Law Students

Billable Hours of a Law Student
By:  Henry Keculah, Jr.

There are 24 hours in a day, but as a 1L you see them go sporadically.

With there being 1,440 minutes in a day we always wonder the best way to utilize our time. Glancing down at my first syllabus, I see “read pages 1-40 for class on Monday.”

I showed up to class and completed the readings. It took me 240 minutes to complete 40 pages of reading and copious amounts handwritten briefs. After completing my readings for Criminal Law I could feel the adrenaline running. Four more subjects to go I said to myself?

Let’s face it, reading and briefing before class perennially will not get you the grades you want. You must master the art of time management and remain consistent throughout the year. Freestyling the 24 hours you have in a day can end up disastrous. The outcome could lead to endless hours wasted hanging with friends, watching your favorite TV show or sports team lose in agony.

To utilize your time effectively you must create a calendar that shows you what needs to be completed and the allotted time it will take. After meeting several of the students in the top 10 percent, I notice they followed this system religiously. Your cellphone, laptop, and Excel sheets have applications that allow you to manage your time efficiently. Create a 24-hour timeline and insert your class time, break time, and study time. If you need help cutting back on the amount of time you waste, just download the Toggl Timer app. This application will hold you accountable and allow you to track the amount of time wasted. About to study or read? Put your phone on airplane mode to avoid incoming text, emails, and calls. Download the Forest app and see how long you can go without touching your phone. Never let your distraction time outweigh your level of productivity.

Creating a daily schedule can have several perks. You can reevaluate your schedule and avoid time wasters. This system allows you to spread your study time among all your courses evenly. Following my schedule allowed me to read for Contracts instead of watching the Cowboys vs. Packers game. Watching an entire football game could cost you three hours, which equates to 30 pages of reading, valuable outlining, and practice question time.

Blocking out every hour of your time will allow you to become more efficient and obtain mastery in time management.

If you are struggling with managing your time, share your Google calendar with a friend and have them hold you accountable. Check in with your mentor and let them know how you performed that week.

Don’t forget to reward yourself if you can follow your schedule efficiently throughout the week.

This could mean buying some Chipotle on Friday and skipping out on Ramen Noodles that evening.

You are the boss of your next 24 hours. Strategize, prioritize, and you will come out victorious.

What is your game plan?

Henry Keculah, Jr. is a 1L at Thurgood Marshall School of Law.