Year of Law School: 2L
Age: 24
Hometown: Burns Lake, BC
What did you do before law school? I completed a degree in Political Science & International Studies at the University of Northern BC. Following that, I took an action packed year off where I worked in municipal government, travelled South America and completed an internship at the International Criminal Court.
What area of law are you interested in? Generally speaking, litigation, as well as aboriginal law, business law, international law, energy law and …the list goes on. A legal career offers many options!
A fun fact about yourself… I’m writing this from Cape Town, South Africa where I’m currently working as a researcher for a legal NGO.
What was your favourite part of Orientation Week? The “Student Perspectives” panel, where a few students shared their outside interests; a representative peek into the talent that exists at UBC Law. It was reassuring to know that students found time to cultivate other interests during their time at Allard Hall. It also inspired me to pursue a non-conventional summer job.
What was the best advice an upper year gave you when you started school? “Some of those who are the most successful academically are those who take meaningful breaks”
Legal reading, research and writing all require a high level of focus. Instead of spending 14 hours without moving from my desk, I planned breaks that enabled me to return to work and be more productive. This doesn’t mean refreshing Facebook every ten minutes. Instead, breaks I would recommend include: going to the gym, making a nice meal, and of course anything outside in Vancouver’s spectacular natural environment. I went to a daytime show at the Commodore in the middle of exam period and I swear I did better on my exams because of it.
You can achieve much more on a day when you’re operating at 80% energy rather than 30%. While its important to work hard, find a balance where you make self-care a priority. Work smart!
What was the worst advice an upper year gave you when you started school?
“You don’t really need to start taking school seriously until February”
First year increases in intensity as the year progresses. In the fall semester you can expect a lighter reading load as you attend social events, get to know your classmates and simply get used to being in law school. During the second semester, the pace of work picks up quite a bit. If you were behind during the first semester, it’s going to be very challenging to catch up.
Importantly, this recommendation taught me to take advice with a grain of salt. Different things work for different people. Some people can be in cruise mode until the last minute and do well; others can’t.
Bottom line: stay engaged throughout the year. December exams offer a great learning opportunity in preparation for the more significant exams in April, so you should take them seriously.
What was your favourite part of first year? The feeling of accomplishment when it was all over!
What was your favourite social event in first year? The boat cruise. Getting dressed up and going out with UBC Law… on a boat! As a newcomer to Vancouver, I loved taking in the night skyline of the city… on a boat! You should also not under any circumstances miss the Guile debate. Or Law Revue.
What would you do differently in 1L if you could go back now? Definitely, I would have stressed less. I should have believed the upper years when they said it was all going to be ok. So save yourself some grief and believe us now.
What extracurriculars would you recommend to 1Ls? Scope out the many options with an open mind. Its nice to balance your studies with something you enjoy that also informs your broader legal education. Or doesn’t. Do what interests you and have fun!
What was your favourite class? Favourite professor? That is one tough call. Who could definitively choose between Professor Sheppard’s spectacular Powerpoints and morning property class laughs … Professor Bakan’s engaging lecture style … Professor Elliot’s great SCC stories… or Professor MacDougall’s great sense of humour and mastery of the law of Contracts.. We have great profs.
Any last words of wisdom for the incoming 1Ls? I’ve got several!
Engage with the community around you. The social element of law school is a significant part of the experience. From firm recruitment events, socials, lunchtime lecture series, to club events and sports teams, there is so much to do! Take advantage of the incredibly collegial and inclusive atmosphere at UBC Law and get involved. Your time at Allard Hall will be that much better for it. Get to know those around you; there will definitely be a few life long friends in the group.
Pay attention in class. Come prepared and stay engaged… why tune out and then have to go back and learn something on your own later, when the professor who sets the exam can teach it to you right then and there? Make the most of your time in class. You should also note anything unclear or confusing right away so you can resolve it with your classmates or professor.
Define success for yourself. Law school is competitive. Its easy to get caught up in concerning yourself with how much time others spend studying, who has the most reading done or who has gone to the most firm recruitment events etc. You can’t predict your own success by comparing yourself to your classmates. So, don’t bother! Instead, think about what you want to achieve during 1L and evaluate what it will take you to get there. For example, don’t panic if someone is in a study group and you aren’t in one yet… or never join one. You may be surprised to learn that sometimes, the person who studies 30 hours a week does better than the person who studies 90 hours a week. The experience differs for everyone. Focus on reaching your own goals on your own terms.
Relax. Please try not to get too stressed out. Law school is challenging, but ultimately extremely rewarding. I loved my first year and I hope you will too. You only get one shot at 1L, so dig in and enjoy it! Best of luck!