Preparing for Final Exams-How Preparation Now Can Lead to Long-Term Success

Final Exams...

By now, you’re through most of your midterms, if not all of them, are turning in your final legal writing assignments, and hopefully have looked to see when your final exams are.  This last month is important, as you are tying up those loose ends on course material, and beginning to organize your notes into some form of an outline, if you have not already.  Around now, you probably should start preparing for final exams, and these are the reasons why:

1. Preparation early will help you brush up on subjects you may have struggled with in earlier weeks

Perhaps you didn’t make it into office hours when you were confused on acquisition by capture and simply put it on the back burner, this is the time to see what you know.  If you’re unsure of something, schedule an appointment with your professor, get the right answer, and apply it to paper.  There is nothing worse then missing points because you mismatched topics due to confusion.

2.  Practice CAN Help

Law School Exams are unlike anything you have ever experienced.  They force you to think about multiple perspectives and apply 14-weeks of material into a three-hour examination.  With this plethora of information, you are required to argue the law as it applies to your facts.  If your professors didn’t give you midterms, then your final is the first and only chance to impress them with your knowledge.  Even if your professor has given mid terms, ask for more practice questions to work on, multiple choice, and essay.  In addition, ask what resources for practice questions the professors can recommend.  Once you’ve practiced, be sure to meet with them.  Figuring out how a professor likes their exams approached, especially with essays, is paramount to success.

3. It Builds Confidence

Perhaps you had a bad week and felt like you know nothing from the last semester.  Practice can reinforce that you know more than you think, leading to better study habits, and ultimately a better grade outcome.

4. It Keeps you from Panicking

If you’re like me, you’ve likely panicked at least once already.  Practice can calm some of those nerves. 

 

As you’re preparing for finals, some final notes:

     Keep calm

     Ask for help if you need it

     Practice Practice Practice!

     Study Study Study!

Images Taken From:

http://www.generalacademic.com/final-exams-15-checklist-form.html

https://i2.wp.com/savemyhsc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Preparation-tips-for-the-HSC-English-Exams.jpg?ssl=1

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking-Marketing Yourself for Prospective Employment and Connections

The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking-Marketing Yourself for Prospective Employment and Connections

Recently, the First Generation Law Students Organization at Capital Law hosted our first event, the Do’s and Don’ts of Networking.  Among our presenters were Hannah Botkin-Doty (L’13) and Jill McQuain, Executive Director of the Columbus Bar Association (CBA).  Jill and Hannah have used networking to their advantage to build unique connections, grow their network, and ultimately enhance their professional lives by doing so.  During this event, the duo highlighted many do’s and don’ts that have helped each of them in their growth. 

DO:

·      Network, Network, Network, and do it NOW

As Jill McQuain said, 75% of a lawyer’s success has nothing to do with classroom skills; it has to do with professionalism, holding yourself accountable, and talking to people.  In a recent study conducted by a group of Law Schools, 80% of Lawyers hired were hired based on recommendations.  While the practice of law is a very social industry, heavily dependent on people skills, an astonishing 70% of Lawyers are introverts.  It takes a lot of work to get your name out there, so it’s important to pace yourself and look for quality connections over quantity.   With first meetings, and even interviews, it may help to do some background research, Hannah Botkin-Doty says, it helps build a connection with the individual you’re meeting, and shows you have genuine interest in the individual, and are not just looking for a job or clients.

·      When people ask what you do, tell them who you are and what lights you up

When Hannah Botkin-Doty started her own firm with fellow classmate, Abbie Obenour, they began at ground zero.  They had an office space, and knew they needed to get clients to get their business going.  While Abbie worked on the internal aspects of the firm, Hannah was tasked with going out there to get the firms name out there, and hopefully gain some clients.  Networking events can be terrifying, especially if you’re an introvert like Hannah, but she found that people are friendly if you make an effort.  She also says that you need to know your limits when networking.  When talking to people, tell them who you are and what motivates you, finishing your story with how you connect to them, whether it’s legal or even personal.  Finally, follow up with dates to keep connecting, maybe over lunch, show the initiative.   One of the most important things is to build trust and like with someone, no one wants to do business with someone they do not like.

DON’T

·      Drink too much-it’s easy to get nervous at networking events, but do not get drunk, people will remember it

·      Be Rude

·      Just hand out business cards-make people want to get your contact information

·      Blow off events or fail to attend-if you cannot make it, tell someone, if you can make it, go!

Resources for easing into networking:

      Columbus Bar Association

The local bar association for the Greater Columbus Area.  The CBA hosts a variety of committee meetings, including a Young Lawyers Committee.  Best of all, the membership is FREE for Law Students!

            Columbus Young Professionals Club

This is a non-legal resource for those interested in networking with the Greater Columbus Area!   The CYP hosts’ events from speed networking, to euchre nights, to wine and beer tastings, where you can meet other young professionals in the area.  Membership costs are low, with a $50/year fee for premium members! 

Remember, these resources are available, but it’s up to YOU to go after them!

            “Ambition is the path to success, persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.”

                                    -William Eardley IV

For more information, please visit:

            http://www.dolawfirm.com/

            http://www.cbalaw.org/CBA_PROD/Default.aspx

            http://www.cypclub.com/

Images Courtesy of: 

https://www.brella.io/app/uploads/2016/05/Networking.jpg

http://morganconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/networking.jpg