BALANCING THE SCALES OF LIFE AND LAW: AARON ATWAL’S JOURNEY THROUGH LAW SCHOOL

Law school is frequently described as a transforming experience that is both difficult and stressful, but ultimately rewarding. For many students, juggling rigorous academic demands, work, and personal life can be difficult. When going on a journey to pursue your aspirations, the most challenging aspect can be the concept of attempting it. However, for one graduate, this experience has taught him perseverance, adaptation, and community involvement. Aaron Atwal, a recently graduated law student who now works at SLS PC in Toronto, discusses how his path to law has influenced his perceptions of himself and the world through the lens of law.

A CHALLENGING BALANCE

“My overall experience in law school was defined by a constant balancing,” he shared. “Between the academic demands, work, and maintaining a social life, staying grounded was challenging. It was difficult to remind myself to take breaks and avoid burnout, something that I’m still working on today.” The stresses of law school have been widely documented, with many students struggling to balance numerous responsibilities while maintaining mental health. However, for Aaron, learning to deal with stress became a vital component of the educational process.

MELDING SCIENCE AND LAW

Coming from a background in biomedical sciences, the transition to legal studies offered a unique perspective on the law. “I learned to combine the analytical and research skills from my science education with legal problem-solving,” he explained. “I approach legal challenges almost like using the scientific method to break down and understand complex concepts.” This analytical technique helped to bridge the gap between his previous level of education and the legal sector, providing a more structured and systematic approach to dissecting complicated legal problems.

A Personal and Professional Triumph

Despite the academic pressures, one of the most personally rewarding aspects of the journey was participating in the Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA) at Lakehead University. “Minority representation was low at the time, and being involved in advocating for positive change in recruitment was a significant accomplishment,” he recalled. The experience was not just a professional milestone, but also a significant personal achievement that demonstrated the value of advocacy and representation.

A UNIQUE LAW SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

While law school experiences often share common threads, Aaron’s graduate journey was marked by distinct differences, particularly the Integrated Practice Curriculum (IPC) at Lakehead. “The IPC was pivotal for me. It helped to bring theory into practice, allowing me to apply my skills in a relatively low-pressure environment before facing real-life legal situations,” he noted.

Lakehead’s smaller class sizes also contributed to a more intimate, personalized learning experience. “I had personal relationships with professors and even the dean, which isn't something you hear about at larger law schools,” he said. “The close-knit environment allowed me to excel with more direct guidance and support.”

A STANDOUT LAW PROGRAM IN CANADA

When asked what sets Lakehead’s law school apart from others in Ontario or across Canada, he pointed to the IPC as a defining feature. “The IPC involved application-based assignments and provided a placement opportunity, which was almost like an abridged articling experience. It allowed us to test our legal skills before leaving school, giving us an advantage when entering the workforce.” This hands-on approach is uncommon in Canadian law schools, where many students do not have the opportunity to use their academic knowledge in practical situations until they graduate.

LESSONS FOR THE LEGAL CRAFT

Through the highs and lows of law school, there were various key lessons learned that carried over the legal practice. “Always be kind, courteous, and professional,” he emphasized. “Plan and stay prepared, because there’s always another challenge on the horizon. And perhaps most importantly, accept that you can’t be perfect at everything.”

While no law school education can completely prepare students for the complexities of real-world legal practice, he felt that the foundation laid by their education was crucial. “Law school helped me develop a solid work ethic and the practical skills that are valuable across different practice areas,” he shared. “Even the unexpected skills like running a law firm or using fax machines have proven essential.”

THE ROLE OF THE LSAT

Looking back, he acknowledged that the LSAT, while useful, is not a perfect tool. “The LSAT is good at gauging how you think but it’s not definitive in assessing a future lawyer’s potential. It’s a decent measuring stick, but not a perfect one,” he said. While the exam assesses problem-solving skills and the capacity to deal with complex language, it focuses more on representing law schools' intellectual range.

ADVICE FOR FUTURE LAW STUDENTS

For those considering law school, Aaron’s advice is simple but profound: “Keep an open mind; you never know where law school will take you.” He also emphasized the importance of building good habits early on. “Develop a solid schedule and keep detailed notes. It’s easy to forget things when you’re juggling multiple high-priority tasks. And practice, practice, practice. Just like with any skill, the more you do it, the better you’ll get.” When it comes to balancing academics and personal well-being, they had this advice for future law students: Don’t forget you’re more than just your career. Be someone you can be proud of, and take things one step at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

As students prepare for law school or reflect on their experience in law school and beyond, it becomes evident that the principles acquired extend far beyond legal theory. Aaron's experiences, from lobbying for representation to balancing work and life, have developed him into a well-rounded professional and person to be proud of. The question boils down to whether one is truly willing to become obsessed with reaching one's goals, whether they are in the legal sector or ultimately accomplishing one's purpose in life. Cultivating a healthy obsession with our goals can help us achieve excellence. Remember, "I have a purpose to uphold and must safeguard it."