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How to Achieve Work-Life Balance as a Law Student

Most law students will tell you that finding a work-life balance is key to success in law school. Balancing schoolwork with other aspects of your life can be difficult. It's important to find a routine that works for you. Here are a few tips to help you achieve balance as a law student.

Jan 9, 2024
  • Student Tips
Woman maintaining work life balance meditating and working

1. Set priorities and focus on the most important tasks

It is important to learn how to prioritize while in law school. This can be a difficult skill to master, but it is crucial to manage your time. Begin by making a list of all the tasks that you need to complete. This can include things like studying for exams, writing papers, or meeting with your professors. Then prioritize the tasks on your list. Start with the most important tasks and work your way down to the less important ones. Focus on one task at a time. It can be tempting to try to multitask, but this usually doesn’t work well. It`s better to focus on one task and complete it before moving on to the next one.

2. Schedule breaks

As a law student it`s easy to get caught up in the grind of classes, exams, and extracurricular activities. But, taking breaks is necessary to stay healthy and avoid burnout. One of the best ways to make sure you take some time for yourself is to schedule it into your day. Make a list of things you need to do each day and then block out some time for a break. Make sure you stick to your schedule. Whether it is taking a walk, grabbing coffee with a friend, or sitting outside for a few minutes.

Law textbook floating between two hands

3. Learn how to read law

Being able to read and comprehend legal materials is a major asset. A sizable part of your time in law school involves reading through statutes and case laws. If you can learn how to read law, it will save you a bunch of time with research and help you easier find what you need. Not sure where to start? Read our law school study guide to get tips on how to read law textbooks.

4. Maintain your relationships

Having strong relationships will help you stay sane during law school. Make sure to find time for the people who matter most to you. Whether it is grabbing coffee with a friend or going on a date with your significant other. Remember to take time out of your schedule to focus on your relationships. It will help you stay balanced and happy.

5. Don’t compare your study habits with your peers

The law school environment can be intense and competitive. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you need to study as much as or more than your peers to succeed. This isn't true. Everyone has different learning styles and needs. So what works for one person may not work for another. If you feel like you're not studying enough or that you're not doing it the right way, it can be very discouraging. It's important to remember that there is no one "right" way to study. Everyone learns differently. So trust your own methods and don't compare yourself to others.

Law textbook floating between two hands

6. Make time for your health

The demands of your law programmes and a LLB can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. It's important to make time for your health and wellbeing, otherwise you risk burning out. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals and snacks, and exercising. Take some time out for yourself every day. Whether it's reading a book, going for a run or taking a yoga class, find an activity that helps you to relax and de-stress. Dedicating some time to your mental and physical health will make you a better law student in the long run.

7. Do fun things

Law school is a time for students to grow not only academically, but also personally. Making time for fun is an important part of the law school experience. By participating in activities outside of class, students can learn more about themselves and the world around them. Simply having fun can help relieve stress, lead to new friendships, and provide a much-needed break from schoolwork. So go out and have some fun! Your future self will thank you.

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The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.

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