What I Wish I Knew Starting Law School

Completing my first year (or 1L) of law school has been a transformative experience, leading me to reflect deeply on my reasons for pursuing a legal career. Why did I leave behind a successful career as a songwriter and performer to step into the demanding world of law? The answer is simple: I wanted to prove a point.

As a woman, I've often felt confined by societal expectations. While overt discrimination may have lessened over the years, subtle microaggressions still persist. Like many women my age who grew up in the United States, I've felt the undercurrents of these attitudes. Instead of merely lamenting these challenges, I chose to take action—and that's how I found myself in law school.

Here are four key lessons I’ve learned after one year of law school that I wish I had known before starting:

1. Law School Will Test Your Self-Confidence, Not Just Your Knowledge

Law school is more challenging than you might anticipate, not just because of the workload but because of the self-doubt you'll experience. The good news? You can do it! Those moments of crying in your car on the way to class will eventually fade as you realize you’re capable of handling the rigorous assignments and intense academic pressure.

2. Grades Aren’t Everything—Balance is Key

I entered law school without an obsession with grades, and that mindset has been a lifesaver. While achieving A's in every class would be fantastic, maintaining a healthy balance between school and life is far more important. Stressing over grades won’t make you a better lawyer, but managing your stress will help you succeed in the long run.

3. You’ll Want to Quit, But You’ll Be Glad You Didn’t

Throughout law school, you’ll face moments of doubt where quitting seems like the easiest option. You’ll feel overwhelmed, anxious, tired, and frustrated. But every time you push through and complete a challenging class, you’ll feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Legal writing may confuse you at first, and civil procedure might seem like an endless maze of terms and rules. But with perseverance, you’ll find your footing and discover how capable you truly are.

4. Law School Will Reveal a New Side of You

This journey will uncover aspects of your personality you never knew existed. You’ll develop a steadfast determination, learn to be more flexible, and gain a deeper respect for yourself. The experience will make you more humble and more confident simultaneously.

The first year of law school has been tough, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. For anyone considering this path, know that while it may test you in unexpected ways, the growth you’ll experience is worth every challenge.