Showing posts with label preparing for law school. Show all posts

Basic Etiquette Tips for a Law Student or New Lawyer


So one thing I did not expect going into law school was how many professional events I would end up attending. I knew there would be professional events and I made sure I had a suit ready but I guess I never really thought through what those events would actually entail... news flash it entails a lot of rules that I did not know.

I grew up on my parent's horse farm. My childhood was full of horses, dirty boots and a lot of time outside- I loved every minute. My parents taught me good manners and all that jazz but our life had no reason for me to know fine dining rules or fancy etiquette or what to do with the mini fork above your plate. To some people, this probably seems crazy but in my family, there just wasn't a reason to learn fancy etiquette. Once in college, I attended a few events where there were more forks than I knew what to do with but I just kind of went with it and didn't think too much into it.

Supplies for Law School: What I Actually Use and What Was a Waste of Money


So I have about 2 more weeks of summer before my 3L year of Law School. I do not know where time has gone- it flew by! I had a reader request this post and I think it is a great one. I will be talking all about the supplies I use in law school and compare/contrast what I bought for my 1L year and all the things that were a waste of money because I never ended up using them.

I have always LOVED school supplies shopping. I would beg my mom to take me shopping for new school supplies at the beginning of August so I would have a few weeks to completely organize and decorate my binders and notebooks. College didn't change anything except now I had to buy my own school supplies. When I was getting ready to start law school, I was so pumped to get all new fancy school supplies. A lot of those things I bought 1L year, I still use... but a lot of things I never really used and ended up being a waste of money. So today I am laying out all the things I truly use in law school for the last 2 years and all the things that were a waste of money. 

Tips for Preparing Your Law School Applications

I feel bad... I sometimes get so caught up in law school and blogging about that, I forget to blog about the process that got me here. Law school application season is upon many college seniors and I am sure you guys would like some insight!

Law school applications are not a fun process... I was so tired of staring at LSAC by the time I was done. Despite this, it is a critical part of the process and you must just buckle down and get through it. I have outlined my suggestions to make law school applications easier and more effective. I was accepted into every school I applied to with scholarship including two full tuition scholarships so they should work!

Before I get started on tips, make sure to register for a LSAC account (Law School Admissions Counsel) as they control everything and that is where you will make your applications. Additionally and hopefully, you have already taken the LSAT or have it scheduled for early Fall. Without a LSAC account and a LSAT score (or upcoming administration date), you cannot really start the law school application process. Law school applications generally open in early Fall.

1. Start Early
Just like with anything big, the earlier you start the better. I tried to get most of my application work done the summer before my senior year of college so I didn't have to worry about calling for references, writing my personal statement and my resume during my Fall semester. I had to take the October LSAT due to studying abroad in the May of my Junior year so I spent that summer studying for the LSAT and getting application stuff ready to go so when the applications opened in the fall, I could submit immediately without last minute stress.

2. Edit, Edit, Edit Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement is so much more than just an explanation on why you want to be a lawyer or whatever it is you chose to write about. It is pretty much a writing sample. Use good grammar, draft it several times and get as many eyes to look over it as possible. I sent it to so many people for grammar checks, spelling checks, and overall impressions. I had my college English professor help me with it, my legal advisor, a local attorney and my best friend (another law student). The more input I could get to make it the best piece of writing I possibly could, I did. I wanted it to be without flaw and written in the most poignant way possible. I did not let anyone sway my decision on what to write about because I felt that was the most important part- it was a way for the admissions committee to get to know me and get a feel for me. Beyond that, I accepted any and all help to make it as strong as possible. There is no shame in asking for help and guidance on a piece of writing that is basically you law school interview.

