Law Students' University Tenure: How Long?

Law students can expect to spend at least three years in law school, with full-time students typically completing their studies within this time frame. However, the duration can vary depending on several factors. Part-time students, for instance, may take up to four or five years to finish their degree. Additionally, the time required to study for and pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) can influence the overall timeline. The LSAT is a prerequisite for law school and can be attempted up to seven times in a lifetime. The complexity of law school, the financial burden, and the rigorous nature of the first year, especially with the Socratic method of teaching, can also impact how long it takes to complete a law degree.

Full-time law students spend 18.6 hours reading for class per week

Law students in the United States typically spend three years in law school, although some accelerated programs can be completed in two years, and some part-time programs take up to four or five years. The first year ("1L year") is often considered the most difficult, as students must adapt to new teaching methods and a heavy workload.

Full-time law students spend, on average, 18.6 hours reading for class per week. This figure, from the 2017-2018 school year, comes from LSSSE data. The amount of time spent reading for class varies depending on the student's year of study. In 2018, full-time first-year students (1L) spent 21.7 hours reading per week, while second-year students (2L) spent 18.3 hours, and third-year students (3L) spent 15.1 hours. Part-time students tend to spend slightly less time reading, with an average of 15.7 hours per week.

In addition to reading, law students spend time on other forms of class preparation, such as trial preparation, studying, writing, and homework. Full-time students spend around 11 hours per week on these non-reading activities, while part-time students spend 10.2 hours. When reading and non-reading activities are combined, law students typically spend around 30-40 hours per week studying.

The time spent preparing for class is influenced by various factors, including a student's individual study habits and preferences. Some students may prefer to study every day for shorter periods, while others may opt for longer study sessions over fewer days. Ultimately, there is no "right" answer for how many hours a law student should study each day, and students must find a schedule that works best for them.

Part-time law students spend 15.7 hours reading for class per week

The length of time spent studying for a law degree varies depending on whether a student is studying full-time or part-time. Full-time law students typically complete their studies within three years, while part-time students take up to five years.

Part-time law students tend to spend less time reading per week compared to full-time students due to their lighter course load. According to LSSSE data, the average part-time US law student spends 15.7 hours reading for class each week. This is compared to 18.6 hours for a full-time student.

The number of hours spent reading per week also varies depending on the year of study. Newer law students tend to devote more time to reading for class than their more seasoned colleagues. For example, full-time first-year students read for 21.7 hours per week, while full-time third-year students read for approximately 15.1 hours. Part-time students follow a similar pattern, with a smaller drop-off in hours spent reading across the years.

The Case Method, which involves significant reading and preparation for class, is commonly used in law school teaching. Students are expected to spend several hours each evening reading cases and preparing their own opinions on them. This method, combined with the Socratic Method, which involves question-and-answer sessions, creates a stimulating, stressful, and competitive academic environment that many students find challenging.

In addition to reading, law students also spend time on non-reading class preparation activities such as trial preparation, studying, writing, and homework. Full-time and part-time students spend a similar amount of time on these activities, with full-time students logging around 11 hours per week compared to 10.2 hours for part-time students.

Full-time students spend 11 hours on non-reading class prep per week

Law students in the US can expect to spend around three years studying full-time to earn their Juris Doctor (JD) degree. This is the most common law degree and is required for anyone who wants to practice law in the US. However, this timeline can be shortened or lengthened by several factors, such as the time it takes to study for and pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

During their time at law school, students can expect to spend a significant amount of time preparing for classes. According to LSSSE data from the 2017-2018 school year, the average full-time US law student spent 11 hours per week on non-reading class preparation, including activities such as trial preparation, studying, writing, and doing homework. This is in addition to the 18.6 hours per week spent reading for class.

The time spent on non-reading class preparation activities varied depending on the year of study. Full-time 1L students spent the most time on non-reading preparation, with an average of 11.7 hours per week, while full-time 3L students spent slightly less time, with an average of 10.1 hours per week. Full-time 2L students fell in between, with an average of 10.3 hours per week.

Interestingly, the pattern of time spent on non-reading class preparation activities across class years was similar to the pattern of reading preparation activities. Newer law students tend to devote more time to both reading and non-reading preparation activities, with the number of hours decreasing for students in the later stages of the program.

The intense classroom environment and heavy reading load are well-known aspects of the law school experience. Students should expect to spend several hours each evening reading cases and preparing for class using the Case Method and the Socratic Method. This preparation is crucial for success in the classroom, where law professors often use questioning and hypothetical scenarios to help students learn to analyze case law.

In addition to class preparation, law students should also be aware of the time commitment required for studying for the bar exam. This exam is a requirement for anyone who wants to practice law, and it is recommended that students study for 400 to 600 hours. The time taken to study for the bar exam can vary depending on the student's other commitments and study habits.

Part-time students spend 10.2 hours on non-reading class prep per week

Law students can expect to spend at least three years in law school, with full-time students typically completing their studies within this timeframe, and part-time students taking up to five years. The Juris Doctor (JD) degree is the most common law degree and is required for lawyers in the United States. Earning a JD typically takes seven years in total: four years for a bachelor's degree, followed by three years for the JD program.

The first year of law school, known as "1L", is often considered the most challenging. This is due to the teaching methods employed, which differ significantly from traditional undergraduate lectures. Law schools commonly utilise the Case Method and the Socratic Method. The Case Method involves extensive reading and preparation, with students spending several hours each night reading cases and preparing their own opinions. The Socratic Method involves question-and-answer sessions, with professors asking questions to facilitate students' analysis of case law.

Preparing for class in law school entails more than just reading. Students also engage in non-reading activities such as trial preparation, studying, writing, and homework. On average, part-time law students spend 10.2 hours per week on these non-reading class preparation activities. This is only slightly less than the 11 hours spent by full-time students, as part-time students generally have a lighter course load.

Creating a study schedule is essential for success in law school. Students should choose when and where they will study, taking into account their personal preferences for morning or evening study sessions and their preferred environment. It is recommended to study in chunks of at least one hour, aiming for several hours each day. A well-planned study schedule can improve grades, reduce stress, and provide a sense of control and lower anxiety.

Law school is an intense academic challenge

The Case Method involves significant preparation for class, with students expected to spend several hours each evening reading cases (appellate-level judicial opinions). For instance, first-year law students spent an average of 21.7 hours per week reading for class during the 2017-2018 school year. The textbooks for these classes typically include cases and excerpts from across the country, without summaries or outlines, and it is up to the student to analyse and "brief" each case.

The Socratic Method involves professors asking students questions to help them learn how to analyse case law. Students often have assigned seats, and professors have a seating chart to facilitate calling on students to answer questions about the assigned cases. The professor may then use hypothetical scenarios to test the student's understanding of the material.

The first year of law school is a stimulating, stressful, and competitive experience, which many students report as the greatest academic challenge of their lives. It is critical for prospective law students to learn as much as possible about law school before enrolling to determine if this environment matches their skills and goals.

Frequently asked questions