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Ep 156: Guide to a Successful 1L Year with Angela Vorpahl

Sydney Montgomery
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Foolproof strategies to get through your 1L year successfully without a headache. In this conversation, Angela Vorpahl shares strategies and advice for students entering their 1L year of law school. From the importance of preparing practical life aspects to effective study strategies, to career development, Angela goes into depth on how to get ahead of the curve. Learn more about Angela's Beat the Curve bootcamp and be reassured that you have yourself prepared for a successful 1L year.

Meet Angela Vorpahl

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Angela Vorpahl is a law school strategy coach and the creator of Law School Master Plan. Prior to starting her law school strategy program, Angela graduated in the top 1% of her law school class, clerked for a federal judge, and worked as a BigLaw associate in NYC...all without going to a T14 law school. Ten years out of law school and amazed by the fact that "how to do well in law school" still felt like a mystery to incoming 1Ls (just as it had for her when she started law school), Angela decided to pour all of her expertise into a program to show law students how to strategically get the 1L grades to start a career on their own terms.

Episode Highlights


  • Before starting law school, it is important to take care of practical aspects such as housing, finances, and personal relationships.

  • Developing effective study strategies is crucial for success in law school, including time management, learning how to read cases, and understanding how to write exam answers.

  • Career development should be a priority before law school, including preparing a resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile, as well as conducting informational interviews with lawyers.

  • Contrary to popular belief, extensive legal knowledge is not necessary before starting law school, as professors will teach the necessary concepts and students can rely on resources like Quimbee for case briefs.

  • Taking strategic action and being intentional with time and energy can set students up for success in law school and beyond.

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