3. Stay Organized
The application process can be pretty messy and stressful- especially if you are applying to multiple schools. I found that organization was key for keeping myself from getting stressed. I applied to 8 schools so there was a lot to keep straight. I first made a folder within my computer for law school application materials. Inside that folder was another folder for each school I was applying to. Inside each schools folder, I had a list of what was required for the application (they all vary slightly), a tailored personal statement for that school, a list of which references I would use, a breakdown of what their previous year medium LSAT and GPA and any other materials I would have to turn in or that mattered for that school. This helped me to never send the wrong personal statement to a school (for example: listing Ohio State inside the statement when I was sending actually it to Indiana University) which would have made my application less impressive. Also, it helped to keep my mind straight knowing that everything was organized and in one simple place. I also kept a running to-do list on my desk of what I needed to be doing for applications so that I never forgot to finish something and I could have the satisfaction of crossing things off and watching the list shrink. Organization is key!

4. Get Help with Your Resume
Law school applications ask for a resume. My resume prior to then was something they made us do in high school and was no longer professional enough for my needs. I sought help in my undergrad career services office to improve my resume for law school. I highly highly suggest doing this. My resume went from crappy to uber professional in like two short meetings. I finally had a professional resume I could be proud of. You want to be proud of everything you turn into a law school applications and making sure to update your resume with some professional help would be a key part of that.

5. Find Quality References and Give Them Some Time
Most law school applications require written references. I used some of my favorite professors from undergrad. It is important to pick a quality reference who knows you well- not just as a name on the class roster who got a decent grade. If you come straight from undergrad, you should likely use some professors or advisors. If you are coming to law school from the workforce, references would likely better serve as your boss or co-workers. The two professors I used I had multiple classes with and I knew very well. I asked them early for a reference so that they had plenty of time to complete it without being rushed and if they got a little slow, it wouldn't push my application back or late. Give yourself and your references plenty of time to make a quality reference that will serve you well.

6. Save Money
Applying to law school is stupid expensive. It's been a while since I did it but I think that registering for LSAC is like $160, the LSAT is around $150, each application sent is $30 and some schools add an additional fee. It's ridiculous. However, it is a fact of life so have some money saved and put away for these fees so you don't go broke just from applying. Also, don't apply to schools you would truly not attend because it will be a waste of $30.

7. Pinpoint a Desired Location
It is important to know where you want to attend law school and to apply to the law schools in that location. I have a friend who applied to the University of Maine, paid the $30 fee and got in but she never had any intentions of going to school that far from home. I personally think that is a waste of $30. I knew I wanted to be in Northwest Ohio so I applied to all schools within 2-3 hours and that was it. If you don't already know where you want to be, you have more flexibility but it is still best to truly research out a location, what the city is like, living expenses, etc when thinking that may be your choice of where to attend law school.

8. Make a Target List
Once you have a location in mind, make a target list of schools to apply to. My advisor told me to pick a few safe schools where I know I would get in, a few contenders where I would likely get in but not a sure thing and at least one or two reach schools where it may be a long shot but you never know if you will get an acceptance letter. I did this and while I was accepted to every school, I chose a middle contender school where I was a strong candidate and they had given me the best scholarship package.

9. Turn Things in ASAP
The perk of getting everything done early is that you can apply the second applications open! Scholarship money is usually given on a first come first serve basis to qualified law school applicants so the earlier you apply, the more chance of scholarship. Even if you have to wait to take the Fall LSAT (like I did), you can have everything else done and turned in and the moment LSAT scores are released, your application will fully process and be complete. This is definitely an "early bird gets the worm" type of experience so don't procrastinate!

10. Hurry up and wait... without stressing
Once everything is turned in the worst part begins.... the waiting. Some schools are very timely with responses (I got my first acceptance within 4 days of applying and it was my top choice school/where I ended up attending) and others will take forever (my last response came in May after I had already graduated from college). While the waiting is very stressful, try not to worry too much. You have done the work, did your due diligence and now it is up to the admissions committees. As long as you have done your best work and turned in the most well rounded and quality application you can, you have done well and will likely be accepted somewhere.

