Five tips for new Kenya law students

Studying for a law degree is not just about learning jargon, Red Bull all-nighters or becoming a lawyer - here's how to make the most of it.

A-Levels in hand and en route to law school? Congratulations. You are about to embark on a course that can inspire, frustrate and empower, often in unequal measure. Though itwill feel like it on occasions, studying law is not just about Red Bull-fuelled library nights, jargon-filled lectures, book-burdened bags and headache-inducing judgments.Be it Grisham-inspired impulse, the worldlier need for career prospects, or plain curiosity, hold on to your motivation for choosing the subject.Law will challenge, provoke and push you out of your comfort zone. It's worth it.

Here are some tips:
1. Get used to feeling lostWhether scribbling notes about easements, indirect directives or promissory estoppel, you may find yourself lost in lectures. Law is not meant to be easy and you won't be the only one who feels at times that you are "not getting it". Recall how your A-Levels were once a step up. Remember lectures are where your understanding begins rather than it ending. Don't self-doubt. Gain support from peers, be pragmatic and work consistently rather than cram.
2. Embrace itWhether as a means to a career or not, embrace studying. You will find law easier if you enjoy it. You will learn the art of law, read cases to solve problems, often re-imagining the meaning of words and asking what reasonable people would do.You will also learn what the law is about - its potential and its flaws. Think broadly, reject narratives and dismiss stereotypes. Speak up, ask questions, critique and take intellectual risks. Try to be political, read the papers and get involved with pro bono work, debating and student societies. You will slowly see law in a different light.
3. Follow law's four R's: read, research, write and referenceRead widely using a range of sources beyond textbooks and cases. You may think you can avoid it, but learn how to use LexisNexis and Westlaw; they are a god-send. Mooting will propel your researchingskills so give it a go. Redescribing lecture notes in essays is unlikely to get you very far. Analyse, evaluate and avoid fence-sitting. Referencing is easy to get right but getting it wrong is a sure-fire way to frustrate over-burdened academics. Ensure your essay sticks out for the right reasons.
4. You don't have to be a lawyerMany law schools help prepare students for a career in the profession. You can find yourself in a regular whirlwind of careers talks, application forms and vacations scheme deadlines even in your first two years. If you want to become a solicitor or a barrister, then go for it and give yourself an edge. As difficult as it may be, network and get work experience early.But do remember that law degrees don't always lead to lawyers. Up to 50% of all law graduates enter non-legal careers where your skills are really valued. These are not lesser options. So work on getting a good degree, find out what you excelat and if you choose a different destination, have the self-confidence to embark on it.
5. Prioritise prep over emoticonsWhen you arrive at a tutorial, you willendear yourself to staff if they are not prompted to think, "Have I seen you before?" Carrying law textbooks into a seminar can often be a tell-tale sign that they are yet to be opened. Prep is everything. You will learn the art of a reasoned objectionbut if you want to improve things around you, practise it by joining committees and feeding back.Oh, and if academic staff don't reciprocate your exclamation marksand emoticons in emails, don't take it personally. Do say hello and let us know how you are getting on. Good luck.