Student Organizations and Fun in Law School
1L Tips for Balancing Study with a Social Life
Feb 27, 2009
Someone at any law school orientation will advise students that balance is key – that reading cases should not replace family and social life, or extracurricular activities. Unfortunately, the obsession with grades in the competitive law school environment can make this advice hard to take. However, late semester burnout is not only painful and depressing, but is the surest way to do poorly on exams.
How Clubs and Organizations Work in Law School
Most law schools have an impressive list of organizations to join, whether casual and social or dedicated to service activities, social justice, or a particular interest. There will usually be some opportunity during orientation to learn about organizations, and often the first meetings will be heavily attended (sometimes with promises of free food).
The best thing to do is to choose a handful of first meetings to attend, and feel out the officers and the organization's activities. Students who enjoy social activities and going to the bars might join a group like PHIDS, a legal social fraternity, or a minority student group. Those who are more interested in service can join Phi Alpha Delta, the legal service fraternity, Equal Justice Foundation, or a student group dedicated to human rights or public interest. Other options are clubs with a special focus like Environmental Law Society or International Law Society, or a political group.
Organizations rarely meet more often than once a month, so getting involved is not a huge commitment. Many students pick one or two events or service projects to work on, attend monthly meetings, and that is the extent of the commitment. Fraternities will have the largest dues; other clubs may ask for five or ten dollars to contribute to expenses. Sometimes organizations will also offer opportunities to non-members, such as service trips. Many join Equal Justice Foundation because there are summer grant opportunities.
Understanding the Law School Social Scene
Alcohol is a part of any legal environment, but those who don’t drink shouldn’t feel left out. Evening receptions, sometimes hosted by an organization and sometimes by a law firm, often take place in a bar, but non-drinkers should still consider attending because these are excellent opportunities to mingle.
Casual socializing is the best way to make friends and potential study buddies. For large universities where football or basketball is a big deal, law students often host tailgating parties or other events. These are a great way to meet people, especially outside the 1L section. Around exam time, socializing tends to slack off, and organizations understand this. Big activities tend to wrap up a month or so before exams, so a social life shouldn’t interfere with studying.
For those who don’t feel as comfortable socializing with fellow students, including those of a “non traditional” age or students with families, law school is a great time to explore the community. Taking yoga classes or doing aerobics, participating in community arts groups, or volunteering are all great ways to unwind.
If the service organizations don’t seem so great, there are always opportunities to find a long-term volunteer opportunity independently, which will look great on a resume as a bonus. The key is finding two or three activities, whether at school or outside, to balance the workload and keep something “fun” going throughout the law school experience without feeling overwhelmed.
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