7 TIPS ON HOW TO SURVIVE LAW SCHOOL WHILE BEING A FULL TIME WORKING STUDENT

Law is a jealous mistress. This is what our professors had been saying throughout our law school journey. Indeed, law school requires a lot of attention, hard work, patience and determination. 

Let me share with you my personal experience as a full time working student.

I started law school right after I finished my undergraduate course. While attending school, I also worked at a government office in Taguig City, Philippines where I was assigned to handling complaints and making correspondences and letters. 

At first I was full of energy and determination. My mottos are "Fortes Fortuna Juvat" and Ora et Labora. Those are legal maxims which means "Fortune Favors the Brave" and "Pray and Work", respectively. I was motivated in achieving my long time dream of becoming a lawyer. But, despite all the motivation I have in working and studying law, there were times that my body and my mind speak of exhaustion. I will tell you, if you are planning to enter law school while working, you should know that what you are about to enter is not just an ordinary school with normal professors and environment. You should ready you heart (emotion), your body and your mind for this. This journey is hard but very fulfilling. Why do I say that it's hard? Because your whole every day routine will change. Your relationship with other people will also change. You will find yourself different from what you are before, from what you are used to be. It's a total turning point and a life changing experience. Gladly, I finished law school last year (2020) so I am done with that period of my journey. But for you who is just in the beginning your journey, I will share to you some tips on how I overcome this changes and to finally survive  law school. This is just based on my personal experience, but you will surely encounter the difficulties and changes throughout your law school days one way or another. So, better be prepared and accept the challenge.

Tip #1 Set your motivation in place before entering law school and throughout your Journey.

You are entering law school because of something. That something maybe your childhood dream, your parent's dream or for some personal reasons. Whatever it is, it will serve as your anchor for not giving up when you are tired. You will definitely feel it. Just imagine your workload in office and the numerous cases assigned to read by your professors. On top of that, you still need to read annotated books and codal provisions to memorize. Every day is an adrenalin day. Whenever you feel tired and exhausted, just always remember why you are entering law school in the first place. Remember the reason why you are motivated to finish this.

Tip #2 Create a daily routine plan and stick to it.

This is just a time management with a twist. For a working law student like you, time is gold in a literal sense. We all know that reading actually takes more of our time. It is not just a simple reading like when you are reading a novel in your free and convenient time. Reading law books and cases requires a lot of comprehension and critical thinking. So you must consider planning how to spend every second of your time considering all the factors surrounding you. 

Tip #3 Talk to your friends, co-workers/boss, family and loved ones and explain to them that you are taking up law.

It is hard to balance law school, work and relationships with your friends, family, co-workers/boss, or loved ones. There are reunions, social gatherings and events that you cannot attend because you need to study. Let them know what you are up to so that they will understand and support you.

Tip #4 Organize your stuffs and take notes.

As a working law student, organizing all your materials and taking notes are very helpful. You have limited time to browse all of your materials when your exams are coming. So better prepared a notebook where you can write all of your notes for a single reference when preparing and reviewing for your upcoming exams.

Tip #5 Finish your work as early as you can.

Every second must be counted so let each of it be fruitful. Finish your work in the office for the earliest time possible. Do not leave pending works so that you can have time to read even while you are in office. In that way, your co-workers/boss will not say and think anything against you because you did your job and you are using your time in a fruitful way. I know it is hard, but you must take every opportunity and time to finish and accomplish everything in the best that you can.

Tip #6 Take care of your health, your mind and well being.

Working law students are facing battle everyday. Your physical, mental and emotional strength are your greatest assets. Make sure to take good care of yourself so that you can overcome the everyday challenges. Eat well, sleep, exercise, take your vitamins, listen to your favorite music, talk to your favorite person, and live well in balance. Do not deprive yourself of something that would make you feel good and healthy. 

Tip #7 Pray. Do your best and God will do the rest for you.

This is the most important of all the tips I have shared to you. I saw the miracles of prayers throughout my law school journey. Do your best and pray to God for guidance. If this is for you, He will put that "ATTY" in your name. God instills that dream in your heart, just believe in Him when He said that you have a purpose. Have your faith in Him, He is moving mountains for you. 

I hope this article could help you in some way. To you aspiring lawyers out there, I know life is difficult and you have to work while studying law. Remember that strength comes from endurance. Just live with it for awhile and grow from it. Do not stop just because you feel that you are not doing right or you are tired and exhausted. Your sufferings and hardships today will be a blessing and inspiration to others in the future. Just continue the battle.