Finding Your Footing Your First Year of Law School

Last night, Dancing with the Stars kicked off its 33rd season with a premiere that gave us all the excitement we hoped for. From former NBA All-Star Dwight Howard’s powerhouse salsa to This Is How We Do It to Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher’s energetic cha-cha to Man! I Feel Like a Woman!, the contestants put it all out on the dance floor. Watching these athletes and celebrities step out of their comfort zones and tackle new challenges reminds me of the journey new students face in their first year of law school.

Just like the DWTS contestants who started with little to no dance experience, your first year of law school is your introduction to a completely new world. The good news? You don’t need to be perfect on Day One. In fact, your journey through law school has much in common with learning to dance: it’s about practice, growth, and staying on your toes—literally and figuratively.

1. Start with the Basics

Contestants don’t begin their DWTS journey by attempting the most difficult choreography. Instead, they start with the fundamental steps, refining them before moving on to more complex routines. In law school, mastering the basics—like case briefing, outlining, and understanding key legal principles—will lay the foundation for your success. Focus on getting these right first, and everything else will follow.

2. Embrace Feedback

The judges on DWTS—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—provide constructive feedback to help contestants improve week after week. In law school, your professors and peers serve a similar role. Don’t shy away from feedback; use it as a tool to refine your approach. Whether it’s on a practice exam or class participation, embrace it to get better.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

On DWTS, the stars put in hours of rehearsal to perfect their routines. As a 1L, you’ll need to develop a consistent study routine. Whether you’re briefing cases, reviewing notes, practicing hypos, or engaging in mock exams, make studying a daily habit. Consistency is key—just like learning to dance, regular practice will help you gain confidence and mastery over time.

4. Balance Performance with Fun

Law school can feel overwhelming, but remember that just as DWTS stars have fun in the process, you too can find moments of enjoyment. Get to know your classmates, take breaks, and celebrate your small victories—whether it's finishing reading a difficult case or surviving your first (or tenth) cold call.

5. Keep the Long Game in Mind

For the DWTS contestants, the goal is the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. For you, it’s passing the bar exam and starting a successful legal career. Both require dedication, focus, and resilience. Keep your eye on the prize and remember that every small step you take now brings you closer to your ultimate goal.

As DWTS host Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro guided contestants through the opening night, you too will have mentors, professors, and peers who can help you through the ups and downs of your first year. So as you embark on your 1L journey, take a cue from DWTS—find your rhythm, enjoy the process, and keep moving forward!