Boost Your Law School Grades: Overcome First Year Disappointment!

Sophie Dillon, a writer for Dynamic Export and Oxford law postgraduate, shares her essential advice for law students.

Imagine you’re in your first year of law school, facing the lowest grades you’ve ever received. Throughout your academic career, you’ve always been at the top of your class, but now you’re questioning if you even belong in law school. Despite constantly reassuring yourself that “first year doesn’t count,” the reality of not achieving a first-class honors degree is setting in, along with a creeping sense of imposter syndrome.

It may seem daunting, but improving your grades and overcoming these feelings is entirely achievable. As someone who narrowly passed her first year before graduating with a high first-class, I’ve put together five key strategies that worked for me.

1. Commit to Your Reading List

You’ve likely heard it before, but tackling the reading list is crucial. It may feel like an endless task as you spend hours only to get through a few dozen pages. However, diligently working through your readings is the most effective way to elevate your grades and prepare for a future in a prestigious law firm.

Think of your reading list as a layered cake. The base layer, or the sponge, consists of your lecture notes and textbooks, while the essential readings form the icing. The cherry on top is the additional readings, like seminar materials and key journal articles, which enrich your understanding and discussions. To achieve top grades, you need to indulge in every layer.

Understanding your reading style, whether you’re a quick skimmer or a thorough reader, is also vital. Recognize how much time you need for your readings to manage your schedule effectively, especially if you’re aiming to improve significantly in your second year.

2. Develop a Multi-Dimensional Viewpoint

As the saying goes, opinions are like onions—they have layers. Initially, your views might be superficial reactions, but with enough reflection and analysis, they can evolve into deep, original insights in your essays. This depth is what your professors are looking for when they ask for “critical analysis,” which can help push your grades above the 2:1 mark.

Understanding and analyzing other people’s perspectives is crucial in developing your own sophisticated viewpoints. Engage with arguments presented by legal experts and academics in your readings to refine your opinions. Remember to question every argument, even those that seem convincing, to truly advance in your critical thinking skills.

3. Refine Your Essay Writing Skills

High school may not provide the right tools for writing university-level law essays. Law essays require a focused argument rather than a broad discussion of various viewpoints. It’s about advocating convincingly for one perspective, and only introducing opposing views if you can confidently rebut them.

Your essays should be direct and persuasive, driving home your thesis without unnecessary detours. Improving your essay skills might mean attending those less-than-thrilling writing workshops offered by your law school, but they are invaluable in helping you master legal writing.

4. Build a Strong Support Network

Remember the proverb that it takes a village to raise a child? The same goes for improving your grades. Surround yourself with a supportive group of peers who can offer advice, help manage your time, and provide feedback on your essays. This network will be crucial in navigating your law school journey successfully.

5. Engage in Extracurricular Activities

While grades are important, they aren’t everything. To become a well-rounded and employable lawyer, involve yourself in activities beyond the classroom. Participate in moot court competitions, join legal societies, and take part in pro bono work. These experiences not only enhance your resume but also help you build connections and develop practical skills.

Sophie Dillon began her role as a writer and researcher at Dynamic Export in September 2023 after studying law at Newcastle University and completing her Bachelor of Civil Law at Oxford.