Too Warm for Law?: by Scribbles

It felt too warm to be going back to school on August 11, the first day at St. John’s Law for the class of 2011. The first day of school, traditionally just after Labor Day, always felt a bit more like autumn to me. But that day was not like any other back to school day. For starters, everyone there, like me, was a survivor of the LSAT. They were from the top of their undergraduate classes and were convinced of their abilities.

Orientation Day at St. John’s Law was a great way to break the ice, meet new friends, and get to know the lay of the land. Tours of the law school were arranged, and the school’s various resources and services were explained to us. After breakfast and speeches by the dean and others, the 240 day division students broke up into our separate sections. (These are the people you will be spending most of your time with your first year of law school.) We were introduced to a few of our professors and this provided a great opportunity to find out about teaching styles, final exams, and whether or not they allow laptops in their classrooms (they do). We also got to hear from two judges, St. John’s alums, who gave us advise about the importance of professional ethics and a solid reputation.

Classes begin…

With its large tiered classrooms, imposing professors and 9:00 a.m. class times, the first week of law school can be an anxious time for freshly minted 1L’s. But not at St. John’s Law. The professors are very helpful and take the time to explain the public policies underlying the area of the law they are teaching. They really do take a “there are no dumb questions” attitude. The 2L’s and 3L’s offer advice about what to focus on, who the tough and not-so-tough professors are, and why it’s important to take a break too. And the other members of your section quickly become some of your best friends.

Perhaps the most important part of any 1L’s first week of law school is Introduction to Law (IL). While you may have never heard of this class, the time you spend in this introductory procedural course will be one of the best investments of your law school career. Intro-Law takes you through briefing cases, handling the Socratic Method, and thinking like a lawyer. You’ll also get to know Contracts, Property, Torts, and other classes during your first week. These classes will simultaneously enlighten and mystify you. But it’s the practical tools you gain during your first week of law school that prepare you for the challenges and opportunities ahead. I hope.