Irresistible Advice for New Law Students

Some good advice from FindLaw, "5 Things a 1L Should Not Do at Law School," plus a little more:

1. Don't get a rolling backpack. Yes, law texts are heavy but unless you have a real back problem you don't need one of these. Plus, you look silly pushing it around the hallways and carrying it up the stairs. If you want to avoid the high school backpack look, get yourself a nice briefcase or a roomy laptop bag. Better yet, get an iPad.


2. Don't ask gunner questions. Raising your hand just to show off your knowledge is so annoying there's even a name for it. Gunner. Your classmates will not like gunners. If you want to impress the professor, save up those non-essential questions for office hours and let everyone learn in peace during class. But do ask essential questions and do be prepared.


3. Don't surf porn or extremist websites in class. During boring classes it's OK to surf the Internet but keep in mind that everyone behind you can see your screen. Some people may be trying to pay attention so keep distractions to a minimum. Avoid flashy sites and definitely keep it within the Safe-For-Work realm. Remember this in your work as a summer associate, as well, okay?
4. Don't buy the Bluebook. The law student's bible of legal citations is an important asset for any kind of legal writing but you don't have to buy a paper copy. Chances are they'll publish an updated copy while you're still in law school so consider paying for the online version instead. See "New Blue Book Tool Triggers Some Fresh Abuse."


5. Don't be rude to your classmates. The people you graduate law school with could be your colleagues for the rest of your legal career. When your resume comes to the top of the pile for a cushy transfer position at a new firm, you don't want someone to say, "Oh, she was a jerk." Start cultivating a good reputation now. Don't be rude to anyone, ever. If your character is still a work in progress, get it straightened out now. Once you're a lawyer, people may have a tendency to assume you're a jerk even when you're not.  Don't give them ammunition.