Law School, Deep Study & Hypomania: My Experience

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Hello All,

I am a 1L at a well-known law school on the East Coast.

I would like to share my experience to help those considering law school.


Studying:

I truly enjoy the study of law. It fits well with my "logic" obsession. One derives a rule from case law, investigates how courts apply that rule, applies the rule to hypothetical fact patterns, evaluates the rule as a part of a "system," and determines whether that rule is consistent with its policy goals.

I often engage in what I call "deep study." This not a term of art; it is simply my terminology for a state that I find difficult to describe objectively. I literally fall into my mind, if you will, when engaged in "deep study." This usually occurs when I am analyzing "systems" and what the law should be. I completely retreat into my own mind and become hypomanic. The rush of it is blissful. I cannot truly describe my subjective feeling adequately; however, at the physical level I usually rock back and forth (something I try not to do in public) or pace excessively.

I love this state. The study of law delivers me into it.

Class:

I believe the Socratic method is the most effective pedagogical method currently in use. I have social anxiety; however, I am surprised by how well I am able to cope with this method. There is no room for anticipatory anxiety (at least in my case) because one never knows when he or she will be called upon.

Social Life:

I have never done well socially, so I cannot attribute the continuation of this trend to anything about law school in and of itself. I simply enjoy the life of mind, and I am not good at sharing that enjoyment with others. I am a true miser in that respect.

However, I am engaged in public interest work and attend a study group every now and again. These activities bring me into contact with others in manner I am capable of handling. This manageable, low-level contact helps prevent depression.

There is little room for ambiguity when a group is engaged in a single endeavor. I try to do my best to contain myself and not get carried away with my ideas.

I really have no idea what the people here think of me. Most of them are blue-bloods, and I am from a blue-collar background (I actually laid brick before entering law school). However, they seem to be nice.

I am very sensitive to noises, and I often grimace because of this (my criminal law professor is excessively loud). People probably think I am strange because of my Aspie mannerisms. Perhaps I either come off as self-absorbed or slightly insane. Neither of these characterizations are particularly pleasant.

Overall

Law school lets me fall completely into my mind. I enjoy this even though it may not be the best thing for me. However, it is much better than laying brick out in the heat.

Feel free to ask me any questions.

Thank you for this post. I've been interested in law school for a while now and have even entertained the idea of applying to one. How were the LSATs for you?

If I were to become a lawyer, I'd like to specialize in civil rights. How would one go about doing that?

What do you plan to do after graduation.

When I finished law school, I realized that I despised the practice of law.

Sorry for the extremely belated reply. I have been quite busy and monitoring this post slipped my mind.

Descartes:

I studied for the LSAT assiduously and scored a 170. I am a simple country kid from KY so if I can do it, then anyone can. A 170 will open the door for you at some of the top schools. My best advice for you is to purchase and work though the Powerscore books. They are expensive, but they are a worthwhile investment. Once you get into the groove, some parts of the test (like the logic games) become fun to solve.

Also if you are still at University, then make an appointment with the pre-law advising office. The counselors should be able to help you narrow your focus and figure out which school is best for you. They may also be able to provide you with past-exams free of charge (definitely take full length practice exams).

As far as human rights based work, look for a school with a strong and active clinical program in your area of interest. I am currently a case manager for the Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project chapter at my school. Myself and one other classmate are working to appeal USCIS ineligibility decisions. The work is arduous; however, it is a great resume builder and personally rewarding.

I wish you the best in your future endeavors. Approach them with confidence.

zer0netgain:

My long term goal is to transition into academia after a number of years at a firm. This summer I will be working in Dubai. Hopefully, I will do well there and be able to secure a position with the firm here in the States. I will be doing transactional work (IPOs and structuring debt offerings primarily). Perhaps I will enjoy it perhaps not. I find litigation distasteful.

Did you work at a large firm and hate it?

Please share your experience.

Regards,

B