Reflections after 1L

Almost a year ago I began what has become the most challenging experience of my life: law school. My “1L” year (law students first year of school) felt like an eternity. And yet, in the same thought, was unbelievably brief. While the last year was exceedingly difficult and dreadfully time consuming: it was, in the end, amazing. First year law students typically reflect upon their prior year with much disdain. I actually enjoyed myself, my school, my faculty, and (admittedly most) of my colleagues.

I can easily say that I have never been more challenged in both what I believe as well as whom I want to become. From my (admittedly) brief encounter with the legal profession, it surprised me to realize “law” has much less to do with “right and wrong,” as it does with interpretation. Most lawyers don’t work as agents of change but as agents caught in a frequently broken system of justice. So what, then, does this mean for me? Find any student after their first year and I can promise you they will be tormenting over one all-consuming question: what now? You’ve made it through your 1L year, whether good or bad, you now have a superficial understanding of “the law.” Now, find your way in a maze of life altering choices. Our journey is a constant state of self-reflection.

Where will I come out? Who knows. I think I will be 77 and still not know who I want to be when I grow up. However, while I am feeling the birth pains now (poor analogy, but can’t think of anything better!), I am grateful for the unbelievable support and love I have from wife, family, and friends.

Thus, no answers today. However, keep visiting our blog and I’m sure I’ll figure it out by the time I’m 78. For now, I need to buy a bottle of wine for a good friend moving to Washington DC and meet up with Elisa.

Best,

m