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.