Going to law school in your twenties is a big wow but going to law school when you’re… well let’s just say, “mature”, it’s an even bigger wow.
There are so many demands on your time: family, work, friends and now law school. In addition to studying the law I’m learning to manage my time, a totally new concept for me. For instance, when I’m waiting for my car to be serviced, I take out my flash cards or a bar chart and do a little “power study” or while I’m on the road, instead of listening to jazz, I’ll pop a Sum and Substance disk into the CD player. I’ve traded some spontaneous-ness (Is that a word?) for setting aside time for family and friends. As for work, well, work is much like law school: whatever time it needs, it will take all of it.
When I started law school I was advised by attorney-friends to join a study group. But with my obligations including law school it’s virtually impossible for me to commit to a study group. So, I take advantage of the academic support programs offered by the school: CALI Lessons and P.A.S.S. These two are my study group. I really like using CALI because it gives me the flexibility to review the entire subject or focus on a particular topic within that subject. My friend, P.A.S.S., really helps me to get ready for finals. It helps me to organize the law and, most importantly, because I can prepare a practice essay and have someone at P.A.S.S. review and critique it, P.A.S.S. helps me with my legal writing skills that I need to perform well on the finals.
In addition to everything else, I particularly enjoy participating in the volunteer opportunities: Advocates for All and the VIP Mentor Program. Not only do I get “hands-on” experience by participating in these programs but I’m already giving something back.
Deciding to switch gears midstream and pursue a career in law is one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time.
Yes, the balancing that’s required of me is challenging but it’s a challenge I eagerly rise to meet.
Lisa Colley, Third Year Law Student |