If you have been in law school long enough you know by now that there are some professors you like more than others.  You have probably heard from some of your upper-class peers that you should take this professor and avoid that one.  Many law students think that if they do poorly in a class it is because they had a “bad” professor.  My advise, get over it.

Sorry to be so blunt, but the simple fact of the matter is law professors are people just like you and I.  Everyone has a different personality and a different way of approaching things.  Some law professors teach visually via props.  Some teach by lecture while others utilize the Socratic method.  Some law professors have a jovial demeanor and others a more subdued, “all business” demeanor.  But just as law professors differ in their styles of teaching, law school students differ in their styles of learning.

Some students like the jovial, fun-loving style of teaching.  Other students just want to hear it the way it is and would prefer to forgo the rest.  The fact of the matter is that in reality these professors are presumably teaching you the law and it is up to you - the student - to learn it.  It is your responsibility to study the cases and learn the law.

If we receive poor grades it is most likely our fault, not the professors.  If you have a professor that teaches in the style you really like you will learn well and quickly.  But if you have a professor that teaches in a style you do not prefer that does not mean you will not learn well.  But it may mean that you will not learn as quickly.  You may just need to study harder and longer, but you will learn the material if you are committed to doing so.

If you have never had a law professor that you did not like, you will.  Do not go into the class with the wrong attitude, you will be defeated before you even begin.  Look at the experience as an opportunity and a challenge.  Think to yourself, if I can get an ‘A’ in this professor’s class I can get an ‘A’ in any professor’s class.  Let the challenge strengthen your resolve to do well.  Remember, in practice you will encounter many clients and bosses that are “difficult” to work with.  But they will still expect the same results from you as would a client or boss that you “like”.

God bless and have a great day.