A Day in the Life of a Law Student: 2nd Semester Edition

Second semester has been quite fast paced. In order to keep up, I have adjusted my daily schedule to accommodate. Here is a revised view of my day, featuring some snapchats from my life.

Why You NEED to go over Exams with Professors

In case anyone is curious, the second semester of law school is NOT easier than the first semester. Sure, I know how to read, brief, study and handle a cold call now but I do not know how to write a trial brief, act in a mock pre-trial conference or handle the internship search. So that's how I am feeling a few weeks into the second semester. On the plus side- I have landed an internship with my local prosecutor's office for the summer and will be receiving both class credit and work-study. I am super excited for this opportunity.

Thoughts on Starting the Second Semester of Law School

Well.... I just completed my 3rd week of the second semester of law school. SOS.... it's been rough. First semester sucked.... second semester is so far even harder. Does someone want to remind me why I thought law school was a good idea?

So far, I have twice as much reading each night compared to last semester, legal research and writing assignments every weekend, professional development activities left and right, making time to review my exams from last semester and trying to find an internship. Outside of law school, I was rear-ended in a hit & run accident, my car is in the shop, I have been sharing a car with my husband and driving him to and from work, we got a new dog and my house chores are so overdue it's not even funny. It has been crazyyyy. 3 weeks in and I already had a meltdown.

One thing I know that is weighing on my mind is my grades from last semester- they were not at the level I had wanted, though they were not bad. I am working twice as hard thus far trying to set myself up for success this semester and to raise my GPA. I am reading more thoroughly, taking excessive reading notes, raising my hand twice as much in class and I have already started outlining. I sure hope it pays off because I am exhausted.

As for the internship search, I have an interview next week (hallelujah!!). I know it will be a huge relief once I have something pinned down and that isn't hanging over my head and stressing me out anymore.

I hope your second semesters are off to a better start than mine!

How to Stay Healthy in Law School

Law School throws everything for a loop... and I mean everything. Biggest thing that has been lacking since I started Law School: my health. With my erratic schedule (stay up until midnight, up at 5:30 during the week, sleep until 10 on weekends), making a point to eat healthy, drink enough water and maybe sneak a workout in is a struggle. I have made a resolution to really get things under control this new year and now as I am in my 5th month since starting Law School, I have finally figured out a plan that is a bit more healthy. Here are my tips for staying healthy in Law School.

Whats in My Bookbag- Law School Edition

Day two of my second semester of Law School is over and so far, so good! I like my new professors and I have one of my favorite professors from first semester for another class this semester. I am happy to be back to school and working toward my dreams but the reading has been a little slow these first few days....

I have had several people ask for a "what's in my bookbag post" so here is it: Law School Edition!

1. Books
I, of course, carry the necessary casebooks for each day. They weigh a ton but are completely necessary. I rent or buy my textbooks from amazon- much cheaper and with an Amazon Student Prime account, usually I get free 2-day shipping! Love it!
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2. Binders
My new habit is having a binder for each class and I have tabs inside for class handouts, notes, case briefs, etc. I take my class and reading notes on reinforced loose leaf paper and fit them into the overall flow of my notes after class.

3. Planner and Pens
I LOVE my Plum Paper Planner- it is a lifesaver during school and it is never not in my bookbag. I am also a huge pen snob so I carry enough to help a small army write letters. I have Pilot G-2 pens in a million colors, Sharpie Pens, Gel Highlighters (the BEST thing for thin casebook page highlighting) and some pencils. Because I take color coded notes in pen, I keep a little white-out dispenser in my pencil bag for mistakes. I also carry a small flashdrive in my pencil case for printing things at school and backing up assignments.

4. Miscellaneous
I keep a variety of random crap in my bookbag for those random emergencies. I have a Pinch Minimergency kit which is small but has a ton of options. I also keep Ibuprofen in my bag because Law School inevitably gives me headaches (and my classmates are always coming to me for it). I always have an Eos Chapstick and Handcream in my bookbag because the building is notoriously dry and I am constantly reaching for chapstick or putting lotion on my hands. I keep a charger (not pictured) and a power pack in my bookbag for those long days on campus. I have various sticky notes because sticky notes are just 110% necessary to life. I also love this little to-do list pad for when I sit myself down in the library to outline what all I need to get done. I tend to be messy so I keep some wet ones in my bookbag just in case of a coffee spill.

5. Computer 

I carry my computer and charger in my bookbag. I have a small, lightweight computer that is great for carrying around. I do not take notes on my computer (I retain more by handwriting my notes) but I use my computer in between classes, if I forget my book (casebook connect for the win) or whatever other reason. 

6. My Bookbag
I got my bookbag at TJ Maxx a few years back and I LOVE it (similar). It is sturdy, has tons of space, comfy to carry and a nice laptop area. I suggest a heavy duty bookbag for Law School- casebooks are heavy. Something that is comfortable to carry is also great because you will be lugging it around a lot.

What's in your Law School bookbag?