Depending on Your Classmates

I don't think there's anything worse than having to depend on your classmates for your grade.

In real life, you always have to depend on someone else for something. And I'm pretty sure in the practice of law, this is equally true. You have to depend on a co-worker, a secretary, a judge, a client, the opposing counsel, or what have you. And no doubt, it is equally frustrating when they don't show up, don't have their work done, or just don't care.

In one of my classes, I'm going through the same situation. We had a group project where all five of us had to contribute. The problem was, two of the students failed to show up to one class, and were a half hour late for the next, totally unprepared. And then when we had to compile our submission for class, these two didn't turn in their work until the very last minute and what they turned in kinda sucked. They must not feel any responsibility to the rest of us for their actions.

I have no control over what these two students do. I just don't have to like it.

I know, I know... get used to it. I felt no less frustrated in my former job when these types of things would happen. I don't know why I expect law school to be any different.

My advice to anyone looking at law school is this:

a) Don't take yourself too seriously. It's okay to have a little fun as long as you don't overdo it.
b) Do take your group projects seriously. It's not just your behind riding on the line. And it's good practice for when you have clients.