Law School Grades – What Does It All Mean?: A Look Back
By Laurie N. Robinson
In college I was in the University Honors Program. To be in the program, students were required to take 21 hours per semester (7 classes) and maintain a 3.0 GPA. I worked really hard. I spent most of my days in the library and in study hall. Each semester, I looked forward to the rewards–A’s and B’s. I completed college, magna cum laude.
Now, when I got to law school, I spent even more time in the library and in study groups. This time around though, grades were based on one test per class per semester (versus a series of tests in one semester in undergraduate). And, the kicker – tests were graded on a curve.
I remembered during my first year in law school, grades would come out one subject at a time. (I preferred the high school and undergraduate way of reading my grades all at once). And, we had to go to a community bulletin board to get our grades.
It was so stressful!
No, in fact, it was nerve raking.
No, it was cruel and unusual punishment.
I even remember going home during my 1L summer, running to the mailbox each day waiting for my grades.
I remember that one time, I studied my heart out. I knew the concepts, prima facie elements, and all the defenses backwards and forwards. I just knew that I had written an A+ examination. I was so crushed the day I ran to the mailbox and saw “C+.” My entire world was rocked!
In law school, everyone talked about grades – from the law students to the career planning placement center.
I had to endure this process for three years. Overall, I had some A’s. I had many B’s. And, those occasional C’s.
As I look back at it all, I can say, I stressed for nothing. I’ll tell you why:
- Once I finished law school, the next hurdle was passing the bar examination. At that point, I realized 50 A’s meant nothing if I could not pass the bar (I did pass the bar on the first try!).
- After my first job, I have not been asked again to provide a law school transcript. After several years of practice, most employers want to see your resume evidencing skills (not your grade in Criminal Law or Property).
In my opinion, the key is to do your very best! Grades are important, especially when it comes to landing your first job. However, if you receive a B or that occasional C, it is not the end of the world and never worth contemplating quitting law school.
We all want to be A+ students, but it may not happen that way. Regardless, keep moving forward, and keep your eyes on the prize–graduation (be it cum laude or THANK YOU, LAUDE!)
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