Career Services Hosts Event in Effort to Prepare First-year and First-Gen Law Students

By Jake Jenkins

Oct. 31, 2022

When starting law school remember to create outlines, take study breaks, and find a proper schedule that works.

But try to refrain from comparing yourself to others, being afraid to ask questions, and waiting until the last minute to get things together.

These were some of the highlights of the Do’s and Don’ts that were discussed among a group of first-year students, led Kristina Bilowus, Assistant Director of Career Development, at an event entitled, “Things I Wish I Knew When Starting Law School”.

“The overall purpose is to inform first-year students on the non-academic aspects of being a law student,” said Bilowus. “It comes down to what you know and don’t know. Many students may not have an idea of how to prepare for law school and it can be very isolating so this is an opportunity where we can all come together and learn.”

The event was designed to help educate students, who were first-year and more importantly first-generation, on how to navigate being a law student. Professionalism, mental health, and personal relationships were discussed to ensure students of having healthy work-life balances.

Entering law school can be a very stressful and frighting process for some, especially when you have not encountered someone who has not experienced it themselves.

“This event was beneficial to a first-gen student who can’t obtain this information from a family member,” said Edward Mosella, ’25. “Me personally, I had a lot of anxiety going into law school and this information that was provided to us helped ease it.”

With the pressure and workload that is associated with law students, some do not take the time to focus on their personal lives which could be detrimental towards their mental health if not looked after properly.

“One tip I took away from this was not to feel guilty for scheduling down time for myself,” said Abigail Blanding, ’25. “Do that will help me recoup and recharge so that I can continue to be an effective student. “

As law students continue to work this academic year, CSO will continue to educate and assist students with their law school journeys and will always be available for questions or concerns.

To schedule a meeting with the CSO Team please visit: https://www.law.msu.edu/careers/meet-the-cso.html