PREPARING FOR LAW SCHOOL

The first year of law school can be an intense experience. For most of us, it falls somewhere between The Paper Chase and Legally Blonde. Before the madness begins, minimize potential sources of stress.

1. Have fun! Enjoy the summer before law school! The next year will be full of challenges and a lot of hard work. A relaxing and fun summer vacation may energize you for the year ahead.

2. Prepare a Budget - Money or the lack of it can be a source of unnecessary stress. A realistic budget prepares you for what is ahead. Click here for an interactive budget planner.

3. Prep Courses - A few people in my 1L classes signed up for prep courses that actually taught black letter law. I'm not sure how useful those are. You may score brownie points in Contracts for knowing the elements of an enforceable contract but knowing how to glean that legal nugget and others like it from the cases will serve you better in the long run. Some law schools offer future 1Ls seminars on how to read and brief a case as well as other survival tips. This is probably more beneficial and cost effective. Call your law school and find out.