Being a part-time law student is as challenging as they say, but it’s not impossible. In fact, once you’ve graduated and passed the bar, it’ll probably be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. Having a J.D. changes the course of your career and is a great way to upgrade your life and the lives around you.
That doesn’t mean it’s easy. Most part-time law students have the added challenge of balancing the stresses of law school with family and work. That makes it difficult to stay on top of class assignments and attendance. Here are some ways to help you succeed as a part-time law student and earn the career upgrade you’ve been dreaming of.
Create a Strict Routine
Succeeding as a part-time law student is all about time management. A good rule of thumb is to create a strict schedule before starting law school, and then modifying it as you go.
Your schedule should factor in everything from the time you wake up to the minute you lay your head down to get some rest. It should include your commute time, time for meals, time for family and study time. Everything that encompasses your day should be in that schedule.
If you stick to a well-planned routine, you should be set for law school success.
Brace Your Friends & Family
With work, night classes and night-long case briefing, you’re barely going to have time for family and friends. Have a conversation with those close to you about your limited time for the next three years. These people will be your support system. Give them a realistic expectation of your time and ask them not to take it personally.
Law school isn’t easy, and it’s even harder when you’re working full-time. No one can emphasize enough how important it is to have a group of people who are there to support you when it gets tough.
Start Networking Early
As a part-time law student, you may not have the option to take advantage of career-building events and services that full-time students have access to. Most Career Service Offices are open during business hours, which is also when most career building events take place.
Don’t get discouraged. You can still make valuable connections by simply networking while you’re in class. Networking with students, professors and deans is a great way to build your legal connections.
Consider joining a study group or at least making friends with a few other part-time students. Having the support of like-minded people will help come final exams or when you just need some emotional support.
Don’t Forget About “Me Time”
We know that “me time” is the last thing on your mind, but it shouldn’t be. Trying to find the time to partake in a hobby or exercise will have a positive impact on your law student life. It’s easy to get down in the dumps when you’re behind in reading assignments or having to choose between going to a wedding or briefing cases all night.
Making time for yourself is a great way to help you unwind and burn some stress. Try penciling it into your routine so you’re forced to take a break.
Take a Law School Prep Course
Most students take a few months to acclimate to the ups and downs of their 1L year. Not Law Preview students. By taking a Law Preview law school prep course, you’ll be law school ready before day one. It only takes six days this summer to get the tools you need to succeed in law school.
Here’s what you’ll learn by taking Law Preview this summer:
- How to get back into the student mindset
- An overview of core 1L material (Torts, Contracts, Criminal Law, Civ Pro, etc.)
- The tools you need to become a top law student
- Proven exam taking strategies
- How to take proper notes and outlines in law school and more
We make it easy to fit into your busy schedule with live stream and on-demand options. Don’t risk falling behind in 1L, sign up for Law Preview today.
