Law School Study Tips

University studies are always a challenge, but law school is regarded as one of the most challenging academic pursuits a person can face. Given the high level of competition among aspiring attorneys, the pressure to succeed can result in hours of stressful studying that even jeopardize a student’s mental health.

Law school success depends on subjectivity and flexibility; the more explorative and committed a person is to reaching their academic goals, the more likely they are to succeed.

Consider Grades

A law student’s grades will have a lasting impact on their career opportunities; while it’s easy to become overwhelmingly stressed to the point of non-functioning, it’s important to put things into perspective. Rather than fixating on the possibility of failure, evaluating current grades through a lens of possibility and maintenance is key.

The goals should be short and constructed around terms at large; that is, rather than becoming obsessed with achieving a perfect score on a single exam or essay, students should look at their overall performance in a course and strive to maintain a high standard.

Pay Attention to Mental Health

Long hours of studying and work can cause many law students to develop depression and anxiety. Talking with a school counselor or outside psychotherapist can ensure students develop healthy and effective ways of coping with law school stress without jeopardizing their grades or well-being.

Practice Time Management

A good study schedule is more effective than hours of cramming; sleep deprivation leads to worse mental health, difficulty concentrating, poor recollection and reduced test performance.

Students should study for the bar and other law school exams on a schedule. For example, many law students practice the Pomodoro technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and taking a 10-minute break.

An openness to exploring different study methods and schedules will allow law students to find their unique rhythm. Everyone is different, and students should embrace their individual learning style rather than forcing a specific structure or regime that looks “studious.”

Distractions should always be kept at a minimum, which means it’s okay to pass up on study groups to quietly read and take notes alone. With these tips in mind, passing law school can become much easier in the mind of a stressed, anxious student. In times of depression or burnout, taking a break and reaching out for help from a licensed mental health counselor is the best course of action.University studies are always a challenge, but law school is regarded as one of the most challenging academic pursuits a person can face. Given the high level of competition among aspiring attorneys, the pressure to succeed can result in hours of stressful studying that even jeopardize a student’s mental health.

Law school success depends on subjectivity and flexibility; the more explorative and committed a person is to reaching their academic goals, the more likely they are to succeed.

Consider Grades

Pay Attention to Mental Health

Practice Time Management

A good study schedule is more effective than hours of cramming; sleep deprivation leads to worse mental health, difficulty concentrating, poor recollection and reduced test performance.

Travel Spotlight: Dublin, Ireland

Ireland’s capital city of Dublin is full of many wonderful tourist attractions and activities. A visit here will give anyone the chance to learn more about the country’s history and culture while having fun in the process. Here are some of the best things to do in Dublin.

Party at Temple Bar

No visit to Dublin would be complete without stopping by this iconic neighborhood, which is home to some of the best pubs and restaurants in the city. Many of the pubs here feature live music and serve authentic Irish beers, whiskeys and other beverages. Shops throughout the Temple Bar area sell great souvenirs that make excellent keepsakes.

Learn About Irish Heritage

One of the best places to go in Dublin to learn about Irish Heritage is EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, which features exhibits that detail the county’s emigration history and how the Irish people continue to influence the world today. Anyone who wishes to learn more about their personal Irish heritage can visit the National Archives of Ireland or the Genealogical Service National Library of Ireland.

Tour Dublin Castle

Standing since the 13th century, Dublin Castle has hosted grand galas attended by Irish and foreign royalty throughout its history. Visitors can tour the castle to see elaborate rooms that are filled with fine artworks and other ornate items that are used to create an elegant atmosphere.

Go to Prison

Getting arrested isn’t necessary in Dublin for visitors to have the opportunity to tour a prison. Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison that was once used to hold some of Ireland’s most important freedom fighters. The prison was also the execution site for many of these freedom fighters. Guided tours need to be arranged in advance before entrance to the prison is allowed.

Learn About Ireland’s Religious Influences

Learning more about the country’s religious influences is one of the other top things to do in Dublin. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral and John Lane’s Church are some of the city’s notable churches where visitors can go to gain more knowledge of how Christianity has impacted Ireland’s foundation. The Irish Jewish Museum contains exhibits that tell the story of Ireland’s small (but significant) Jewish community.

