I had to take the NY-state bar exam lying on the floor of a private office, about a mile from the main test site. Here’s the backstory.

Things all started going downhill for me during 3L spring. On the outside, it looked like I had it all together:

—grades that put me atop the class;
—a BigLaw job set for fall; and
—a law-review Note ready to publish.

Dear Legal Writer: I once had a BigLaw partner wave an imaginary assault rifle and simulate a scene from “The Terminator” when imparting feedback on my writing:

“Who are you, the Terminator?” she asked.

The partner was very senior, and she was also rather rotund, wearing a floral house dress & ballet flats at the time—all of which made her act quite amusing.

Dear 1L,

Last year, you had to write a personal statement to persuade a law school to admit you.

You may have been told to aspire for an essay that would be “a pleasure to read.”

If so, you got some very good advice.

Dear 1L,

I just heard this memorable motto by Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy Jr., and I want you to say it over and again when getting ready for your oral argument.

If you can say only ONE thing to the panel, what will it be?

Don’t get caught stammering.

Have ONE refrain on the tip of your tongue.

Dear Legal Writer,

Some writers spin their wheels trying to create the perfect opening for the Introduction to their brief. You know, that catchy one-liner that seemingly encapsulates the gist of the whole case at once, often using analogy, metaphor, or other literary device to drive home the writer’s point?

I used to try that too.

Many of you will stop reading my letters soon, too, because you’re swearing off social media until after exams (I predict).

But before you think of doing that, please tell me: What are you struggling with? On what topics should I write? Tell me what’s on your mind. I love hearing from you & want to be helpful.

Dear 1L,

It’s normal to be nervous for your first oral argument. It’s a big unknown b/c you’ve never done it before. But that won’t matter if you’re the most prepared person in the argument room.

Here are 10 Tips to help you prepare.

1: Know your Case Cold.

Dear 1L, The 2L summer job search is right around the corner, and is very different today than when I went through it in the mid-1990s.

🔷 1L Summer Jobs

IN THE 1990s: There was little to no stress over finding a job for the summer after 1L because it didn’t really matter what job we did.

I wanted to live at the beach that summer, not in a hot city, so I: