Essential First-Year Law Student Tips
While starting law school is a transformative experience, the first year presents the most significant challenges for many. As a first-year law student, you’ll quickly realize that law school requires a strategic approach to succeed. The foundational year, often referred to as "1L," shapes your understanding of the legal field, introduces you to rigorous coursework and sets the tone for the rest of your legal education. Whether you're pursuing your law degree in person or through Cleveland State University's online Juris Doctor (JD) program, preparing effectively can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll cover essential law school tips that can help you not just survive but thrive during your first year.
Understanding the 1L Experience
What is a 1L?
“1L” is commonly used to describe a first-year law student. It marks the start of your legal education, where you will encounter a unique mix of courses, from Torts and Contracts to Constitutional Law. Many students find the jump from undergraduate studies to law school daunting due to the intensity and volume of the material. Unlike your undergrad, where the workload may have been spread out, law school emphasizes cumulative knowledge and a deep understanding of legal principles.
How is Law School Different from Undergraduate Studies?
In your undergraduate program, you may have balanced a mix of essays, exams and group projects across various subjects. Law school, particularly in an online format like , requires a more focused and self-directed approach. Instead of the broad exploration typical of undergraduate studies, law school emphasizes deep dives into specific legal concepts, with learning delivered both asynchronously and synchronously, reading assignments and interactive materials. Exams in law school also mark a significant shift, testing your ability to analyze and apply legal principles rather than relying solely on memorization.
The first-year law student experience lays the foundation for your legal career, with performance influencing future opportunities like internships and clerkships. Success in an online program hinges on developing strong time-management skills and maintaining a structured plan to handle the demands of coursework, research and exams.
First-year tips
“Learn how to be a law student early...There are so many resources and so many books about how to succeed in exams in law school, and how to read through cases, things like that…Those are things that are not necessarily needed, but those are things that I wish I had done before starting law school.”
-CSU Online J.D. student Tony Dale
Time Management and Study Habits
One of the key pieces of law student advice often shared is the importance of managing your time effectively. Creating and sticking to a detailed study schedule is essential.
Creating a Study Schedule
As a 1L, the volume of material you'll need to absorb can feel overwhelming. To stay on top of your coursework, dedicate specific time slots for reading, briefing cases and reviewing lecture notes. Consider using a time-blocking method where you allocate uninterrupted blocks of time for specific tasks. Keeping a consistent routine will help manage the workload more efficiently.
Staying Organized and Prioritizing Tasks
Staying organized is key to managing the demands of first-year law student life. Invest in a planner or use digital tools like Google Calendar or Trello to map out assignments and deadlines. Prioritize tasks based on their due dates, difficulty level or importance to your overall understanding of the material. For instance, if a major briefing is due, allocate more time and effort toward that assignment while maintaining your daily readings.
Mastering Legal Writing and Research
Introduction to Legal Writing
Legal writing is a cornerstone of your 1L experience. Unlike other forms of writing, legal writing requires clarity, precision and a deep understanding of legal reasoning. Your professors will expect you to draft documents like memos, briefs and legal analyses.
Improving Legal Writing Skills
If you want an essential piece of law student advice, sharpen your legal writing skills. If you're looking to enhance your legal writing, Cleveland State University's Online JD program offers various resources, including writing labs and tutorials.
Tip within a tip: outline your arguments before drafting. Start with a clear thesis statement and build your argument methodically, supporting it with case law and statutes.
Efficient Legal Research
Legal research can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but it’s a crucial skill for a first-year law student. Before diving into cases and statutes, begin with secondary sources like legal encyclopedias to gain a general understanding. Make full use of online databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis, which provide access to case law, statutes and legal journals.
First-year Tips
“My biggest piece of advice is don't feel like it's impossible…I was like, ‘Am I going to be able to have a family be there for them, and have my career? Is my career going to suffer because I waited to go to law school?’ So, if you're thinking about similar concerns, don't worry about it. Go for it. You are not going to regret it if it's something that you're truly passionate about.”
-CSU Online J.D. student Sarah Waller
Preparing for Online Classes and Virtual Participation
How to Read and Brief Cases
Reading cases in law school is more than just understanding the facts. You’ll need to dissect the court’s reasoning, the legal principles applied and the final judgment. Writing a case brief — summarizing the facts, legal issue, holding and reasoning — is a great way to ensure you fully understand the case.
Strategies for Engaging in an Online Learning Environment
Active participation in an online law school program is just as vital as in traditional settings, though it looks a bit different. Instead of in-class cold calls, engagement often happens through discussion boards, live virtual sessions or written assignments. To prepare, thoroughly read and brief your cases in advance, as this forms the basis of meaningful contributions.
Online platforms allow you to actively engage with peers and professors by asking thoughtful questions, providing insights and responding to classmates’ posts during discussions. Don’t hesitate to contribute, as your participation not only enhances your understanding but may also factor into your overall grade.
Additionally, take full advantage of live or recorded sessions to connect with your instructors and classmates. Asking questions during live discussions or reaching out via email or forums demonstrates initiative and helps build rapport.
Learn about Online JD student Bradley Johnson’s legal journey and how the support he found at Cleveland State University helped him through his first year.
Exam Preparation and Performance
Understanding Law School Exams
Law school exams are crafted to evaluate not just your knowledge of the law but also your ability to apply it to complex fact patterns. Unlike undergraduate tests that may emphasize rote memorization, law school exams require sharp analytical thinking and issue-spotting to succeed. Whether the exam is open-book, closed-book or a combination of formats, your performance hinges on how well you grasp legal principles and can apply them to hypothetical scenarios.
Outlining and Creating Study Guides
A strong exam strategy begins with outlining. Outlines help you organize your classes' legal rules, cases and principles into a clear and structured format. Begin outlining early, updating it after each class so that you have a comprehensive study guide by the end of the semester. To streamline your study process, consider creating “attack outlines” —concise summaries of key legal concepts that you can quickly reference during exam prep. These shorter outlines focus on the core rules and ideas, making them invaluable for rapid review as exam day approaches.
Practice Exams
Taking practice exams is one of the best ways to prepare for finals. They train you to apply the law to unfamiliar fact patterns and help you develop a systematic approach to answering questions. Regularly practicing under timed conditions will familiarize you with the exam format and identify areas where your understanding of the law may be lacking. Many professors or past students offer sample exams, and additional resources can be found online. Practice exams are not just a rehearsal — they’re essential for building confidence and refining your analytical skills.
Utilizing Available Resources
Resources for 1Ls
As a first-year law student, take advantage of the many resources available to you. Law libraries, both physical and digital, offer a wealth of information to help with coursework and research.
Cleveland State University's Online JD program also provides access to databases and other academic tools.
Academic Advisors and Mentors
Seeking help from academic advisors or mentors is an underrated yet invaluable part of law school. These individuals can guide you through difficult topics, offer career advice and help you navigate law school’s many challenges.
CSU’s Online JD program gives students multiple opportunities to connect with our extensive alumni network and other legal professionals to guide your career development.
Technology and Apps
In the digital age, technology can greatly enhance your law school experience. Apps like Evernote for notetaking, iStudiez for scheduling and Casebriefs for legal summaries can help streamline your study habits.
Maintaining Mental and Physical Health
Balancing Law School and Personal Life
Law school presents a significant academic challenge, but it's equally important to find a balance between your rigorous studies and personal well-being. Many law students struggle to adjust to the workload, and while mastering the material is crucial, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is just as essential for your long-term success.
Start by setting clear priorities — make a list of your tasks, rank them by importance and tackle one at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. It's also vital to create a daily routine that includes not just study time, but also space for healthy meals, exercise and relaxation. Connecting with friends, family and classmates is another key to staying grounded. Law school can sometimes feel isolating, so don’t forget to nurture your relationships and build a support system. By managing both your academic and personal life, you’ll set yourself up for success without sacrificing your well-being.
First-year Tips
“Fitting law school into life can be a little bit of a challenge and it has taken time. It's been an adjustment not just for myself but for my husband, for my kids, even just trying to be quiet in the house while I'm online can be a challenge, but we're all adjusting to it, and you find your own rhythm. It's taken me some time to get into the cadence of it all, figuring out when it's the best time for me to study, for me to work through my online modules, and then just making time for our lectures. It's been a challenge, but it's been completely doable.”
