I have noticed that study habits vary from law student to law student. Some like to meet up with a group regularly, some study exclusively alone, some visit office hours, some prefer to consult supplements or videos, some seek a tutor or lean on their teaching assistants, or use a combination of any of the above. Of these, joining a study group is often a popular, but also controversial option. There can be pressure to either start one (and decide who to have in the group), or to accept a friend’s invitation to study together. As a 1L, I remember feeling so nervous that I was not doing something right. I especially panicked as I saw people in my section form study groups to review materials. Ultimately, I relied on the tried-and-true methods that had helped me succeed in the past to absorb and apply all the novel legal concepts I was learning. They did not involve meeting with a study group on a regular basis. [Read more…] about Studying Effectively Without a Study Group
Notes? Case Briefs? Highlighting? How Do You Prepare for Class?
A common question that 1Ls have, and one that I am fielding now as a 2L, is how to prepare for class. With many tens of pages of dense cases and the prospect of cold calling, it is normal to feel anxious wondering whether you are reading closely enough, whether your notes and briefs are enough to help you survive a cold call, whether you are catching the right things to highlight…
How much you want to invest in class preparation depends on several factors: how your professor conducts class—using random cold calls, a panel system, or volunteers, your other commitments—work, extracurriculars, family obligations, your own learning style, any prior knowledge about the subject, and more. In short, this is a very personal process, and I encourage you to try out different things and discover what works for you.
In this post, I talk about different tips and ways to prepare for class, focusing on how to highlight and retain important information from your assigned readings.
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Navigating Being Undecided in Law School
Some students enter law school with an idea of what they want to practice as a lawyer, but many others do not. It is okay not to know! The law pervades all industries and facets of society, and the three years of law school is the time to explore and learn through classes, clinics, and summer jobs. As an undecided 1L, I found that my options actually broadened as I became exposed to new areas and concepts. However, there is a plethora of resources, inside and outside of law school, for anyone like me.
Here are some tips and resources for learning more about different legal practices: [Read more…] about Navigating Being Undecided in Law School
Book Recommendation: How to be Sort of Happy in Law School
For the summer after my 1L year, I wanted to stay away from all law and law school related books and devote my down time to fiction and TV shows. While catching up with an old friend from college, she insisted that I read this book called “How To Be Sort of Happy in Law School,”written by Kathryne M. Young. I was hesitant. After reading my share of self-help books in the “how to succeed in law school” genre, I was not sure whether I would gain much from yet another one.
Well, I was mistaken. This book is unlike anything I have read. It is centered on self-empowerment and well-being – as the title hints. It does not prescribe formulas for success but asks its law student readers what they want to get out of their time in law school. [Read more…] about Book Recommendation: How to be Sort of Happy in Law School
6 Tips for Formatting an Exam-Usable Outline
I am a big advocate for making your own outline. Building an outline is a great way to review the course materials and synthesize what you have learned. If your exam is open book, having an outline on hand can help you quickly recall information and ensure you grab all the points. Finally, an outline created from scratch has a special, personal significance. You know it inside and out: you know what the abbreviations and symbols mean, where everything is located, and how to read the charts you created.
Here are my tips for making an outline that you can use effectively and efficiently during the exam. I will be focusing on formatting tips, but you can check out this podcast episode and this blog post for tips on what to include in the outline.
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Finding and Interviewing for In-House Summer Internships
In-house counsel positions are coveted for many reasons: their hours are more predictable, they can engage in business strategy and decisions, and they work for only one client. You might be wondering what being an in-house attorney is really like, and want to get some experience working as in-house summer intern. Or, you have decided to go in-house straight out of law school and are looking for the perfect company to start your career. Here are some tips to help you search for in-house summer internship positions and perform well at the interviews. [Read more…] about Finding and Interviewing for In-House Summer Internships