Best of luck future law students!! 

Other Pre-Law Advice: 

How to Quell Your Nerves When Starting Law School


The first few days (and weeks) of law school I was honestly a nervous wreck about 75% of the time. I felt so inadequate and like I was flying completely blind. I studied constantly, barely slept, compared myself to everyone else and was a mess. Eventually, I figured out how to case brief, read faster, answer a cold call and still get some sleep in the process. As things get easier and you figure out what you need to do and how you need to do and the stress and nerves slowly melt away. To avoid some of my mistakes and make your first few weeks easier, here are some tips on quelling your nerves in the first few days/weeks of law school.

What to Wear on Your First Day of Law School

There is always something about back to school... the apprehension of a new school year, the excitement of being back with friends, the anticipation of autumn. I always look forward to school supply shopping and most of all, I love picking out a first-day outfit. This is always a result of careful selection, reselection, long spans of trying on outfits, sending pictures to friends for opinions and often a last minute shopping trip. Landing on the perfect outfit always made me feel so confident and ready to take on another year of school.


The first day of law school is especially important. It is the true beginning of your legal career. It will be the vital first impression you make on peers and professors. It is an intimidating day- I was certainly nervous for my first day of law school classes. I know having the perfect outfit picked out made me feel more prepared and a little less stressed. I picked an outfit that made me feel pretty and confident while remaining classy, understated and modest. I wanted my first impression to be just that: classy and confident yet approachable. Here was my first-day outfit from last year:


My outfit was simple and comfortable but I chose it for several reasons. First, green is my favorite color and I think it looks the best with my hair color and complexion. Second, it was comfortable and cool for the hot August day in very full classrooms. Third, it was classy and while flattering to my body, it did not show too much off. I finished my outfit with my hair in soft curls, soft makeup, flats, bright red nails and a classic watch to complete the look. I carried a bookbag but I know many people who brought totes to carry their books. looking back, I still am happy with my first-day outfit from last fall.

It is important to pick an outfit that, above all else, makes you feel comfortable and embodies your personality. You want your first-day impression to reflect you and still make a good, professional impression. Below are four possible first-day outfits for a variety of styles and all budget friendly!

Floral and Sweet 
First day 2



For all those who love the sweet, floral look, this dress is just perfect for the first day of law school. The soft blue dress has a pretty floral pattern that is just so cute and fun while still maintaining a modest and classy look that will make a good impression. I paired it will a simple leather tote to carry books and simple leather sandals for ease of running up and down the stairs at school. I would finish the look with soft curls, dewy makeup, and light pink nails. This overall look is sweet and pretty and will earn you many compliments on your first day.


Sporty and Casual
First day 5



For those who prefer a more casual and sporty look, this jeans and tee combo is perfect. This simple t-shirt has a fun little cross in the back and paired with skinny jeans creates a simple but classic look. I paired it with Tom's shoes instead of sneakers because I think that Tom's provide all the comfort and simplicity of sneakers but a touch more dressy look. I added a North Face backpack to carry the books because every sporty girl probably has a sporty backpack to match. I would pair this with a high ponytail and red lipstick for a pop of color. Overall this outfit projects a casual yet put together look that will make a great first impression.


Chic and European
First day 4


J Crew striped tee
$39 - jcrew.com


Sans Souci skirt
sanssoucistores.com


Gap ankle strap flat
gapfactory.com



Gold tone earrings
amazon.com



This outfit is so European. I could just see someone strolling down a Paris street in this... or a quirky girl looking for something a little different to wear on the first day of law school. This simple striped boatneck top would be tucked into a classic knee-length skirt in a stylish mustard color. I added strappy flats, a plain black backpack and mustard colored statement necklace to finish this chic look. I would pair this with winged eyeliner and a side braid to complete the look. This outfit may have people wondering if you are actually from France but still projects a confident first impression.


