3 Tips on How to Avoid Carrying 1,000 Pounds of Law School Books

Law books are heavy. Carrying more than a few, plus a laptop, plus other stuff, makes law school more than a mental challenge, but also a physical one. While getting a rolling bag can be helpful, those things still are not easy (on the eyes or) to lug around when packed with a stack of law books.

So how can you get through law school without throwing out your back or causing serious long term damage to that fragile constitution of yours (after all, your destiny is now one relegated to a desk and courtroom, rather than a shovel and a ditch)?

Below, you'll find three helpful tips to help you avoid carrying all those books around everywhere.

1. Go Big, Digitally

As an attorney, you'll likely be utilizing professional copy services when you have a massive discovery job to turn around overnight. The services some offer are phenomenal. In addition to copying, most will scan, and if you're willing to pay for it, many will also code your scan to be searchable or into whatever format works for you. Some services might require you get permission from a publisher, but other won't, so shop around.

At the start of the semester, you can try to find a service to make searchable scans of all your books, and then just turn a single tablet into your dedicated digital law book. This is not a cheap option. Though, some schools may want to offer to provide this service to avoid future liability a la the current NFL concussion lawsuits.

2. Get Your Books De-bound

If you're not into the idea of spending your hard earned student loan money on going digital, a cheaper option is getting your books de-bound. Don't try this yourself as it can become an awful mess if done wrong, and de-binding is more than just ripping or cutting the pages out.

Some school book stores will offer this service, which usually only costs a few bucks. Once de-bound, you can essentially just pull the pages from the book that you need for the week, and only carry those around in a slim folder or binder.

3. Get a Robotic Book Sherpa

Another potential option is to opt for some robot assistance. Suitcases have come a long long way, and now you can get one that will literally follow you around so you don't even have to pull it around. While a roller bag might be an eyesore, having a robot buddy carrying your books is sure to be a great icebreaker and make you the coolest student on campus.

Related Resources:

• Law School Classes That Aren't Worth Your Time (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
• 3 Lifehacks for Surviving Law School (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
• Which Is Better for Law Students: E-Textbooks or Paper Textbooks? (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)