How to mentally survive law school?

Asked by: Letitia Bashirian  |  Last update: November 24, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (37 votes)

10 Expert Tips on How to Survive Law School
  1. Take notes. ...
  2. Don't try to hide in the classroom. ...
  3. Befriend upper level students. ...
  4. There's no shame in purchasing study guides. ...
  5. Consider a study group. ...
  6. Make use of every resource offered to you—career, academic, etc. ...
  7. Learn to love the IRAC.

How to maintain mental health in law school?

Stress-Busting Tips for Law Students
  1. Go for a quick walk or jog (Even 10 minutes of moderate exercise can increase brain function and reduce stress.)
  2. Write down or review your to-do list.
  3. Stretch.
  4. Adjust your posture.
  5. Smile—even if you have to fake it.

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.

How to survive while in law school?

Be prepared to study, probably more than you have ever studied before. Don't make the mistake of neglecting your personal life, social life. Spend some time with family and friends. Occasionally, go to movies, plays, visit museums, concerts, and read some literature other than just law related things.

Is law school mentally draining?

Specifically, 96% of law students suffer from significant stress, compared to only 70% of medical students and 43% of graduate students in all fields.

Tips on how to survive law school from a law school dean

31 related questions found

What percent of people quit law school?

The decision to attend law school shouldn't just be financially driven. You'll also want to consider the high dropout rates of law school, particularly among minorities. Overall, dropout rates are over 6% for first-year students. For American Indian, Hawaiian native, and Black students, the dropout rate is 11% to 13%.

Which law school are students happiest at?

Here are the schools with the best quality of life, per Princeton Review:
  • Samford University Cumberland School of Law (no change)
  • Duke University School of Law (no change)
  • Stanford University School of Law (no change)
  • Boston College Law School (no change)
  • Vanderbilt University Law School (ranked #3 last year)

Is it normal to struggle in law school?

The law is an ever-changing field, and many law school students are expected to master a wide range of legal concepts. Third, the competition in law school is hard and fierce. Law school is a highly competitive environment for most people, and students are constantly vying for grades and job opportunities.

What is the average debt for law students?

The average law school graduate owes $130,000 in student loan debt. 71% of law school students graduate in debt. $119,292 is the average amount students borrow just to attend law school. $92,267 is the average amount borrowed to attend one of the top 10 law schools in terms of salary-to-debt ratio.

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 age do most finish 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.

Is law school harder than med school?

Each path demands extensive education and a commitment to rigorous training before becoming a qualified professional. 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 be a lawyer with mental health issues?

Professionally, mental health problems can interfere with a lawyer's ability to make sound judgments, which could lead to costly mistakes for clients or potentially even disciplinary action against the lawyer themselves.

How do you balance life and law school?

Surround yourself with friends and family who uplift you. Spending time with people who recharge your batteries (instead of draining them!) can help you maintain a positive outlook and keep stress in check. A strong support system is key to balancing the demands of a legal career with personal well-being.

How many law students have mental health issues?

According to a 2021 survey, 68.7% of law students reported needing help with emotional or mental health problems over the past year, with women being significantly more likely to seek and receive help.

What is the dropout rate for law school?

Law school is difficult, and it isn't for everyone. In fact, some schools even have a dropout rate of up to 38 percent of students after their first year.

How long to pay off 200k law school debt?

How long does it take to pay off $200,000 in loans? If you choose the standard 10-year repayment plan, you'll pay off your loans in a decade. Longer plans, like those with 15- or 20-year terms, reduce monthly payments but significantly increase the total interest you'll pay over time.

Is a Tier 3 law school worth it?

Tier 1 schools are the most prestigious and competitive, while Tier 2 and Tier 3 schools offer strong programs with varying selectivity. Your choice should align with your career goals, as the tier can influence your legal career opportunities. However, when picking a law school, don't focus solely on tiers.

Am I smart enough to get into law school?

According to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), students need a GPA of at least 3.59 and an LSAT of 162 or more to get into any top 10 law schools. However, that is the bare minimum, and you should aim higher if you want to increase your chances of getting into the top 3.

Is law school hard with ADHD?

And if you are doing law school “right”, meaning preparing adequately for class, taking useful notes during class, and starting exam prep early, the work itself is draining. All of these challenges may seem intensified if you have ADHD, but they are not impossible to overcome.

What is law school burnout?

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.

What kind of person does well in law school?

The personal qualities that law schools value include maturity or life experience, emotional intelligence, an ability to get along with different kinds of people and communication skills, she says.

What is the most difficult class in law school?

Civil Procedure. C​ivil Procedure is notoriously the most difficult class you'll take in law school. I concur. The rules are complex, the procedural formalities are maddening, and keeping track of cases is nearly impossible.

Do law schools prefer older students?

I did interview with HLS (the only "top" school I applied to) and asked about my age; the admissions officer told me that older students typically do better in law school.