All work and no play makes Jack a dull lawy. As old-fashioned as it may sound, this saying is true for all law students seeking perfect work-life balance. These law students often find themselves amid multiple textbooks, mock court sessions, and a life of leisure they aspire to lead. Finding a work-life balance in law is important for students while they study and afterwards when they start practicing as lawyers.

As it is easy for law students to get carried away in their hectic routine. They may get so lost in their books that they forget leisure. This may lead them to start living a life of indulgence that shifts their focus from studies. While finding a work-life balance can be difficult, it is not impossible.

Before moving ahead, it is important to clarify that a lawyer's work-life balance here refers to a student navigating between their studies and leisure.

Smart Strategies to Maintain Work-Life Balance for the Modern Law Student

Are you a law student? Is your child a law student? If so, here are a few ways in which these budding professionals can strike the much-needed work-life balance in law :

Time Management : Your First Case to Win

Time management is the most important tool for maintaining a lawyer’s work-life balance. The key here is to respect time and give it the value it deserves. As we all have only 24 hours in a day, this time if well distributed for everyday tasks can lead to more balance and a healthy lifestyle. While some students can take time out for studies and leisure, others fail to take enough time for either of the two extremes.

As a law student, segregating your schedule into study hours and play hours will help you balance your day easily. Your study hours may include everything from attending classes and studying at home. And the play hours may include everything else. Such a clear segregation helps you know how much time you have for each activity. Trust us, you will have enough time to do it all.

Strategise Your Day-Breaks

Law students often study to exhaustion leading to burnout and thus hampering their productivity. As a future lawyer, you should be smart enough to use your time wisely. Suppose a student is pursuing BA LL.B (Hons) from MIT-WPU. While navigating elaborate study materials, they should be advised to take smart breaks to prevent issues like burnout. If the Pomodoro technique works for you, go for it. It involves taking a five-minute break after every twenty-five minutes of study or work. If you find your concentration breaking, rest as per this technique to regain your productivity.

Similarly, it is also important for law students to be mindful while taking breaks. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through your Instagram feed, try going out for a walk or making yourself a hot cup of coffee. Such breaks give your mind some time to sit back and relax.

Priority Management : The Case for Balance

You cannot have it all and hence it is important to know your priorities while you pursue your law degree. If something can wait, do not be in a hurry to do it. Even while studying, clearly define the areas you should focus on more. Use the age-old adage of doing the tough things first. If you do away with the toughest subjects first, you can afford to relax later.

This does not mean that your priority should only be your studies. If it is your mother’s birthday and you can afford to spend a few hours with her, do not put that event on the back burner just to study more. Learn to dedicate sufficient time to different aspects of your life to ensure an ideal work-life balance in law.

The Technology Paradox

In the digital age, it simply takes a second to get distracted by technology. Law students often study on their laptops and mobile devices and hence, distractions are just a click or a tap away. So, instead of getting distracted by technology, learn to incorporate it into your schedule.

When you are tired of reading, watch informative videos related to your subject on the internet. For example, a student pursuing Ph.D. in Law from MIT-WPU may spend a lot of time reading and researching. Taking a break, they can follow interesting social media accounts that keep them informed and teach them something new. Knowledge has never been more accessible than it is today. Make the most of it without letting technology command your attention at all times.

Avoid Peer Pressure : The Comparison Trap

While competition is healthy, constant comparisons can hamper your mental health. Comparing your performance with your peers is common; even inevitable at times. Having said that, things get worse if you cannot help making comparisons. Everyone studies at their own pace. If you keep comparing yourself with your peers, you will never feel good enough. This often leads to feelings of self-doubt. Even the most intelligent individuals can succumb to this mindset.

As clichéd as it may sound, you should only compete with yourself. Aspire to become your best version without being distracted by unnecessary comparisons.

Building Your Legal Support Network

Studying hard doesn’t mean that you cannot socialise. Rather healthy socialisation is necessary to maintain a lawyer’s work-life balance. While you should hang out with your friends, it is better to spend time with like-minded friends.

Hanging out with like-minded people helps you express yourself and your interests. Hearty conversations are some of the best ways to unwind and take a break from studying.

Know Yourself

Pursuing a law degree requires unwavering focus and determination. However, it should not come at the cost of your well-being. It is important to know yourself and what is essential for your well-being while you pursue your degree.

If you have chosen a law degree, you must know your educational and professional goals. Keep them in mind, and balance the two in a way that you can focus on your well-being. Do not let anything or anyone jeopardise this decision.

The Verdict : Balance is Key

Getting a law degree is extremely rewarding, provided you maintain the perfect work-life balance throughout your course. You should neither spend all your time studying nor waste it in the name of leisure. Students need a healthy dose of studies and socialisation every day. Knowing and maintaining this balance will reduce much of your stress and other avoidable burdens. Even the faculty at MIT-WPU encourages all students to study hard while making time for leisure. On joining the School of Law you get an environment conducive to your professional and personal growth. In this way, we do our best to help our students make the most of their formative years while chasing their dreams!