3 Things I’d Repeat (and 3 I’d Rethink) About Law School

The other day, I sat down with a recent college grad who wants to go to law school. Over coffee, we swapped stories—the excitement, the nerves, the “what in the world am I getting myself into?” questions. It got me thinking back to my own time in law school, what I’d absolutely do again, and what I’d handle differently if I had the chance. My husband also just started law school this fall, and it has me thinking about my own experience more.

If you’re considering law school, here’s my honest take—part reflection, part advice, and hopefully the kind of perspective I wish I had when I was in your shoes.

What I Would Do the Same

Keep family first. When I started law school, I was newly married--as in, I'd been married a grand total of two months. That marriage has been my anchor for more than 13 years now, and I have zero regrets about putting my family at the center of my priorities. Law school is demanding, but no grade or honor comes close to the value of a strong support system.

Say yes to things that scare you. I went in thinking I’d be a purely transactional attorney, tucked away in contracts and deals. But I pushed myself to try public speaking and litigation anyway. I ended up winning a moot court award and competing on my school’s American Bar Association National Appellate Team—two things I never imagined for myself. Trying what scared me changed the course of my career in the best possible way.

Be kind—even when it’s competitive. Law school can feel like a pressure cooker, but it doesn’t have to turn you into someone you don’t want to be. I tried to treat classmates with kindness, and in return, I found my people. Some of my best memories are Monday nights playing pub trivia at a classic Northeastern Irish bar (shout out to Kitty Hoyne's in Syracuse) with law school friends and a local priest who joined our team more than once. Those friendships made the grind bearable—and honestly, unforgettable.

What I Would Do Differently

Budget smarter. Here’s the truth: unless you’re aiming for Big Law or a Supreme Court clerkship, no one really cares where you went to law school. What matters is that you graduate, pass the bar, and can actually afford to live your life while practicing law. If I could redo it, I would strongly consider choosing the affordable option and saving myself the later debt.

Get more real-world practice. Law school teaches you theory; practice is something else entirely. I wish I’d done even more clinics, internships, and hands-on work while in school. At the time, I felt like I was holding it all together medium-well, but I think more time spent before entering law school (ie: with high school internships or gap years) would have shown me the differences between the day-in-and-day-out life of a litigator versus a transactional attorney. The earlier you bridge the gap between the classroom and the courtroom, the easier the transition will be.

Take care of myself sooner. I didn’t focus much on diet, exercise, or balance during law school. It wasn’t until I was studying for the bar exam that I really made self-care a priority and created a real schedule for myself. I had ample opportunity to learn to prioritize myself since I was ... fortunate enough... to take the bar exam at a time when there wasn't a Uniform Bar Exam (or NextGen UBE, for you new lawyers and students) to waive between states. So, I took it and passed it in New York ... and then took it and passed it in Oregon when we moved here less than a year later. If I could go back, I’d start those habits much earlier. Setting up good patterns for yourself will only help in the future as your life fluctuates.

Looking Back

Law school shaped me in ways I couldn’t have predicted. I wouldn’t trade the risks I took, the friendships I made, or the lessons I learned. But I also know I could have made life easier for myself in a few key ways.

So, if you’re thinking about law school, take this as encouragement: lean into the opportunities, invest in your people, and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way. It’s a wild ride, but you’ll come out stronger—and maybe even with some pub trivia victories under your belt.

And hey, if you ever want to talk it over, my coffee cup is always open.

At Accio Law, I carry these lessons into how I practice today: prioritizing people, saying yes to challenges, and meeting clients where they are. Whether you’re a future lawyer or someone facing a legal challenge right now, I’m here to help. Reach out anytime—you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Jennah R. Pech is the attorney practicing at Accio Law LLC. You can contact her office by calling 541.500.6230 or emailing kristin@acciolawgroup.com