Classy and Feminine

First day 1



I love this simple yet so classy look. This is perfect for those feminine girls who just want to keep it simple and low key. I paired a flowy and soft colored peplum top with simple dark wash jeans. Black pointed toe flats, a classic black watch and a scalloped tote finish off this simple outfit. I would complete this outfit with straight hair, natural makeup, and bright red nails for a pop of color. This outfit is so simple yet projects such an image of class and looks so put together and confident- a great first impression for your first day of law school.



A good outfit is important but it is most important that you feel comfortable and confident in whatever you wear. Best of luck on your first day of law school!

20 Things to Do Before Your First Day of Law School


The start of school is fast approaching. For all those soon to be 1L's, this is a very exciting and nerve wracking time. As a list maker, I am always writing lists of what all I have to do before _____ (whatever is coming up). This time last year, I had lists all over my house of all the things I needed to do before starting my 1L year. To help all the new 1L's (and even 2Ls and 3Ls), I have compiled all of that into one big master list of the things you need to do before starting law school... I included some GIF's to hopefully keep you laughing and keep the stress level low. Also, I included a printable checklist to help! I hope it helps!

Download here

1. Buy Books 
Don't wait until the last minute to buy books. The University bookstore is usually more expensive and if you start early you can find better deals online.

2. Organize Financial Aid
Make sure your finances, whatever they may be, are in order so that you can start school in the clear! It never hurts to double check even if you did this previously.

3. Scope Out Parking
Nothing is worse than getting to school on the first day and making yourself late by not finding a parking spot or not knowing where to park. Make a point to scope out the parking situation and ask upperclassmen how the parking is when school is in session (busy times, etc.). This way you can arrive on your first day knowing what to expect parking wise.

Image result for ross sports car gif
Don't pull a Ross
4. Buy School Supplies
Go get your folders, binders, notebooks, highlighters, etc. Make sure everything is organized and ready to go for your first day. If you wait too long, the stores will be super picked over and the good stuff will be gone. More info on school supplies here. Also, get a planner. Trust me- you absolutely need one to stay sane and organized in law school.

5. Sign up for Lexis Nexis
You can sign up for Lexis Nexis and start earning rewards points before school even starts! They offer many videos and information that may help with your first day reading as well.

6. Pick out a First Day Outfit 
Maybe I am extra crazy, but I have always made a point to pick out the perfect first day of school outfit. I feel like it sets the tone for the semester. Especially for your first day of law school, this is your first impression to your classmates so you want to make it a good one. Take 10 minutes and put together a killer outfit that makes you feel confident and bad ass to rock on your first day!

Image result for elle woods first day gif

7. Print Syllabi 
Print your class syllabi and figure out what each teacher is looking for. Can you use a computer? Is there a midterm? What is the first reading assignment? You can take all the dates and assignments and add them to your planner. It is good to go into day one with an idea of what your professor is looking for and news flash, law school doesn't really do syllabus day so it is up to you- they won't spoon feed it to you like undergrad.

8. Complete First Day Reading
Finish your first-day reading assignments sooner rather than later. Don't wait until the night before- you will go crazy. Start early and spread it out over a bit of time so you can slowly acclimate to the massive amounts of reading. Take good notes because you never know who will be the first person cold called. You do not want to recreate that famous scene from the movie The Paper Chase.


9. Double Check Classroom Locations
Once in undergrad, I went to my first day of class only to find a locked classroom and no other students. I quickly double checked the classroom online and realized it had been changed since I had last checked a week or so before classes started. Needless to say, I ended up running across campus and being late for my first day of class. To avoid this, double check classroom locations the night before your classes. You do not want to be late to your first law school classes; it makes for a poor first impression and you will get a crappy seat.

Image result for late to class gif
Don't be this guy

10. Make Laptop Updates
Make sure any updates are done to your laptop before starting classes. You don't want it to suddenly decide to complete that update you have been putting off in the middle of your first class while you are typing out notes.