Dublin features attractions that help give Ireland its distinctive appeal. Visitors with various interests will have no trouble finding plenty of fun things to do while spending time in the city.

International Travel Tips

No matter how much or how often you travel, your first international trip can be both thrilling and terrifying at the same time! Going somewhere new in a foreign country is exciting but can be scary and overwhelming. Before heading overseas, the following tips will help you plan the best trip!

Choose Your Destination

Whether you know exactly where you want to go, or you’re still weighing your options, the hardest part of traveling is deciding where to go. Are you looking to stay closer to your home country and start close before becoming an international globetrotter, or are you looking to go as far away as possible for your first trip? You should also consider the cuisine and language when choosing your destination. Once you’ve answered these questions, you should be able to narrow your choice down to one or two locations.

If you are still unsure, ask friends or family members who have traveled internationally were their favorite destinations have been. It’s okay to ask for advice while planning your trip. Sometimes the people you know can give you the best insight on different locations.

Book in Advance

Travel experts say that you should book your airfare between 56-62 days before your scheduled departure to get the best deal. Some of the best flight deals can be found on Tuesdays and flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday will often offer travelers the best prices.

Current Passport

While this is the most obvious thing you need when traveling internationally, it’s often the item people forget to grab on their way out the door to the airport or they realize that it’s expired right before their trip! Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Once you book your trip, locating your passport and making sure that it is valid during your trip should take top priority.

Some travel companies recommend making a copy of your passport in case you lose it on your trip. Instead of carrying it as an additional document while you’re traveling, send a copy of it to your email, or upload it to a document storage service like DropBox, iCloud or Amazon Drive.

Give Yourself Time for Jet Lag

Recovering from long flights are challenging enough, but recovering from the actual trip is something additional people do not plan for. It can often take up to a week to adjust for time changes. Try to remember to fight your jet lag by getting plenty of rest before your trip and try to adjust your schedule to get your body prepared to travel.

5 Tips for Success During Your First Year of Law School

For many, trudging through law school requires hard work and the development of serious study habits. Those who succeed often master these skills during their first year. The following skills could make the difference between forging a successful legal career or being forced to pursue other vocations.

Be Respectful

Oftentimes, treating others with respect and dignity is an overlooked trait. That said, forging relationships and accumulating contacts can go a long way towards building a successful tenure as both a student and an attorney.

Build A Solid Network

Certain academic professionals suggest developing a significant network of fellow students and professors. Such action is especially true for those individuals studying or providing instruction in similar disciplines as the one the student in question has decided to pursue. The amount of work required of most law students can be overwhelming, which can be made even more difficult when discussing complicated legal issues. An expansive network of people to ask questions and compare notes can give a student a competitive edge.

Check Email Frequently

In today’s technologically-driven world, most law school administrations and departments utilize email as the preferred mode of communication. Ergo, important communiques made from the academic institution’s central offices related to out of class topics or class schedule changes orchestrated by professors will likely be sent via the electronic route. Ergo, it is imperative that law students check their inboxes daily, if not more frequently.

Attend Class Regularly

Law school requires an immense amount of reading, interpretation, discussion and clarification. Therefore, attending every class is strongly recommended. Additionally, lectures might be presented in a specific order because, in certain instances, the student might need to understand “Topic A” before learning about “Topic B.” Missing classes, even just one could place the student behind the proverbial curb and make catching up difficult or impossible.

Avoid Procrastination

As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, getting behind could place a student in an unenviable disadvantage that they might not be able to recover from. Ergo, procrastination can also be a significant detriment to success and should be avoided at all costs. Students would be well-served to keep up with all work assigned between classes. Moreover, such individuals are strongly encouraged to begin such tasks as soon as they are assigned. Doing so will help keep them on an even keel.

Creating the Best Law School Study Group

If you’re in law school, putting together a small study group can be extremely beneficial. However, the quality of the group will hinge on those you include, so it’s important to weed out those students with abrasive personalities, a lack of dedication, and other undesirable traits. Additionally, these tips can help you put together a study group that will benefit each person involved.

