Sociology's Young Interviewed About New Book on ABA Journal's 'Modern Law Library' Podcast

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Kathryne M. Young, assistant professor of sociology, was recently featured as a guest on the ABA Journal's “Modern Law Library” podcast, discussing her new book, How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School.

The book was initially based upon a curiosity Young had while attending Stanford Law School and also working toward a Ph.D. in sociology. She wondered why her fellow classmates sat where they did in each class, how each student participated differently in class, and how the students’ different backgrounds impacted their learning experience. 

Years later, she surveyed more than 1,100 current students and 250 alumni of more than 100 schools, conducting in-depth interviews of current students, faculty, law grads and people who chose to drop out of law school, and visited 17 schools from different tiers, size and geographical locations. The data Young collected from this research formed the backbone of How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School, in which she gives practical tips for keeping a mental balance, choosing the courses and activities to pursue, managing the practical aspects of your household and budget, forming relationships with mentors and peers and deciding when it may be time to leave law school altogether.

In this episode of “Modern Law Library,” Young talks with the ABA Journal’s Lee Rawles about some of the topics covered in her book, such as tackling imposter syndrome, the advice that alumni wish they could give their younger selves and techniques for getting along with fellow students.