The novel coronavirus pandemic is turning the legal world upside down, lifting a veil between law schools and the ‘new normal.’ Ipso facto, law students are facing a myriad of anxiety-inducing challenges-transitioning to online classes, arguing with admins over grading policy, trying to get a responsible solution to the bar exam problem.
While some schools have opted for 'ignorance is bliss' approach, and prefer to continue with grades as if nothing hasn't changed, some are allowing law students to finish pass/fail. Other schools are asking students to write a justifying essay to earn the passing grade.
“We are not going to say to the schools, ‘Why don’t you just give everyone in law school a JD and be done with it?’ The schools are trying to adjust their education while preserving the integrity of their academic programs,” Barry Currier, managing director of accreditation and legal education for the ABA’s Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, said in a statement. “Our job is to ensure that they didn’t go too far. Which the council is perfectly capable of doing, but not within an hour. We are going to give schools some room and trust them until they demonstrate that the trust is not merited. What I’ve seen so far is that they are doing some amazing things.”
Amid the chaos and disquieting calm, since everyone has sheltered into quarantine, law professors and law students are trying to adapt to the newfound normal and finish the semester. Fortunately, in 2020- with technology being evolved enough never to leave our homes, it’s easy to overcome the ‘social distancing’ obstacle.
Law students are continuing their studies, mock trials, and virtual clinics, through Zoom. Nevertheless, the agitation of the ‘new normal’ paired with the pressure of an uncertain future might prevent your ‘online legal education’ from going smooth.
Usually, law students who do well in a traditional face-to-face classroom, struggle with virtual classes. This happens as a result of your brain trying to understand that ‘class time at home’ is the same as class time in school.
Here’s how you can maximize your work, in this environment:
1. Be on time
The new chaotic reality should not be an excuse for tardiness. As the early bird catches the worm, by logging-in late, chances are you’ll fall behind in the class, and you’ll need time to catch up. Your brain needs time to switch from idle to active, so show up five minutes before class, get everything set up, and you’ll be ready to start on time. Besides, you are in quarantine, what can possibly stop you from logging in on time.
2. Find your space
One of the great things about video conferencing is that you can choose the equivalent of the 'best seat in the classroom' in your home. Find a quiet place where you'll feel comfortable, and it looks presentable. Be mindful of what other attendees can see behind you and find a spot with a neutral background- too many details might be distracting for others on the call. If you sit in front of a wall, that should be fine.
3. Dress appropriately
Attending classes from home doesn’t mean you can dress like a slob – from the waist up, that is. Dress like you are going to an in-person class. Besides, dressing up and getting ready will not only make you look presentable, but it will also make you feel good.
4. Engage with the course.
In this situation, it is easy to slip through the cracks, as both your professors and you are dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety. Our advice is to show that you are doing your best to engage with the class. Be present on audio and video. If there are discussion boards, post something thoughtful on them. If you are having problems accessing or need accommodation, let the prof or school know.
5. Form study groups and leverage your network.
Build relationships with other law students by engaging in online discussion boards or form study groups. Your classmates can be a valuable resource for asking for feedback on assignments or when preparing for exams. Exchange learning tips with other students in your virtual study group, go over law school-related notes, study strategies, and prepare for exams. You can also brainstorm solutions to issues. This will keep you accountable, and chances are fellow law students will appreciate it just as much as you will.
6. Create a regular study space and eliminate distractions.
Maximize your learning environment and set up a dedicated workspace for studying. Whether your workspace is a library or your kitchen table, it's essential to discover what type of environment works best for you. Discover which type of setting improves your productivity. By completing your work there repeatedly, you'll establish a routine. One of the biggest challenges for studying online at home are the many distractions that can pop up in your personal space; From social media to dishes piling up in the skink, you'll be faced with many distractions that can easily derail your studies. The best online students know how to lessen these distractions and set aside time to focus. A dedicated learning environment will also help you to eliminate the distractions around you.
7. Make a schedule and stick to it
With classes switched online, your normal life schedule has probably been largely disrupted, as it is really easy to wake up right before class, skip breakfast, get distracted, and ultimately put off studying. The best way to avoid this scenario from happening is to treat online classes just like you would an in-person class, which means making a schedule and sticking to it. If you make a realistic schedule, you are more likely to hold yourself accountable and follow it!
8. Stay alert and focused
Now more than ever, it is imperative to stay alert and focused during online law school classes. Everyone has different routines to stay focused during class; some have a cup of tea before class; others have a short walk around the block, so stick to what you know.
9. Stay current with the reading.
It's most likely that you already have a syllabus and a casebook that lays out the assigned readings for a specific class. Even if the class is remote, you'll likely be facing a final exam on this material. Given that It is easy to fall far behind that you can't catch up, don't take this interruption as an excuse to procrastinate and stay current with the reading.
