How do I balance the intensity of law school without burning out?

Frankie Shinn-Eckberg

Assistant Dean of Student Services

Frankie Shinn-Eckberg serves as Senior Director of Student Services at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, where she supports JD students across the full arc of their law school experience.

Law school is demanding. There is no way around that. The reading load is heavy, expectations are high and the pace can feel unrelenting. The question is, how do you build a sustainable approach to meet that challenge?

At ASU Law, we talk openly about that balance. While academic performance is a primary variable in success, building habits, relationships and support systems that allow you to thrive over the long term are the building blocks needed to achieve that success.

What makes law school feel overwhelming?

For many students, the law school experience feels intense right away. The first year introduces new ways of thinking, unfamiliar terminology and a steady stream of assignments. It is normal to feel stretched.

Students spend much of their time reading, outlining and preparing for class discussions, often while adjusting to a new environment. That pressure can build quickly without structure. The key is learning how to manage your time and energy before burnout blooms.

How can I manage my time without feeling constantly behind?

Sustainable time management in law school is less about the volume of your work, and more about the intentionality of your work.

At ASU Law, students are encouraged to:

• Build consistent weekly schedules that include both study time and breaks
• Use academic support resources proactively, not reactively
• Treat law school like a professional commitment with defined work hours

Structured planning becomes even more important as students advance and must balance coursework with externships, internships and leadership opportunities.

Why does community matter in preventing burnout?

One of the most consistent patterns we see is that students who stay connected to their community tend to stay grounded. 

Law school is not meant to be a solo experience. Study groups, student organizations and informal connections all play a crucial role in helping students process the workload and stay motivated. Those shared experiences often turn into lasting personal and professional relationships after graduation.

At ASU Law, students have a wide range of pathways to plug into community in ways that support their well-being:

• Mindfulness in Law Society, which promotes balance through meditation sessions, yoga, hikes and guest speakers
• Run Club at ASU Law, offering casual runs and wellness-focused events that double as stress relief
• Law Student Book Club, a space to step away from casebooks, read fiction and connect with peers in a more relaxed setting

These kinds of communities give students permission to pause, reset and come back stronger.

What wellness resources should I look for in a law school?

Wellness should be more than a single program. To be effective, wellness should exist as a system of support that shows up in different ways throughout your experience.

At ASU Law, that includes:

• Access to Student Services for academic and personal guidance
• Regular programming focused on wellness and balance
• Opportunities to step away from the classroom through events and community engagement
• Clinics and pro bono work that connect students to purpose-driven experiences

These resources are designed to support the full student experience, not just academic outcomes.

How do I build habits that actually last through law school?

Burnout often comes from trying to sustain an unrealistic pace. Small, consistent habits tend to be more effective.

Students who do well over time typically:

• Set realistic expectations for themselves
• Check in regularly with advisors and mentors
• Stay engaged with the broader ASU Law community
• Make space for rest without guilt

Law school is a long-term investment. The key to success is to build a rhythm that allows you to grow, adapt and succeed – not to push through at maximum speed.