do all your readings for class (see tip #1 above), that time and effort is precious. Book briefing also allows you to point out the important points in each case and reading so that you can remember them during cold calls and during outlining. It’s a win-win-win!

    Do things that make you uncomfortable.

    Sign up for Moot Court, write on for Law Review, argue in traffic court, sign up for VITA — do anything you can to experience new and scary things in law school. Each provides a new and unique opportunity to explore a new area of law. By experimenting with new experiences, you’ll learn the most important lesson of all: what you like.

    Take on a leadership role in at least one organization.

    KU law has all kinds of interest groups, clubs, and co-curricular organizations. Volunteer as a leader in at least one. Leadership roles allow you to practice different kinds of soft skills that employers love. They also allow you to engage with your law school community while taking a break from your studies.

    Apply for supplemental scholarships and on-campus opportunities that provide stipends.

    It’s no secret that law school is expensive. But KU and the surrounding community have lots of ways to get some extra cash. Opportunities like Law Review, Journal, Moot Court, Ambassadors, Dean’s Fellows and Research Assistants all include scholarships, stipends, or paychecks to help you afford your legal education. And KU’s Admissions Office will do a great job of connecting you to outside scholarships if you let them; Kansas Bar Association (KBA) scholarships and Federal Bar Association (FBA) scholarships are two great options, but other more local scholarships come about pretty often, too.

    Lean into the busy.

    The reality of law school is that everyone is busy. Everyone’s planner is booked. And no one likes a whiner. If you can find it in yourself to lean into your busy-ness, you’ll be all the better for it. Law school is only three years long — you can do it!

    Attend law school events.

    With the Diversity in Law Banquet, Women in Law Pub Night, and Law Prom all occurring in March, I have banquets on the brain. Each of these events is a great opportunity to engage with your classmates and professors, and you should attend all of them. Remember that the connections you make in law school are the referrals you get in practice — and, more importantly, the friendships you make here will last a lifetime.

    Spend time outside of class with your classmates.

    Every class has a few instigators — people who organize social events, invite everyone out for those events, and forge connections between classmates. Either become one of those people yourself or find those people and get close to them. Those are the people you’ll get close to in law school, and they’ll be the ones you lean on in the future.

    – Karen Campbell is a 3L KU Law Student Ambassador from Lawrence, Kansas

    What I like and love about being a 1L at KU Law

    Brandon Rossman, 1L

    First and foremost, I love learning about how the law touches people’s lives. Every case you read revolves around a person’s legal problem. Through these problems, you get to travel in space and time and see what matters to them. You get to see the problems they faced and the rights they fought to enforce. It is a window to another world that, because of the pervasiveness of the law, we get to learn about. The law is a collection of stories made by people resolving their problems. I really enjoy learning about others through my study of law.

    The law is vast. In the first year of law school, all KU Law 1Ls will take the same foundational courses such as property, criminal law and torts. Before taking this class, I had no idea what a tort was, and now I do. I love that! It has been a wonderful experience to see and think about things I never would have before. I would compare it to the deepest depths of the ocean. We all know it exists, but to someone not involved with the law, or ocean for that matter, it is a complete mystery. It feels as if my world is growing as I learn more about our legal system.

    Law school is hard. Doable but challenging. I like that. If climbing mountains or being vegan were easy, I suspect people wouldn’t really talk about those things all that much. I like being challenged. I enjoy the massive amounts of reading, complex application of common law and memorizing a lot of rules. I firmly believe that in the absence of growth, we waste away. Law school forces me to use my brain. To learn and apply. I am growing as a person as I work towards my law degree.

    Lastly, it’s all about location! Lawrence is fantastic. It’s a thriving college town with a wonderful downtown. Mass Street is a ton of fun, with enough restaurants and bars to last about eight months. That is about how long it took my wife and I to try them all. There are a lot of great food options and zero traffic. You can get to anywhere in town in 15 minutes. Not to mention, it’s a crisp 45-minute drive from the bustling metropolis of Kansas City. To put it simply, life is good!

    — Brandon Rossman is a 1L KU Law Student Ambassador from Yorba Linda, California