Focus the Size and Schedule of the Group

To start, you will want to determine how many people will be included in the study group. While three to six members is ideal, you should try to maintain an even number of members, so the group can break down into partners when necessary. Additionally, you should know in advance what days of the week you’ll be meeting and for how long. Meeting for one to three hours is a good plan, but try to choose the days and times that will be convenient for most people.

Set Expectations for Participation

Whether you assign reading for each following meeting, or the group agrees to prepare for each meeting in some other way, establish that these expectations must be met. If your members aren’t following through with these plans, no one will be getting much out of the sessions. If necessary, it may be wise to create a system for eliminating members who aren’t regularly participating. While friendships shouldn’t be discouraged, the primary function is to help one another learn.

Choose a Proper Meeting Place

Moving the site of your study group sessions from week to week can be a distraction in itself. Ideally,choose a distraction-free place that you will be able to use every week. If you can’t come up with a meeting place on your own, contact the school administrators and find out if they have an available classroom you can use. You should choose someplace that’s away from noisy areas. You may also choose to eliminate the use of cell phones during sessions.

As your study group gets going, you can also consider how it will be managed. Will you always be in charge, or will leadership rotate from week to week? Encouraging more participation in setting goals and developing new projects will help keep everyone interested. Being flexible in managing your study group will help it improve over time, which will ensure everyone gets more out of the experience.

3 Tips to Help Prepare for Your Law School Interview

Preparing for a law school interview can be a daunting and overwhelming endeavor. Interviews, in general, can cause many people anxiety. When an interview can alter an individual’s career path and impact their future; however, it takes on a heightened significance.

One important aspect all candidates should understand from the outset is that the interviewing process is not cut and dry. Instead, most prospective students should expect a nuanced and detail-oriented approach geared towards getting to know each applicant better. That being said, here are some tips on how to rock a law school interview.

Find Out How the Interview Will Be Structured

Another consideration to ponder is that not all law schools conduct interviews. Of the institutions that do, the approaches may vary significantly. Some schools offer individual, one-on-one sessions while others prefer group interviews. Others may encourage in-person interviews, or they could send detailed questionnaires to gather more intel on potential candidates. Meanwhile, some institutions allow prospective students to request an interview, whereas others are strictly by invitation-only.

Many law schools are moving towards an online interview approach via Skype, Google Hangouts, WebEx, or other similar web conferencing tools. This shift has made the process much more streamlined, time-efficient, and cost-effective.

Avoid Repeating Known Information

This is one of the most common interview mistakes made by aspiring applicants. They have a tendency to repeat their resume or details already clearly outlined in their application. To avoid this misstep, prospective students should focus on mentioning any new accomplishments or information that was not included in their application packet.

Some examples worth noting might include awards, internships, research projects, published articles, leadership roles, or recent volunteer opportunities. By providing such tidbits, the admissions staff can form a more complete picture of the candidate and determine whether they will be a good fit for the school.

Be Prepared and Natural

Candidates should be prepared and do their research on any law schools they are considering. While the specifics should be reviewed before applying, it is crucial to do so if an interview is scheduled. Applicants should speak naturally, stay relaxed, and at ease. Moreover, they should feel the institution is a good match for their abilities and interests. Furthermore, they should be able to envision themselves as students there and feel it will be a positive and nurturing environment that is conducive to learning.

Also, try to connect with the interviewer. This tip will not only help a candidate’s chances of an offer, but it allows the person to view the applicant as a potential asset to the school.

By following the suggestions outlined above, a prospective student can rock a law school interview and bolster their chances of securing an offer.

What to Pack for Your Next Backpacking Trip

There’s nothing worse than setting out on a backpacking trip only to find you forgot something critical. Many avid campers and backpacking enthusiasts keep their backpacks stocked with essential items. However, even the savviest hiker forgets to restock important gear.

Whether you are a novice in the backpacking world or returning after an extended absence, it’s tough to know just what to bring without overloading your pack and your back. These tips should help you fill your backpack with the necessities. Time and experience will bring the confidence necessary to create your own customized list.

