By Aleycia Ballantyne and Rachel Cleveland

Navigating through finals season can often feel like traversing a marathon of stress and anxiety, and as NCBA law student representatives at UNC, we understand the weight of this challenge all too well. As we gear up for impending exams, it’s crucial to acknowledge the toll it can take on our mental well-being. To support you during this demanding time, we’ve compiled a few strategies that have helped us to manage stress and approach exams with confidence and tranquility.

First and foremost, let’s talk about the unsung hero of productivity: sleep. We’ve all been inundated with the age-old advice to prioritize sleep, yet it’s astonishing how often we ignore it. Personally, I used to pride myself on burning the midnight oil, believing that sacrificing sleep was synonymous with dedication. However, I soon learned that this mentality is not sustainable in the long run. I discovered that by establishing a bedtime routine and consciously disconnecting from screens and study materials by midnight, I reclaimed a semblance of balance. While I may not always achieve eight hours of sleep, prioritizing rest has significantly enhanced my cognitive clarity and resilience, ultimately empowering me to tackle the day’s challenges with renewed vigor.

Next up: planning and preparation. While pursuing perfection may seem enticing, our goal instead should be to cultivate a sense of order amidst the chaos. Start by outlining your priorities for the weeks ahead, then break down these objectives into manageable tasks on a weekly and daily basis. By adopting a systematic approach, you can alleviate unnecessary stress and maintain control over your workload. Read more

By Clare Magee and Benjamin Rigney

Lawyers are facing increasingly difficult questions about what it means to be part of the legal profession in the twenty-first century. How can lawyers navigate shifting generational dynamics in the workplace? What can lawyers do to adapt to the advent of legal tech and artificial intelligence? How should lawyers advise clients in an environment of rapidly evolving jurisprudence in a number of practice areas?

According to Benjamin Rigney, Assistant Director for Leadership and Character in the Law School at Wake Forest School of Law, lawyers can begin to answer some of these questions by cultivating character-based leadership practices within the legal profession.

Many lawyers view themselves as specialists and technicians – masters of black letter rules and standard forms whose contributions to the legal profession are defined by what they can do rather than who they are. Certainly, knowledge of the law is foundational to the profession. But Rigney suggests that leadership is an equally important component of lawyering: “Lawyers are influencers in the sense that so much of a lawyer’s work involves guiding people towards making a decision. People come to lawyers because they want advice – we are counselors at law.”

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By John Godfrey Jr., Surya Korrapati, and Christina Trepczynski

In the dynamic world of law, where traditional classroom learning meets real-world application, externships and pro bono projects play pivotal roles in shaping future legal professionals. This month, we had the privilege of interviewing three law students who are gaining experience outside the classroom, either through volunteering for pro bono causes or gaining course credit in legal externships.  By highlighting their work, we hope to provide some insight as to how you can secure an externship or find the right pro bono project — and the sorts of skills you may gain along the way.

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By Alex Gwynn, Matt Meinel and Will Robertson

Do you have time to grab a cup of coffee? Instead of taking this one to go, how about spending thirty meaningful minutes with a future lawyer?

A half hour of your time is all we need to make this program a success! We are seeking attorney volunteers to connect with a law student and pass on the valuable insights you have about succeeding in law school and entering the practice of law. If you would like to volunteer, please fill out this attorney sign-up form. Law students can sign up with this student sign-up form. If you have signed up during a previous GaC session, you will need to sign up again.

GaC is a statewide program that pairs law students with practicing attorneys based on their practice area(s) of interest. Discussion topics may include:

• what it is like to practice in your current area of law;

• the path you took to get where you are; and

• general advice on law school or the first year in practice.

The program is meant to be an informal, one-time, thirty-minute meeting. Attorneys and students have the option of meeting virtually or in person.

Sign-ups close on February 9. Volunteers will be notified by email with more information once they are paired with a law student.

To learn more about the Grab-a-Coffee program, check out this blog post and short YouTube video from prior participants in the program.

We look forward to a successful spring of networking!

Alex Gwynn and Will Robertson serve as co-chairs of the NCBA YLD Law Student Outreach Committee. Matt Meinel serves as the administrator of the NCBA Grab-a-Coffee Program. 

By S. Collins Saint

Dear Younger Sully,

There’s so much I wish I could share with you, especially about navigating the world as a young attorney. Here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way, including things that have become increasingly important — physical and mental health. Plus, there are some lessons from battles you’ve yet to face.

Firstly, let’s talk about your career. It’s incredible that you’ve chosen this path — it’s challenging, demanding, and rewarding. Remember, mistakes will happen, and they’re not a reflection of your worth. Learn from them, adapt, and grow. Embrace every opportunity to learn, whether from victories or setbacks. Every case, every client, every experience will shape you into the attorney you’re meant to become. Some things you have kept in your quiver through every stage of your life will continue to help you: your passion and compassion, your steadfast work ethic, and your ability to build connections with anyone you meet. You are better equipped than you know.

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