Before starting 1L, I kept hearing students who had just finished their first year say, “You will not have time for anything you enjoy.”

I entered Loyola Law School determined to disprove this myth.

People can always make time for the things they genuinely care about. During 1L, I continued spending time with my family, exercising, meeting friends, and squeezing in the occasional movie. The truth is that you do not lose your life when you begin law school: you simply learn how to integrate law school into your existing life.

People warned me that staying on top of readings would consume all my time. But a few weeks into the semester, once I developed a strategy that worked for me, the workload became manageable. Law school is a responsibility, not an identity.

What truly takes time is exam preparation. I aimed for two full weeks of studying before my midterm. I ended up taking a week and a half, and I was still content with my performance. Finals, however, will require several weeks of preparation. My outlines insist on it, and I’ve learned not to argue with them.

If I could offer one message to future 1Ls, it would be this: law school is a privilege. You are here to grow, not to suffer. Try things. Make mistakes. See what works. Use the reminders app on your phone. Plan your time. You have twenty-four hours each day and more control than you think.

And yes, with a little planning, your Saturday night outings are doable.

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.

The biggest myth about law school? That it’s always serious. Every single day so far, I’ve found something to laugh about. Whether it’s a professor’s perfectly timed joke or a classmate’s comment, the campus is always filled with laughter. Between potlucks, bar reviews, and the simple day-to-day routine of getting to know your peers, law school is a lot lighter than the reputation suggests.

When I pictured a prestigious environment like law school, I assumed everyone would be intimidating. I was stressed from what to wear to what bag to bring to school. But the reality is that it is really not that serious. From sweatpants to hoodies and ugg boots, comfort is definitely prioritized even whilst learning the hardest material.

What surprised me most is that with this unseriousness, law school can be surprisingly fun. When deciding to go to law school, I wondered if I would have to be a polished, toned-down version of myself. In college I was silly, bubbly, and loved to joke with my friends. But being here has made me feel more like myself than ever. The LLS community encourages us to be our truest selves and to have fun we learn.

In fact, on the last day of my torts class, my entire section pulled off a class-wide prank. Our professor begins each class by saying, “This might be my favorite class of the semester.” So, to show how much we appreciate him, we all wore shirts with that phrase printed on the front. It was a great way to celebrate our section’s hard work and end our last class on a great note.

Of course, there are times when professionalism matters. Networking events, conversations with professors, and general campus decorum all require a level of professionalism and respect. But that’s the balance. Law school is a blend of working hard, being professional when it counts, and finding ways to have fun.

When I would tell people I was going to law school in the fall, I got many comments about how I won’t have time to do anything outside of school, how the library would be my new home, and how I would begin to neglect my hobbies.

Moving to California from Virginia came with its own set of challenges. I had to start completely over. I had no friends, no family, and no obligations outside of law school. Being the glass half full girl that I am (a skill you should learn to embody before going to law school), I took this as an opportunity. While some of my classmates had obligatory family dinners or old friends’ birthday parties, I never had anything I absolutely had to do outside of schoolwork. This allowed for me to nourish my wellness in ways that I may not have if I went to school closer to home.

I joined a band, went to the beach frequently, and baked a batch of cookies almost weekly. It is possible to do all of these things while also getting the recommended eight hours of sleep each night and three meals per day.

That you won’t have time outside of law school is a total myth if you play your cards right. It is possible to enjoy yourself and to nourish your soul even with over 100 pages of reading a night. Sometimes reading is a part of the nourishment!

Time management is the key to success here, not just for academics but also for wellness. My planner is detailed and extensive. I have an hour-by-hour play-by-play of what I’ll be doing always. Even my commutes are written out. I sit down every Sunday and plan my week. It may sound tedious, but it’s the best way to make sure all your boxes are checked before you head to the beach to enjoy a sunny day (even if you have to bring the Contracts flashcards with you).

