Pursuing a legal career is not easy. From the late nights spent completeing assignments and seminar work, to the unlimited cups of coffee during exam seasons to the pressure felt while applying for internships, clerkship, training contracts and jobs. We understand how hard the #lawlife can be. We have experienced all of this and wanted to share tips on how we managed and continue to manage stress and pressure.
- Talk about it – there are so many other people experiencing what you are. You are not alone. Talking to fellow law students, mentors or legal professionals helps a lot. Sharing our stories and our challenges helps us realise that we are not the only ones facing this, this is part of the path we have chosen and we will overcome it and come out on the other side a better person. Talking is theraputic.
- Take a break – its so important to take time out to rest and recharge. Give yourself a day where you do not do anything related to work or studies and are completely focused on self care. This could be taking a long bath, going for a walk, getting some extra sleep, reading a book that is not law related, hanging out with friends or family etc.
- Make time for hobbies – every lawyer or law student we know is good at other things outside of their love for the law. This varies from poetry, to singing, dancing, art, public speaking, reading, sports etc. Make time for the things you love doing outside of your career aspirations. This will help you remain balanced. Work without play makes Jack a dull boy. Don’t allow yourself to forget about the other things you enjoy outside of work.
- Excercise – you may hear this one a lot but exercise is a solution to many things. It releases endorphins. Make time to go to the gym, go for walks, do an at-home work out or go for a run. This will leave you feeling energised and put you in a better space mentally. Exercising is good for your mental and physical health.
- Remember your ‘why’– Think about why you started this law journey. What you want to achieve, how far you have come since your A-levels, how hard you have worked to get to the place you are in now. Write down a list of your achievements so far (big and small). This often helps put things into perspective when we are feeling overwhelmed or challenged. It allows us to realise that we are in a good place and doing better than we thought.
We really hope that these tips help you. Let us know what works best for you and share this with someone who you feel may need it.
Young East African Aspiring Lawyers Network 