How to Pick Law School Classes

 

After 1L, you get a lot more leeway in how you want to spend your days in law school. It's great, of course, but figuring out what classes to take as you prepare for 2L can be a daunting task. Keep reading for some of my tips as you transition from 1L classes into your upper level classes! 

Check Your Graduation Requirements

Chances are, you have more required classes than the ones you take as a 1L. For example, in addition to the traditional 1L classes, I am required to take Administrative Law, Legal Profession (a.k.a., legal ethics), and Evidence. I also have to have fifty hours of public service work, six hours of experiential coursework, and an upper-level writing class. 

Once you figure out what else is required of you, you can figure out how to approach these classes as you plan your schedule. Personally, I tried to get all of those requirements done by the end of 2L so I could have more flexibility during my 3L year. Whatever you think is best for you, however, is what you should do! 

Look at Bar Classes

If you're trying to fit in some bar subject classes while you're in law school, make sure to check what topics are covered on your state's bar exam. It can be helpful to take bar subject classes while in school so you have a foundation to build off of once you begin studying for the bar exam. 

Take Classes for Your Career

If you know what you want to do after law school, take classes that will help you! Personally, I'm taking lots of advocacy and trial classes so I can get comfortable with the litigation process. Whatever you're looking to do in the future, there's definitely a class that can help you become more comfortable with the material and give you insight into the subject area. Even if you don't yet know what you want to do, you can use electives to learn more about areas of law that interest you. 

Take Classes that Interest You

Now that you have free rein over what you take (with some exceptions for your school's required courses), take something that draws your attention! Even if it's not a class that will help you with bar prep or in your future career, if you have space for it, you should take it.

Looking forward to a class will improve your mood and make you excited for school, and you'll also have a good chance of doing well in it since you're so invested! 

Pay Attention to Credit Hours

Everyone has to meet a certain amount of credit hours in order to graduate law school. When signing up for classes, it's important to plan ahead so you can make sure to get the correct number of credit hours before your last semester, otherwise you'll be scrambling to fulfill that requirement. 

I did some math to figure out how many credit hours I would have to take in order to graduate, and for me, I have to take fifteen credits every semester, unless I take summer courses, too. Working ahead like this will make things easier for you in the long run! 

xoxo,

Rachel