Dear Students,

Congratulations on reaching the end of your first semester of law school! And for my Spring Starts, the conclusion of your 1L year—what an incredible milestone. Take a moment to truly savor this achievement. It’s one of those rare, hard-earned moments in law school that often goes uncelebrated. You’ve tackled one of the most challenging periods in your academic journey, stepping into a completely new learning environment, surrounded by new faces, and immersing yourselves in concepts that likely felt foreign and overwhelming at first. Simply being in law school is a privilege—one that many aspire to but few achieve. You’ve worked tirelessly not only to earn your place here but also to complete this semester. You deserve every ounce of celebration and rest.

When I began teaching this class, my faculty mentor told me “You’ll never forget your first 1L class.” He couldn’t have been more right. I remember walking into our classroom on the first day with ample nervous energy. You may not have noticed, but I was likely just as anxious as many of you. As a new professor, I was warned about all sorts of pitfalls: students might not respect me because of my age or gender; no one would participate; cold-calling would feel impossible; and, inevitably, there would be moments when I’d feel I’d let you down. But none of those fears came to life. Instead, you all proved to be engaged, thoughtful, and inspiring.

Thank you for trusting me through this journey and for granting me the privilege of witnessing your growth. Watching you transform into outspoken, driven, and intellectually curious professionals has been an honor. Your participation, feedback, and dedication (and memes!) have not only made you better but have also uplifted your peers and inspired me. I’ve learned so much from each of you. You are the next generation of attorneys the world so desperately needs, and I cannot wait to see where your paths lead.

To my Spring Starts, as you move into your second year, I want to prepare you for a common challenge. There’s a phenomenon among 2Ls where the initial spark begins to fade. You might feel jaded, cynical, or disinterested. The novelty of law school wears off, and the grind can feel endless. But I challenge you to fight that feeling. Reconnect with your “why.” Why did you come to law school? Why do you want to be a legal professional? Tap into that purpose to stay curious, engaged, and driven. This is your opportunity to grow even further, to dig into your interests, and to take risks in the safety of the classroom. I know the pressure of wanting to “just get through it,” but trust me—this time is fleeting. Cherish it.

To my second-semester 1Ls, take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come since Day 1. Use that perspective to lift up the new students joining us soon. Be their guide and their support. Encourage them, mentor them, and show them the kindness you would’ve appreciated in your early days. You are now equipped with the foundations to approach your classes with confidence, and that’s a powerful place to be. Let that confidence empower you. 

As grades begin to roll in, remember: they are only one piece of your journey. You’ve already done everything in your power this semester, and the outcome is now beyond your control. Celebrate your successes, mourn your disappointments, and then move forward. Whether you’re thrilled or discouraged by your results, they don’t define you. Success in the legal profession comes from much more than a GPA—it comes from determination, creativity, and resilience.

Finally, as you continue your time here, I encourage you to reflect on the kind of lawyer and professional you want to become. Competence is a baseline. But will you strive for something greater? I know you will.

Thank you for being my first 1L class. In every way, we got through this together. Teaching you has been a joy, and I’m incredibly proud of each of you. My door will always be open—don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see the amazing things you accomplish.

Over and out,  
Prof. J 🦝