FAQs

Since my blogging style is usually taking a small observation and exploring that topic in detail instead of chronically my day to day life, sometimes I forget that people read this blog to see what's going on with me instead of what I think about a topic du jour. For the most part, I don't write about my daily life because it's private and not particularly exciting (moreso the latter) but I thought I'd address some frequently asked questions as a way to update people on how I'm doing.

Question 1: Is law school hard?
Yes. And everyone studies A LOT; so if you're thinking about applying, know what you're getting yourself into. No one can get away with slacking. I will say that even though it's a lot of work, it's for the most part enjoyable and very interesting. And, in comparison to some things I did in undergrad, say anything political, I feel like law school is less draining. The intensity is more systematic, predictable, and less personal. So while it's hard, I actually feel less stressed than I probably did last year.

Question 2: How are you and Alex doing?
Great. I feel like so many people in law school are in long distance relationships, there's a support system. I don't know what else to say other than you take the circumstances that you're in and "make it work." (in the ever so wise advice of Project Runway's Tim Gunn)

Question 3: What type of law do you want to go into?
Who knows. Maybe something government-ish (but not politics). Maybe something non-profit. Definitely something with a public bent. Hopefully I'll get a better picture after exploring summer jobs, take electives, etc.

Things that I don't want are (this was a lot easier to figure out): no business law, no big law firm, no 90 hour weeks, no real estate, no family law, no international law, no patent law, no criminal law. I honestly don't find anything wrong with any of these fields or lifestyles, but they are not what I want for me. I'm trying to firmly establish that to myself so I don't easily fall into something I don't really want, because of the lures of paying off my debt more quickly or the prestige of some of these jobs.

Question 4: How's living in DC?
LOVE IT! Are we at all surprised? This week I might be getting a tour of the Department of Justice and then I'll be having tea with 300 lawyers, judges, and other women in the law field in DC.

Question 5: Do you think you'll come back to California?
Probably, for the following reasons: family, friends, warm weather, tailgating at the Rosebowl.

Question 6: Should I go to law school?
Well, there's really too many personal factors that you have to decide for yourself. I must say though, that I disagree with those many teachers who say don't go to law school unless you're sure you want to be a lawyer. It's hard to be 100% sure that you want to be a lawyer because there's no way to "test it out." Unlike the many extracurrics during undergraduate that give you a dose of what it's like for some professions, there's nothing that can show you what being a lawyer is really like, especially since there are so many diverse fields.

I'll just say that the two reasons why you shouldn't go are: 1) if you're just going to look for a husband/wife. Maybe it's just my section but it seems like everyone is married or in a long term relationship. 2) you aren't prepared to work. See question 1.

Question 7: Are the teachers really that mean?
Some schools do have professors who throw chalk at their students when they're wrong. Some schools have professors who pride themselves on making their students cry. It's true, they do exist. But none of my professors are like that, and from what I know, none of the professors at my school are like that. Thank goodness for Dean Grossman who is a human rights lawyer who defended detainees at Guantanamo. Some of my friends and I are even having lunch with one of my professors next week and some of the other professors came to our BBQ last weekend. So there are the good ones out there.

Question 8: Do you ever have fun?
Occassionally. I go out with friends, I watch football games with fellow Bruins at a bar, and my roommate and I keep each other entertained with silly activities. Our newest project is decorating a 6ft Christmas tree that we bought for $20. It's going to be our holiday tree that we decorate for every holiday.

Question 9: Have you really stayed away from all activities?
Well, I am now a paid member of Phi Alpha Delta, but I justify that it will directly help my networking circle and provide me with other lawyerly resources. Plus, our initiation is at the Supreme Court with Ruth Bader Ginsberg. I also went to an intro meeting of the Constitutional Society. But nothing else! Not even the Democratic club.

Question 10: Would you mind if I sent you things to your apartment?
Ok, this wasn't a real question, but I do like getting things in my mailbox. So if you're going on a trip, send me a postcard. Or if you're really bored, send me something random, I love surprises! And if postage is too much for you, emails work too. I'm horrible with keeping in touch with people but don't let me forget you.