Top 5 Habits of Successful Law Students

Law is an incredibly demanding and stressful college course. You will not be surprised to hear that many students do not even finish their first year. The workload can be heavy, and there will be moments where you feel like giving up. Consistency and the building of good habits are key traits that you will need if you want to succeed in your law course. Below, you can find out more about the specific traits that successful law students have.

1. They Read Ahead

The most successful law students are those who keep on top of things and stay ahead. It is crucial to maintain a habit of staying on top of your reading. Many successful students go a step further and read ahead of the lectures. This allows you to get an initial feel for the content, which means you ask questions about any aspect you were unsure of.

It also means you can focus better on the lecture since you have already covered the content. You can't expect a lecturer to spoon feed you, and instead, you should try to get your own grasp on the readings. The professor can then help to consolidate what you have already covered. This is a more effective and efficient way of going about things.

Even missing a few days of reading can have a huge snowball effect that derails your entire semester. If you read ahead, you can have coverage in case you happen to fall ill or have a family emergency. Creating outlines of the course, and going through the content in-depth will help during exam season. Instead of needing to cram, you will already have a key understanding of all the essential concepts.

2. They are Punctual and Organized

Punctuality and organization are key traits that you must build in order to succeed. Simply showing up is half of the fight. You must go to all of your classes, even when you don't feel like it. However, it isn't enough just to sit in a lecture and zone out. You must be actively engaged at all times.

Switching off your phone can help you stay focused and attentive. Be sure to participate so that you can properly engage with the lecture. It's much easier to actively learn the material at the moment rather than having to catch up because you weren't paying attention.

— Nathan Ward, law student and contributor at LegitWritingServices.com

The most successful students have an organized approach to their learning, which means they don't miss out on things.

3. They Take Full Advantage of Resources

There are so many resources available for law students, but not all students take advantage of these opportunities. You are paying a high cost for your education, but many students often fail to get the full value of their course.

One resource that is often underused is the professors out of office hours. Many professors will have designated hours where students are more than welcome to come in and discuss any issues with them. You can go to them if you need help with understanding something or if you have any questions at all. Professors are more than happy to help you, and the best students use this resource to their advantage. Additionally, professors may offer optional classes after lectures in order to consolidate the material. Rather than skipping out on these, it can be worthwhile to attend, especially if it is a topic that you are struggling with.

Many law schools will hold regular seminars, and some will have specialist preparation classes for exams. Be sure to make the most of the resources that are available to you. Additionally, it is well worth visiting the career center early on to start planning and building your resume.

4. They Form Study Groups

There will be times where you simply don't have the motivation to work, or you will find yourself stuck on something. Study groups allow you to actively discuss the source material with your peers. This allows you to be able to think of topics with a new perspective and from a different angle. Simply talking through cases and classes will boost your retention and deepen your understanding. Keep study groups small, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. A study group can easily turn into a social event, but you must resist this temptation and focus solely on the work.

5. They Find The Right Balance

The most successful law students understand the importance of relaxing. There is no point going full steam ahead and burning yourself out early. Your entire life does not have to revolve around your law course, and the top students have a habit of regularly setting time aside. The best students have fantastic time management skills, which allow them to juggle studying, extracurriculars, resume building, and other commitments.

They keep a balance to avoid burning themselves out. The most successful students set time aside for their hobbies, such as going to the gym. Additionally, they keep their relationships with their friends and family close by regularly making time to meet up. Their support can be incredibly valuable during the tough times that you will have on your course. Be sure to make time for activities outside of your law course.

Closing Thoughts

The law course journey is one that is filled with many obstacles and tough times. However, you must focus on the end destination to stay motivated on your journey. The happiness and satisfaction that comes with becoming a qualified lawyer will make all of the tough days well worth it. The habits you need can easily be maintained, but it requires a certain level of dedication. The most successful law students aren't the smartest; they are the ones who understand the importance of time management. By building these habits, you can put yourself in a position to be a successful law student that comes out with a top mark in your degree.