Are you buying the right things for law school?
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."
- Benjamin Franklin
Just as Indiana Jones couldn't have navigated the Temple of Doom without his trusty bullwhip, law students require their own essential supplies to conquer the challenges of their legal education. While your tools may not become as iconic as Indy's whip and fedora, they are equally important to your success.
In this article, we'll explore the top ten essential supplies for law students, curated by those here at Enjuris who have been in the trenches.
Law School Essentials Checklist
A checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for every challenge that comes your way in law school.
Download in PDF format
Standing desk
According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, prolonged sitting is associated with all causes of mortality. Research has also linked extended periods of sitting to diabetes, cardiovascular problems, weight gain, spinal disorders, depression, cancer, and even dementia.
Unfortunately, law school requires countless hours of reading cases, statutes, and other materials. A standing desk helps alleviate the problems associated with living a sedentary life. As a bonus, standing desks have been shown to lead to increased concentration and stamina, making those marathon reading sessions a bit more bearable.
Second monitor
Law students (and lawyers, for that matter) often need to cross-reference multiple documents simultaneously—whether it’s comparing case law, analyzing statutory language, or responding to a brief.
A second screen allows you to have multiple windows open side by side, reducing the need to switch back and forth and thereby decreasing the likelihood you’ll miss something important.
Noise-canceling headphones
One of the challenges of being a law student is that you often have to focus on complex material in noisy environments. Whether it’s in an apartment with several roommates, at a cafe, or even in a library during winter (so much sniffling and coughing!), being able to shut out external noise can significantly enhance your productivity and the quality of your study time.
Printer
A reliable printer is indispensable in law school. Despite the digital age, many professors still prefer or require printed assignments, case briefs, and notes. Having a printer at home allows you to prepare these documents conveniently without the need to rush to the library or a print shop. Additionally, printed materials are often easier to annotate and highlight, which is critical for effective studying and in-class discussions.
Highlighters
Highlighters are a must-have for any law student. They make it super easy to manage the flood of information from complex legal texts. By color-coding different elements of a case—like using one color for the rule and another for the facts—you can sort and visualize the material in a way that makes sense. This approach not only boosts your note-taking game by helping you review and memorize important details but also comes in handy when you need to quickly pull up info during class discussions or when a professor puts you on the spot.
Extra laptop battery
Having an extra laptop battery ensures that you're never caught off guard by a power outage or a long day away from a power outlet. Law school often involves back-to-back classes, library sessions, group meetings, and study sessions in coffee shops without available outlets, all of which can quickly drain your laptop's battery. A backup battery can be a lifesaver, particularly during intensive study days or when traveling for internships and interviews.
Day planner
A day planner is essential for managing the rigorous and demanding schedule of a law student. It helps you keep track of classes, assignments, meetings, and deadlines. Effective use of a day planner can significantly reduce stress by ensuring that nothing is forgotten and everything is handled in a timely manner.
Suit
A professional suit is essential for law students, not just for interviews but also for various formal events like moot court competitions, client meetings, networking events, and professional presentations. A well-fitting, professional suit conveys seriousness and respect for the profession. It can also boost your confidence, making you feel prepared and part of the legal community.
Quimbee
Quimbee is an online resource that offers case briefs, outlines, and preparation tools specifically designed for law students. Its importance cannot be overstated—it acts as a supplementary guide to the dense and complex material covered in law textbooks and lectures. While we recommend reading the actual cases and drafting your own case briefs, Quimbee can help you understand and remember key legal concepts and cases through its engaging, easy-to-digest summaries. Furthermore, the site offers practice quizzes and exams that are invaluable for testing your knowledge and preparing for finals.
Hobby
Maintaining a hobby during law school is crucial for mental health and stress management. Research shows that once law school begins, students experience a marked increase in depression, negative mood and physical symptoms, with corresponding decreases in positive affect and life satisfaction.
Engaging in non-academic activities—whether it’s sports, arts, or anything else you enjoy—can also help preserve your sense of self and personal values, which, according to research, can begin to erode due to the rigorous demands of law school.
Learn more about the mental health issues facing law students and lawyers, as well as how to avoid them.