Congratulations on joining the BA LLB degree at SMS Law College! Law school is a demanding yet rewarding experience, but it is a 5-year long journey and staying motivated throughout your legal education is not that easy. 

But don’t worry! Here are some powerful motivation tips for law students that you can follow to complete your legal education successfully and happily:

Identify What Demoralises You: Get to the Root of the Problem

The first step to motivate yourself is to know what’s dimming your light.

• Are you overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information you need to know to excel in the BA LLB program? 
• Do you struggle with procrastination?  
• Do you feel invisible or undervalued on campus?
• Are you facing personal, health, or family problems that’s affecting your motivation?

Identify your demotivators to be able to address them effectively. When you know your problem, it becomes easier for you to find solutions.

At SMS Law College, you are always welcome to reach out to our student support services to help you through the phase and some friendly chit-chat.

Self-Motivation: Taking Charge of Your Success

Most effective motivation tips for law students are always the ones that come from within. If procrastination is your nemesis, conquer it by setting achievable goals, both short-term and long-term. 

You can also try planning your day every day blocking time for each task and concentrating on it single-mindedly in that duration. To-do lists are also great tools for beating procrastination.

Celebrate your achievements with rewards to reinforce positive study habits. Remember, there’s no shame in seeking help – if a concept seems complex, don’t hesitate to clarify doubts with your professors or lecturers.

Positive affirmations may also help. If you are pursuing the BA LLB program, chanting these affirmations throughout the day may help you be more mindful of what you are doing and why you are doing it:

• I am a capable learner. With dedication, I can master the complexities of the law.
• Every challenge I overcome makes me stronger, sharper, and more resourceful.
• I am surrounded by a supportive network of law professors, classmates, and mentors who believe in my potential.
• My hard work today is paving the way for a fulfilling journey in legal education. I am preparing myself to be a lawyer who can make a positive impact on the world.
• I am one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a lawyer with every concept I understand and every case I analyse.

How to Handle the Information Avalanche While Pursuing Legal Education?

As a new BA LLB student, it is easy to get bogged down by the sheer volume of legal information you come across. The key here is to pinpoint essential details. 

Instead of mindlessly copying vast amounts of text when you are analysing cases or writing answers, learn to identify key points and condense them into clear notes. 

Take short breaks to refresh your mind – a brisk walk or a quick chat with a friend can work wonders.

Remember Your Dreams: Why You Enrolled in the BA LLB Degree?

Whenever you feel ready to give up, reflect on your initial aspirations. Why did you choose to pursue a BA LLB? 

• Did you envision yourself as a skilled advocate fighting for justice?
• Do you want to be a Judge one day and deciding some of the most controversial cases in the country?
• Did you aspire to be a policymaker one day and hoped that a background in legal education would help you with it.

Visualising your success is one of the top motivation tips for law students and can work to rekindle the flame of your ambition.

When you are feeling wiped out, close your eyes and imagine yourself already successful and living your dream life. Immerse yourself in that feeling of success completely. This will surely help you believe in yourself again and give you the strength to overcome challenges in your way.

Gamifying Law Studies: Making Learning Fun

Here’s a unique approach to boost your motivation:  imagine yourself as a working lawyer! 

Set an hourly “billing rate” for your study activities, like attending lectures, completing assignments, or preparing for exams. Tracking these “billable hours” helps you appreciate the time and effort invested in your legal education.

Treat moot courts and competitions as the ultimate contests – and learn to enjoy them.

Beyond Textbooks: Bringing Law to Life

Move beyond rote learning and approach legal concepts with a practical lens. When studying cases, view them as actual legal scenarios. Imagine yourself arguing for your client, presenting legal points convincingly. 

This approach not only fosters deeper understanding but also makes the learning process more engaging.

Reward Yourself: Celebrating Milestones

Law school is a marathon, not a sprint. Acknowledge your progress by rewarding yourself for achieving milestones. 

Some short-term goals BA LLB students may set for themselves include:

Daily Milestones can be:

• Review class notes and readings, while actively engaging with the material by summarising key points, underlining important passages, or creating flashcards for memorization.
• Attending lectures and completing assignments on time.
• Review the upcoming topic beforehand to get a head start.
• Complete daily readings or case studies. Don’t just skim through the text – actively analyse the arguments, identify key legal principles, and consider how they might apply to future scenarios.
• Summarise cases in your own words.
• Create practice exam questions.
• Debate legal issues with a classmate.

Weekly Milestones can be:

• Choose a concept covered in the past week’s lectures or readings and dedicate time to fully understanding it. You can create a mind map, practice explaining it to a friend, or find online resources that break it down into simpler terms.
• Complete a challenging assignment on time and to a high standard. Set a clear schedule for completing each section and reward yourself upon achieving each milestone.

Treat yourself to a movie night with friends after a particularly challenging week, or enjoy a relaxing getaway after completing a tough exam. 

Remember, celebrating your accomplishments keeps you motivated and moving forward.

Embrace Setbacks: Learning from Challenges

Everyone experiences setbacks – it’s inevitable. Don’t let temporary dips in motivation derail your progress. Acknowledge the slip-up, learn from it, and commit to doing better next time. 

Law school is a journey of self-discovery, and developing resilience is a crucial part of that journey.

You’ve Got This!

Remember, you chose this path for a reason. By following these motivation tips for BA LLB students, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges of law school.  

Stay focused, stay motivated, and keep moving forward towards your dream of becoming a successful lawyer. 

Good Luck!