2L You work to Death: Tips for those smack-dab in the middle of Law School

By: Naomi Edwards

If you’re a law student, or know a law student…or once were a law student, you might know this saying:

“1L you read to death, 2L you work to death, 3L you’re bored to death.”

This one is for all of you 2Ls out there, trudging through your various workloads, be it clinics, externships, Journals, Blue Booking Assignments, Moot Court, ADR, TA-ing, Classes etc.

Keep on Top of Your Work:

1. Buy a Planner or use Google Calendar. During 1L year the majority of your time is spent reading and, well reading. In 2L year you get to branch out and participate on journals, moot court, ADR, clinics and externships. Although these new opportunities are exciting, they can also require some serious juggling work. Having a way to keep track of your deadlines and planning ahead will help you deal.
2. Set your own deadlines. Procrastination may be a way of life for some, but it causes a lot of unnecessary stress and frustration. If a paper or assignment is due on Monday, try telling yourself that it is due on Friday. If you set earlier deadlines for yourself you’ll reduce your stress and leave yourself a buffer zone.
3. Ask for help. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in law school, there are just some classes that you’ll understand and others that will leave you dumbfounded. Don’t be shy about asking for clarification. Just because you’re a law school vet, doesn’t mean that you’re not allowed to be confused.

Tips to Keep Your Health:

I’m not getting paid by Emergen-C

1. Vitamin-C. It may be a combination of psychological and physiological symptoms, but taking a multi-vitamin can help fight off sickness as you move through the semester. Inadequate Sleep and Stress take a tole on your immune system, make sure you don’t forget to take care of yourself. There is nothing worse than trying to understand a tricky legal concept while blowing your nose.
2. Exercise. Even if it’s just thirty minutes a day, a little bit of exercise can help you keep your body and mind in tip top shape.

Tips to Keep Your Sanity:

Finally, don’t forget to take time for yourself. Watch your favorite TV show or Movie, drink a glass of wine, go out on a date night or sporting event. Law School is a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be all work. You’re in law school, which is quite an accomplishment, you deserve a little bit of time every now and then to decompress.