“Objection, your honor!” That’s what I mentally screamed the day I walked into my first law lecture, armed with CLAT success, a fresh notebook, and zero clue about what was coming next.

If you’re about to start law school, let me be honest with you: it’s nothing like Suits. It’s thrilling, chaotic, exhausting, and transformative. As someone who’s now navigated the stormy middle years, here’s what I wish someone had told me, when I packed my bags, fresh off that CLAT result high.

1. CLAT Was Just the Trailer; Law School Is the Full-Length Feature

The first slap of reality? Realizing your CLAT rank doesn’t guarantee your class rank. Law school exams demand analysis, application, and endurance there are no options to guess, just concepts to wrestle with. You don’t just study law, you learn how to think like a lawyer.

2. Your Notes Will Save You More Than Once

Nobody tells you this, but good notes aren’t just helpful they’re lifelines. Seniors may share last-minute material, but when you’re staring down a 3-hour paper on jurisprudence, it’s your scribbles that’ll guide you. Trust me, during exam week, even your best friend might turn into a walking NDA.

3. Reading Is Your New Workout

Law students read a lot. But it’s not just textbooks, it’s Bare Acts, judgments, legal articles, newspapers, and the occasional Supreme Court blog. Reading improves legal writing, critical thinking, and your ability to hold your own in a legal debate. However, passive reading won’t suffice. Engaging actively with the material through self-testing and application is crucial. Research indicates that students who employ active learning strategies, such as self-quizzing and elaborative interrogation, tend to perform better academically.

4. The Library Is a Sacred Space

Law books cost a bomb, and your syllabus will demand at least three different commentaries on the same section of the Transfer of Property Act. The library? That becomes your best friend, your co-working space, and sometimes, your only quiet zone. Get used to racing for seats during midterms like it’s the IPL finals.

5. Intern Early, Intern Often

The courtroom isn’t just in TV shows. Once you walk into the buzzing corridors of the High Court or sit across from a judge in chambers, the law becomes real. I tried litigation, corporate law, policy research, and even a judicial internship. Each one added a new layer to my understanding and my CV. Don’t box yourself in early. Explore. Learn. Adapt.

6. Your Lordship! Moot Courts are important 

I flunked my first moot. Completely blanked out in front of the judge. But I walked out knowing exactly what not to do next time. Mooting teaches you confidence under fire, structured thinking, and the courage to speak even when unsure. You won’t win every round, but you’ll win growth every time.

7. Join the Chaos—Clubs, Committees & Coffee Conversations

Law school is about more than lectures. The most important connections I made were through organizing fests, editing journals, and pulling all-nighters for a research center deadline. It’s where I found mentors, teammates, and lifelong friends. Don’t just study law—live law school.

8. Seniors & Professors: Ask and You Shall Receive

One of the biggest mistakes freshers make is staying silent. In my first year, I hesitated to ask for help. By my second, I was pestering seniors with “How do I cite this case?” and “Where can I intern for media law?” Guess what? They responded with answers, templates, and even contacts. The law school community is surprisingly generous if you just reach out.

9. Your Hobbies Aren’t a Distraction, They’re a Lifeline

Dance saved me. When everything else felt overwhelming, rehearsals reminded me of who I was before law school. Keep your creative side alive. It’s not “wasting time”, it’s recharging your brain.

10. You’re Not Alone in Feeling Lost

Almost every student, no matter how sharp, goes through phases of doubt. Impostor syndrome is real, especially if you’re from a non-legal background. However as highlighted in the Harvard Law Review, many students experience feelings of alienation during their first year, and nearly all of them adjust over time. So will you.

---

And That’s Where Lawfer Comes In

I wish I had Lawfer back then. A reliable, peer-driven platform where you can find mentorship, resources, internship guidance, and honest advice from students who’ve lived through the same confusion. Whether you’re trying to decode your first moot proposition or find a paid internship in your second year, Lawfer helps you become future-ready, not just in skill, but in mindset.

We’re not here to make law school easier. We’re here to make you stronger. Smarter. Prepared.

Final Thoughts

Law school is a transformative journey filled with challenges and growth. While the path may be demanding, it’s also rewarding. Embrace the learning curve, seek support when needed, and remember that every lawyer once stood where you are now—at the beginning, filled with questions and aspirations.

You’ve got this.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the biggest academic differences between CLAT prep and law school?

A: CLAT focuses on aptitude, comprehension, and speed, whereas law school emphasizes depth, critical thinking, and structured analysis in both writing and oral presentations.

Q2: How important are internships in the first two years of law school?

A: Very important. While you may not be expected to know everything, early internships expose you to different practice areas and help build both your resume and perspective.

Q3: I don’t come from a humanities background. Will that be a disadvantage?

A: Not at all. Many law students come from science or commerce streams. Initial adjustment might be harder, but with regular reading and guidance, you’ll catch up quickly.

Q4: How can I deal with feelings of self-doubt or isolation in law school?

A: Talk to seniors, and professors, or use platforms like Lawfer to find peer support. You’re not alone, many students feel the same way initially, and it gets better.

Q5: Is it necessary to participate in moots or join committees?

A: While not mandatory, they significantly enrich your experience. They build confidence, improve legal reasoning, and help you find your areas of interest.

Q6: How does Lawfer help students like me?

A: Lawfer offers structured mentorship, internship databases, writing resources, and event updates, all designed to guide you through every semester and decision.

---

Also Read:

• 13th UFYLC Ranka National Moot Court Competition 2025 | Jaipur | ₹78,300 in Prizes – Apply by 31 July 2025
• LL.M. (Professional) Programme at NLU Delhi – Apply Now
• Legal Internship Opportunity at Nivaaran Law – July 2025
• Internship Opportunity at Three Crowns LLP, London – Apply by 11 July 2025