1. Rest and recharge. This time of year is hectic and stressful for many—from 1L’s trying to figure out how to write a legal memorandum to upper class students trying to keep up with classes, write a journal notes and somehow land a job. Take some time to relax, sleep in (if possible), and exercise. Your body will thank you.
2. Reconnect. 1L’s, in particular: Fall Break is a great time of year to reintroduce yourself to the people in your life who don’t know anything about International Shoe or its critical implications. Set aside time to go on a hike, see a movie, and catch up with friends and family.
3. Catch up. Have you put off reading and outlining? Use some of your Fall Break time to catch up on schoolwork. If you are a 2L or 3L, use this time to brush up your résumé, review job postings, and apply to those with fall deadlines! These include jobs in the Government Honors and Internship Handbook (http://www.law.arizona.edu/career/honorshandbook.cfm –go to Symplicity’s Document Library for username and password) and the Presidential Management Fellows Program (for 3L’s).
4. Network. If you are spending Fall Break in an area outside of Utah, and you hope to work there someday, use your time to meet with attorneys and other professionals in the area! Mine your contacts, set up meetings or lunches, and ask for school and career advice. Particularly if you are going to a larger city, PDO may have contacts with alums in the area who are willing to meet with you!
5. Show gratitude. At the risk of sounding trite, take a moment to think about persons in your life who have encouraged you, taught you, and mentored you professionally. Send a short note or email thanking them to two of them. You will make their day (and increase your good karma)!