- 1). Set up a study area. This could be a desk in your bedroom, a home office or a room in the garage. The important thing is that you develop the habit of thinking of it as the space where you go to work. Organize what you need -- your computer, books, reference materials -- so they are in handy places.
- 2). Establish a work routine. Look at studying law as a job that you do from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. No skipping out for a mid-morning latte or lingering over lunch.
- 3). Mark all assignments on a calendar and put it in a prominent place. Knowing exactly when assignments are due will help keep you focused and on track. There is nothing worse than turning the page in your day-planner to see that you have a major essay on law reform due tomorrow.
- 4). Alert friends and family to your status as a law student. Make it clear to people that you are serious about studying and just because you aren't in the work force doesn't mean you are free to grant favors or to run errands.
- 5). Seek online resources and support. Check with the law faculty at the university where you are enrolled in a distance education program about services that are offered. Look for services such as law student chat rooms and academic support for legal writing.
- 6). Schedule breaks. Take a walk around the block each morning and don't forget to eat breakfast and lunch, even if you are working on assignment deadlines.
- 7). Promise yourself a reward when you finish your law degree. As a lawyer you will be able to command a good salary. Pick a new car you are going to buy, or a holiday you are going to take when you get your LLB. It will help keep you motivated when you are up late studying torts and tax law.