It’s 6am on a Sunday. I’m waking up to the dark morning and cold air. I throw on a pair of jeans and a light gray, coffee-stained crewneck then grab my bag and head out the door. I spend about eight hours pulling espresso, talking to customers, and wiping up spills (mostly my own). This is how I spent most weekends my senior year in undergrad. I am so grateful for that experience now. Being able to talk to so many people each weekend and getting to know coworkers with such different perspectives and life paths only grew my desire to pursue a legal career.

My name is Ramsey Cooper. I am a 1L day student from Chesapeake, Virginia. I attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. I graduated this past May with a BA in both philosophy and political science.

Growing up, my mom’s favorite movie was Legally Blonde. Watching Elle Woods be authentically herself despite being in a room full of beige clothes and drab personalities inspired me to commit to presenting myself with authenticity no matter what room I’m in. I was worried that in law school I would lose myself in the business casual of it all, but at Loyola, I’ve never been made to feel out of place.

Despite this sense of belonging, moving from Virginia to Los Angeles was a tough transition. The plane ride was about five hours long and it took another couple of hours to get to my apartment. I had a rental car trunk full of Ikea bags and an unhappy cat in the backseat. Because of the time difference, it was only midday when I landed. I couldn’t believe I had almost a full day ahead of me. For weeks, I fell asleep around 9:30pm because I had been so used to east coast time for so long that the adjustment seemed impossible.

One day, I decided to go to Malibu. This is where I fell in love with California. I drove down the PCH past Santa Monica and listened to my playlist full of summer songs with the windows rolled down. The weather was perfect and the water was sparkling. I’ll never forget parking on the side of the road and watching the waves hit the cliffside.

“Why law school?” I heard that from many people around me. I had worked in several capacities over the last few years and was set up to work full-time after graduating from LMU in 2025.

But I wasn’t content. Law school felt like a chance to develop a mindset that revolves around systemic structures, decision-making processes, and socioeconomic dynamics.

My experience in real estate, marketing, and automotive-related businesses opened my eyes to the intersection of business and law. I noticed how legal frameworks could directly impact communities. It made the legal world feel less like a set of distant rules and more like a force that shapes everyday lives.

Outside of school and work, I make time for the things that keep me centered. I enjoy playing basketball, cooking, and searching for hidden gems in LA’s restaurant scene. Finding a great new spot to eat is one of my favorite ways to unwind.

A major goal of mine is to reach a point where I can devote my time to serving and supporting small businesses, which form the backbone of the economy. It is a long-term goal, but one that keeps me focused on the type of skills I want to develop both in law school and beyond.

I intend to leverage the skills I gain at Loyola Law School to serve individuals and business owners, particularly those who rarely receive thoughtful advocacy. My service as an attorney will be predicated on discipline, respect, and righteousness.

Heading into finals, LLS has challenged me in the best ways. I am excited to see where this path leads as I continue to grow.

Hello Reader! I’m Jae Wakeling, a 1E in the Loyola Law School Hybrid Evening Program.

A little background about me – I grew up in Santa Clarita and went to UC Berkeley for undergrad. I graduated in 2021 with a BA in Economics and a minor in Public Policy.

After graduation, I moved to Fort Drum, NY to be with my now-husband and I lived there for nearly five years. My first job out of college was as a profitability analyst for a foodservice company (think – a company that sells food and supplies to restaurants). I left that after a year to become a paralegal and fell in love with it. I’ve been a civil litigation paralegal for over three years now, and have worked all types of cases from car accidents to complex Constitution violation claims. I am also an Army Reservist, and have been since 2023. In 2024, my husband and I moved back to Southern California and I started preparing and applying to law schools.

I chose Loyola Law School because it offered the best part-time program that would allow me to continue to work while studying to become an attorney. The hybrid program gives me financial and time flexibility while still being a super rigorous program.

After law school, my dream job is to clerk and eventually I hope to become a litigator, but I am still deciding between civil and criminal law.

Last month, all of my free time (and some of the time I probably should have been outlining) was devoted to watching the Dodgers. However, now that I’ve been left bereft due to the off-season, I am watching movies, hanging with my dog Rain, or baking.

Hi everyone, I’m Elizabeth! I’m currently a 1L at Loyola Law School in the day program. I came to law school directly from the University of Washington, where I double majored in journalism and psychology and minored in law, societies, and justice.

