Surviving Law School: Tips for the BPTC/BPC

I still can’t believe I survived the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) which now has different names across universities. After completing my Bachelor of Laws degree, I had no idea the pain that would await me on the BPTC. While law school had its fair share of work, nothing could prepare me for the BPTC. Junior lawyers warned me that it would be an intense year and the worst year of my life but I didn’t quite believe them until I experienced it for myself. I don’t mean to panic anyone interested in taking the BPTC. I just want to share my story about the most intense year of my life in hopes to give you a heads up on what you should and shouldn’t do on the BPTC.

In case you missed last week’s blog on Law Schools in the UK, US and Jamaica, click here.

Here are my tips for Surviving the BPTC (now the BPC/BTC).

1. Don’t take it personal– My law school experience was filled with blood, sweat and tears….Okay, maybe I’m being a little dramatic. There wasn’t any bloodshed but it might as well have been. Whoever coined the saying, “Words would never hurt me” can speak for themselves because let me tell youuuu…Baby girl was in the bathroom crying after my first advocacy class. So my first tip for surviving law school is develop thick skin. I haven’t quite mastered that quite yet but trust me, it’s hard out here so don’t take it personal. Your teacher is mean to everyone 🙂 When I first was given harsh constructive criticism I took it PERSONAL and it really took a toll on me because my nerves would be on me every time I had that particular class. While it was unfortunate that classes ended up being online, I was low key grateful that as a result I was moved to a new class. Don’t be like me. We’re all going to have to encounter people who speak to us harshly but we’ll have to learn to deal with it and not take it personally.

2. Practice Practice Practice– There are going to be advocacy and conference small group sessions almost every week on the course. To prepare for these sessions, practice. Practice with someone on the course and give each other feedback based on the criteria for grading. Practice speaking without a script. Practice eye contact. Practice not using hand gestures. Practice voice intonation (Nobody likes to hear a monotone person give a speech). If you’re doing Civil Advocacy, practice answering questions about your case on the spot. If you’re in Examination in Chief or Cross Examination, practice your composure when the witness does not answer questions the way you want.

For tips on Surviving Difficult Classes, click here.

The first time I did Examination In Chief, I inadvertently asked leading questions (questions that require yes and no answers which should only be used during Cross-Examination) and it was so embarrassing! During Civil Advocacy, my teacher often told me that my functional advocacy was great but I needed more persuasive advocacy. If you know me, I’m a pretty loud speaker but to be honest, studying in the UK caused me to lose a bit of my voice. Most times I was told to tune it down a bit. So when my teacher told me to have more persuasive advocacy, I gave ALL the drama, albeit too much drama and I was told to tune it down lol. My teacher offered clinics where we could get additional practice with our advocacy and I used this opportunity to practice my advocacy. If you want to be great at something, you need to practice.

3. Prepare– Every SINGLE class, you WILL get picked on to answer a question from your small group session preparation. Let me tell you how I hated when teachers would call my name to answer question. I had bad luck because the one question I was unsure about would always be the question that I would be asked. It was ANNOYING lol. Do NOT be the person who looks unprepared for class. Do the necessary readings and make notes which will not just be beneficial for your class but will also come in handy when it’s time for revision. If you have extra time, read the additional reading as well. The procrastinator in me waited for the last minute to do my seminar prep so I rarely did the additional reading but don’t be like me, be better 🙂

For tips on Overcoming Procrastination, click here.

4. Think about the finish line– This is going to be a roughhh year but as the quote says, Begin with the end in mind. Remember that this is only a short period in your life and each day, you are one step closer to being done with this course. People usually say it will all pay off in the long run so keep that in mind. Think about how your future self will thank you and how proud you’ll be when you look back at your accomplishments and how you survived this deadly course. In just a few short months, you will be the newest lawyer in town and stunning like Jessica Pearson from Suits (maybe not in your first few years as a lawyer but that’s neither here nor there lol).

The BPTC will be very stressful but ensure that you look after yourself in the midst of all the studying.

For tips on Taking Care of Your Mental Health in University, click here.

I know you may be wondering why study wasn’t a tip but that goes without saying right? 😉 This is just one year in your life so you can do it. I believe in you. All the best!

If you have any questions about law school or would just like to chat, feel free to message me.

How is law school going for you? Let me know in the comments!