11. Pack a Tote/Bookbag
I always like to have my chosen bag packed and ready to go the night before an event or in this case, the first day of classes. It makes me feel prepared and less stressed. I suggest packing your tote or bookbag ahead of time to make sure you have everything you need and to make the first morning a little smoother. Also it is good to know if everything will fit or not and if you need to reevaluate what bag you carry. Here is everything I keep in my law school book bag: Whats in My Bookbag- Law School Edition.

12. Invest in a Lunchbox
Packing a daily lunch saves you soooo much money over going out to eat every day. It is also healthier than getting fast food all the time. Go ahead and invest in a lunchbox- you will not be sorry!

13. Decide on a Study Space
I knew from the beginning I would primarily study at home. Therefore, I set up a home office to be my study space. Decide you a place where you will study productively and without distractions and plan on it. If you decide on the library, plan to head there after classes to finish the next days reading. If it is at home, have your desk clean and organized so you can come home from the first classes and get to work. If it is a local coffee shop or cafe, put aside $5-10 to treat yourself while you study there. Wherever you decide to study, plan on it and try to stick to it from the start. You may find that you original plan didn't work and there is no harm in changing up your study location. Just figure out a plan and try to stick to it. It helps to form a routine.

14. Explore Your New City
Not everyone moves to a new city for law school but many do. Before classes start and you get caught up in the hustle of 1L year, try to do some exploring in your new city. Try some restaurants, find a cute coffee shop, find the closest and most well stocked target and if you have time check out some local attractions such as zoo's and museums. It is nice to take some time to become familiar with your new city and gain some affinity for it. After all, you will be spending 3 years here so get comfortable.


Image result for going on an adventure gif

15. Prep a Few Meals
I am super into meal planning/prepping. It saves me so much time and stress to have everything planned out ahead of time for what we are eating for the week. I have an entire blog post all about my meal planning and prepping (view it here). Your first few days (and probably weeks) of law school will be hectic and stressful. I suggest stocking up on a groceries ahead of time and planning some easy meals, lunches and snacks so you aren't stressing about cooking or spending a bunch of money on fast food the first little bit of law school.

16. Fill Your Gas Tank
Confession time: I was almost late to my first day of law school classes because I had to stop and get gas last minute because I didn't realize it was low. Avoid my mistake and go into the first day of classes with a full tank of gas... no matter how broke tuition has made you.

Image result for out of gas gif

17. Do a Social Media Clean Up
Law school is your first foray into the legal community and your classmates will likely become a part of your professional community. It is a good idea to make a little clean up of your social media accounts: remove pictures featuring lots of alcohol (a glass of wine is usually okay), crazy college party pictures, swear words, excessive amounts of selfies, etc. You want people to see a professional image when they search your social media pages (because you know they will be after orientation). You don't want your first impressions to be marked by some old stuff on social media accounts. Another idea is to put strong privacy settings on or change you name on social media but millennials are as bad as the FBI- if they want to find your social media, they will. It is a good practice to start cleaning up your social media now because future jobs will also look at social media accounts and you want a professional image.

18. Rest Up
Law school usually leads to less sleep than you may prefer. Sleep in while you can and take a few naps. You want to start out feeling rested and ready to rock!

Image result for rest up gif

19. Relax
Law school is stressful and hectic and relaxation time will be a rare treat. Take some time now to relax and do things you enjoy.

20. Treat Yo' Self
Along with resting and relaxing, it's great to pamper yourself before law school starts. Go for a mani-pedi if you can afford it or just do it at home. Get your eyebrows waxed and maybe a fresh hairdo. Take a bubble bath and do a face mask. Go for a shopping trip and grab Starbucks. Pamper yourself now because you are about to put your mind to quite a challenge. Channel your inner Tom and Donna and treat yo' self.

Image result for treat yo self

Enjoy these last few weeks before law school but make sure you get everything done so you are not scrambling at the last minute. Good luck!