-CSU Online J.D. student Katie Vincer Sears
Stress Management and Self-Care
Stress is part of the law school experience, but managing it effectively is key to maintaining balance. Regular physical activity, even a daily walk, can significantly reduce stress and improve your overall mood. It’s also important to set boundaries —don’t stretch study sessions beyond what’s necessary just because others are. Plan your tasks for the day, complete them and then allow yourself time to relax. Therapy can be a game-changer in managing stress, equipping you with strategies that last a lifetime. If professional help isn't an option, focus on self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well, staying hydrated and enjoying hobbies that bring you joy.
Building Relationships and Networking
Building Relationships in an Online Learning Environment
In an online law school program, building relationships with professors and peers requires a proactive approach but offers just as much potential for growth and opportunity. Professors in online programs are accessible through virtual office hours, email and discussion boards. Engage actively during live sessions or by contributing thoughtfully to asynchronous discussions. Reaching out to seek guidance on coursework, career paths or the nuances of legal practice can help foster mentorship that may lead to internships, clerkships or job recommendations after graduation.
Your classmates in an online setting are also invaluable connections. While you may only meet in person during residencies, online study groups, virtual collaboration tools and class forums offer excellent opportunities to bond over shared experiences. These connections can form the foundation of a professional network that will support you throughout your career.
Participating in in-person and virtual networking events, student organizations and online legal community forums can further expand your relationships. By prioritizing engagement in these spaces, you’ll create a robust support network while accommodating the flexibility of online learning.
Learn about CSU Online JD student Katie Vincer Sears’s legal journey, and how connections with classmates and professors have helped her through her first year.
Networking in Law School
Law school is a prime opportunity to start building your professional network. Attending events like guest lectures, career fairs and panel discussions connects you with legal professionals and alums, opening doors for mentorship and future job opportunities. Joining clubs and organizations can also help you form valuable relationships with peers and professionals in the legal field.
One advantage of Cleveland State University’s Online JD program is its blend of virtual and in-person networking opportunities. In addition to six in-person residencies, which include events like the CSU College of Law Hall of Fame during the first-year residency, students can connect directly with peers, professors and legal professionals. The program also pairs students with mentors who are CSU alums, providing valuable guidance and support.
Virtual meetups, webinars and forums further facilitate discussions on emerging legal trends, helping to create connections with alums and opening doors to internships or job opportunities across various locations.
Study Groups and Student Organizations
In an online law school program, study groups and student organizations are just as impactful as in traditional settings, offering both academic support and a sense of community. Virtual study groups can be organized through video conferencing platforms or collaborative tools, enabling you to discuss case law, share notes and gain diverse perspectives on class materials. These groups not only enhance your understanding but also keep you accountable and motivated.
Many online programs also host virtual student organizations and events, giving you the opportunity to connect with peers who share your interests or career goals. Participating in these organizations fosters a sense of belonging and provides networking opportunities that are critical for future professional success.
First-year Tips
“Communicate with everybody. Take in all the knowledge you can, take lots of notes, and really try to reach out to people in your cohort, because they're going to be your lifeline during this."
-CSU Online J.D. student Lindsey Boivin
Embrace the Challenge: Thriving in Your First Year and Beyond
Your first year of law school is both challenging and exciting. Staying organized, participating actively, seeking help when needed and balancing your personal and academic life are the top law school tips for thriving as a first-year student.
Cleveland State University’s ABA-accredited Online JD program offers the flexibility and resources to support your success. With a blend of practical training and real-world experiences, Cleveland State University prepares you for a future in law.
Key features include:
- Practical legal training through experiential learning opportunities
- Clinic programs that provide hands-on legal practice with real clients under the supervision of a clinical professor
- Mentorship with a Cleveland State University alumnus to guide your professional development and connect you to the legal profession
- Six in-person weekend residencies on campus, where you’ll develop skills in advanced trial classrooms and connect with leading lawyers and judges
- 100% online coursework with synchronous and asynchronous options allows you to balance professional life while earning your JD part-time in as little as three years and five months
- Specialized courses in health law, business law, corporate compliance, criminal law, cybersecurity and space law
- Certificates available in Cybersecurity and Health Law
With these law school tips, you can stay focused and motivated and remember that this foundational year will set the stage for your future legal career.