Debunking a Law School Myth – is Cold Calling Always Absolutely Awful?

Jae Wakeling is a first-year student at Loyola Law School — she works full-time as a paralegal while attending Loyola’s hybrid evening program.

Before I started law school, the prospect of being cold called completely terrified me. What could be worse than being publicly humiliated in front of fifty of your peers? Then, I was cold called during law school orientation. I had thought that I would at least be safe because classes had not started yet.

The first time was like ripping a band-aid off. And, to be fair, the question was a fairly obvious one that I was able to answer. Still, my face definitely flushed. My palms got sweaty. I heard my heartbeat thudding in my ears. The consensus that cold calling feels awful when it happens to you I would agree is true. BUT – here are some further truths about cold calling that I think are important to know:

• The first time is the worst time. Every time after that it gets easier and easier.
• Professors understand that you realistically cannot be prepared every single day for every single class. All of my professors this semester offered some sort of way to opt out of being cold called on for that day with no penalty on your overall grade (as long as you didn’t abuse the system, which nobody did).
• Nobody remembers when you answer “wrong” during a cold call except for you. Everyone in your class is too busy trying to stay afloat themselves and trying to make sure they are prepared if they are called on to worry about what you may or may not have said.
• Finally, cold calling helps you learn. I would say this is more of a perspective than a “truth” per se, but the fact is that if you know it’s possible for a professor to ask you a question at any time, you know you have to be sufficiently prepared (aka, do the readings!) and you have to be following along with the discussion and lecture in class. OK – I know I kind of sound like a teacher’s pet right now, but it’s true! There is a reason why the Socratic method and cold calling is practiced in all law schools across the country. It’s because it works. Even removing the cold calling aspect, if you approach every class prepared to participate, you will learn better. If I can’t sell it to you that way, how about this: if you are paying attention during class, you won’t have to re-watch the recorded lectures later, which gives you back all of that time.

To conclude, I agree that cold calling can be stressful. But I think the myth is that cold calling should be stressful. In reality, if you approach your classes with an open mind, let yourself be okay with making mistakes, and just know it will help you learn, being cold called on is not so bad.

TOPICS: 1E, 1L