7 things you need to learn about law school, but were afraid to ask (plus three more things)

In the spirit of the first week of law school (for some students), let me make my own version of a freshmen kit that would have been helpful in my first year of law.

It is Difficult. Whatever myths you heard when you were a senior in college, were probably true. Some of them could have been overly exaggerated, but most of them would probably be accurate. So be afraid. Be very afraid.

It is cut throat. Nope, not that kind of throat you perve! In some schools, it is necessary that you have to be competitive, that you have to be aggressive. If you think you are in that kind of environment, then you better get your gear up. Dust off you old armor and get ready for battle. In that kind of law school, pleasantries would be a knife stuck to your front side and not at your back. Be wary, not all you know would be your friend, and even your friends may not be yours exactly.

It is Social Interdiction. Civil interdiction is a concept you have yet to learn, deeply. But basically you lose all your civil rights; it is civil death hence, the analogy. Before you enter law school, kiss your social life goodbye. It is over. Thhis is your social death. But I am not saying you will never again taste that bitter, refreshingly cold drink that is called beer. Your social life will be replaced by a different form. So no birthday parties on Friday night if you have recitation on Saturday, no more out of town trips, you have a long exam the next week, no more spontaneous afternoon movie trips of you are on deck that afternoon. (Although...)

Ask and you shall Receive. Law school is of a different animal. It has its own culture, way different from what you may have in college. Professors are different, even the clothes required of students would be different. So when in doubt ask your classmate, an upper classman, a friend in other law school, an old schoolmate, a friend-lawyer, all of them would have different experiences and all of them would have something to contribute and share with you.

Prepare to make a choice. Almost all of law students would be in a cross road, and you have to make that choice. It could be as simple as making a decision on the schedule you are taking. (Although, technically not simple as some students got kicked out for choosing the wrong schedules) but some are as profound as family vs. law school, legal career vs. another opportunity. And you have to make a choice. And prepare to stick to it.


It should be about you. I was never pressured into taking up law; I did it on my own accord. I am one of the few lucky ones. If you are not into it, then I tell you, it would be a very difficult ride for you. You have to like it. Love it, even. It is not you mother that would have to stand, with trembling knees in front of your professor, it not you father that will read mountains of case, it is not your lolo that would digests all those cases. So be honest, and tell them this is not for you. I know, it is not easy, but four years of law school will not be a walk in the park.

Prepare to be embarrassed. Just be.

Whatever I have written thus far, forget about it. What you are about to read is more important.

Make Friends. I was lucky to have amazing classmates; it is one of the lucky things I have; always having the best of classmates. That is why law school wasn’t as difficult for us, especially for me, The more friends you have the easier it would be. But do not be an Artista make meaningful friendships, friendships that will last. Quality over Quantity. (Let me take this opportunity to thank all my law school friends. tH4nK5! Jejejeje)

Rest. Learn how to. Take Saturdays off, or Sundays, or both. Just do not over do it! I mean the resting. If you do not, it will take its toll on your body, on your brain, and be very difficult to recover from. So once in a while, watch movie or a soap opera on TV, just take breather. Refresh your brain.

ENJOY! Yes, law school is different, it is difficult but enjoy it. That is how you will keep your sanity all throughout law school. You are already there, make the most of it, have fun. Make fun of each other; make fun of yourself, even. Learn to laugh. All work and no play…well, you know the cliché. I know it is difficult, but it would be more difficult if you do not enjoy it.

So go out there, and slay that Motherfucker! (You’ll need shotguns for these kinds of things)







when this was written there are only 70 days to the first of the four sundays of september.