Starting Law School: Honest Advice From Someone Who's Been There
This blog post was written by Abigail Harding.
Law school marks a brand-new chapter whether you’re coming straight from undergrad or making a career change. It’s a different pace, a different mindset, and a completely different way of learning. While three years might sound like a long time, trust me, it flies by.
Here’s the advice I wish someone had given me when I was starting out.
Ask questions
One of the easiest ways to limit your growth in law school is by not asking questions. I know—it’s intimidating at first. It feels like everyone around you knows exactly what they’re doing and that somehow, you missed the memo. But let me be the first to tell you: no one knows what they’re doing.
Whether it’s a classroom question, something for a staff member, or advice from a 2L, don’t be afraid to ask. You’re not only helping yourself—you’re often helping others, too. Chances are, if you’re confused, five other students are just as lost. And your question might help the professor realize what the class is struggling to understand.
Now, people love to say, “There are no dumb questions.” But if I’m being honest—I’ve asked a few that still haunt me. So, here’s the better version: ask thoughtful questions at the right time. Let your professor finish making their point before jumping in. If you’re still confused, that’s your chance. And if you’re hesitant to ask in class, swing by office hours. I didn’t visit office hours until my second semester, and I wish I’d gone sooner—even just to introduce myself.
Do the work.
Your legal career begins on day one—inside the classroom and out.
The people around you during orientation? Those are future colleagues, co-counsel, and referral sources. So, show up, do the work, and build a strong reputation from the start.
It can be tempting to rely on Quimbee summaries instead of reading the cases, but when you do that, you’re only cheating yourself. Briefing cases is a critical skill in your 1L year. You’ll be amazed how much easier it is to remember the rules and facts when you’ve actually read the material and that comes in clutch during finals or when you’re building outlines.
Speaking of outlines: write your own. Don’t buy commercial ones or rely on someone else’s. You’re spending thousands of dollars on this degree—put in the effort to actually earn it.
Outside the classroom, get involved. You don’t have to join everything—just find one club or group that speaks to you. Being involved helps build your resume, expand your network, and create a sense of community that will carry you through tough weeks.
Don’t compare yourself to others
Comparison is one of the fastest ways to feel overwhelmed in law school.
In my first week, I stressed out because my case briefs weren’t as long as the girl’s sitting next to me in Property. Later, while studying for finals, I convinced myself that everyone else was studying harder than I was just based on what I saw in the library or overheard in conversations. It sounds silly now, but when your entire grade depends on a single exam and the curve is looming, those thoughts can take over.
Here’s what I learned: the only thing that matters is what you need to learn. Focus on your process. Study in a way that works for you. Tune out the noise.
Law school is full of people who wrestle with imposter syndrome. I promise you belong here. You’re smart enough, capable enough, and resilient enough to earn your J.D. Yes, law school can shake your confidence, but it can also make you stronger than you ever imagined. And most of the spiral moments? They start with co
mparison. Keep your head on straight, trust your gut, and embrace the changes that come your way.
A Few Last Thoughts
Law school is a challenge, no doubt about it, but it’s also one of the most transformative experiences you’ll go through. You’ll be stretched, humbled, and pushed in ways you didn’t expect. But you’ll also grow, make lifelong friends, and discover just how capable you are.
Ask the questions, do the work, stop comparing, and give yourself grace along the way. You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to keep showing up. You’ve got this.
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