Robson Let's Talk Day responses were honest but encouraging about facing the challenges of law school.

Students Reflect on Preparing for Law School

Let's Talk Day sparked conversations about law school challenges

February 1, 2019 —

For Bell Let’s Talk Day, law students of the Robson Mental Health Group invited their peers to consider the question, “Looking back now, what would you tell yourself prior to entering law school?”

The anonymous answers were posted on a white board in the Faculty’s main hallway, and sparked a lot of conversations, said Bethany Hutlet (3L), one of the organizers. “It was meant to be an honest discussion,” she said, “so I was pleased people were frank.”

Answers covered a range from positive to negative, and all were posted, including, “Don’t go to law school,” and “Go live in the mountains,” which was quite a hit, with students stopping by the board to read and sample snacks the student group provided nearby. Other answers offered positive encouragement and acknowledgement of the challenge that law school is including the following:

“You are not your marks.”

“It is tough, but you are prepared, and you will be fine.”

“Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone has different strengths.”

“It’s a warm and wonderful community; embrace it.”

“Make sure to take time for yourself and do things that make you happy.”

“You will catch up to the students who have parents who are lawyers. Your lack of exposure to lawyers before law school will not make a difference in your success.”

“There are so many wonderful qualities that define who you are. Being the smartest person in the room does not NEED to be one of them.”

Robson Hall looks forward to welcoming guest speaker Orlando Da Silva, a vocal Mental Health advocate from the Ontario Bar Association, who will talk to law students about mental health on Friday, March 1, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. in Moot Courtroom B. Mr. Da Silva’s talk will address the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the legal profession, the stigma associated with these mental health problems, how this stigma has a deterrent effect on seeking help, and the tools that law students and lawyers can use to maintain wellness.

The Office of the Associate Dean (J.D. Program), in partnership with the University of Manitoba’s Student Counselling Centre (SCC), continues to offer in-house student counsellors every Tuesday and Thursday. To make an appointment, please contact the SCC reception at 204-474-8592. When calling, please inform reception that you are a Law student and would like to meet with one of the counsellors in Law. Law students are still eligible to access services at the main office of the SCC as well (474 University Centre).

Story submitted by Faculty of Law.

Law, mental health

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