DeanWuBlog

Anxiety

This time of year, first year students begin to feel anxious. It is inevitable and it is true at every law school and of virtually all individuals, regardless of a person’s academic credentials, work experience, or personality. People then become anxious that they are too anxious; in a demonstration of the power of suggestion, they even become anxious that they are not anxious. No advice, whatever its quantity or quality or source, appears especially effective in addressing this phenomenon. Nonetheless, it is imperative to offer at least a few words of reassurance. Most importantly, it is possible to take comfort that one is not alone. Others have suffered the same worries and they have succeeded – finishing the first year and proceeding through the upper-class experiences before beginning wonderful careers in the law or otherwise.

In concrete terms, I would suggest the following.

Form a study group if you have not already done so. Study groups and support networks of individuals who have a seriousness of purpose about their academic work have proven effective and they are likely to work for you. The practice of law is not a solitary activity; there are no hermit lawyers, and there is no need for lawyers on desert islands. The study of law should be social as well, in the best sense.

Write an outline. The process of creating an outline is more important than the product of the outline. An outline that is customized for your professor, your casebook, your course, and your experiences, will be superior to any professionally produced study aid no matter how expensive. There is no substitute for the effort of reviewing and synthesizing that is necessary for developing your own outline.

Turn off your television. Better yet, move it into a closet. This is a test of your desire to be a lawyer: if you cannot stand to do this, you will not be able to make the commitments necessary to do your best for your clients.

Take a break. You had family and friends and hobbies before law school and you should have them throughout law school. There is nothing in the stress of law school that exceeds the stress of legal practice. Indeed, it is likely that law school is considerably more gentle and forgiving than will be clients and courts. It is important, accordingly, to develop good habits and coping mechanisms, which will last once you are a member of the bar. Engage in meaningful conversations, walk the dog, visit the gym, go out on a date, see a movie, and so on. Then, refreshed, return to the serious endeavors before you: motions to dismiss, the meaning of consideration, the rule against perpetuities, proximate causation, and mens rea.

Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.