This summer, I had the pleasure of interviewing several law students across the country, rising 2Ls, 3Ls and recent graduates, asking for their advice to incoming 1Ls. They generously shared their experiences abruptly transitioning to online classes last spring and the challenges they faced during the onset of the global pandemic. With the fall semester right around the corner and with most law schools deciding to be partially or fully online, first year students are in a unique situation. Here are some helpful tips for what worked and what didn’t, saving new 1Ls from making rookie mistakes. I’ve summarized the feedback into a “Top 10 List” for how to set yourself up for a terrific semester, regardless of the modality.
- Put your video ON and PARTICIPATE. Take online classes as seriously as in-person classes and hold yourself accountable. In the spring, few students had their video enabled and admitted to not paying attention. In some cases, it was due to chaos at the kitchen table with family, children, pets, and roommates in the mix. In others, it was due to the switch to Pass/Fail grading which demotivated them. One the bright side, one student commented that her professors seemed more accessible and human after seeing their pets and children on video. Another student noticed an increase in class participation from female and minority students who had never spoken up in class before. Push yourself to ask questions and be vulnerable. While students acknowledged that it’s nerve-wracking, it helps everyone learn. Without participation, classes are less valuable.
- MOVE your body. With online classes, you’re going to miss walking across campus. Each student I spoke to commented on the need to go for a walk or run to get fresh air and a change of scenery. In the spring, some online classes lacked interactivity: for example, one student mentioned having a professor who lectured for three hours straight. Let’s hope there are fewer of these types of classes in the fall; but no matter what the format of your classes, exercise will improve blood flow to the brain which helps you concentrate and learn. Make exercise a standard part of your daily routine.
- Create a DEDICATED workspace. In the spring, students complained of losing their dedicated workspace and trying to make the kitchen table work. This was particularly problematic for those with roommates or family members who were also trying to work, making it much more difficult to concentrate. One student had a routine of doing all her work on campus and had clear delineation between home and school, but once she couldn’t leave the house, it wreaked havoc with her mental health and productivity. Make sure that your dedicated workspace includes all necessary devices, like a printer or an extra monitor, since you might not have access to facilities on campus.
- Stick to a ROUTINE. Every student I interviewed sheepishly admitted to letting their discipline slide during the spring semester. Many missed classes for the first time, showed up late or attended class from their beds. Gyms were closed so they weren’t exercising. All agreed this cannot continue in the fall. If your first class is at 9 am, be at your desk by 8 am. Use an online calendar to stay organized and do all your assignments. Hold yourself accountable.
- Pick a SYSTEM. The shift to online classes motivated many students to try digital tools such as ebooks, online note-taking, outlining and case briefing software, and online quizzing for the first time. They now have a good sense of what works best with their learning style. The one word of caution to new 1Ls was to pick one approach and stick with it. For example, don’t start outlining in the printed book and then switch to highlighting the ebook on your tablet, as this will make it harder to prepare for exams.
- NETWORK. While there won’t be the lure of free food and drinks, go to as many virtual events as possible and network. Join interest groups to help you meet others and figure out what kind of law you want to practice. Attend your professors’ office hours to make sure they know who you are and test your understanding of upcoming exam topics. One student told me about the First-Generation Law School Club he joined, and another mentioned his Torts professor who started a Parent Support Group. Both felt connected, inspired, and supported by the groups they joined and the new people with whom they interacted. Find ways to be present, regardless of the modality.
- COMPETE. Letter grading and the dreaded curve will be back for the fall, and 1Ls should be prepared. Students divulged that it was harder to hold themselves accountable last semester when an “A” was no longer possible, and shared that the competition was noticeably milder in the spring (which was seen as totally appropriate at the time). Everyone expects a healthy level of competition to return in the fall and agreed it would help with accountability.
- Seek SUPPORT. Some schools created funding to support students who did not have reliable internet access, and some handed out mifi devices for students who demonstrated need. Many libraries have online study aids that students can access for free. Professors created additional content, like PowerPoint presentations, audio summaries, and video lectures that students can watch in their free time and as many times as they need. Check your library and your class’s LMS page for these extra materials, and, find a law school buddy or join a study group. Your school likely has many ways of supporting its students; don’t hesitate to ask so that you can benefit from them.
- PRACTICE taking tests online. You don’t want to learn during the test that if you skip a question you can’t go back later, or have all your notes for an open book test in Word and then find out that you’re locked out of Microsoft applications during the test. Take a practice run so you learn what the software can and can’t do, and do not underestimate the difficulty of an open-book test. You need to do the same amount of prep as a closed-book test.
- Be PATIENT. This semester will be a new experience for everyone. Your professors and administrators are working hard to make this the safest and pedagogically rich law school experience it can be. There are bound to be challenges, but be patient and provide feedback so that we can all iterate and learn. And just think, only a handful of attorneys will have this experience. You will have a great story to tell someday about how you were part of the evolution of legal education.
