Law school is an exciting time and a thrilling adventure to embark on. At the same time, it can be intimidating and overwhelming because of the sheer volume of information and work that must be processed quickly. So, managing the workload requires building strong time-management skills. This can be difficult because you will still have extracurricular activities, internships, jobs, or personal responsibilities that need to be factored into the equation. Establishing a structured schedule will ensure that assignments are completed on time and exam preparation remains on track. In other words, to overcome the trepidation of managing the law school workload, remember to get the MOST out of tackling it head-on with these tips:
While digesting the law school workload, take solace in the fact that you are not alone. The many law students who have come before you have felt the same pressure. So, consider utilizing your colleagues and those further in their studies to help you acclimate to law school or even to reshape your current study and time-management habits. Lawyers in practice rely on mentors and their colleagues, so get in the habit and begin by asking for advice and guidance while in law school. Contemplate this advice given by current a 3L, Gabriella LoGiudice:
Managing the workload in law school is a challenge unlike any other academic experience. Success requires a deep well of self-motivation, as nothing truly prepares you for the demands ahead. One key strategy I found essential was creating a realistic schedule that worked with my natural habits, not against them. It’s common advice to build a schedule, but many overlook the importance of making it sustainable. For instance, forcing yourself to rise at 5 a.m. for study sessions might work in the short term, but if you’re not a morning person, it’s unlikely to last. Instead, embracing a plan that balances productivity with a true understanding of your own strengths and needs is the key to long-term success.
So, network with your colleagues at your institution and get their perspective on what has helped them. Remember that no one size fits all, but it will give you the perspective of others when building your own study schedule and best practices.
Take this sentiment posed by a current 3L, Kyndal Midkiff: “Staying organized and setting goals allows you to handle both academic and personal commitments effectively, setting yourself up for long-term achievement both in law school and in the practice of law.” To make sure you do not forget important deadlines, it is best to develop a comprehensive schedule. However, you may also consider making a to-do list for short-term action items. There are many apps, such as Todoist or TickTick. However, note that unless used pointedly, these may not make you more productive since tasks are not always listed in order of importance. So, cross-reference this with your goals, both short-term and long-term ones. Make sure to factor in any potential obstacles or impediments to meeting set goals. Also, consider that daily, weekly, or monthly goals may change as time goes on and, thus, need to be reordered or restructured. This occurrence is common from semester to semester and even within any given term.
Too often, self-care and wellness are put on the back burner when trying to manage the copious amounts of work that law school requires. However, this can negatively affect productivity if you do not care for yourself. Many law students find that they forgo sleep and exercise, which takes a toll on the physical body and the mind. The same goes for making sure that you adequately feed yourself and do not skip meals. The brain needs food and nourishment to continue operating at peak capacity.
And along that line, make sure to take breaks for mindfulness and self-care. Having that reward of watching your favorite television show or going out to eat with a friend, family member, or significant other may be exactly what is needed to allow you to be more productive the rest of the week. The caveat is to remember that there is a razor-thin line between taking small, scheduled breaks and procrastinating. One of the greatest distractions, and thus impediments to getting work done, is your cell phone, social media, and other apps. So be mindful if you gravitate too much in this direction and correct accordingly.
Also, do not isolate yourself, thinking that locking yourself in your home or library to study 24-7 will result in ultimate success. Law school can cause you to become detached from others and cause additional stress, depression, and even physical medical complications. Make sure to reach out to friends, family, or even a mental health professional. All of this combined will help maximize your potential to deal with the stress of the law school workload.
As alluded to before, time management is key to navigating the law school workload. Creating a schedule for good time management requires a few simple steps, but setting realistic and attainable goals is the key to success.
Begin by creating your schedule before the start of each week, ideally, and minimally, on Friday or Saturday of the week before. Start by identifying your top priorities and setting clear, achievable goals. Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable blocks can avoid making you overwhelmed. Assign specific time slots to each activity to keep yourself on track and accountable.
Prioritize tasks based on their deadlines and importance. This ensures you’re always moving forward on the most urgent assignments while staying ahead of others. However, don’t forget to leave room for flexibility—unexpected events can pop up, and a rigid schedule may increase stress. So, build in additional time to compensate for the ability to process, work through, and finish all tasks with time to spare.
Self-care and wellness are important aspects of managing the law school workload. Incorporate regular study breaks and time for completing and participating in non-law school-related activities, including, but not limited to, birthdays, anniversaries, doctor appointments, time at the gym, or time with family. This balance is crucial for maintaining focus and avoiding burnout, especially in demanding environments like law school.
Make sure that you study the substance for a single class more than one day a week. If not, you will likely find that it will fall off the forgetting curve and will not be committed to long-term memory. So, make a concerted effort to stagger your class studies and when you plan on reviewing concepts and practicing essay writing and multiple-choice skills.
Not every week will bring the same assignments, course requirements, or non-academic-related activities. As alluded to above, modify your schedule as the semester progresses. Expect that a rigid schedule for an entire term may not be ideal over a more flexible yet set approach.
In addition, remember to talk to and utilize the wisdom of your faculty, staff, and attorney mentors when looking for assistance as you acclimate to the law school workload. Many, or all, of these people likely experienced the same thoughts and feelings when they went through the process. Hopefully, considering, implementing, and modifying MOST of these tips for your needs will help you successfully balance and navigate your law school workload for continued success.
