Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Joining Law School

By Someone Who’s Been There and Lived to Tell the Tale 

 

If you are headed to law school with a head full of courtroom dramas and debate club glory, buckle up, because reality is about to drop some footnotes. 

 

When I joined Presidency School of Law (PSOL), Presidency University, I imagined Harvey Specter style comebacks, Elle Woods energy, and Perry Mason courtroom drama. What I got instead? Bare Acts, long judgments, and the constant panic of “Did I miss an internal deadline?” 

 

Here is what I wish someone had told me before I walked in: 

 

1. 1. Law School = Reading Bootcamp 

 
Forget flashy arguments. Most days involve reading 100+ pages, trying to decode what happened in a 1972 case. But trust me, once you understand why a judgment matters, the magic begins. 

 

1. 2. Marks Matter, But They are not Everything 

 
Your CGPA won’t argue your case. Skills, internships, writing, and clarity about your path matter just as much. The legal world is vast—corporate, litigation, academia, policy, tech—Presidency University offers the exposure and resources to help you explore it all. 

 

1. 3. Your Brain Needs Rest Too 

 
Burnout is real. Law school can feel like a pressure cooker. Build in breaks, talk to friends, and normalize asking for help. Mental health is not optional. It’s your fuel. 

 

1. 4. Confidence Is Built, Not Born 

 
You do not have to sound like a senior advocate on Day 1. Fumble in moots. Ask questions. Write poorly and then get better. Confidence grows when you dare to try. The nurturing environment at Presidency School of Law encourages growth through trial and error. 

 

5. 5. Law Changes the Way You See the World

 

You will start spotting legal issues in movies, news, everyday life. You will question, analyse, and think deeper. It’s exhausting but also thrilling. And in a place like Presidency University, you’re surrounded by mentors and peers who share that passion. 

 

If you are walking into law school scared and excited, that’s the perfect start. You are not supposed to have it all figured out—just stay curious, stay kind, and keep showing up. 

 

Law school isn’t a movie. But your journey? That’s going to be one worth watching. 

 

 

Regards, 

Ms. Toshali Pattnaik 

Assistant Professor 

PSOL