First Year
Starting law school can be overwhelming. If you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re not alone! Many (if not most) law students struggle to adjust to the pressures, expectations, and rigor of law school. That’s why the LGBTQ+ Bar has selected a set of resources to help you understand what to expect and to help you succeed in this new environment, prepare for your first exams, your first legal job search, and more.
A few years ago, the LGBTQ+ Bar’s Law Student Congress put together a video to help you understand what to expect in law school and to share tips from older students. The program covers first semester exams, health and wellbeing, student loan issues, and more. It is a great place to start when looking for tips for success in your first year.
For more resources, tips, information, and support, check out the links below. You may also find information housed throughout this website helpful as you navigate your first year of law school and begin to explore your future options as a soon-to-be legal professional!
As a reminder, the National LGBTQ+ Bar also offers these programs to support students:
- If you are curious whether your school or a neighboring school has a student group affiliate of the National LGBTQ+ Bar, you can also use our online Law Student Group Affiliate Directory to connect. If you are part of a LGBTQ+ student group not listed here, you are also welcome to join our affiliate program. The link is included on the directory page, but you are also welcome to reach out to programs@lgbtqbar.org directly for more information.
- The National LGBTQ+ Bar hosts Office Hours with Advocacy Counsel, Mari Nemec, from 2-4pm Eastern on the last Friday of each month. You’re welcome to drop in and chat about these concerns, or anything else law school and law profession related. Here is the Zoom link, and here is a link to a calendar invite.
- If you are looking for state or regional support/advice, you are also welcome to reach out to our Bar Association/Section Affiliates, which are listed in a directory here.
- You are also welcome to reach out to the Law Student Congress (lsc@lgbtqbar.org) for advice, assistance, or to let us know what you are experiencing on campus.
- Each year, the National LGBTQ+ Bar hold our annual Lavender Law® Conference and Career Fair, which is a fantastic opportunity for law students to network, learn, and find jobs. Learn more here.
- The National LGBTQ+ Bar also hosts LEAD Academy, which is a day program designed specifically for LGBTQ+ and ally law students. Learn more here.
Finally, remember that you are always welcome to reach out to the LGBTQ+ Bar at info@lgbtqbar.org for support, advice, or anything else!