This is sort of a joke post – but not really. I absolutely hated being called on (or more commonly known in the U.S. – cold-called) but my post law school self can understand the value in it. I mean if you end up in litigation (as I did) your entire career is a never ending “on call” – whether it be in the workplace or in court while you’re arguing a motion. You need to be prepared at all times. Here are some (part joke part serious) tricks we used to do during law school to try to avoid getting called on:
1. Bring a generic water bottle
Heres the thing – you need to blend in. Don’t come in with a bright pink laptop cover and a neon coloured water bottle. The prof will be drawn to you and will likely call on you: “Girl with the pink water bottle…”. I mean if you didn’t do your readings that day maybe come in your camouflage gear: generic water bottle, regular coloured computer (no cover) nothing fancy.
2. Try to blend in as much as you can
This is kind of like number 1. Don’t come in with a neon green baseball cap. I can just hear it in my head: “Boy with the green baseball cap in the back…”. You need to blend in otherwise, drawing attention to yourself will just attract a cold call.
3. Write sloppily
Every prof is different in their methodology but some profs maintain a seating chart which is passed around and students would have to hand write their names in the spot they chose and that would be their spot for the year. If the prof wanted to call someone s/he would refer to the chart and call name accordingly. If your writing is sloppy enough they won’t even be able to read it so they won’t bother.
4. Obstruct your name card
Other profs will use name cards and will pass them around on the first day of class you will then have to come to class everyday with this name card and place it in front of you so s/he will know your name to call on you. If you forget your name card that is a bad sign – you obviously came to class unprepared. One way to get around this is place your name card in a way where the name is difficult to decipher, perhaps place your generic coloured water bottle in front of it.
5. Volunteer when you can
If you completed the assigned reading and you able to answer a question, do it when you can! This can work to your benefit (or sometimes not), the prof may be less likely to cold call you if s/he knows you’ve been making an effort to participate throughout the semester. However, if no one is volunteering this often leaves you exposed as the prof will think s/he can depend on you to participate.
Summary
In summary, do your readings when you can. Law school is the time to overcome your stage fright. Sure, it is frightening and scary but trust me it is way better to volunteer and be in control of when you are on the spot rather than being caught off guard. Always come to class prepared (although that is often easier said than done). But lets just be realistic – everyone has days (or more) that they come to class without the expectation of being called or are just ill prepared. It is important to do what you can, these skills of responding even when ill prepared, are crucial in your early career especially if you end up in litigation.
