The Maintenance of a Free Spirit as a Law Student

The Maintenance of a Free Spirit as a Law Student by Josh Simmons, J.D. Candidate, Class of 2023

Lawyering as a vocation, and it's necessary education, involves following rules and navigating narrow systems. Our success depends on our ability to adhere. Adhere to the law, adhere to process and procedure, adhere to professors and judges alike…

But where is our freedom? Where is our ability to deviate? To go our own way? To disagree, or agree differently? How do we maintain our free spirit as law students?

This article does not provide an answer, because I don’t have one. Only guesses. As a law student myself, I have felt stifled in an education focused on rules and regulations. Though I love learning the law, my rebellious side often seeks to escape.

Here are some ways I have found relief: 1) getting an early start on practicing law, 2) being spontaneous, and 3) seeking differential associations.

Practice affords a greater degree of freedom than being a law student. In actual practice you are given much more autonomy, but also less direction. It can feel very freeing to be afforded those opportunities for self-determination earlier on. So get that internship or clinical experience if you want more occupational elbow-room.

Law school can be a cycle of classes, readings, and exams. As helpful as routine is, it can become monotonous. Be sure to leave room for spontaneity by making yourself available to unplanned activities. Intramural sports at Gonzaga are a great way to blow off steam. You can also attend the law school’s social events, or even just do your own thing. You’ll feel more free after breaking the cycle of law school.

While it’s great to get to know your peers and form long-lasting relationships with those you meet at law school, it can feel like an echo chamber when you surround yourself only with other prospective lawyers. So seek to associate with different people. Talk to family and friends about matters other than the law. If they’re too far away, give them a call. Volunteering can also be a great way of meeting people with different experiences (all while getting your pro-bono hours in). Talking to someone who isn’t a lawyer or law student can feel like a breath of fresh air; replenishing the supply of oxygen to your brain. Forming differential associations can broaden your horizons and make the world seem much more open.

There you have it—my best guesses as to how we, as law students, can maintain our free spirits. It’s not an easy thing to do in a world of limitations, exclusions, and exceptions. It is, however, essential for your own personal agency, serenity, and indomitability.