What to Expect from Law School Orientation


The beginning of school is sneaking right up on us. Law school will be here before we know it! For the incoming 1L's, that means orientation time. Law school orientation is the first step in the law school journey and I know around this time last year, I was very nervous for it. It is hard to know what to expect- undergrad orientation is usually an experience for making friends and getting to know your new city. Law school orientation is more a time for letting you know how hard your next three years will be and telling you how to survive. Law school orientation is an important part of the experience as a 1L but try not to be too nervous- it's only step one.

How to Set Up a Study Space for Law School


Law school = massive amounts of studying. No way around it... unless you want to fail. Everyone is different so some people prefer to study only at school, some study in coffee shops and some study only at home. Personally, I am a homebody so I primarily study at home. Thankfully, my husband and I have a 3 bedroom house so I was able to turn one room into an office.

It has taken some time but I finally feel like I have a study space that is functional, aesthetically pleasing and works for me. It is where I do 90% of my studying and it is a space where I feel comfortable and inspired to work.

20 Things Every Law Student Needs Before Starting Law School


Are you gearing up for your first year of law school??? The last bit of time before the first year starts in nerve-wracking. I spent it trying desperately to prepare myself for the experience: what I would wear, what I would need and what an outline was. It is very hard to prepare and know what to expect from an experience like law school. Also, people were always asking what I needed. I didn't even know what I needed let alone tell them what to get me! So, I have compiled a list of the things I could not have survived my first year of law school without.

5 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before Starting Law School


Well, incoming 1L's... summer is flying by and you will soon be official law students. This time last year, I was a mix of nerves, excitement, and trepidation. I read everything I could get my hands on to help prepare but I was so very nervous. For all of you feeling the same way, just try to enjoy your summer.  Now that I am officially a 2L, I reflect back on my 1L year and all the things I learned. Here are 5 things I wish I would have known prior to starting law school.

Bingeworthy TV for the Summer Before Law School


Who doesn't love a good TV binge on Netflix? My husband and I seem to always be starting a new binge on Netflix or Amazon Prime... that's what fills our Friday and Saturday nights because we are clearly wild 23-year-olds... not.

Here is a list of a few of my favorites that would be a great way to relax and get in some good TV time before law school and reading cases consumes your life.

Law School Orientation Day 2


And that is a wrap on day 2 of law school orientation! Overall, it was another great day (day one recap here). I made friends, learned some tips and tricks and ate some great food. 

Law School Orientation Day 1 Recap


Well... I am officially a Law Student. Today was day one of Orientation and overall, it went pretty great.

5 Things to Do the Day Before Law School Orientation


Tomorrow I start Law School orientation. Tomorrow I take the first step in my legal career. Tomorrow, my life will change significantly.... but tomorrow is still 24 hours away so I am focusing on today.

Today I am binge watching How I Met Your Mother on Netflix, listening to the Woodstock playlist loud as could be while I clean my house, taking my dogs for a walk despite the overcast, windy weather, cooking a yummy dinner for my Hubby and soaking up the last few hours of not being a Law Student.
I am also finishing some Property reading, ironing my orientation outfits, packing my tote and preparing for the exciting day tomorrow. I feel less nervous when I am totally prepared so that is why I am getting everything done today. Here is my list for feeling prepared to start Orientation.


1. Spa Day
To feel extra fierce for my first day as a Law Student, I am giving myself a manicure and pedicure to ensure that I have good first impression nails. I am also doing a face mask, a deep conditioner on my hair and whitening my teeth. I have always felt that looking your best can definitely help you feel your best. At orientation, you meet your peers and professors for the first time; you only have one chance to make a good first impression so any little things you can do to make yourself look and feel your best is worth it.

