How to Prepare for Law School

Are you nervous right now? Excited? Thrilled? Did you recently find out that you were accepted to law school or a university of your choice? If so, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! This is a post for you.

Reaching law school/university is like making it to the big times. It is a major achievement and you should be proud of yourself. Well done! But what now? What should you do between now and the start of the semester? Certainly not just sit around and do nothing!

The pursuit of a law degree requires a LOT of work. Lots of reading, stress, tears and little leisure time. If you have ever spoken to anyone who has studied law, you would know this is true. But fear not. It is doable. With a disciplined mind and strong body you will succeed.

While you come to grips with the reality of studying law, you should take the time to prepare yourself for what lies ahead of you. The following list serves as a guide to how to prepare for law school.

• Start reading the course material - This is assuming that you have access to the institution's curriculum. Maybe a past student can help you find such material. If not, search online for law related articles to familiarize yourself with the content.
  
  

• Read widely - Read not only law textbooks but newspapers, articles, journals, commentaries, and even cases if you find them. Anything related to law can be useful.
  
  

• Watch law shows - "Law & Order", "Law & Order SVU", "Judge Judy", "Divorce Court" ... or any other legal show that tickles your fancy. They can help familiarize you with some of the legal jargon and proceedings even though the US legal system may not be your own.
  
  
• Sit in on a court session if possible
  
  

• Talk to a lawyer or someone in the law profession
  
  
• Mentally prepare yourself - This simply means to be aware that your chosen major is work-intensive. By now you should know how well you cope under pressure. Prepare yourself for hard work.
  
  

• Start a rough study schedule if possible
  
  
• Relax - Yes, relax. Do not overdo your preparation by overworking yourself. You will be too tired when the semester begins and may lose interest in the subject. It is still possible to have a bit of fun while studying for a law degree. You just have to know how to strike the right balance! There will be a future post on this, so stay tuned.
  

The above were just some of the ways on how to prepare for law school. You may have others of your own. Do whatever works best for you. Read ahead but still find time to enjoy the remainder of your summer. You will not have much free time once the semester starts. Use your time wisely.

All the best!

From the team at Long Live Law.

Why Study Law?

Law is a fascinating subject. Whether you are a legal scholar or a layman, few would disagree with this. Those well schooled in the principles of the law would already know why they chose to study law. However, this blog post is not geared towards the erudite lawyer. This is a post for the eager, excited, and especially the indecisive fresh minds about to embark upon their journey into the field of law. Are you one? If so, keep reading. This post is written just for you!

Why study law? Well, let's see. Here are ten of the most popular reasons:

1. For the money

We all know that lawyers and judges make a lot of money. At least the successful ones do. For the pain and stress involved in studying for a law degree, we more than deserve it. And who doesn't like money? This is a driving reason for many people who study law. Hopefully, it isn't your only reason.

2. To fulfill a lifelong dream

Ever dreamed of becoming a big-time successful lawyer since the tender age of eight? Have you always answered the question of "What do you want to be when you grow up?" with "A lawyer"? Still have that burning desire? If so, then you know this is the career for you.

3. To fulfill your parents' dreams

"My daughter will be a big lawyer."
"My son has the makings of a fine judge!"
Perhaps some of you have heard these words from your parents/guardians a dozen times or more. Your parents might have invested quite heavily in you to prepare you for this path. Studying law would ultimately gladden their hearts and fill them with even more pride than they have in you already.

4. To contribute meaningfully to society

This should be self-explanatory. Who truly wants to be a burden to society?

5. For the prestige

Law is perhaps one of the oldest careers if not the oldest (discounting prostitution). Its association with power and wealth carries with it a sort of prestige. For those of you to whom high status and class matter, this is the field for you.

6. To open doors to diverse careers

The study of law is like the study of life. It creates a very wide foundation of knowledge. Upon this foundation you can build your career in many different areas of study. For example, law and politics go hand in hand, as well as law enforcement, medicine and business management. In other words, law is like a gateway to diverse paths in life.

7. To challenge yourself

Perhaps you are one of those persons who enjoy intellectual stimulation. If countless huge textbooks and long nights of never-ending reading do not scare you, then sign up. This is the field for you!

8. To continue a family tradition

Got several legal professionals in your family? Maybe you would like to follow in their footsteps. Keep that family tradition alive.

9. For a noble cause

Maybe there is an area in the laws of your country that you would like to change. Attaining a law degree will help you significantly in achieving this.

10. For the knowledge

Do you know the saying "Ignorance of the law is no excuse"? Well, it is true. If you live in a country where you are not satisfied with its governance, the best tool to equip you in making a positive change is education. Knowing the law will help to arm you with the ammunition you need to protect and defend your rights and those of others.

Bonus reason: To boost your creativity!
Law is a subject that has its own language. Learning the various Latin phrases and legal jargon not only adds to your vocabulary but increases your creativity. Law enables you to think in ways you would not normally do. It opens up your mind to different theories and numerous possibilities.

The above were listed in no particular order. We all consider some reasons to be more important than others. You know which are more important to you. Making your own list can also help you decide on your reasons. Whatever they may be, law is an intriguing and rewarding area of study. Once you are prepared to put in the required hard work and dedication, success in this field will be yours.

All the best!
From the team at Long Live Law.