Rachel Kleinman, 2L
Managing Editor
The old maxim “the first year they scare you to death, the second year they work you to death…” rings true for Cardozo 2Ls who are struggling to adjust to the demands of their second year. 2Ls across the board agree that this year promises to be more challenging than last by virtue of all of the added responsibilities. “When I think about last year, the only responsibility I recall is class,” recollects Zorik Pesochinsky, 2L. Among his responsibilities this year, however, Pesochinsky cites an impressive list, including “[an] internship, [a] journal, being on the board of a club, co-chairing the [PILSA] auction, being a research assistant to a professor, and finding a job.” Christina Raj, 2L, agreeds that 2L year is more of a balancing act than 1L, and suggests that “this year, time management is very necessary.” Adds AJ Kaplan, 2L, “between journals, clinics, [and] classes, I would have to say that 2L is going to be the hardest year of law school.”
Kaplan might be right. Still, being a 2L comes with some distinct advantages. Ilona Logvinova, 2L, recalls “the scariest part of 1L is the constant aura of confusion and distress.” 2L year, on the other hand, she says, is more relaxed and comfortable. “You know how to do the things you need to do.” Pesochinsky agrees. “I think I have the hang of this ‘law’ thing,” he explains, “which makes everything more manageable.” Similarly, Kaplan appreciates the fact that “there is undoubtedly less stress this year as compared to last,” due in no small part to the familiarity that 1L conspicuously lacks.
Additionally, 2L year at Cardozo brings the fortunate ability to select one’s own coursework. Logvinova found the registration process to be simple and rewarding. “I…got all the classes I wanted, and I was very happy,” she says. Raj concurs, “I got all the classes I wanted. I didn’t need to do add-drop. I was one of the lucky ones.” Pesochinsky, however, had an experience more similar to my own. “For me,” he complains, “the registration process was a mess. I didn’t realize how strategic you had to be…I ended up only being registered for seven or eight credits. So, the add-drop period, for better or for worse, was my best friend.” Regarding registration, Kaplan concedes that despite getting the classes he wanted, the process felt “overly complicated.”
2Ls at Cardozo also enjoy the newfound opportunity to expand their social horizons by taking classes with other 2Ls and 3Ls, as opposed to being relegated to the fixed group of students in their sections, like last year. Kaplan refers to this benefit as “great,” adding, “it gives me an opportunity to mingle and meet new people that I might not meet otherwise if I was…only taking classes with my section.” Pesochinsky concurs. “It’s a nice change,” he says, but he also admits, “I kind of liked having classes with the same people.”
With the lessons of 1L year under its belt, the class of 2011 is beginning the current school year with an updated attitude. Raj, for example, intends to take a more “comprehensive approach” to her 2L year. “My legal clinic and classes really overlap. So…I’m combining my class knowledge with real-life application.” Logvinova is determined to spend less time stressing out this year, and more time appreciating the virtues of academia. Pesochinsky says, “I’m trying to be calmer. I’ve made it through the worst part. . . right?”
It seems the worst of law school has come and gone for 2Ls, who, despite their overwhelming schedules, have the undeniable benefit of familiarity over 1Ls. Along with that familiarity comes wisdom and advice for the class of 2012. “Just be confident,” recommends Logvinova. “Study in groups. The worst part about first year is the stressful loneliness that you can so easily avoid.” “Enjoy it,” advises Kaplan. “1L year flies by.” “Study. Get good grades; it’s all you have to worry about,” suggests Pesochinsky. “But don’t drive yourself crazy. Free time is not the enemy, and having…class in the morning is not a good reason to miss bar nights. After all, being a lawyer is all about networking, and you need practice!”