Tips for the Law Girls from the Law Girls
This one is for the lawyer gals! Times may be hard now but get inspired by this BOMB girls below to make it through!
Catherine Guichardo
Penn State Law - Completed Law Degree
After starting law school as a 1L, I quickly realized that I didn’t even know what I didn’t know. Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t have lawyers and judges in my family. I went into law school completely unaware of what exams were like, how to outline, the importance of your first semester, etc. Here are some of the tips that helped me:
Do Your Research
While it may seem sufficient to talk to admissions counselors and practicing lawyers, do not underestimate the importance of reaching out to students enrolled at the school you’re interested in; especially students who may have similar backgrounds or interests as you.
Remember Your Purpose
When you’re accepted, you’re proud and excited. You get to law school and are smacked with more difficulty. You make it through a few semesters and then you graduate. More pride and excitement. Now it’s time to buckle down and prepare for the journey that is bar prep. Then, you have to actually endure taking the bar exam, and after months of writing to hear about your results, you have to apply for admission to the bar. YES, ALL AFTER YOU ENDURED THREE YEARS OF LAW SCHOOL AND GRADUATED! While you’re applying for admission, you’re once again back at square one – you finally start your career only to realize that you’re just a baby lawyer with a lot to learn. There is no end in the journey. There will be many periods of discomfort, doubt, happiness, pride, and accomplishment, but at no point do the challenges stop coming your way. Knowing your purpose will help you remain grounded during the periods of adversity.
Do your absolute BEST to see the good in the midst of all of the chaos
“Law schools want to break you down so that they can build you back up.” I remember listening to a faculty member say this and asking myself why I signed up for this. However, three years, many tears and breakdowns later I realize how powerful that journey was for me. Every single day that I walked into the building, I felt like I was walking into a battlefield – it is my dramatic (yet relatable) truth. From being cold called, to receiving feedback on briefs, or having to meet several deadlines, I felt like I was stuck in a negative and chaotic environment. But it was this same environment that led me to strengthen my faith, commitment to a gym schedule, and develop a yoga and meditation schedule. Over the the last three years, the chaos forced me to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. I grew from my discomfort, and that is more good than I could have imagined I was going to gain in law school. There is always good in the chaos – shift your perspective to keep this in mind through your most trying times!
Alexis Childs
Rutgers Law School - 2L
Decide what you want to do!
It’s very difficult to say beforehand what area of law you want to practice in, but honing in on a general career path will allow you to determine the right law school for you. Which brings me to the next tip.
Research the school
As previously stated it’s hard to know the area of law you are interested before you have learned anything however, if you know the general career path you would like to take selecting the PERFECT school for you becomes that much easier. For example, if you want to go into public defense or prosecution find the best law schools that cater to public interest law, if you have a science background and intend to work with corporations you may want to look into schools who have strong intellectual property law programs.
Stay positive
This tip in my opinion is the most important and often time the most difficult of the three. The process of studying for LSAT, taking the LSAT, and then waiting for the LSAT score can be the most terrifying process if you let it. Do you best, work hard, and believe that your hard work will pay off.
Remember you’re amazing and good luck on your law school journey !
Juliana Bolaji
Barry University School of Law - 2L
Outline from Day One
It's easy to fall behind in law school because there are so many readings, not that many exams. If you compile all your study materials throughout the semester, it will be less of a burden when it comes time to study for final exams.
Network from Day One
In addition to your skills, it's about who you know. Look into organizations on your campus or local bar associations in the area. Meeting attorneys and making a name for yourself will come in handy when you're looking for internships/jobs.
Don't forget to have FUN!
Yes, law school is stressful. Yes, law school is hard. However, it's important to detach yourself at times and cater to your mental, emotional, and social needs.










