Law school is hard; there is no question about that. However, if you stay on top of things and are organized, you will do fine. Rather than discuss the Socratic method and case briefing, I thought I would discuss an aspect of law school that will play a critical part in your success, although you might not think so - your fellow students.

During your first year, particularly the first semester, you will be overwhelmed by the experience. Embrace it and do not let it get you down. After a few weeks, the "drowning" feeling will subside and you will get into a routine that works for you. You may think you are alone in your experience. However, realize this one simple truth; every other student is going through the exact same thing. They may not look like it, but, they are.

Students generally break down into several broad categories. I like to refer to them as the "elite", the "worker bees" and "those that march to the beat of their own drummer". Take note, some students will migrate between these groups.

"Elite" students are the ones that will practically fall out of their seats raising their hands to answer in class. They sit in the front, are always prepared, brown-nose the professors and are snobbish to those students they feel are beneath them.

Inevitably there will be a few "elite" students who will attempt to dominate the classes. Just remember some of these people are doing this, not because they are elite, but, because they are insecure and must over-compensate. One variation of this type of student is the one who thinks he knows it all,but, really does not. Avoid these people like the plague.

There will be a couple students with a god-given knack for the law and are legitimately brilliant. Try to find them and make them a friend and study partner. This type of student has the ability to cut down the most complicated issues into
understandable parts. After a few months, this type of student will be easy to spot.

The "worker bees" make up the majority of your fellow students. Every student in law school is intelligent. Otherwise, they would not have gotten in law school in the first place. This type of student is generally prepared for class, but needs to work hard to be prepared. You will see some of these students rise up to "elite" status is certain subjects.

"Those that march to the beat of their own drummer" are usually few and far between but you will spot them very quickly once classes start. These students have their own agenda for going to law school. They have a skewed sense of reality and do not see issues the same way as everyone else. Be friendly to these people because seeing things in different ways is important, but, do not let them overwhelm your own sense of self.

As to how to succeed in law school, you should do 2 things. First, do not procrastinate at all. Stay current in your reading, outlining and studying. Getting behind is the worst thing you can do. Second, do more than just show up. You have to get involved in extra curricular activities while in law school. What sets most students part from the rest is not their grades. It is what else they did while in school. Employers want to see students who went out of their way to participate in activities. Not only does this show that you have the ability to manage your time and resources. You will also develop friendships, acquaintances and contacts that will help you once you are actually out in the world practicing law.

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