Law School Starts Tomorrow! (expect to see much less

[northernsoul]

Yep, as of tomorrow I'll be officially attending law school.
:toast: :party:
While the great news about this is that I'll be pursuing my long-time ambition of being an attorney - the bad news is that I'll no longer be sitting in my little gray cubicle with employer-provided internet access and a whole lot of time on my hands, therefore my presence at DU will probably be greatly diminished in the upcoming months. I'll miss everybody, and I'll try to stop by from time to time.

Everybody keep on DUing what you DU so well!

:hi:

:loveya:

[StrongBad]

1. Good luck!!!

I hope to be attending this time next year.

Try to keep that youthful idealism throughout your 3 years. I've heard that the process tends to break your spirits :)

[northernsoul]

3. I'll let you know how it goes

I actually turned 31 the other day, so the youthful idealism has already been tempered by some of the pragmatism one acquires with age (I'm still delightfully immature, however).

The school I'm attending says that they're making an effort to avoid some of the more insanity-inducing elements of the the law school experience. I guess the proof will be in the pudding three years from now.

[StrongBad]

8. Bah, 31 is still young

Anyway, would you mind sharing what school you are going to? I'm still undecided and would like to hear your opinion on why you chose this particular school. Thanks!

[northernsoul]

10. University of St. Thomas School of Law

Which just became ABA accredited as of monday morning. It's new school, but is entering the game with a humungous endowment and they're not being shy about spreading it around: just built a huge new law school building in the hear of downtown Minneapolis with what might very well be the biggest library in the upper midwest, poaching top flight faculty from places like Georgetown, etc.

I only applied to Minnesota schools, because for various reasons I ain't leaving this state unless it's too live the rest of my days wallowing in my independent wealth on some Greek island. I was accepted at all the schools I applied to, but UST came in with a MONSTER dean's scholarship offer and they're doing a lot of things as a new school that I found intriguing - so I couldn't really refuse at that point.

[Boudicea]

2. Good luck w/law school

I've been working at Vandy Law since 1987, so law students are near and dear to my heart. I wish you well. :)

[Kolesar]

4. Work hard, so when you get out you can kick some GOP butt!

[northernsoul]

5. that's the plan, m'man!

the GOP ain't gonna know what hit 'em!

[Divernan]

6. Check the bulletin boards for advanced reading assignments!

You definitely want to have read the materials for the first day in each class BEFORE the class. And pity the poor fool whose last name begins with "A" because a lot of profs start out with the top of the class list.

Mr. Adams?
Yes? (in quavering voice)
Have you read the first case/chapter?
Yes.
Would you share with the class what the issue is in that case?
Silence.
Ms. Brown?
Yes.
Would you care to help Mr. Adams?
And so it goes.

Now, here's a tip. There are usually at least three possible answers to any question the professor asks you. So whatever you answer, he/she will argue that you're wrong and propose an alternative. So don't panic, and remember you are allowed to defend your choice - the whole point of the Socratic method is to get you thinking and debating on your feet.

Enjoy!

[northernsoul]

7. already done!

The last thing I want to do is get burned on my first day. I got my books a few weeks early and have already started my reading / briefs.
I really don't want to get caught with my pants down (well, not in that context at least :evilgrin:)

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

9. Get ready to need a new prescription for glasses

Case law doesn't come in large print...get ready to find out it's ALL BULLSHIT! Good luck :D

[Bake]

11. Congrats, and don't let 'em scare you!

They'll give you the usual first-year scare tactics:

"Look at the person to your right and to your left. One of you will be gone by next semester." (This is a classic!)

"The purpose of the first year of law school is to teach you people how to THINK."

"Mr./Ms. So-and-So, tell us exactly what the court meant in this case and why they were wrong."

First year is survivable, even with the "Socratic method." Work hard, make your own outline for each class as the semester progresses. And it's not a bad idea to get one of those commercial outlines (been a few years since I was there, so I can't remember the name of the series) too, to help you prepare for each class.

KEEP UP! That's the most important thing. Get behind and you're dead. And good luck!

Bake

[no_hypocrisy]

12. Congrats -- and some friendly advice too.

1. Get enough sleep and plenty of good meals.
2. Try to read ahead of your assignments.
3. Start making your outlines from Day 1 if you can. It's overwhelming if you wait until the week before exams.
4. Don't get worried if you're called on. The professor only wants to see how well you're thinking (or otherwise). Think before you speak.
5. Don't forget to read the footnotes. Lots of good stuff there, sometimes they become an exam question.
6. Enjoy yourself. You've worked hard to get to law school to understand how this system operates. Use your knowledge, dare I say it, judiciously. I'm sure you'll be a great attorney.

[myrna minx]

13. Hey Northernsoul!

Congrats on Law School. Keep me posted on your progress. I shall miss you around here. :toast: