Counsel's Counsel: Feb. 2, 2022


 Counsel’s Counsel is the world’s preeminent advice column for law students. Written by recent UVA Law graduate, Jane Doe, J.D.

 

Question:

I’m a 1L, and my grades last semester weren’t great. I’m concerned about OGI and clerkships because I’ve heard they care a lot about grades. I’m especially concerned because I’m a K-JD, and I feel like I can’t point to a lot of objective things except for my grades. I know I need to bounce back, but I’m not sure how. I think part of the problem is that I had a hard time getting interested in some of my classes. Part of it may have been my studying strategies. I’m really worried, so I appreciate your help!

 

Answer:

First of all, it’s great that you’re thinking about OGI and clerkships now. It’s never too early. This is your career we’re talking about, after all.

I’m glad you fully appreciate the importance of grades. While everyone loves an underdog in the movies, BigLaw attorneys eat underdogs for lunch (at their desks, of course). Unfortunately, since you are a K-JD, your identity has become your education. If you were writing in at the end of 1L, all hope would probably be lost. Luckily, that’s not the case!

I was in a similar position after my first semester, and coming back from bad grades is tough. As for advice, mindset is essential. What really helped me was viewing classes less like an educational experience and more like a means to an end.

Some people have a genuine curiosity about the world that keeps them interested across subjects, but those people are rare. Typically, people in the legal field are driven by competition, anxiety, and deep-seated insecurities. So, it yields much more consistent outcomes to (1) reduce your education mentally to a transaction—you trade time for results; (2) view your colleagues as obstacles to actualizing your potential; and (3) channel any anger you feel from step #2 into your studies.

In terms of studying strategies, change everything. You were probably told to “Do whatever works for you,” but that didn’t work, so it won’t work this time. If you studied in a study group, study alone. If you studied in the library, study in ScoCo. Leave no stone unturned.

It also wouldn’t hurt to be wealthy. As with most things, having money is an advantage in law school. If possible, it is time to invest in Quimbee, commercial outlines, a bookstand, and a second monitor. Go golfing with your professors. Plus, you can use your parents’ legal contacts for networking in case OGI falls through.

I believe in you, and I wish you the best of luck in your studies!

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