It’s finally happening! In just a few short weeks, I’ll be a baby lawyer in training. Law School is a big deal, especially when it has been a moving target. As I shared in this article, I had to take two years leave from pursuing my Law degree and that has clearly pushed back on this new leg of study. Nonetheless, its no coincidence. I actually believe that there is no better time than now to be going off to Norman Manley Law School. So, here I am, honing my timing. Honing my pace. Honing my journey. Here are 5 ways I’m preparing for Law school in Jamaica.
1. Preparing For Law School in Jamaica: Prescription Glasses
Believe me, I’m no fan of glasses. Not shades, not prescription glasses either. However, I do want as best as possible to protect my vision.
Law school calls for hours of reading and plenty of time around the computer screen. At work and even for leisure, I do a lot of reading and my fair share of staring at screens. Therefore, this additional time that will be spent on these vision reducing things had to be brought into consideration.
So you see, my prescription glasses are more precautionary that remediate. The doctor did a good job prescribing lenses that will protect my eyes from the screen lights and the sunlight too. To add, they do cause me to see more crisply when reading. I’m trying really hard to only use them when absolutely necessary. I told you, I’m not a glasses person.
The frames I chose are a classic look. They look studious and aren’t distracting to look at. That’s important to me, as I am of the view that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. That’s not to say though, that fashion and boldness doesn’t have their place.
2. Preparing For Law School in Jamaica: Reading Ahead
I know too well the demands of study and school overall. Even the most well paced student can become overwhelmed and experience burnout.
In reading ahead, I’ve been familiarizing myself with information that I know I will be confronted with. It’s not just about the academic readings but also things like rules and regulations, available scholarships, clubs and societies, how to upload assignments etc.
I highly recommend that all aspiring lawyers in Jamaica read the Legal Profession (Canons of the Professional Ethics) Rules that govern the conduct of attorneys. This can be found on the General Legal Council website.
Related Post: An Offer Letter From Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica
By doing this, I reduce the anxiety of starting something completely new. Its like doing some research before going for a job interview. You feel even the slightest bit of empowerment from knowing something about where you’re headed.
3. Preparing For Law School in Jamaica: Registration
This one is a no brainer. Still, let’s talk about it. Registration is a combination of two things really. Firstly, the payment of fees and secondly, the filling of forms requiring demographic and other details.
These two indicate that you are recorded on the system as being a student for the upcoming academic term/year. The school usually informs you when the registration period will commence and also when it closes. All this happens AFTER you have been served an Offer Letter – and accepted it of course.
Once you are registered, you can safely say that you have made a significant preparation for your Law School journey.
4. Preparing For Law School in Jamaica: Dress Code/Wardrobe
Unlike classes at the Faculty of Law, classes at Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica maintain a stricter dress code. Gone are the days when jeans pants and spaghetti strap blouses are accommodated. Tuck away your expressive graffiti t-shirts as well.
The dress code for Law School is business casual on regular days and formal/professional attire especially when making presentations and court attendance. Each tutor/lecturer will have their own say at this. However, the overriding idea is that it WILL fall on either of the two. Nothing too revealing. Nothing too tight.
Staples to consider are: tailored pants/skirts in sober colours (black, navy blue, grey etc.) as well as blouses with sleeves. It would be good to secure a black blazer as well. Strive for comfortable shoes. You don’t have to break the bank and you don’t have to brake your ankles either.
5. Preparing For Law School in Jamaica: Booklist and School Supplies
Law school is like all schools in this regard. There are books that you will need and certainly school supplies.
Once you are registered, the School will send you a booklist. They do a good job at underscoring which texts are required and which are recommended.
At Norman Manley Law School, they also display on the booklist, which pieces of legislation/Acts are to be acquired.
With that said, I recommend creating folders to store your legislations (electronically and physically too). Store them according to subject/course.
As for school supplies, get the essentials first before splurging. Things like pens and exercise books. Legal pads, highlighters etc. Check on your laptop to make sure it is up to par. If not, you’ll have to replace it.
Preparing For Law School in Jamaica: The Preparation is ongoing
Its okay if you are heading off to Law School soon but don’t yet have all the things you need. After all, its a marathon, not a sprint.
Somethings, you will acquire while you are there as opposed to before.
In the meantime, use what you have to do what you can!
Stay tuned for more articles like these about Law School.
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