Prepare for, survive, and thrive during your time in law school with insider tips
Law School For Dummies, 2nd Edition demystifies law school by busting the horror-story myths and giving you step-by-step advice at every stage of your law school journey. With guidance on what to expect while going through law school coupled with an insider's perspective on how to make the system work for you, you'll know how to get through your first semester and beyond, search for a summer job, and launch your career after getting the J.D. Plus, this book helps you manage your time, activities, and coursework. Law School For Dummies, 2nd Edition also offers strategies for succeeding on exams, approaching the Law Review competition, and balancing study and personal life.
- Learn about the law school path, including making the most of your first year
- Maximize your time by prioritizing assignments, even if you're working while in school
- Gain the confidence you need to join and start study groups, find a mentor, overcome imposter syndrome, and beyond
- Land summer jobs, internships, and other opportunities—without burning out
With clear, straightforward guidance, Law School For Dummies, 2nd Edition helps you thrive (and flourish!) during your law school adventure.
Introduction 1
Part 1: Considering Law School 5
Chapter 1: Exploring the Realities of Law School 7
Chapter 2: Inclusivity and Belonging in Your Law School Class 25
Chapter 3: Choosing the Best Law School for You 37
Chapter 4: Using Battle-Tested Application Strategies to Succeed 53
Chapter 5: Financing Your Legal Education 81
Chapter 6: Preparing for Pre-Orientation and Orientation 87
Part 2: Getting What You Came for: The Law School Experience 93
Chapter 7: Shopping for What You Need to Start Law School 95
Chapter 8: Getting into the 1L Groove 103
Chapter 9: Surviving First-Year Classes: A Crash Course 115
Chapter 10: Keeping Academics in Perspective 127
Chapter 11: Time Management 101 137
Part 3: Studying Law: Secret Techniques That Really Work 143
Chapter 12: Thinking, Talking, and Writing Like a Lawyer 145
Chapter 13: Making the Most of Your Study Time 161
Chapter 14: Assembling Your Study Aid Arsenal 181
Chapter 15: Acing Your Law School Exams 189
Chapter 16: Starting Your Second Semester 205
Chapter 17: Making the Most of Your 1L Summer 211
Part 4: Youre Almost There: 2Ls and 3Ls 217
Chapter 18: Choosing Courses, Concentrations, and Clinics 219
Chapter 19: Getting Involved in Law School 237
Part 5: Preparing for Your Future 255
Chapter 20: Landing Your Perfect Summer Job 257
Chapter 21: Getting the Lowdown on Careers 279
Chapter 22: Narrowing Your Focus: Choosing an Area of Practice 297
Chapter 23: Considering Alternative Legal Careers 307
Part 6: Wrapping Up Your Law School Career 321
Chapter 24: In a Class of Its Own: Preparing for the Bar Exam 323
Chapter 25: Moving toward Graduation And Beyond 335
Part 7: The Part of Tens 345
Chapter 26: Ten Best and Worst Things about Law School 347
Chapter 27: Ten Little-Known Law School Secrets 353
Index 359
Tracy L. Simmons is Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs at Howard University School of Law. Previously, she held positions at University of San Diego Law and University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. Simmons has been in this industry for over 27 years. She has actively contributed to several committees and the Board of Trustees of the Law School Admission Council.
