[Column] [Free Speech] ‘Law school life tips’ from a senior law school lawyer to the 16th class of juniors

“Hello, lawyer! I am 000, who received help with editing my self-introduction. Thankfully, I was accepted to both 00 Law School and ΔΔ Law School, and I even passed the top class at 00 Law School. It’s all thanks to your help. Thank you so much.”

I still vividly remember how I felt when I received the above text message on December 1st of last year. I was truly as happy as I was when I was accepted to law school, and I was able to truly feel the joy and reward of teaching. I once again congratulate the above admitted students and the 16th class of juniors at the law school on their acceptance, and as a senior, I would like to give you some advice to help you spend the next three years more efficiently and rewardingly.

First of all, do not forget for a moment that everything you study in law school is to pass the 16th bar exam. Prepare for the bar exam by focusing on school classes and textbooks as much as possible, but it is also a good idea to use academy (online) lectures for things you feel you are personally lacking, such as tips for writing case-type answers or summarizing the latest precedents. If you don't like the school classes or textbooks, you should never completely ignore the school curriculum and study alone or rely solely on academy lectures. Since the bar exam preparation committee members are your law school professors, it is necessary to coordinate your school classes and bar exam preparation as much as possible.

Also, your law school life is as monotonous as spinning in a squirrel's wheel: taking classes, studying and reviewing in the reading room, eating, and repeating this over and over again. This is natural for bar exam takers, and the simpler life is, the more desirable it is. So, simplify your daily life as much as possible. However, if you refer to the information below, you will be able to find your own fun and enjoy the three years despite the monotony above.

First, law schools have many clubs and societies centered on religion, sports, and legal fields. Among these clubs or societies, we recommend that you join and participate in at least one that suits your interests. Not only will it boost your motivation to study with new stimulation in the same law school life every day, but it will also be a great help in resolving various interpersonal relationship issues that are different from those in undergraduate school.

Second, starting as early as the winter vacation of the first year, usually during the summer and winter vacations of the second year, there are opportunities for practical training at external law firms, prosecutors, courts, and other (public) institutions for about two weeks each. At this time, actively go to an institution in your field of interest or in the field you would like to work in and take advantage of it as an opportunity to recharge your body and mind tired from studying by taking lectures, writing and editing documents, and having company dinners. In addition, you will meet many alumni from other law schools during the above process, and I hope you will take advantage of the advantage of exchanging special lecture materials and various information through the personal network you have formed.

Third, the law school has several competitions that can be participated externally, such as the court's , the Constitutional Court's , the Personal Information Protection Commission's , and the Korea Internet & Security Agency's . If you participate in one of these classes and get hands-on experience in advance, you will be able to study much more efficiently because you will have a clear idea of ​​how what you have learned in class will be used in practice in the future.

Fourth, if your school has a credit exchange program or degree (LLM) acquisition system with an overseas law school, it is recommended to spend about a year as an exchange student. The broadened horizons gained by learning and experiencing the legal systems of our country and other foreign countries will greatly contribute to future career decisions and employment. If you are worried about the disadvantages you may incur by passing the bar exam one year late, ask for advice from a professor or senior near you. Most people will tell you to do it if you can.

Fifth, the three-year law school curriculum is a longer and more difficult journey than you might think. Therefore, you must consistently manage your physical strength through appropriate exercise (light jogging, gymnastics, stretching, swimming, gymnastics, etc., not vigorous exercise that uses up a lot of strength), intake of nutritional supplements, and regular living. As the saying goes, a healthy mind is associated with a healthy body, and the physical strength you develop consistently will serve as your greatest strength not only in law school and the bar exam, but also in your future practice.

Sixth, law school is a professional master's program. Therefore, unlike in undergraduate school, communication with professors can be much easier and more convenient. Professors are always ready to help you not only with academic questions, but also with the numerous problems you face, including personal relationships, career paths, and employment. So you just need to seek help first. Never think of your professor as difficult, but actively approach him and ask for advice.

My younger brother is about to enter law school, and I gave him some sincere advice. You have already been sufficiently tested for your qualifications and aptitude to become excellent lawyers. I sincerely hope that you will use your qualifications and potential to the fullest over the next three years and pass the bar exam the first time. good luck.

[View full article] - [Column] [Free Speech] ‘Law school life tips’ from a senior law school lawyer to the 16th class of juniors