Law school is a BIG adjustment.

New ways to read, think, write, and—yes—embrace the dreaded “it depends.” If you feel overwhelmed, you’re not behind. You’re adjusting—and that’s exactly what you should be doing!

As assignments pick up, adjust your study schedule, too. And remember: you do not need to study 20 hours a day! (Seriously. Ignore those classmates who claim they do.) Sleep at least 7 hours a day.  Get outside. Grab coffee with a classmate. These connections will help keep you grounded—and remind you why you’re here.

Need help finding your balance? Come see me! We can build a study schedule around the Four “Rs”: Reading, Reviewing, Writing, and Relaxing.

And next week, your Peer Advisors are here to help! Look for your section’s Outlining & Reviewing Workshop announcement on Canvas. Your (mostly) well-rested 2L and 3L PAs will share what they’ve learned about managing outlines, classes, extracurriculars—and life!

You’ve got this. Adjust, find your rhythm, and keep going!

Dean Ohlin will hold office hours for students on Thursday afternoons from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students wishing to speak with the Dean may sign up in advance with Aurora Wulff via e-mail (aw879@cornell.edu).

LL.M Grading Election:

The J.D. grading option election for LL.M. students starts September 8 at 9 AM and ends September 11 at 3 PM. Election is done through Launchpad – My Information. For more information on this grading option, review the Student Handbook. Once elected, it applies to all LAW courses and cannot be reversed.

S/U Elections (Pass/Fail)

Students on the JD scale may elect to take up to two upper-class courses at Cornell Law School on a S/U basis. Beginning Monday, September 14 at 9 AM, the S/U Grading Option link will be available on the My Information page. S/U selection will end on Thursday, September 17 at 3 PM. Please be aware that S/U grade elections, once made, are irrevocable.

Exams

The Fall 2026 Exam Policies have been posted. Please review the policies and contact us with any questions.

Check Your Enrollment

Please review your enrollment in your Student Center to confirm that you are enrolled in the classes you expect and, for variable-credit courses, the correct number of credits.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Volunteer with the Tenants Advocacy Program (TAP)

Cornell Law students, including 1Ls and LLMs, can gain hands-on experience providing free legal assistance to local tenants under attorney supervision. Remote and flexible, 4–6 hrs/week. Hours count toward New York’s 50-hour pro bono requirement.

INFO SESSION: Thursday, September 17 at 5:30 p.m. | MTH 279| For more details and how to apply, click here.

Explore job and career opportunities for Cornell Law students

• Law School Ambassador – Cornell Law Admissions: Cornell Law Admissions is seeking current 2L students to lead campus tours, support admissions events, and engage with prospective students. Qualifications: Strong academic record and excellent communication skills; customer service, public speaking, or leadership experience preferred. To apply: Submit your resume and 1–2-page Ambassador Statement to kd536@cornell.edu by September 15 at 5:00 p.m.

• Research Assistant – Professor John Blume: Professor Blume is seeking 2L or 3L students to assist with research projects relating to capital punishment. To apply: Send your resume to jb94@cornell.edu.

• Clinic Simulation Actors / Mock Clients – Entrepreneurship Law Clinic: The Entrepreneurship Law Clinic is seeking 1–2 upper-year Cornell Law students, including graduate students, to serve as mock business clients for a fall student training simulation. Time commitment: ~20 hours total, including 4–6 Tuesday classes (10:10 a.m.–12:05 p.m.), one additional meeting, and light preparation. Compensation: $16.85/hour. To apply: Email Robert MacKenzie with your class year, availability, and subject line “ELC – ACTOR APP – [YOUR NAME].” Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and have a valid Social Security number. Positions are first-come, first-served.

Judge Thomas Tang and Dr. Pearl Tang Moot Court Competition | Up to $10,000 in Scholarships | Registration Deadline: September 10, 2026 | Open to law students nationwide, this annual competition develops skills in brief writing and oral advocacy. Learn more and register

Equal Justice Works Fellowship | Public Interest Fellowship | Deadline: September 17, 2026 | Fellowship opportunity for law students and recent graduates pursuing careers in public interest law | Applicant guide|Learn more and apply|Please email al992@cornell.edu if you would like assistance with your application materials or would like them reviewed prior to submission.

NAPABA Law Foundation Fall Scholarships | Up to $7,500 Award | Deadline: September 23, 2026 | Open to law students nationwide who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, financial need, and a commitment to serving the Asian Pacific American community. Learn more and apply

Wells Call Injury Lawyers Law School Scholarship|$2,500 Award | Deadline: December 2, 2026 | Open to eligible law students. Applicants must submit a 500–1,000-word essay on changing a state or federal law and its potential impact. Learn more and apply 

Nix Patterson Legal Scholarship Award | $5,000 Award | Deadline: December 31, 2026 | Open to students attending an accredited law school who demonstrate academic excellence and community service. Learn more and apply

Think you know Cornell Law? Take your guess!