We all know the adage about being scared to death, worked to death, and bored to death in each of the respective three years of law school. As a new 3L, though, I can say unequivocally that I am not bored! Quite frankly, I was never this busy during my first two years, and the stakes have never been higher.
Part of the issue is that I overloaded this semester with 17 hours in hopes of spending the spring with the ACLJ (and my husband) in DC. Incidentally, that option is no longer offered. So I have three substantive classes and three practical skills classes, one of which is the civil litigation clinic, where I am working on behalf of real clients with real problems.
Next week in addition to the typical preparation for my three substantive classes, I will have to ready an opening statement for my trial practice class, meet with one client to prepare her for an in-person hearing, have an initial interview with another client, and actually represent the first client--whose unemployment benefits and vindication from her employer's claim of misconduct rest squarely on my shoulders--in her hearing. Yikes...a first for me!
(Yes, I'm a 3L and I still read for class.)
Now, please don't misconstrue this as complaining; I'm so excited to be working on behalf of others who need an advocate! Mostly I'd like to convey to the 1Ls that it does not get any easier after this year. Develop a strong work ethic now, when the worst consequence for slacking off is feeling silly in front of your classmates. I also am well aware that it will not get any easier after graduation, and I appreciate Regent for putting me through my rigorous paces and inspiring me to answer my calling with the utmost respect for the responsibility that will be placed upon me.
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