6 answers
Michelle
Student
La Grange, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
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What skills or habits do you wish you had started developing earlier, before entering law school or your legal career?
I'm an 18-year-old high school senior graduating this year in May. I've been taking law, psychology, and business classes for the past 4 years, so I've decided to double major in psychology and business management in college. Eventually, I'd like to become an attorney and maybe even open up my own practice. But since I'm the first person in my family to go to college, I could really use some advice and guidance.
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6 answers
CL Heng
Attorney
4
Answers
United States
Updated
CL’s Answer
Hi Michelle, I wish I had explored more areas outside the legal field. Doing so can really broaden your perspective, and stand out from others.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1376
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Michelle,
First, being this intentional before college even starts puts you in a very strong position. You don’t need to have everything figured out, but building the right habits early will make law school and your career much smoother. One of the biggest things I wish more students focused on early is clear thinking and structured writing. Law school is heavy on reading, analyzing, and explaining ideas precisely. If you can learn to break down arguments, spot patterns, and write in a clear, organized way now, you’ll have a huge advantage later.
Another key habit is consistency over intensity. It’s not about cramming or pushing yourself to the limit; it’s about showing up regularly, managing your time well, and staying disciplined even when you don’t feel like it. That habit carries you through both college and law school. You’ll also benefit a lot from building strong communication and confidence. Being able to express your thoughts clearly, whether in discussions, presentations, or debates, is a key part of becoming a lawyer. Look for opportunities to speak up, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
Since you’re interested in business as well, start developing a basic understanding of how systems and organizations work, things like decision-making, leadership, and problem-solving. That will be especially useful if you want to open your own practice one day. Another thing many people overlook is relationship-building. Start early with professors, mentors, and peers. Ask questions, stay curious, and keep in touch. These connections often turn into guidance, opportunities, and recommendations later on.
Also, try to get real exposure when you can, internships, volunteering, or even just shadowing professionals. Seeing how things actually work will help you confirm your interests and give you direction. One mindset that will really help you: you don’t need to be perfect, you need to be consistent, curious, and willing to improve. Being a first-generation college student might feel uncertain at times, but it also means you’re building your own path, step by step. If you focus on strengthening how you think, communicate, and stay disciplined, you’ll be setting yourself up not just for law school, but for a sustainable and successful career beyond it.
Best wishes!
First, being this intentional before college even starts puts you in a very strong position. You don’t need to have everything figured out, but building the right habits early will make law school and your career much smoother. One of the biggest things I wish more students focused on early is clear thinking and structured writing. Law school is heavy on reading, analyzing, and explaining ideas precisely. If you can learn to break down arguments, spot patterns, and write in a clear, organized way now, you’ll have a huge advantage later.
Another key habit is consistency over intensity. It’s not about cramming or pushing yourself to the limit; it’s about showing up regularly, managing your time well, and staying disciplined even when you don’t feel like it. That habit carries you through both college and law school. You’ll also benefit a lot from building strong communication and confidence. Being able to express your thoughts clearly, whether in discussions, presentations, or debates, is a key part of becoming a lawyer. Look for opportunities to speak up, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
Since you’re interested in business as well, start developing a basic understanding of how systems and organizations work, things like decision-making, leadership, and problem-solving. That will be especially useful if you want to open your own practice one day. Another thing many people overlook is relationship-building. Start early with professors, mentors, and peers. Ask questions, stay curious, and keep in touch. These connections often turn into guidance, opportunities, and recommendations later on.
Also, try to get real exposure when you can, internships, volunteering, or even just shadowing professionals. Seeing how things actually work will help you confirm your interests and give you direction. One mindset that will really help you: you don’t need to be perfect, you need to be consistent, curious, and willing to improve. Being a first-generation college student might feel uncertain at times, but it also means you’re building your own path, step by step. If you focus on strengthening how you think, communicate, and stay disciplined, you’ll be setting yourself up not just for law school, but for a sustainable and successful career beyond it.
Best wishes!
Marty Meyer
General Manager
91
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marty’s Answer
Sounds like your ambitious - that's great!
I wish I had started earlier understanding how important finance and accounting are to business operations. There is literally no business that can survive without adequate revenue to cover expense.
I've no doubt that you have a great career in front of you- keep doing what you're doing -
I wish I had started earlier understanding how important finance and accounting are to business operations. There is literally no business that can survive without adequate revenue to cover expense.
I've no doubt that you have a great career in front of you- keep doing what you're doing -
DENNIS A BREEN
Lawyer
270
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS A’s Answer
Hi Michelle: At this point just be yourself. ollege will open a lot of new worlds to you. You need to keep an open mind and explore all the new adventures still in store for you. As the first person to go to college in your family, you may take an art class and find a hidden talent; or a biology class and love being in the lab. Your world is still open. Go out and explore and have fun! The best lawyers I know are the ones who are well rounded and comfortable with themselves. So go out and enjoy college!
Good luck!
Good luck!
CL Heng
Attorney
4
Answers
United States
Updated
CL’s Answer
Hi Michelle, I wish I had explored more areas outside the legal field. Doing so can really broaden your perspective, and stand out from others!
Baljit Gill
tutor
53
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Michelle,
You're on the right path. Here are some steps to consider:
1. Enroll in challenging analytical courses at college.
2. Explore career counseling options by updating your resume and seeking internships in the legal field.
3. Get summer jobs in leadership roles or volunteer at law firms, government offices, small practices, or corporate legal departments.
4. Stay informed by reading the latest news about changes in the legal field.
5. These tips also apply to first-generation students. As the first in my family to study law, I suggest you focus on your studies. Law school requires hard work and perseverance. Pay attention to all the requirements and details.
With the classes you've taken, understanding law studies should be easier for you.
You're on the right path. Here are some steps to consider:
1. Enroll in challenging analytical courses at college.
2. Explore career counseling options by updating your resume and seeking internships in the legal field.
3. Get summer jobs in leadership roles or volunteer at law firms, government offices, small practices, or corporate legal departments.
4. Stay informed by reading the latest news about changes in the legal field.
5. These tips also apply to first-generation students. As the first in my family to study law, I suggest you focus on your studies. Law school requires hard work and perseverance. Pay attention to all the requirements and details.
With the classes you've taken, understanding law studies should be easier for you.