Law School Survival Guide: Stress Management

Law school is a rigorous multi-year journey that demands exceptional time management, resilience, and discipline. Amidst the pressure to excel academically, secure internships, and build a foundation for future legal practice, many law students find themselves battling stress, burnout, and mental health challenges.

Shulman & Partners is a family law firm committed to holistic well-being. We firmly believe that success in law school goes hand-in-hand with strong mental health. To help current law students navigate these challenges, we picked the collective brains of our team of lawyers and articling students, asking them to share insights from their law school experiences.

Stress Management Strategies…from Those Who Have Been There

We all know that managing stress is essential. But knowing how or where to start isn’t always easy. That’s why hearing from those who have successfully tackled stress in their own lives can be incredibly valuable. Whether it’s juggling multiple responsibilities or facing setbacks, people who’ve been there offer insights into what really works.

“Make a study plan,” suggests Associate Lawyer Dena Al-hubaishi. “Designate specific times for studying each chapter and also include break time into your study sessions. When you don’t set time limits, it is easy to drag out certain tasks, which means you won’t have time to get to everything, which only adds to your stress.”

Associate Lawyer Ekroop Sekhon echoes the importance of taking breaks.

“Recognizing and allowing myself to take a break was an important strategy I found most helpful in managing stress in law school. There are always more readings to complete but having downtime to enjoy an episode on Netflix, FaceTime a friend, or take the evening off would always help me recharge and come back with renewed determination.”

Another helpful approach is setting boundaries, both personally and professionally. Taking regular breaks, saying ‘no’ when necessary, and prioritizing tasks can dramatically reduce feelings of overwhelm.

Leverage Mental Health Resources and Supports

Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it’s often overlooked. Leveraging mental health resources can provide a lifeline when stress becomes overwhelming. Therapy, counseling, and even mindfulness apps are all tools that can support individuals in managing their mental well-being.

“My biggest piece of advice is to review the resources your school/program has available to its students,” Articling Student Jessica di Leo advises. “Scheduling time every week or two to meet with our program’s therapist did wonders for my mental health, while also giving me incredible tips for managing stresses and anxieties that were very specific to the law school experience.”

Practicing mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing can also help reduce anxiety. It’s all about finding the right balance and being proactive in seeking out mental health support when it is needed.

Winning Self-Care Habits

Self-care isn’t just a trendy buzzword—it’s a critical component of stress management and overall well-being. Those who have successfully integrated self-care into their lives often highlight its long-term benefits in maintaining mental and physical health.

Associate Lawyer Sabrina Mangiapane shares one self-care habit that was a standout for her during her law school days. “Finding a hobby/activity that is completely unrelated to law has been very important for me.”

Adequate sleep, hydration, and balanced nutrition are also foundational aspects of self-care, as Associate Lawyer Jessica Santucci points out.

“To help avoid burnout, sufficient sleep is crucial. Unfortunately, sleeping patterns can be impacted by stress, so I suggest prioritizing being proactive to avoid reaching the point of burnout by being intentional with your stress management techniques. Create a routine and schedule that works for you and abide by it as if it is compulsory or part of your academic schedule.”

And finally. exercise is a must-do when it comes to self-care habits. Even a short daily walk can significantly reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance focus. When we take care of our bodies, we are better equipped to manage stress and prevent burnout.

Prioritize Your Well-Being

As law students face the demands of their legal education, it’s essential to remember that mental health is not an obstacle to success—it’s a key component of it. Law school is a challenging but rewarding journey, and by implementing time management strategies, practicing self-care, utilizing mental health resources, and reframing your mindset around stress and success, students can build a foundation for both personal and professional well-being.

Associate Lawyer and Team Lead Olivia D’Ammizio says it best.

“Mental health is so important. While you may not feel the impact on your work or personal life immediately, over time, it can weigh you down and negatively impact all aspects of your life. Learning to prioritize your mental health as a law student will be extremely helpful once you’ve started your career in the legal field.”

Conclusion

Navigating law school requires more than academic diligence—it demands a strong focus on mental health and well-being. By taking proactive steps to manage stress, leverage mental health resources, and practice self-care, law students can set themselves up for lasting success in both their studies and future legal careers. At Shulman & Partners, we encourage all law students to prioritize their well-being as a key part of their journey to becoming exceptional lawyers.