Before starting law school, I diligently researched what it was like to enter law school as a mature student. I found pitifully few accounts from those that had succeeded in the role, and many that just dropped off without a concrete indicator of where their journey ended. As I near the end of my three years at Osgoode, I can offer evidence (just what every law student needs) that success as a MILS is possible, nay probable. Legal training can occur in tandem with parenting, mortgage payments, and extra-curricular activities. This article goes out to all those who are researching law school as a mature student–and those beginning your academic journey towards a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.).
A bit about me: I consider myself first and foremost a mother to my three terrific kids (now ages 5, 8 and 11). I left a good job to come to law school because I am passionate about the practice and I refused to spend a lifetime in a career where I was not challenged or inspired. I have never looked back.
In entering law school, I found a beautiful community of peers –many of whom (although definitely not all) are also mature, and several of whom are parents. As a 1L, this was a surprise to me; I had not truly expected to find so many likeminded individuals roaming the halls. Osgoode’s student body is incredibly diverse and welcoming. To the newly minted MILS, this is exceptional news because law school is not a solidary act; it requires a village and it is a much better experience with the support and friendship of those who you can trust and learn with.
And so I humbly offer advice I have learned from my time as a JD student, to all those who are just beginning this beautiful journey:
- Get out of your comfort zone:
– Law school is an exceptional opportunity. However, it will feel very alien at first. This is natural. Embrace it. Go to events (especially the Mature Students Association orientation); talk to and get to know new people. Your community starts on day 1. Get out there and meet people; they may become your lifeline and best friends.
- Get used to feeling like law is a puzzle with pieces that don’t yet fit together:
– Law is new. Studying might be too. Do not panic if you don’t get everything right away, learning is a process that might come together slowly. It takes time to figure out how the pieces fit together. No one said this was going to be easy–be patient with yourself.
- Study smart; not long:
– Let’s face it, MILS come with complex lives and multiple responsibilities. Don’t tell the professors–but you don’t have to read every word assigned. Instead, study smart–learn to identify themes and issues and read with purpose.
- Learn to avoid the frenzy:
– EXAMS ARE STRESSFUL! Law students can become hyper-competitive, animalistic beasts at exam time. Do not cave to the desire to jump into the middle of this feeding frenzy of stress. As MILS, we have dealt with many stressful times–100% exams are nothing compared to this. Please keep this in mind when you enter into your first set of mid-terms or final exams. Stress works against you here–you need a level head, quality sleep, food and hydration. Let your experience be your advantage.
- SPEAK UP:
– If you have something to add to the conversation, speak up! MILS can benefit the student body by bringing real-life experience to the table. Use your experience to pin abstract legal concepts back to real-life understanding. This trick will help you retain what you are learning and may help other students understand theoretical concepts in practical terms.
- Leverage your background into your RESUME:
– Yay–you got into law school. Next step: find a job. Your experience can be your greatest asset to set you apart from the many applications that start going out after first term 1L (yes, it does start that early). Speak to the Career Development Office (CDO) about leveraging your transferrable skills and experience in your resume. MILS tend to do well in recruitment sessions because we can harness our backgrounds into an advantage.
- SLEEP, EXERCISE and DOWNTIME:
– The brain works better when you treat the body right. Know your limits and play within it–that old adage actually applies to law school. Take some time off–get some downtime and start again the next morning. Remember: this is a marathon, not a sprint.
- Never try to do it all alone:
– This one is applicable to all, but is particularly true for the parents out there. Everyone needs a few solid people you can rely on–at home, at school, in life. Treat those people – particularly partners/significant others/spouses – like the GUARDIAN ANGELS they are–because when those stressful times come, you will need them to remind you that there is a bigger picture and grades aren’t everything.
- Have fun!
– I know that we are all super-serious law students out to change the world, but no one said you can’t have fun while doing it! Law school is an incredible opportunity to meet new people and try new things! Join a club or a team, write an article–or try mooting. Get out there and do it–and have fun! Law school can be a great place to spread your wings, make new friends and yes, even have a great time doing it!
- Remember: You can do this!
– It’s going to be a challenge sometimes–and there will be days where you wonder if you can get through. Give yourself time and space to remember why you chose to come to law school and realize that you are not alone. Draw on that inner strength. You are in law school because you deserve to be here– YOU CAN DO THIS!
One small side note for the Moms out there. If you are like me, mothering comes bundled with guilt any time you can’t be 100% there for your kids. Juggle your commitments with your gut. Missing a lecture might be necessary to attend a recital; and missing a parent coffee to attend class might need to happen. Above all, try not to sweat it too much. Make sure to find the time to play with your kids, do homework side by side, have family meals together and return to work after. You will find a way to successfully navigate this with your family–and you will all emerge stronger. Your kids will learn what hard work is by watching you and they will soar higher as a result of your influence.
To all those just starting out on this journey–you can do this! Just keep these ten tips in your back pocket and you are on your way! See you on the flip side JDs.
Yours truly,
Jennifer R. Davidson
President of the Mature Students Association (2015-16)