Success or thriving in law school can be characterized in two different ways. There is “Traditional Success” which includes the things we generally think about such as (1) receiving academic honors throughout one’s law school career and at graduation and/or (2) involvement or leadership in revered and coveted activities or organizations. For some, participation in law review or moot court, becoming a teaching assistant or a research assistant, obtaining a summer clerkship, externship, or judicial clerkship are all signs of success. These are, for the most part, tangible things that one can see and comprehend. Involvement in the ways listed above seems to equate, for most, with a certain guarantee that one will land the dream job with the dream starting salary. For some students, these aspirations are so interwoven with their expected law school experience that without them they feel less than successful. The reality is that not everyone is going to have such an experience. So what does one do if they only achieve one or none of these goals?
For others, to succeed and thrive as a law student might mean “Achieving Your Realistic and Attainable Goals” and maybe even surpassing those goals. Succeeding and thriving in law school might include some awards and achieving your goals but more importantly, it means developing your persona as a legal professional. It means developing good relationships with classmates, professors, and staff who will become future colleagues. It means developing a good reputation and striving for personal excellence and improvement. It means focusing on your self-development rather than constantly comparing yourself to others. While it is important to have individuals that you admire and strive to be like, your journey is uniquely yours. A checklist of to-dos and to accomplish only limits the full extent of the law school journey. At the end of your law school journey, you want to look at yourself in the mirror and know that you did the best that you could, that you used all of your resources, and that you maintained your integrity, self-respect, and authenticity. It is easy to adopt another’s path but you can forge your own unique path.
My motto for law students is: NOT A THING is imPOSSIBLE. At times the journey might appear impossible but hope and faith can propel us beyond our wildest dreams. It is imperative to learn from failures and shortcomings, most will have many.
The most successful law students are those who can stare a challenge in the face, work through the difficulties and frustrations, and endure the emotions but pick themselves up shortly thereafter. Weakness is not in sharing your challenges with a peer because you never know what challenges they are facing. Many students struggle with similar insecurities though they might show unwavering strength. Be honest with yourself and don’t lie to yourself about your commitment to what you have to accomplish. Sort through your challenges and deficiencies and don’t be overly confident about your abilities. I know too many students who may not meet all of the qualifications for a particular opportunity yet opportunities that seem impossible have been made possible for them, so trust yourself.
This is dedicated to a student I have seen grow and find her place within the law school world. (Goldie Pritchard)