2. Pack a Tote
I am using my tote (similar) instead of my bookbag for orientation because I do not have much to carry and it goes much better with the required attire of business casual than a big heavy bookbag. I have packed my tote with the handouts, a notebook, pens and pencils, my computer, computer cord, wireless mouse, wallet, some beauty/toiletry necessities and a few granola bars just in case I get the munchies. Hopefully, I will have everything I need and then some.

3. Review the Reading
My school had a few cases to brief and a professional development handout as the required reading for the orientation workshops. I completed the work weeks ago so I just want to review the information in order to have it fresh in my memory and to be prepared to discuss it at orientation.

4. Lay Out Outfit
Having a fierce outfit, including jewelry, laid out, ironed and ready to simply put on in the morning makes me feel so much more prepared. I know I simply have to wake up, put it on and can leave the house feeling ready to rock.

5. Relax and Destress
For me, this is Yoga followed by hot tea but it could also be a workout, a coffee date or a bottle of wine. Whatever floats your boat and helps you to settle your nerves before the big day tomorrow.

Despite all the stress and nerves, I am mostly excited about starting my Law School journey tomorrow. I cannot wait to meet my new peers, explore my new school and get started on this journey to my legal career. It is sure to be a very exciting day! Check back tomorrow night for my Orientation recap!

Why I Chose Law



Law School starts really soon. I may be slightly freaking out. It's time to get real; I might seem super prepared from what I have depicted on my blog but in truth, I am struggling to get my first-day assignments completed, stressing about what to wear at Orientation and silently questioning what I was thinking by wanting to become a lawyer. A million questions are running through my mind: will I be good at Law School? Will I make the grades? Will I hate it? Can I ever be a good Lawyer? In the midst of my slight anxious breakdown, total frustration with my Contracts book and second-guessing, my husband reminded me of something I had lost sight of: my dreams.

Things to Watch Before Law School


I am a firm subscriber of both Netflix and Amazon Prime. I have had some spare time before Law School and I have been catching up on my lists of things I wanted to watch. Movies and TV shows relating to the Law and/or Law School are few and far between but below are some of my favorites found on Netflix and Amazon Prime as well as a few that need to be rented!

Movies

The Paper Chase (Netflix)
An oldie but a goodie, this is one of the best Law School representations in media. You see the Socratic method at it's fiercest, Law Students succeed and fail all at the esteemed Harvard Law School. It is certainly worth a watch!

Legally Blonde (Netflix)
My personal favorite. The pretty blonde follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard and instead of getting him back, she gets a legal education and defies all expectations. Let's all aspire to reach the same level of fabulous perfection as Elle Woods.

A Few Good Men (Rent)
Tom Cruise as a military attorney is perfection. I love this movie for several reasons: seeing the main character find himself in the courtroom, the storyline and the themes of humanitarianism and truth will win are timeless.

Bridge of Spies (Rent)
A snapshot into a tough time in our history as well as a unique use of a legal education to save lives. Tom Hanks stars in this intriguing Cold War era movie and it is a great legal and historical watch.

Nuremberg (search on Youtube and full movie can be viewed)
Another historical movie featuring strong uses of the law this time for prosecution of Nazi's following World War II at the Nuremberg Trials. The Cheif Prosecutor, played by Alec Baldwin, lays out damning cases against people who committed the some worst atrocities in history.

TV Shows

How to Get Away with Murder (Netflix)
Though not very realistic, this is a thrilling and entertaining watch. It does feature some fun personalities in the Law Students.

Reckless (Netflix)
Though it is only one season, I love this show and I wish it would have continued. It contrasts a northern attorney and a southern prosecutor as they clash in and out of the courtroom of Charleston, S.C.

Making a Murderer (Netflix)
I am just getting started on this one but it is enthralling to hear the story of one man and his quest for justice under the law. I can't wait to finish it!

SUITS (Prime)
I also just started this show and it is a fun watch. I am excited to get more into it and see more of the legal action.

Still Want to Watch
- Scandal
- Good Wife

What are your favorite legal movies and TV shows?