A mature student's take on law school

Special guest blog entry by Laura McPheeters

You've read on this blog about the trike race, beer-ups and small groups. You've heard that the social aspect of law school is extremely important and that you will make your best friends here. Many law students on the good side of 30 fully participate in all of that and have large circles of friends. On the other hand, many don't have the time or inclination to do more than attend class and read or study in the library, and they still have a rewarding time at school.

I have three young kids and I've already been to graduate school and had a career. I am a part-time student, so I'll be around longer than most. In three years so far, I have yet to see the trike race or set foot in a beer-up. Nevertheless, I have made friends in school through participation in classes, moots, clinical programs and the Mature Law Students' Association, a loosely-knit group I started up two years ago.

For what it's worth, here is my advice to incoming mature law students. Stay focused on what you want from school. If you want a social whirl, go for it. If you already have a full and busy life, then use your time efficiently at school. Go to class, go to the library, go home. You won't be the only student who doesn't go to the beer-up. Don't worry, you'll meet great people through the clinics, moots or other activities that you choose to spend your time on. Get to know your small group even if you don't see them outside school; it's good to have allies at school if, let's just say, your hard drive dies and you lose several months' class notes because you've been lazy about backing up. Voice of experience speaking...

If you have any questions about being a mature or part-time student, please email me, Laura, at elderlylawstudents@gmail.com. Welcome to law school!