10 Tips for Success in Law School - Special LL.M
Law school can be extremely stressful and if you add up the language barrier, the cultural differences, a whole new legal system and even a foreign bar exam at the end, then yes, it insanely stressful. For real.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started my LL.M program in New York City. I knew my goals though – taking the New York Bar Exam – as well as the realities of living abroad – making new friends, discovering a new city and ultimately integrating myself in a new community.
In retrospect, I don’t think it needed to be so stressful. Taking a Master of Laws (or LL.M) means that you’ve been studying law for a couple of years now, you might even have been practicing law in your home country. As a result, you have an advantage: you are ready.
Yes, studying law school in America is different. Have you ever heard of the Socratic Method? Good luck with that. The hundreds of pages to read ahead of class? Prepare some coffee for that.
In sums, starting an LL.M program in a foreign law school is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be that stressful. In the end, stress will likely help you meet this new challenge and motivate you to reach your goals.
So, let me give you some humble advice if you just started your LL.M program.
1. Do the Reading
This might look new for you but in U.S. law schools you will be required to read hundreds of pages ahead of classes. Do all of the reading assigned for your courses. Do not fall behind; Do understand what you read.
You might want to do your reading at times of the day when you are most alert (aka probably not before bed); and at a place where you are not distracted (aka not on your couch with Netflix on). Otherwise reading will become a pain for you.
The entire class is based on the assigned reading, so if you don’t commit to your assignments, then you won’t be able to follow the class discussion.
Ultimately if you are taking the Bar Exam: this is a marathon, not a sprint. Doing your readings is a step to success, don’t ignore it as it will pay off in the end.
2. Consider joining a study group
If you struggle on your own, remember that you are not alone. Study groups can be useful in a number of ways; social support, positive peer pressure, explaining out loud concepts and rules, etc.
Don’t get me wrong, it might not be your thing if you learn better by reading and thinking quietly on your own. But it is a great idea for LL.M students to mix up with other students, especially from the J.D. program. If you do so, remember to avoid letting your study group meetings become social or gossip sessions. If it doesn’t help in the end, don’t feel ashamed to resign from the group.
3. Enjoy your experience to the fullest
The LL.M program is for one year – maybe more if you stay afterwards – but the point is: explore every opportunity while in the LL.M program because it won’t last forever.
Explore your campus, not only your law school, sign up for some sporting activities and become a part of a team, join the events organized by your university and enjoy free food, and finally, apply to the different associations – in law school and in your city. The list is only exhaustive.
My experience in the LL.M would have been completely different if I had had stick to the basics.
4. Focus on your Grades
Sorry to break the news to you, but grades are important. They determine what kinds of internships and jobs you are eligible for, what journals you could join, what Latin honors you will get, etc.
Ultimately, and especially if you are an LL.M, your grades, and the class you take, can make all the difference. And while you think you should focus entirely on the Bar Exam, remember that you will need to find a job afterwards.
While not everyone can be in the top 10%, you can at least try. If you feel like it’s too difficult, perhaps get some help. Ask for supplemental materials – don’t feel ashamed to ask, you only have one year, which is very short. The most important things you can do is to do the reading and outline continuously your classes.
5. Establish a Routine
The work ethic you will need for law school is way different: it can be overwhelming reading hundreds of pages, outlining, reviewing, going to class and maintaining a social life. The best way to conquer it is to establish a routine and stick to it.
Become good at planning, take breaks, exercise, allow yourself some social time, etc. It will be easier to go through the year if you have a routine. This is also true when you will be taking the Bar Exam.
If it does seem like a simple advice, you will learn just how challenging it is to stick with a plan.
6. It’s not about memorization, it’s about understanding
There is a part of memorization in the preparation to the Bar Exam, but it won’t solve all your problem. There is a reason why most law schools give open-book exams: it is your thinking that is tested, not what you know.
On some occasion, I realized that I could guess the answer to a test because I knew the reasoning. Do you kneed to know the difference between an easement and a covenant? Not necessarily. Do you kneed to know how to spot the issue? Absolutely.
So understand the issues, understand the concepts. Memorizing can help in some instances but in the end this is how you think and how you understand the law that will define you as a lawyer.
7. Prepare for the future
Two things here: first, begin saving up if you take the Bar Exam. This will cost you some money. Application fees, Bar Prep costs, books, etc. So it might be smart to start putting some money aside now.
Second, work outside the box. When applying for internship or jobs, most students look into law firms, but very few will consider in house positions, universities or other organizations. Especially as an LL.M, if you intend to practice in the U.S. the task will likely be harder on you. Therefore, expand your horizons and consider opportunities that are outside the norm. You might even land your dream job!
8. Make Friends
Spare yourself from saying “I’m not here to make friends” – yes you are – sort of. There will come a day when you’re a lawyer and someone will remember you for a business opportunity. Even if you intend to go back to your home country, having friends all over the world is enriching. Again, you never know what legal problems you will face, especially if you practice international law.
Lastly, law school can be harsh. You are in a new country, far from your family and friends. Don’t be isolated. And if the only friends you have are your fellow citizens, then why don’t you talk in English? That way you will improve your language skills.
9. Focus on the Forest, not the Trees
I consumed so much redbulls during my LL.M that I could cover my entire apartment wall with the cans. Students often spend huge amounts of times studying – sometimes at the expense of their health – but the secret is not about studying hard, it is about studying smarter.
Remember your goals and think how best you can achieve them. Being intense is good but it’s the forest you want, not the trees. Be organized and plan ahead, getting results.
10. Be connected
One of your first stops on campus should be at your office of career services. Bring cupcakes, everybody loves cupcakes. Tell them your hopes and dreams and see how they could orient you. Find a mentor ! Listen to others.
Networking and connections play an important role in the U.S. and while your law school may not find you a job, they can put you in the best position to find one.
The sense of community is stronger in America: join your community! Participate to the dialogue, share and comment, show that you care. It can only be beneficial to you.
Last words
Everyone has a different experience with an LL.M program in a foreign law school. While it might look insurmountable, get some perspective and think about the rewards.
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