How hectic is law school?

Asked by: Scarlett Brekke  |  Last update: August 22, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (45 votes)

Law school is very hard—harder than college or university. This is due to a heavy course load, a high-stress environment, and difficult course material. But completing law school is not impossible; over 40,000 law students make it to graduation each year.

Is law school really that stressful?

Law school classes and other life activities can be stressful, so it is a good idea to maintain healthy habits because people tend to neglect self-care. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly in your free time are all important to making it through the process.

How exhausting is law school?

The combination of long hours, competing with peers, and pressure to perform at a high level can lead to law student burnout. Stress is also a key contributor. Unmanaged stress leads to burnout in any industry, and most law students report significant stress—even when compared to other graduate students.

How many hours a day do law students study?

All in all, however, law students typically spend around 30 – 40 hours per week studying. That may sound like a lot, but a good rule of thumb is that you should be studying at least two hours for every one hour of class time per week.

What is the hardest year in law school?

Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.

finals week at yale | late night studying, productive vlog, intense cramming

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Is law school harder than med school?

Although both law and medical schools present their unique challenges, it's generally accepted that medical school demands a higher level of intense coursework and thorough training.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Patent Attorney Salary

Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.

Can you have a life while in law school?

During exams, this won't be true. But during the semester, you can and need to have a life, for the sake of your sanity. I even went as far as getting a giant German Shepherd in law school. And somehow finding time to go to playgrounds.

What does a typical law school schedule look like?

Most law schools offer classes at a variety of times during the day. Morning classes might start as early as 7:45 am, and the final evening class can begin later than 6:00 pm. This does not mean that students are in classes all day every day. Most students take an average of four classes each semester.

How hard is the bar exam?

The bar exam is hard. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult challenges you ever embark on. You must memorize numerous laws and consume a lot of knowledge to answer questions correctly. For many, it feels like trying to hold sand in your hands, knowing that you'll inevitably lose much of it.

Why are so many law students depressed?

Why are so many law students depressed? Law school is stressful and competitive by nature, and navigating through the pressures to achieve high class rankings, outperform peers, and land prestigious spots in legal journals can strain law student mental health.

How hard is law school realistically?

Law school is very hard—harder than college or university. This is due to a heavy course load, a high-stress environment, and difficult course material. But completing law school is not impossible; over 40,000 law students make it to graduation each year.

What is the failure rate for law school?

In 2023, the collective attrition rate across all law schools was 3.8 percent, underscoring a significant yet frequently underestimated factor in the assessment of legal education.

What is the hardest subject in a law degree?

Some of the hardest classes in law school, according to current and former students, are:
  • Constitutional Law.
  • Civil Procedure.
  • Contracts.
  • Federal Courts.
  • Federal Income Tax.
  • Administrative Law.
  • Partnership Tax.

Is law school even worth it anymore?

The Bottom Line. Becoming a successful lawyer is one of the most lucrative career paths, if you graduate from a top-tier university. However, it's not a cheap path, and Ivy League law grads often graduate with six digits of loans.

Can you be happy in law school?

Happiness will come in time if you stay on track with yourself, your relationships, and the meaning in your work.

Does law school have summer break?

As a traditional law student at a three-year law school, you have two summer “breaks.” The first is between your first and second years of law school (your “1L summer”). The second is between your second and third years of law school (your “2L summer”).

Can you work while in law school?

Working throughout law school is a great way to not only supplement income but also gain legal experience. For many law students working during law school, the position they maintain is typically a law clerk position that stems from a summer legal opportunity.

How busy are law school students?

The rumors are true: law school is a lot of work! You should expect to be assigned anywhere from 10 pages to 200 pages of reading for each class! Then, multiply that number by 4-5 classes, and each class will likely meet 2-3 times per week! This is in addition to other assignments that you will have to work on.

Is there partying in law school?

Law school students not only need to learn the ins and outs of the law. They also need to learn the ins and outs of partying. Well, at least some do, it appears. Every year, most student bar associations throw a Barrister's Ball, which is sort of like a prom for law students.

How old is the average person in law school?

What Is The Average Age Of Law Students? The average age of law students is 25 or younger. Only 20% of law students are 30 or older. While only a small percentage of law students are above the age of 40, there have been several successful older graduates.

Can introverts survive law school?

Being an introvert in law school doesn't have to be a hindrance – it can actually be an advantage! By recognizing and embracing your unique strengths, leveraging your capacity for deep thinking, and finding a balance between social engagement and solitude, you can thrive academically and professionally in law school.

Can lawyers make 300k a year?

Well, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for attorneys in the US is just over $125,000. The highest-paid lawyers (10% of the legal workforce) make over $208,000 However, the top 1% of attorneys make $500,000 or more per year.

What field of law is most in demand?

Which Legal Fields Are in Demand?
  • Intellectual property law. ...
  • Family law. ...
  • Immigration & naturalization law. ...
  • Real estate law. ...
  • Contract management. ...
  • Compliance. ...
  • Labor and employment. ...
  • Corporate transactions. Also known as mergers and acquisitions, or M&A, this work navigates the buying and selling of companies and their assets.

What is the highest paying job in the world?

Topping the list, being a CEO gets you the highest paying job in the world, no matter where you work. A CEO is the highest-ranked position in any organisation's structure. Irrespective of the company's size, a CEO handles all its day-to-day corporate affairs, manages resources and handles all managerial processes.