10 Expert Tips on How to Survive Law School

It can be a jungle out there, but these tips will guide you to success.

Law school is stressful, competitive, and mentally exhausting—but it's also manageable if you go in with the right mindset and strategies.

Whether you're about to start 1L or you're halfway through and still trying to find your groove, these 10 practical tips can help you stay ahead of the curve, make the most of your time, and avoid burnout.

1. Read before class—so it’s not your first time hearing the material

The best law students don’t just do the reading—they do it before class. It sounds obvious, but it’s one of the most overlooked habits. When you read the chapter that will be discussed before the lecture, class becomes a second exposure. You’ll understand more, retain more, and be better prepared when the professor cold-calls you.

If you wait until after class to catch up on the reading, you’ve already lost the chance to connect the dots in real time.

2. Take notes—and take good notes

Whether you type or handwrite, make sure you’re doing more than just transcribing. Focus on capturing the professor’s emphasis: What rules do they keep repeating? Which cases do they reference offhand? Those hints often show up on exams.

Don’t rely solely on someone else’s outline or a set of slides. Law professors are notorious for throwing curveballs, especially on final exams. The best way to spot their patterns is to pay attention in class.

3. Don’t hide—you’ll get called on anyway

Trying to avoid the Socratic Method by sitting in the back won’t work. Professors can and will find you. In fact, some are more likely to pick on the students who seem like they’re trying to hide.

Instead, lean into it. Sit closer to the front and view cold-calls as a learning opportunity. You’ll become more comfortable speaking in front of others (a skill you’ll need in practice), and professors often respect students who engage rather than disappear.

4. Use study guides—wisely

Law school textbooks aren’t known for being clear or concise. If you’re struggling to understand a topic, a well-written supplement can help you break through the fog.

Start with recommendations from your professors, upper-level students, or TAs. Supplements like Examples & Explanations, Glannon Guides, and Understanding Series are widely trusted and often used to clarify tough concepts. But be selective. Don’t try to read five supplements for every class. Pick one, make sure it aligns with your professor’s approach, and use it to reinforce your primary materials—not replace them.

5. Join a study group (but choose carefully)

Study groups can be incredibly useful—but only if everyone contributes. A good group will help you divide up outlines, clarify confusing material, and prepare for cold calls and finals. A bad group will waste your time or worse, drag you down.

Start small. Two to four people is often ideal. Look for classmates who are committed, collaborative, and not trying to compete with you. Law school is curved, but it’s not zero-sum. Helping each other can still raise everyone’s understanding (and your sanity).

6. Take advantage of every resource

You’re paying six figures—don’t leave value on the table.

• Academic support programs: These often include TA-led sessions, office hours, and supplemental workshops. If your school offers it, use it—especially in 1L year.
• Career services: Even if you're not ready to apply for jobs, go early. They can help you shape your resume, polish your cover letters, and learn what employers actually look for.
• Professors: Visit office hours. Even if you feel intimidated, most professors want to help students who put in the effort. And building relationships now can lead to clerkships, mentorships, and future recommendations.
• Exam review sessions: Go. Professors often hint at the exam format or clarify topics you may have misunderstood. Sometimes, they drop gold.

7. Master IRAC (or CREAC, or CRAC...)

Legal writing isn’t like college writing. It's structured, formulaic, and precision-focused—and that’s a good thing. Your essays need to follow the format your professor teaches, whether it’s IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) or a variation like CREAC.

Practicing this structure early and often will pay off on exams and the bar. Don’t just rely on your Legal Writing class—apply it in other courses when you brief cases or outline potential essays. Ask for feedback and practice timed writing whenever you can.

8. Join at least one resume-boosting activity

Moot court. Law review. Trial team. Journals. Clinics.

These extracurriculars can help you gain skills, build connections, and stand out to employers—especially if your GPA isn’t in the top 10 percent. You don’t need to join everything. Pick one that aligns with your goals or strengths, and commit to it.

Not sure which is right for you? Ask upper-level students what the workload is like, how competitive it is to get in, and whether it actually helped with internships or job offers.

9. Protect your mental health like it’s another class

Law school can take a serious toll on your mental health. It’s high-pressure, high-stakes, and deeply competitive—and many students suffer in silence.

Let your friends and family know upfront that you’ll be stretched thin. Be honest about your stress levels. And don’t hesitate to use your school’s mental health resources, including therapy, support groups, or student wellness programs.

There’s no shame in stepping back or reevaluating your path. Law school isn’t worth sacrificing your long-term well-being.

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10. Make time for real fun

You’ll study harder and perform better if you also allow yourself to enjoy the experience. Go to the mixer. Join a rec league. Say yes to trivia night or law school prom. The friendships you build during law school will likely be some of the most meaningful of your life.

Your classmates get what you’re going through. They’ll be your future coworkers, co-counsel, and even opposing counsel. You don’t need to be the most social person in the building, but make space to laugh, vent, and recharge together.

Bonus Tip: Learn to manage time, not just spend it

Time is your most limited resource in law school—and unlike undergrad, you can’t just cram the night before and expect to do well.

Block time each week for class prep, outlining, practice questions, and downtime. Use tools like Google Calendar, Notion, or even a basic spreadsheet to track assignments and goals. And revisit your plan every Sunday to adjust as needed.

Good time management doesn’t mean being rigid. It means knowing what’s coming and avoiding the feeling that you’re constantly behind.