Most experts agree that the best backpacking tip they have is to keep it light. Keep your essential items weight-free as much as possible. If you plan to bring a book, think paperback instead of that hardback edition.

Short-Term Backpacking, Hiking and Camping Essentials

If you plan to head up to the mountains to hike for a few days, you’ll want to include most or all of these things in or on your backpack. Basic items start with a tent for a way to provide shelter. Next, a decent sleeping bag is important even during the summer months. Invest in a good sleeping pad to avoid sleeping directly on the hard ground and possibly risk getting wet and chilled.

Food and water are essential for existence. To this end, consider a lightweight, compact camping stove and a sturdy water bottle. Don’t forget utensils. A water filtration system or purifier is prudent no matter how clean the water looks. Expertsalso recommend matches, a headlamp or flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a map/GPS system. Layered clothing and proper footwear are vital to avoid injuries and protect your body.

Longer Backpacking for Mixed Environments

If you plan to use your backpack while traveling through cities and rural areas as well as for camping purposes, you may wish to include additional items. These essentials include a sturdy lock to stow your backpack securely while exploring a new town or city. If blogging is your passion, do not forget your laptop and a universal travel charger.

Wearing a security belt with a hidden money pouch keeps your funds secured far better than a slippery wallet. A folding day bag makes it easy to take only the items needed from your backpack for a quick trip to town. Don’t forget a towel for use after swimming or a shower. A mesh laundry bag is practical for stashing dirty laundry until you reach a laundromat. Finally, a folding toiletries bag keeps personal items organized and keeps them handy.

Organized backpackers recommend keeping a checklist of items you want in your backpack. Before setting out for the day or for a month-long journey, check off each thing on your list once it’s stowed safely within your pack.

How to Safely Manage Your Money While Traveling

There are so many things to worry about when traveling. How do I get where I’m going? What do I do if X happens? Will the taxi driver scam me? One of the most common worries is how to manage your money while you’re traveling. As with any of these worries, a solid plan of action is the best way to keep yourself safe and put the worries off to the side so you can enjoy your travels.

How to Use Your Credit Cards While Traveling

It used to be true that exchanging cash or using traveler’s checks were the best ways to pay in a foreign country. That’s no longer true. Whether your travels are domestic or international, your credit cards are a safe way to pay. If you lose your card or it’s stolen, you won’t be responsible for the charges you didn’t make. You can call the company to have your card frozen immediately. You can’t get your cashback once it’s gone.

If you’re traveling internationally, your credit card will usually give you the best currency exchange.

Two Bonus Tips for Credit Card Safety

The first is that you need to check your terms and conditions if you’re traveling internationally. Do you pay a foreign transaction fee? There are many great travel cards that have a 0% rate, so you might want to get one before you go.

The second consideration is how you will handle your money while traveling so you always have a backup. It’s better to travel with at least two credit cards so if one is lost, stolen, or the company puts a hold on your card for suspicious activity, you have a backup. If you have two bags, pack your cards in different spots.

How to Carry Your Money

Fanny packs became a tourist cliche for a reason. It keeps your money in a bag that’s wrapped around you so it’s tough for a bag snatcher to grab. It gives you easy access. And hey, the 90s are back, and lots of people are walking around with fanny packs these days. If that’s not your style, consider a money belt or a passport wallet you can wear under your clothes for managing your travel money safely.

Always put your wallet in your front pocket, not the back. This makes it more difficult for pickpockets to grab.

If you’re particularly concerned, think about carrying a fake wallet. Put some old cards in the fake wallet and carry it in a pocket that’s more obvious. The pickpocket will grab that without looking further.

They also now sell travel vests and jackets with inside pockets to keep your valuables safe.

Be Aware of ATM Fees

While credit cards are the way to go in most situations, sometimes you need cash. If you’re traveling internationally, consider opening a checking account with a bank like Charles Schwab or HSBC, which have no ATM fees. In fact, Schwab reimburses the ATM Fees charged by the other bank at the end of the month.

