7 Things to Do the Summer Before Law School
When I started helping law students 4 years ago I tried to read everything I could to learn. My daughter was applying to law school at the time, too, so I was really motivated. I asked for advice from lawyers on LinkedIn: what should she do to prepare?
Here are the top 7 tips I’ve distilled for you:
1️⃣ Enjoy it!
“Relax and have fun” dominates the recommendations for pre-law prep, and rightly so. Your fall schedule will feel much more programmed and regimented than you’re used to.
This summer, fuel up your pre-law fuel tank with memories from carefree, lazy days surrounded by family and friends.
2️⃣ Train for what’s ahead.
1L will be physical, mental, emotional, and psychological. It may also be the most intense competition you’ve experienced thus far.
👉 If you were an athlete or musician, would you show up to your most important performance without advance training? Of course not. So don’t show up for law school that way!
3️⃣ Get your affairs in order.
While you have time, take care of things like doctor’s appointments, medication refills, contact lenses, housing, parking, school supplies, etc.
4️⃣ Read.
Reading will help to get your brain in tune for the 1L reading volume. I have read more than 100 books meant for incoming 1Ls and have curated top recommendations—each listed in my “Dear 1L” book for you. You should start here: amazon.com/dp/B0D726J7RQ
A full Table of Contents to my Dear 1L book is attached here—
5️⃣ Prepare your friends and family.
It’s key to ensure your family and friends “get” the reality of 1L early on, because you’ll need their unconditional support! Many non-law people think of the first year of law school as “just another year in college.” It is not.
6️⃣ Get on LinkedIn, start networking, and prepare for your job search.
No, it is not too early. A prime reason you’re going to law school is to get a good job afterwards.
—Prepare a solid LinkedIn profile.
—Prepare an updated resume in the legal format.
—Reach out & learn from 2Ls, 3Ls, and alumni from your school.
7️⃣ Hone your writing skills.
When you write about abstract legal doctrine, your sentences will be unintelligible if not written correctly. Refresh and hone your skills this summer. The investment will pay off in spades—in 1L and beyond.
The 1L writing course is no joke. Please do not go into it cold! I am working furiously to get my pre-law writing course available for you by this spring. Sign up here for announcements and early access! writinglawtutors.com/courses/
💌 Amanda
#Dear1L
P.S. The above list is an abridged version of a longer chapter in my book.
You can read the FULL chapter for FREE right here: writinglawtutors.com/book-dear-1l/#chapter1
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🗳️ What did you do the summer before law school?
