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Overcoming Law School Anxiety
I remember the first few weeks before law school started and being really excited I was finally–finally–starting the last leg of my educational goals. But I also remember feeling lost and confused. I have homework before classes start? But I don’t understand what I’m reading… I’m not supposed to buy used books? But I can’t afford new books… You don’t recommend that I work during school? But I can’t afford my books! It was stress-inducing to say the least. For many people, the beginning of law school is exciting (and it should be!), but within the first few days, a lot of confusion and anxiety can creep in and turn…
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Throwback–Posts You May Have Missed in Our First Year
For those new followers (or just for those that would like a refresher), here are some of the earlier posts from Latinas Uprising that are worth a revisit–especially as a new school year starts and many others will begin new jobs in the weeks to come! How would you/do you react when you’re mistaken (sometimes on purpose) as the interpreter? Different shoe options when working in conservative law offices (side note: wedges forever!) The best way to study in law school is to Study How You Study! The importance of being an active alumna, even if (or especially if) you didn’t feel very welcomed at your educational institution. How to…
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Happy One Year!
It’s our one year anniversary!! Yes, Latinas Uprising has been going strong for one year! Since that time, I have come to meet so many ambitious, intelligent, and kind women. Latinas who are focused, driven, and poised to do great things for their communities. It has really been such a motivator for me to do more because I’m finally seeing real women who (1) look like me; (2) from similar backgrounds, and it gives me the push to do more because I see all of you doing more. Not just the attorneys, but college-grads and law students (and full-time workers, and business-women, etc. etc.) who are so goal-oriented and willing to put…
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School Supplies for Law School
This week we’ve focused on pre-law work—and because so many are starting law school in a few weeks (!) we want to discuss some vital supplies to stock up on during the back to school sales. While almost all the work is digital, it’s still a paper-based industry in that you’ll be using real books, printing cases, and briefing cases. So what are somethings that will be super useful? Highlighters and tabs. If you’re not a highlighter person, you’ll likely become one so you may as well stock up now. Likewise, tabs are great for statutes so that you can find what you’re looking for immediately. I like the thicker…
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Summer Series: Taking Control of 1L Year
Our Summer Series is a wrap! We conclude with Domonique, an incoming 1L, who describes what she’s doing to take control of her law school experience before it even begins! Special thanks to all the contributors for this series! It was invigorating to read about all the different paths taken to become lawyers. Hola mujeres! My name is Domonique and I will be starting law school in exactly 3 weeks. I am a Chicana born and raised in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles, CA. My family is originally from Michoacan, Mexico. For the past six years I have been away from home completing my undergrad in Oregon, giving a year of…
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Law School like High School: Overcoming the Unhealthy, Competitive Environment
One of the rumors regarding law school is that it’s a lot like high school. Think about it—you have lockers, you have the same schedule as other classmates, you have prom—add high stress, fear, and competitiveness and it’s basically adolescence all over again. Ok, not really but kind of. The reality is that the environment of law school can create a breeding ground for petty behavior. It may seem surreal—you’re working with adults, how can this be?! But human nature is a pretty predictable thing: put a group of people together that have to stop being polite and start fighting for limited good grades and it can get testy. I…
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Summer Series: Overcoming the Fear of Failure
Our Summer Series is winding down and we thought we’d end the Law Grad stories with Fulvia–not only is she a recent law school graduate, but she passed the New York bar this February and is newly licensed! Fulvia describes the fear and added stress many of us face(d) when studying for the Bar and how to push past it to meet your goals. My name is Fulvia and I am a recent graduate of Syracuse University College of Law as well as a newly admitted attorney (as of June 22, 2015!). I am originally from New York City and recently moved to Binghamton, NY after accepting a staff attorney…
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Summer Series: Holding Yourself Accountable During the Bar.
Our Summer Series continues! This series highlights different Latina students and law grads as they embark in their summer jobs and/or bar prep all across the country. We hope to provide a variety of work experiences, options for a healthy work-life balance, and general motivation through different guest contributors to help you to take charge of your summer and professional goals! Today we hear from Gaby, a law school grad ready to take on the New York Bar and what she’s done to stay the course this summer. My name is Gaby. Originally from Nevada, I graduated from law school in Washington, DC. I’ve decided to study for the New York bar from…
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Law Student & the Power Suit: Picking the Right Business Suit for Law School
So no one gets too happy at the thought of a new school year, but for those that are starting law school this year it can actually feel a little exciting! Plus, it’s the start of school supplies season and that’s always a good thing (I seriously have a planner problem, in that I constantly am buying new planners)! Aside from the general items you’ll need for the academic year (a post for another day), there is one item that you should consider purchasing now so that you’re ready to participate in all the professional events schools tend to set-up at the beginning of the year: your basic suit. Having…
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Summer Fashion Dos and Dont’s for Male Attorneys
I hate fashion advice that the status quo issues down to women. As if we’re too stupid to recognize what is appropriate or not. Or worse, sexualizing our clothing to diminish our capacity. Yes, her heels are high, but let’s not call them “prostitute shoes,” because, sorry to break it to you, but even sex workers can wear flats. So let’s not impugn women’s characters just because of their clothing. Thankfully, when faced with this sexist advice, women push back. I had been sitting on this post for a while, but was energized by Yvette Martinez’s response to an article encouraging women attorneys to “jazz up” their fashion for court.…