Life as a Law Student | 10 Things You Should Know Before Going to Law School in India
Life as a law student can be tiring but fruitful and has its highs and lows. So, here are 10 things you should know before going to law school.
Being a law student can be one of life’s most gratifying experiences as you will be studying to work in a field where you will be able to make a change in one of the most direct ways. In India, the law is taught as a three-year or five-year program. The three-year LLB course is completed after finishing a bachelor’s degree in another field, whereas the five-year LLB course can be started right after senior secondary school. In terms of the law classes required by the Bar Council of India (BCI), both programs follow a similar path. In this blog, we will deliberate on the common doubts that students may face before going to law school as well as what a life as a law student looks like.
Conflictions To Address Before Enrolling In Law School
- Is it difficult to become a lawyer?
Law, like many other professions, is not a cakewalk. You may question whether you are fit for the field after all. Will you be able to present convincing arguments in the courtroom? Do you have the mental capacity to deal with the stress that the occupation brings along? Well, this is a question that only you will be able to answer. In hindsight, if it is your passion and something that you really want to do, it may not seem as tiresome. You will be eager to work and the weariness will simply be a minor setback. Even though it may be exhausting sometimes, it is alright because everybody feels that way one time or the other. You will be motivated by your determination to get right back up and continue.
- How big of a change would law college be?
Several things change incredibly quickly when you advance from secondary school to
college, and it is not always easy. As a grown-up who has lately discovered freedom, you must give yourself some time to adjust to the new environment. Few people realize it, but you’re likely to fall behind in college during your first few weeks. You may feel perplexed, as if you aren’t intelligent enough to be here during readings. Don’t be concerned; chances are that almost every student feels the same way, especially if they’re the first in their family to pursue a legal degree. Take a deep breath, things will improve.
- Is the course duration too long?
One of the disadvantages of law schools is that it’s a long course. It can be done as a five year integrated course i.e. the combination of two degrees, BA/BBA and LLB. So naturally, when both are combined into a single degree, the duration to do the courses justice should be appropriate. But if you want to do three year long LLB course, you need to have completed your graduation in any subject of your choice beforehand.
Because of its duration, it’s one of the lengthiest courses and unsuitable for students who want to get their degree as soon as possible so that they could start on their job prospects.
Life as a Law Student | 10 Things You Should Know Before Going to Law School
- Law Classes
Basic legal topics such as criminal law, law of contract, and constitutional law, are taught in the first few years of law school. The goal of these first couple years is for every law student to acquire a fundamental understanding of the areas of law in which they would be expected to be competent. Later on, you’ll take courses in jurisprudence, property law, labor law and a variety of other topics to gain a better understanding of the depth and breadth of knowledge that a lawyer is expected to possess. Every law student has a unique experience, and your areas of interest may change as you advance through the years. You can take elective classes in your areas of interest in different semesters, which can be highly rewarding. It also provides you the creative freedom to construct your own curriculum.
- Research Work
Many legal schools provide opportunities for students to submit research papers and presentations. You will develop an appreciation for the opportunity to conduct research and produce a paper on a certain topic. One way of doing this would be by reading other scholarly publications on the subject and finding books in the library to back up your claims. These would aid in bringing in a variety of viewpoints from various sources and ultimately help in the development of your research abilities.
- Moot Court Competitions
Students are frequently allowed to form teams and compete in moot court competitions in law schools. These involve practicing oral advocacy abilities by arguing in front of a judge. Keeping your cool in front of a judge (who is usually an expert on the topic) and presenting topics with the right amount of passion and diligence would be a very gratifying experience.
- Internships, Teaching, Societies
In law school, it is common to pursue multiple internships. You are done with at least a couple of internships by the time you graduate. These can be found in law firms or under the umbrella of individual lawyers who have their own firms. Because Indian law students have the opportunity to participate in many internships, they are exposed to a wide range of legal topics (arbitration, litigation, corporate law, and so on).They can further improve their knowledge by taking elective courses in these areas.
Final-year law students are frequently hired as teaching assistants by professors. So, if you take up this opportunity, it will help you evaluate whether teaching is a viable choice for you after graduation. You should also participate in a variety of societies (such as the sports society and the debate club) to ensure that you graduate as a well-rounded individual.
- Law Books are Expensive
It is a common fact that law books are not easy on pockets. But despite that fact, you must obtain those reading materials! It may be more cost-effective to copy a course book or share it with a friend in some situations, but having your unique copy is preferable. Keep in mind that, despite any difficulties, it will all be justified in the end. Though some bookstores that may provide you with a cheaper second-hand copy, borrowing from a library is also a viable option.
- Reading, Reading, and More Reading
Reading is an important part of any law student’s day. Because the law is considered humanistic, it necessitates a substantial amount of reading. Along with your textbooks, you may be required to read other cases or research papers, etc. This will prepare you for real-life situations, such as large-group research meetings, the majority of which will include allotted reading time.
- It Takes a Lot to be a Law Student
Without a question, the life of a law student requires extreme devotion. It’s perfectly fine if not everyone is prepared to deal with it. Each new day brings with it the relentless fascination of hours of reading, seminars, and group study. Be prepared to face everything! There is also a great deal of pressure on pupils to be great – to achieve the best marks, and to never fail. While it’s a lot to take on, it’s not impossible! You just have to maintain your focus. It’s all about hustling and staying true to your goal.
- Stereotypes
Every profession has its own set of stereotypes, but those associated with law school are particularly harsh. People will say mean things to you as if you were an argumentative third party. Some may even consider you as their personal legal advisor and may not be happy with you if you do not help them out in every situation. However, keep in mind that not all lawyers are treated equal and this too shall pass.
- Challenges of Law School
There is no denying that law school is not always smooth sailing. As law subjects are difficult and time-consuming to master, time for extracurricular activities is often limited. There’s also a lot of competitiveness among law students, as everyone is attempting to outdo each other (just as in other professional schools) to land that coveted internship or get the best score in the class. Some external options, such as semester exchange programs and awards within the law school, are closely tied to academic performance, incentivizing students to study hard and earn good grades. All of these experiences, on the other hand, help you prepare for the real world while also pushing you to do your best. It also teaches you how to deal with a variety of human emotions and how to react to accomplishment.
- Lack of Time
As most of the time would be eaten by your studies, you might feel the absence of leisurely activities in your life. The things you were able to do very freely during school times may seem difficult to come back around. But it is important for you to take out time and manage your schedule because having fun is equally important. A day out with friends, a movie, among other things might recharge your drained battery and get you active for the days ahead.