When I first got to college, I had no clue I would end up attending law school. But after diving deeper into journalism and psychology, I realized how much I cared about meaningful impact. That discovery ultimately led me to begin my law journey.

Part of that realization was sparked when I had the opportunity to lead Her Campus at Washington, a student organization that produces online magazine and social media content and hosts on-campus events. Building a creative and supportive community for women of all majors and grades was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my undergraduate years.

Finding community is what inspires me most. I knew that LLS was where I could take my next leap and find my people. I’ve made some challenging but rewarding moves in my life. My entire childhood I lived in a small town in Connecticut. I then moved to Seattle for college. If that wasn’t enough, I then spent a semester abroad in London, England. And of course, now, my home is Los Angeles. Living in all of these places has taught me so much about independence and confidence, qualities which have helped me navigate law school. I’ve also learned that the people are what makes a place so special. At LLS, the community is part of what makes it so great.

Outside of my studies, you can almost always find me reading or listening to music. This year alone, I’ve read 33 books! I also love going to concerts, with some of my favorites being Harry Styles’ Love on Tour and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

Before law school, everyone offers a million tricks and tips, and trust me, I tried them all. Some worked, some did not, and that is perfectly okay. I have learned a lot through trial and error (no pun intended). 

Part of law school is figuring out which study methods, habits, and routines fit your own style.

But even once you find what works, you still have to adjust for each class.  Every professor teaches differently, and every course demands something slightly new.  Over time, you get better at adapting, balancing, and finding your own rhythm. 

The single piece of advice that helped me the most is this: Outline throughout the semester.  It is a total game-changer.  Keeping up with your outlines as you go gives you the space to actually digest the material, understand the rules, apply them, and still have time for your social life without the constant worry of falling behind.  Then, when reading period arrives, you are not scrambling to catch up course material for your exams.  Instead, you can focus on practice essays and really diving into the details. 

Looking back, there is not much else I would do differently.  Every late-night struggle, confusing case, and misstep along the way taught me something important.  Law school is a marathon, not a sprint. If I could tell my past self one thing, it would be: trust the process, stick with your outline, and remember that balance is possible—it is not all work and no life.

Trust me, I used to get frustrated when people would say law school takes time and things do not just click automatically, but that is the truth.  Even in litigation, progress is a slow process.  So trust the process! 

Ever since I started law school, my friends have jokingly called me “Legally Brunette.”  It began as a fun little insider nickname, but this summer it truly felt like I leaned into my Legally Brunette Era.  And honestly?  Every law student has those moments where you feel a little like Elle Woods: overwhelmed, determined, and somehow still optimistic. 

As an evening student, our first summer is not traditionally reserved for the typical clerkship or internship route; we save that for the next two summers.  Instead, we take Constitutional Law.

Because I was already working as a law clerk, my summer was a double-feature: forty hours at the firm plus Constitutional Law at night.  My entire summer was wrapped in legal doctrine.  But, there is truly something magical about summer evening classes: the sunset on the drive over, the night breeze, and the quiet campus.  And taking just one class really allows you to immerse yourself in the material and master it.  

And when I say you do not realize how interesting Constitutional Law is, especially in the summer, I mean it.  There is something about learning foundational doctrine while the Supreme Court term is wrapping up in late June that makes everything feel incredibly current and alive.

Work was its own adventure.  I helped prepare for my first trial at the firm, which meant collaborating with the attorney and client, drafting trial documents, organizing evidence, and assisting with all the pre-trial prep that keeps cases moving behind the scenes.  I even got to go to court for the Final Status Conference.  Walking into the courtroom for the first time was intimidating, but I realized quickly that it is not nearly as dramatic or terrifying as television makes it out to be. (Yes, including Legally Blonde).  

And because no summer is complete without a little joy, I squeezed in a trip to Chicago.  It was the perfect reset before the fall semester.

Looking back, this summer reminded me why I chose this path. I studied, I worked, I learned, and I grew.  A true Legally Brunette Summer.