(this was longer than I anticipated, so I should put an early disclaimer, that I may have no idea what I am talking about!)
A friend of mine, who's in law school now, told me that a lot of the work you do is independent. If you only study what you do in class you won't pass the Bar Exam.
And that is just the start of it. For the most part, there are no quizzes, tests or homework assignments. You get your feedback when you take your 2-4 hour final exam so if you aren't careful, you could fall off the wagon and not even know it. If you only do what is done in class, you won't have to worry about studying for the bar.
RyanT is right on the money too. Make the school earn your $100 - $150 you pay for every hour you sit in class. Your seat in that class nets the school $5000-7000 gross. Work the profs and TA's (they both get paid), because as vague and confuddled as it all may seem, there are specific things that each prof is looking for and I really believe that they want you to understand and succeed. I believe they view you as someone who 1000 days from your start in school, will be their colleague in the only profession so uniquely positioned to uphold justice and feel responsible for maintaining a very high standard.
Also maybe consider a study group. The hardest part though, put in the time struggling through the reading, then do it again - and perhaps again. It is critical to remember that the content of the reading is expected to be known well (at least for class) because comprehension should be the easy part (though it isn't easy at all. In reality it is mass quantities of slow, tough reading). IMHO The real work of becoming prepared for the final exam, bar and practice comes from asking yourself why?; then answering yourself. If you can not answer why, find someone who can ... immediately. Don't fall off the wagon.
Most importantly, keep your trust in God and have a good reason for studying law. Have faith and purpose;and let that faith and purpose purpose drive you when you get frustrated and tired.
Having said all of that, I have only been a law student for 2 days myself (5 if you count orientation which were basically classes that don't count) so am certainly not an authority.
If you don't mind RyanT, I would like permission to contact you if necessary. I am hoping to find brothers and sisters in Christ who practice law that I may turn to if I have questions, concerns or even conflicts.
I remember Steelpulz from the bass room. I may have to hunt him down too. I'm not on facebook though.
