The 1L Series: Summer Before and Orientation

After the black gowns are tossed aside, after the congratulations cards finally stop rolling in, after the parties, and hugs, and tears, after the summer of work or play or some invariable mix of both, the reality sets in that it is time to embark on an even greater journey than the one you have just completed. Law School.

You are most likely a Political Science or Business major, though you could have come from any educational background. You are driven, motivated, a type A personality. You want to succeed. You may or may not have known this is what you wanted to do for a long time, but you have made the commitment to complete what you have started. So now what? Here are the tips to make sure that your orientation is a successful one, and to prepare you for the first few weeks of law school.

Depending on where you go to school, the time it takes for your orientation is going to vary. Whether your orientation is two days, or an entire week, there are some key elements you need to take into consideration, before you start school. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about your peers, your staff, and your school in a way which you might not be able to do for the rest of your tenure in school.

Right now, there is no competition. There are no elections for Student Bar Associations. There are no competitions for the best rhetoric, or the most intelligent response to a detailed question in class. Right now, take everything in. Look at those around you, and try to make some friends. Once school starts you will get into a better groove of who you mesh with and who you might want to stay away from, but right now, just talk to as many people as possible, and get yourself out there.

Pay attention to your professors. They will most likely not be this helpful again. Right now, you are out of the classroom. They will be more approachable, they will be more reachable. Depending on where you go to school, your professors may be cold to you, in and/or out of class, so take this opportunity to introduce yourself, and make a good connection. Talk intelligently with them, and try to establish some type of  comfort level.