If you are a law student, you know that law school is challenging! Not only are you assigned a massive amount of reading to complete each week, but you must learn and comprehend the material at a fairly rapid rate. If you are having trouble with a certain concept (or even an entire course subject), you are not alone!
Professors recognize that students grasp concepts in different ways and at differing rates. Learning is not a one size fits all approach. What one student easily understands, another will struggle with. For that reason, many law professors make themselves available to students during office hours.
Professors’ office hours truly are one of the most underutilized resources in law school. Some students may feel intimidated of the professor who spent an hour cold calling them one class. Others may be hesitant to admit they need help and convince themselves they should be able to figure things out on their own. Just remember though: your professors want to see you succeed. It may be hard to believe, but the same professor who spent an hour cold-calling you would likely be more than happy to meet with you during office hours!
There are a few ways that you can make the most of your professor’s office hours.
- Make an appointment.
Even though some professors offer regular office hours during which you can drop by to chat, it is still a good idea to give them a heads up you are coming. Depending on how busy your professor is, they may only have 15 minutes to meet. Knowing that ahead of time gives you the ability to plan ahead and arrive prepared for the time you are given. So give them the heads-up that you will be there!
- Review ahead of the meeting.
Before your meeting, review the material you want to discuss. You may find that after a putting in a bit more time, the light bulb clicks on for a concept that you previously didn’t understand. That can concept can get crossed off the list of things you want to discuss, leaving more time for other issues.
- Arrive on time.
Arriving on time ensures you maximize the time available for your discussion, especially if you are given a short time block. More importantly, it shows your professor that you respect their time, setting a good tone for your meeting.
- Come prepared!
If you walk into your contract professor’s office hours and ask them to explain all of contracts, it will not be a very beneficial meeting. Being too general will be counterproductive, so arrive prepared and be specific. Remember that your professor can’t read your mind. If you have a specific question, ask it. For example, if you are having trouble with contract consideration, do not just ask about contract formation – you will get an unnecessary explanation of offer and acceptance along with it! It is a good idea to have a short list of questions or topics you wish to discuss during your meeting. Your professor will appreciate it!
- Be realistic.
Although professors’ office hours can be incredibly useful, recognize that you may still need to consult a study group, supplement, or other resource. Office hours can be incredibly helpful, but don’t expect them to be the one magic cure to your problems!
With that said, if you follow our advice to make the most of your professor’s office hours, you will likely have a productive, beneficial meeting. You will also increase your chances of building a good relationship with your professor. This comes with other benefits – for example, they can become a great resource if you need a law journal advisor or may be able to assist in your job search.
If your professor offers office hours, please use them, and make the most of them!