You don’t want to pull too much money from an ATM in foreign currency because then you’re walking around with a wad of cash, but try to think ahead and pull out more at once to pay fewer fees.

Don’t Worry Too Much

You need to be smart and aware while traveling, but don’t let the worry ruin your fun. You manage your money every day at home. You can do it while traveling just as well.

3 Things to Consider Including in Your Law School Personal Statement

Among the rites of passage involved in becoming an attorney, writing a stellar law school application is often a difficult first step in what can ultimately be a rewarding career. Writing law school application materials such as personal statements can be a confusing process, so don’t give yourself a hard time if you’re not sure what to do at first. Here are just a few concepts to include in your law school personal statement, and why doing so can really make your application stand out from the crowd.

Why You Want to be a Lawyer

While most applicants to law school say that they are pursuing a career as a lawyer in order to help people,the truth is that admissions committees will have heard some variation of this line a million times before.

It’s great to want to help people, of course, but showing law schools how you’ve explored areas of the law related to helping people can make your application truly stand out. Have you volunteered with a public interest law firm? Have you worked at a soup kitchen in order to help the homeless? Explaining how you’ve developed a desire to become an attorney that helps the public can show admissions committees that you’re genuinely committed to social change.

Why You’ve Chosen to Apply to a Specific Law School

As you might imagine, people choose the law schools they apply to for a wide variety of reasons. A law school may be close to where they currently live; they may want to study with a particular faculty member; they might be interested in an area of legal practice that the school specializes in. However, many law school applicants make the mistake of sending the exact same personal statement to all of their law school picks. If your statement is excessively vague, for example, admissions committees may feel that you don’t really care about getting into their school.

Describe Your Career Goals

If you truly want to be an attorney, show admissions committees that this is a career that you’re committed to. A career as a lawyer is not easy, and many attorneys burn out after only a few years of working. Indeed, having a strong sense of purpose can often mean the difference between a dissatisfying legal career and one that brings happiness into your life. If you show admissions committees why you’re in this for the long haul, they’ll be much more likely to give you a shot!

For these reasons, showing admissions committees that you’ve made an informed and thoughtful decision to become a lawyer can really set your law school application apart from the competition. Filling out law school applications isn’t easy, but putting in the time and effort to wow schools with your effort can really pay off. And that is a great start to a legal career!

When Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Depending on who you are, you are either loathe to hire a lawyer to handle your legal issues or you are quick to start looking for one every time you have a brush with the law. There are definitely times whenyou do need a lawyer, but there are just as many times when you do not.

Criminal Charges

The best reason to hire a lawyer is when you are facing serious criminal charges. This can be anything from a DUI to drug charges to being charged with a serious felony that can result in prison time. Since many people do not know their rights well enough to defend themselves in court when facing these charges, you should always find a good lawyer if you’re facing anything this serious.

Divorce

Going through a divorce is never fun, but it can be especially harrowing if your divorce is a really ugly one. Emotions are running high, which can cloud the judgment of yourself and your spouse. You need someone who is not involved who can keep a clear head, which is exactly what a good lawyer can be for you.

Wills and Trusts

Everyone should have a will or trust set up to eliminate as much confusion as possible when they pass away. A lawyer can help you navigate the complex legalities of a last will and testament so things are as clear as possible for your surviving loved ones

Business Startups

Starting your own business is always a hassle, and it’s easy to miss something that sinks your startup before it gets off the ground. Even if you only need a brief consultation to go over your paperwork and make sure everything is in order, you should definitely hire a lawyer to help manage your business in its earliest stages.

Lawsuits

Although some civil lawsuits are small enough to not require a lawyer’s intervention, you shouldn’t hesitate to hire someone if you stand to lose a significant amount of money or property when you are sued by someone. At the very least, a lawyer can help you learn about your rights in the lawsuit, and at the most, they can help you come to a settlement that makes all parties happy.

As a rule, you should consider hiring a lawyer if you believe that you have a lot to lose. Incidents such as speeding tickets, small claims court, or small lawsuits that are not worth disputing can be handled without a lawyer’s help. But, it always pays to at least know of a lawyer at all times. You will never know when you will need their services.