Thriving as an Introvert in Law School

Thriving as an Introvert in Law SchoolThis week we welcome back guest writer Julia Gourary to discuss handling law school as an introvert.

Law school is often considered a place where extroverted qualities like assertiveness and outspokenness are valued, and more extrovert-friendly activities like networking and public speaking are vital to success. But what about introverts, who tend to be more reserved and inward-looking, and easily get overstimulated by social situations?

While being introverted in law school can present some challenges, it doesn’t mean you can’t thrive. In fact, introverts possess unique strengths that allow them to excel in many aspects of law school. [Read more…]

A Month At the Court As an Intern

A Month At the Court As an InternThis week we’re hearing again from guest writer Stephanie Gregoire, this time about what her experience as an intern in the court has been like during the summer.

For the past month, I’ve had the honor of interning with a Texas appellate court justice. It’s hard to believe my time in this position is over, but this has been an unforgettable experience, and I am so grateful for the opportunity. If you’re wondering what a judicial intern does, or at least what they might do, read on to learn more about what the past few weeks have involved for me. I should caveat up front that not all experiences will necessarily be the same, depending on the particular court or judge/justice you work with, but hopefully this will be helpful to you in some capacity. [Read more…]

You Can Do Anything With a Law Degree – These Authors Prove It!

You Can Do Anything With a Law Degree – These Authors Prove It!This week we welcome back guest writer Marissa Geannette to talk about what you can do with a law degree.

You’ve no doubt heard it before – “you can do anything with a law degree!” But do you believe it? Are there really alternatives to working as a lawyer? There absolutely are plenty. And while most law students aren’t thinking about how to leave the profession before they even enter it, it’s good to know all of your options.

Here, for some inspiration, we delve a little bit into the fascinating world of lawyers turned novelists and give some tips on what you can do if you think that’s something you might be interested in doing. Knowing that alternative career paths exist is one of the smartest things you can do for yourself as a young lawyer.

Who knows, maybe you’ll add author to your resumé one day!

[Read more…]

Law Students – Do You Have a Plan for Your Legal Career?

Law Students - Do You Have a Plan for Your Legal Career?

This week we welcome back guest writer and attorney Marissa Geannette to discuss how to plan for your future legal career as a law student.

Planning your legal career can be an overwhelming thought for law students. How are you supposed to know what type of lawyer you want to be or what kind of law you want to practice after just a few years of school? On top of that, most law school classes cover subjects that lawyers never use again once they graduate!

If you are feeling unsure of what to do, don’t despair. There are some steps you can take while you’re still in law school to develop a plan for your legal career. You can make the process more manageable by breaking things down into specific areas of consideration.

While you don’t have to know exactly what you’re going to be doing for the rest of your legal career, it is helpful to have a general plan for where you want to take your career once you graduate. That’s what we’re to help you with. Read on for key areas to focus on when developing a career plan.

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Choosing between a Full or Part-Time Law Program

Choosing between a Full or Part-Time Law ProgramGuest writer Zoila Sanchez is back to talk about deciding between a full-time or part-time law school program.

One of the most exciting aspects of applying to law school is getting down to the specifics such as the kind of program—part-time or full-time studies. There are important things to consider when selecting the right option for you.

Questions to ask yourself may include:

[Read more…]

How is Life as a Lawyer Different from Life as a Law Student?

How is Life as a Lawyer Different from Life as a Law Student?This week we welcome back guest writer Marissa Geannette to discuss the differences that come with being a practicing lawyer once you’ve left law school.

By now, you’ve probably heard that law school and working as a lawyer are two totally different things. Some go so far as to claim that nothing you learn in law school prepares you for the “real” world. While I don’t agree with that, there are definitely huge differences between life as a law student and life as a lawyer.

Some law students get anxious, wondering what working as a lawyer will entail. It’s a big change, that’s for sure (and I’m not just talking about how much, or little – if you’re going into corporate law – you’ll be using Westlaw or Lexis). But it’s something that you can prepare for by knowing a little bit more about some of the key differences between student living and lawyer living. [Read more…]

When Things Don’t Go as Planned

When Things Don’t Go as PlannedGuest writer Zoila Sanchez is back this week to talk about how to handle things not going in the way you had imagined. 

Sometimes your dreams do not happen within the timeline you have in mind or in the manner in which you had imagined. When it comes to pursuing a major career goal of becoming an accomplished attorney, the road will come with its challenges. Sometimes the challenges can feel like life-ending roadblocks leaving you questioning if this is the right path.

[Read more…]

How to Manage a Medical Issue When You Have a Full-Time, Demanding, Legal Job

How to Manage a Medical Issue When You Have a Full-Time, Demanding, Legal JobThis week we welcome back guest writer and lawyer Marissa Geannette to discuss dealing with a medical issue and being a lawyer at the same time.

Juggling a demanding legal job with all of your other life obligations definitely takes some work. On top of that, if you have a medical issue, it’s even more essential that you have a plan so that neither your work nor your health suffers.

So, how can you manage a medical issue and keep up with your job, all while taking care of yourself? This is such an individual question, and, in the end, what you choose to do or say (or not do or say) is totally up to you. However, we have a few tips to help you start thinking about how you might want to manage your own situation. [Read more…]

The Pros and Cons of Quitting Your Job After Less Than a Year

The Pros and Cons of Quitting Your Job After Less Than a YearThis week we welcome guest writer Marissa Geannette to talk about what to do if you want to quit your job quickly.

After you graduate from law school and take the bar, it’s time to start your first legal job. For most, it’s an exciting beginning of a new career. For some, though, that first job is not exactly what they were hoping it would be.

There’s almost always an adjustment period when starting something new. Working at a law firm or other legal job is no different. What happens, though, if, almost from the get-go, your shiny new job is not at all what you were hoping it would be? Can you quit shortly after starting, or will that sink your legal career before it’s even had time to get off the ground? Let’s explore. [Read more…]

Law School Perspective – How to Make Your Relationship Last Through Law School

Law School Perspective - How to Make Your Relationship Last Through Law SchoolThis week we welcome back guest writer Shirlene Brown to talk about the challenge of making a relationship last through law school.

Are you in a relationship and about to start law school? It is possible that you have heard the rumor that your romances in law school never last. So you may be worried that your relationship may be doomed to fail because you are in law school. This is understandable as law school is one of the most stressful times of your life, and you may be concerned about not having a lot of time for a relationship. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should break up with your sweetheart. It is possible to have a relationship last the entirety of law school. Personally, I started dating my significant other about 6 months before I started my 1L year, and I am married to him now! Since I have been in the trenches of law school and love, here are some tips and tricks to make your relationship last through law school, if not even further! [Read more…]