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I handed in my grades today, and although my 1L class probably performed as well as any class I have ever taught (for reasons I may explain in a later post), I still had one of those heart-wrenching moments that we all have from time to time. When I finally saw the names that went with the exam numbers, I realized that there were students who consistently worked extremely hard, came to my office for extra help, and had me review written practice exams but nonetheless didn't perform up to potential. I know these hard-working students will be disappointed, and I know I'll be asked to help them understand what, if anything, went wrong. What do I say? I can go over a student's exam and highlight what is missing, but I don't necessarily have that crucial tidbit of advice that will ensure that next time will be different. And why should the student accept my advice at this point anyway? After all, the student did everything I asked him or her to do in the 1L semester, to little apparent effect. I've experienced this phenomenon over and over, and it never gets any easier. I have a series of things I say to soften the blow and help the student realize that he or she doesn't go through life with one Torts grade branded on the forehead. But it continues to be one of the hardest parts of this job.

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