The Ultimate Law School Finals Playlist

The Above the Law approved study playlist.

Oh, our readers in law school are feeling the pain right now. They’re right in the butt crack of finals season. That means everything sucks and they’re counting down the days until the hell of exams (tests that determine the opportunities you’ll have after spending $150,000+ on law school, mind you) is over and they retreat to the fetal position on mom’s couch to hibernate through the holiday season.

Here at Above the Law, we’ve decided to do you a solid and curate the ultimate law school finals playlist. The mix covers the full range of emotions exams brings out in law students: the hype, the sorrow, the futility, the desire to be fucking DONE WITH FINALS ALREADY.

Enjoy — hope this gets you through the hard times!

I Fought The Law — The Clash
The law won, the law will always win. You’re only fighting to be a cog in the machine, and it’s best you never forget it.

Nice — The Carters
With a chorus that proclaims “I can do anything,” this entry from Yoncé and Jay was always a shoo-in to make an appearance on this playlist. But it comes over the top with the best ever verse about the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Going The Distance (Rocky theme) — Bill Conti
Truth time: this entry was 100 percent Elie’s idea, and he claims it got him through law school. He’s actually listening to it right now on a loop.

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My Shot — Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton
This is where hype songs and musical theater meet. Be like Hamilton and drop knowledge with every word.

Lose Yourself — Eminem
Apparently this is the section of the playlist about “shots.” Anyway, you can’t really over estimate the importance of finals — well 1L finals, anyway — on your career, and only have one crack at them…. but no pressure, right?

Whatever it Takes — Imagine Dragons
Okay, let’s not collapse under the pressure… Remember you were born for this and can do it whatever it takes.

Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix) — Omi
You’ll need your own personal cheerleader if you’re going to survive the gauntlet of finals.

BO$$ — Fifth Harmony
This is the ultimate in confidence boosting, plus the chorus shouts out the lawyer we all wish we could be: Michelle Obama.

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The Greatest — Sia feat. Kendrick Lamar
When the finals slog gets you down, this song is here for you. Don’t give up, you can be the greatest.

Can’t Hold Us — Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton
This is your moment to prove what you know, get pumped.

Money Money Money — ABBA
Classic ABBA is remind you why you’re putting yourself through the hell of finals.

***Flawless ft. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie — Beyoncé
Think you’ve finally nailed the law against perpetuities? Bow down, bitches.

Fire Water Burn — Bloodhound Gang
And if you haven’t mastered the law against perpetuities, burn it down. (Also, you aren’t alone!)

Hit Or Miss — New Found Glory
Ah, the futility of exam season… it’s all hit or miss.

Who Needs Sleep — Barenaked Ladies
Burning the midnight oil? The pleasures of insomnia are ones you can’t avoid.

N.Y. State Of Mind — Nas
Preach: Never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death.

Mama Said — The Shirelles
Feeling bad about your life choices right about now, aren’t you? Well, Mama (or in this analogy, Above the Law) told you this would happen.

Big Girls Don’t Cry — Fergie
We’re solidly into the depressing portion of this playlist. But that’s par for the course in finals season.

Don’t Cry Out Loud — Melissa Manchester
Lean into your feelings.

Stupid Girl — Garbage
You probably feel like you’re going to fail all the things right now.

It’s The End Of The World As We Know It — R.E.M.
I mean, it probably isn’t the end of the world, but it sure feels like it.

The Middle — Jimmy Eats World
Okay, time to turn this ship around — don’t write yourself off yet.

I Don’t Fuck With You — Big Sean feat. E-40
And sure as shit don’t take lip from the haters.

Fight The Power — Public Enemy
Old school reminder of why you’re here.

Riders On The Storm — The Doors
You can ride this out.

Don’t Worry Be Happy — Bobby McFerrin
Some mellow vibes to get you over the hump. Remember there may be trouble, but when you worry you make it double.

The Distance — Cake
Okay, time to start the rev up and get you over the finish line.

Survivor — Destiny’s Child
You’re a survivor, you’re not gon’ give up, you not gon’ stop, you’re gon’ work harder (what).

Good Feeling — Flo Rida
Get ready to crush that final.

All I Do Is Win — DJ Khaled Feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Rick Ross & Snoop Dogg
You’ve got this!

The Show Goes On — Lupe Fiasco
Don’t let anyone tell you your dream is impossible.

Smile — Lily Allen
What prospective lawyer doesn’t like a little schadenfreude to get them through the tough times?

Work It — Missy Elliot
Only a little more work and you’ll be done.

One Day More — Les Misérables 10th Anniversary Concert
Homestretch, baby!

Billionaire — Travie McCoy feat. Bruno Mars
Eye on the prize.

Howling At The Moon — The Ramones
There’s no law, no law anymore. Perfect note to end finals on.


headshotKathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, and host of The Jabot podcast. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).