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Laying down the law

Student forum answers questions and preps future lawyers

Published: Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Updated: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 14:11

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Neka Jones/Echo staff photographer

Panelist Pedra Lee, a second-year law student, has advice for prospective law students.

Planning on law school? It's going to take a lot of heart to succeed. That's according to panelists at law school forum in the School of Law's Great Hall last Wednesday.

The panel of nine current N.C. Central University law students was hosted by the School of Law to answer the question: So, What is Law School Really Like?

The purpose of the panel, which was attended by about 30 people, was to give prospective law students a first-hand account of the law school experience.

Audience members wanted to know how to best prepare for admission to law school and how to manage the demands of law school once there.

One panelist recommended that students interested in attending law school apply to as many schools as possible.

All panelists advised students be as selective as possible because the law school they attend may have a weak reputation.

According to DeWarren Langley perspective law students need to understand that their studies will cut into their social and family lives.    "My family knows to have my plate ready … and they know that I'll be eating and leaving," he said.

It's a matter of passion, according to panelist Cheri Hamilton. "Wherever your heart is … just follow it," Hamilton said.

And students who are coming back to law school as non-traditional students need not be intimidated.

"Life happens," said panelist Deyaska Spencer, explaining her decision to enter law school after a five year hiatus from her studies.

"I think stamina is what undergraduates bring," said panelist Janet Steddum.

"However, with me being older and having more experience, I bring more wisdom."

And watch your pennies, advised Spencer.

"If you live like a lawyer while you're a law school student, then you'll live like a law school student while you're a lawyer."

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