I have previously written, both in this blog and in my book, "Law School Labyrinth" about suggestions to help you prepare for law school.  As I've said, the most important thing you can do to prepare is to make sure you understand the legal education process and have your own plan of attack.  Your ultimate goal (aside from gaining legal knowledge and skills) is to "hit the ground running" that critical first year.  This is because if you wait until the semester begins, you may find yourself running out of time for adequate exam preparation.  And in law school, generally one exam is the only shot you have at each class grade.

However, there are some things I suggest you consider doing that will give you a broader perspective on the study and practice of law, that can also be interesting and enjoyable activities the summer before you start law school.  If you are working and simply don't have time, don't worry.  You can do a bit of these now and a bit after school begins.  And if you don't get to them, you aren't doomed.  Think of these as sort of legal "personal development" activities.

1.  Go to Court.  Even if you never plan to litigate, visiting a courtroom and observing a trial will help you to understand the United States legal system.  And, depending upon the cause of action, you may find it enjoyable if not downright entertaining.  To some extent, trial is theater and each side is doing their best to convince someone of their client's positions.  If you decide to do this, be sure and check with the court to make sure you follow proper protocol.  The court clerk's office can help you in this regard.

2.  Talk to Lawyers.  Find some time to talk with lawyers who practice in different areas, such as litigation, corporate transactions, intellectual property, family law, estates, and the like.  You may have to offer to take a busy lawyer to lunch, but if you approach these people appropriately, you will likely find some generous people who would love to help you understand what they do.  You might look at a local firm's website and start by sending an email to the lawyer.  And although not your primary objective, this is also a good opportuity to network a bit.

3.  Read the United States Constitution.  Okay, this one requires a bit of work.  But considering that it is the foundational document of our legal system, it's worth the read.  And besides, it's actually not that lengthy.  Read it in order to understand the division of power among the various branches of government, and to understand how what we call "individual rights" came to be by virtue of the various constitutional amendments.

4.  Read Some Books About Law.  There are hundreds of great fiction and non-fiction works about the practice of law.  I won't go into any more detail than that, and to suggest that you look at the LSAC reading list, as well as ABA suggested reading.  Additionally, chances are that your law school also has a suggested reading list.  But there are some great books out there that will give you a good perspective on law practice, that won't require the kind of intensity you'll face in law school.

In short, take some time to familiarize yourself with basic concepts, but do so in such as way that will interest you.  Presumably, law practice will be your life's work.  And it's a great field, with all kinds of fascinating twists, turns and concepts.  Immerse yourself in the practice.  Soon, and before you realize what has happened, you will be "thinking like a lawyer", passing the bar and practicing.  Now is a great time to begin developing the breadth and depth that characterize great lawyers.

If you are starting law school in the Fall, I encourage you, really encourage you, to start thinking about your plan of attack.  Anyone who has been through it understands that there is no "warm up" as there was in college classes.  You are hit with dense, voluminous reading, the Socratic Method and (whether you realize it or not) extensive learning and memorization of "black letter" law. 

Most importantly, your grades lie almost entirely with your final exams.   And your grades determine your employment possibilities.

I've heard people advise rising 1L's to take the summer off; relax because law school is one heckuva three years.  Extremely bad advice.  Many of your peers (especially those who will do well), are thinking about what it will take to succeed.  The grading curve is tight and the difference between "A"s and "C+"s is often hard to discern.

So, begin your prep now.  Take it as seriously as you did LSAT prep.  My preference, of course, would be that you read my book.  But biases aside, it does provide you with a methodology and a way of thinking about the law school process.  If you read it and internalize half of its substance, you will be able to "hit the ground running" that critical first year.

Feel free to contact me through this site, if you have any questions.  I wish you much success in your studies and legal career.