Duke Law Life: Meet Lauren LeClaire
Lauren LeClaire
CLASS OF 2027
Prior Education: Yale University
Hometown: Hamilton New Jersey
Professional Interest: Corporate law
My Duke Law Life
- Women Law Students Association, vice president of special events
- Health Care Planning Project, co-chair
- Lexus Nexis student representative
- First Generation Professionals
- LARW teaching assistant
Even though it sounds cheesy, I genuinely chose Duke for the people. Everyone here is brilliant, but also down to earth and fun to be around. Duke Law has a palpable, collegial energy. Students are eager to share notes from class, but also to explore downtown restaurants and genuinely get to know you.
Law school challenged me to rethink my learning process and to prioritize what matters to me. As a law student, you’re very busy! But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t exercise, see friends, or have a life outside of the classroom. On the contrary, I found that once I started taking healthy breaks from studying to do what I love (like cycling, watching a new show, or trying a new restaurant), I was an even better, more engaged student.
3 great things about living in Durham
- The FOOD! Durham has an amazing (seriously underrated) food scene. From Carolina barbecue to amazing sushi, Durham truly has it all!
- The temperature! Coming from up north, Durham’s climate has been a welcome adjustment. While the summers are hot, the winters are much more bearable! And we still get to experience all four seasons.
- The options! Downtown Durham and 9th Street are two popular Duke Law housing hubs. They’re both walkable and surrounded by fun restaurants, workout studios, farmers markets, and other things to do!
How to survive and thrive in law school
- Go to bar review and social events! You’re surrounded by a brilliant, diverse group of students who will become your best friends and future colleagues…get to know them! You’ll be glad you did!
- Prioritize what matters to you, and don’t ever ever ever compare! Comparing amounts of hours studying or reading is not helpful. You got yourself here! By this point in your education, you know what works for you, so trust yourself!
- Practice self-care. Of course, put school high up on your priority list. But don’t forget to take care of yourself, exercise, and practice self-care regularly. It’s easier than you think to burn out, and doing something you love each day can really help to prevent that.
- Don’t forget why you came to law school. It’s easy to get caught up in case briefing, but remember what you’re working for!
My advice if you are thinking about law school
It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from: there is a place at Duke Law for you. As a first generation college student, I had imposter syndrome for months leading up to law school, wondering if I was entering a world that simply wasn’t for me. After a full year of law school, I can attest that hard work and dedication are all you need to bring to the table! The legal field needs more people with different life experiences, so don’t be afraid to be yourself!
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