Spokane Scholar

To prep . . . or not to prep So, you’re getting ready to start law school. You have made it over the hurdles of undergrad, maybe a job or two (or three), the LSAT, applying to schools, and now you’ve been accepted. That itself is a substantial accomplishment. And so begins the next leg of the marathon–1L year. If you know other attorneys, whether they are friends or family members, chances are pretty good that you’ve already received some advice on what to do–or not do–in preparation for starting law school. If you aren’t surrounded by attorneys, maybe you find yourself feeling slightly disadvantaged (borderline panicked) at the thought that you are somehow missing out on the wisdom that will give you an edge that first year. If you find yourself in the latter group, rest assured, you will be just fine.

So how should you prepare for your 1L year? The short answer is that there is no formula to make you feel “fully prepared,” and if you can accept the fact that the first year is a learning curve for everyone, you’ll probably be better off.

In the first year of law school, professors rewire your brain to “think like a lawyer.” It is the ultimate equalizer.

Don’t be intimidated by this. It’s not as painful as it sounds, and the process is crucial to becoming the best advocate you can be.

I didn’t read any of the “recommended books” before starting law school, so I can’t provide first-hand feedback there (and looking back I don’t feel like I was disadvantaged by that). However, I have heard pretty good things about One L of a Year, by Leah M. Christensen. In terms of TV shows and movies, people make references to My Cousin Vinny all the time – if you haven’t seen it, I’d watch it just so you get the references if nothing else. Many of the other popular shows are completely unrealistic representations of law school and the practice of law, but they are entertaining so go nuts!

Believe it or not, I found Legally Blonde to be the most accurate representation out of the bunch.

The best advice we can give? Enjoy the summer! Make the most of the time you have with friends and family before you have the pressure of assignments and readings looming overhead. If anything, get a jumpstart on the “First Day Assignments” for your classes and call it a day. If you have questions, please don't be afraid to reach out to the Student Ambassadors.

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