Each year, over 40,000 new students enter America’s law schools, embarking on a journey that can be both exhilarating and daunting. For many, this experience is marred by startlingly high rates of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and dissatisfaction. Kathryne M. Young, a former law student herself, intimately understands these struggles. After completing her law degree and earning a PhD, she dedicated herself to unraveling the complexities of the law school experience.

Young’s research culminated in one of the most ambitious studies of law students ever conducted, surveying over 1,000 law students from more than 100 different law schools. She also gathered insights from hundreds of alumni, dropouts, law professors, and others connected to the law school ecosystem. The result is her insightful book, How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School.

This book stands out as a smart, compelling, and highly readable guide for anyone navigating the law school landscape. Young combines her personal observations and experiences with the results of her extensive study, along with the latest sociological research on the law school experience. Unlike many previous works that push the traditional notions of success—such as law review positions or landing big firm jobs—Young encourages readers to define their own paths.

Through her work, Young teaches law students how to tune out the incessant drumbeat of oppressive expectations and conventional wisdom. Instead of adhering to a singular definition of success, she empowers students to craft a law school experience that aligns with their values and aspirations. This refreshing approach is particularly crucial in an environment that often prioritizes competition and conformity over individual well-being.

In How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School, readers will find an array of practical tools designed to help them maintain focus, find happiness, and develop a sense of purpose amidst the challenges they face daily in law school. The book serves as an indispensable companion for today’s law students, prospective law students, and anyone invested in improving the lives of those navigating this demanding academic landscape.

Young’s writing is bursting with warmth, realism, and a touch of firebrand wit, making her insights not only relatable but also engaging. She provides much-needed wisdom for thriving during those three crucial years. Her anecdotes and recommendations resonate with the reader, fostering a sense of community among law students who may feel isolated in their struggles.

For those entering law school, this book offers a roadmap for navigating the trials and tribulations of legal education. It encourages students to seek out joy, fulfillment, and a sense of belonging, rather than merely surviving the experience. With Young’s guidance, readers are equipped to tackle the unique challenges of law school while maintaining their mental health and happiness.

In summary, How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School is more than just a survival guide; it is a manifesto for a new kind of legal education experience. It invites students to redefine success, embrace their individuality, and cultivate a thriving law school journey. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to make the most of their time in law school while prioritizing their well-being.