1L Survival Tips: Top 3 Tips on How to Survive Law School

Are you a first year just now ruing the day you read those ridiculous books urging you to highlight in five colors? Are you already floundering, and it's only the first week? Do you have an uncontrollable desire to smack a classmate? Are you already trying to figure how you're going to survive law school?

Don't worry--you're not alone, which is why we here at Greedy Associates are stepping in to ease your fear and give you a few tips on how to get through the next few years of your life.

So here they are--How to Survive Law School: The Basics.

1. Keep in mind that you know nothing.

That is, until finals come around. The fact is that no one cares what you have to say, so unless you're called on or there is an actual discussion occurring, it's best to keep your mouth shut.

In other words, don't be obnoxious.

However, always feel free to talk to your professors and consult with other classmates if you have actual questions. It's encouraged, as you know nothing.

2. Don't talk smack.

You've probably heard that law school is like high school. Well, that includes the backstabbing and trash talking.

And while it probably was fine to talk back at the age of 16, if you want to survive law school, it's best to keep the nasty comments to yourself (and perhaps a few close friends).

You have to deal with these people for the next three years, and ruining your reputation at an early stage is a bad idea, so don't be obnoxious.

3. Find a life outside of the library.

Go to the gym, make friends with other graduate students, or hook-up with randoms from Match.com.

It's not only good for your mental and physical health, but it's good for your relationship with the law, which you will undoubtedly hate come November.

And seriously, there's little that's worse than a stressed-out, pale law student complaining about how much he hates his life. It's obnoxious.

Do you sense a theme? That's because there is one.

The real trick to surviving law school is to not be obnoxious. So every time you get the urge to raise your hand, ask a question, gloat, or gossip, ask yourself whether you might illicit an inner-groan from your friends, family or classmates.

Related Resources:

• How to Survive Law School: 5 Online Tools (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
• What 1Ls Can Learn from Puppies (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
• Top 10 Lists for Law Students & Associates (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)