Law school can be a stressful time for many students. Having gone through it ourselves, the team at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey can offer practical advice to help aspiring lawyers thrive. Here's what we think you should know to make the most of your time in law school and prepare for a successful career as an attorney.
- Get a job with an attorney or law firm as soon as possible. Sit in on client interviews, staff and attorney meetings, and similar events. This will help you see how the law is practiced in the real world, something the classroom can’t offer.
- Learn basic business, finance, and management skills. When lawyers have poor business and financial acumen, their staffs and their clients suffer. Be sure to build a strong understanding of the skills you need to manage a business.
- Spend your time and energy being productive. Study, ask questions, and want to know more. Don’t waste your time on activities that distract you from your goals.
- Learn to manage your time. If you think law school is time-consuming, wait until you become a lawyer. The sooner you master time management, the better. Start now -- don't wait until you begin your career.
- Participate in class. Students who are active in class will learn more and ultimately be better lawyers.
- Ask your professors for feedback. The best lawyers are open to feedback. Learn how to take criticism now. It will only refine your skills as a lawyer.
- Remember, your reputation is your most important characteristic. If your behavior damages your reputation, you may spend years trying to repair it.
- Be trustworthy in all that you do. Clients want a trustworthy attorney representing them, whether in a corporate, criminal, domestic, administrative, transactional, or other settings. If you are not trustworthy in your work now, you will not be a trustworthy lawyer.
- Know that you will make mistakes. Learn from them, do not repeat them, and grow as a student and person.
Law school can be demanding, but we think it’s worth it. Keep working hard, but most of all, become the kind of person people can trust. Even would-be lawyers experience legal issues. If you're dealing with a potential legal problem, contact Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson & Humphrey for assistance.