• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Law School Toolbox®

All the tools you need for law school success

  • Tutoring
  • Courses
    • Start Law School Right
  • Job Help
  • Law School 101
  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • About

What You Should Be Reading to Prepare for Your 1L Year

July 10, 2017 By Jennifer Warren 1 Comment

1L Summer Reading ListReceiving that long awaited acceptance letter from your law school is exciting, but also daunting. You may be looking forward to law school, but you’re probably also feeling a bit nervous about taking on this challenge. Given that you’ll be spending hours upon hours during your 1L year reading, you’re perfectly justified in taking the final few weeks of summer to rest and recharge. But, if you’re anxious to start preparing for the challenge ahead, consider reading some of the following books before the start of your first year:

For Academic Support

Most future law students intuitively understand that law school classes, assignments, and exams are significantly different from what they experienced in undergrad. Learning about the strategies you’ll need to succeed academically in law school can help you get started on the right foot and give you confidence going into your first day of classes. There are numerous law school academic support resources available, but two of the best are Herbert Ramy’s Succeeding in Law School and Michael Hunter Schwartz’ Expert Learning for Law Students. Both books are filled with useful information and exercises to help you start practicing the skills you’ll need in law school. For any future 1Ls looking to improve their critical reading – an essential skill in law school – Ruth Ann McKinney’s Reading Like a Lawyer is another good resource. Of course, you can also check out the numerous posts we have to help you succeed in law school, like the ones here, here, and here!

For the Inside Scoop on Law School

You can’t truly appreciate the insular, competitive, sometimes adolescent environment of law school until you’ve experienced it for yourself, but you can get a taste of what to expect from a few books. For insight into the psychological trials and tribulations of the first year of law school, Scott Turow’s 1L and John Jay Osborne’s The Paper Chase are both classics. (For those wanting the cliff notes version, the latter was made into a movie in the early 70s). Ivy Briefs by Martha Kimes provides a sardonic, sometimes humorous look at the different personalities you’ll likely meet in law school. Lastly, Law School Confidential by Robert H. Miller gives you a practical guide to what to expect and how to succeed.

To Learn About Learning

While previewing specific law school study strategies will be helpful, you may find that learning about how human’s generally acquire knowledge and improve performance is even more beneficial. Benedict Carey’s How We Learn, Geoff Colvin’s Talent is Overrated, and Peter C. Brown’s Make It Stick all provide insight into how we learn and improve, and their ideas can certainly help you succeed in law school and beyond. For a more narrative approach to these subjects, check out Joshua Foer’s excellent memoir Moonwalking with Einstein.

To See What Lawyers Really Do

If you’re already looking beyond law school and hoping to get an accurate idea of what lawyers really do, 24 Hours with 24 Lawyers by Jasper Kim will let you glimpse what the daily grind of being a lawyer actually entails. Spoiler Alert – it’s not nearly as glamorous as Suits. If you’re looking for a compelling but true story, Jonathan Harr’s A Civil Action will expose you to the high-stakes risks and rewards of litigation. (Also in movie format for those looking for a shortcut!) If you’re wanting to go a little more low brow, try The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly. It’s a work of fiction so it’s not necessarily an accurate depiction of your average attorney, but it does give you a look at the dingier side of some legal work. (Again, movie version available)!

For Background on Our Legal System

Having a basic knowledge of the structure of our courts and the progression of a lawsuit will give you some much-needed context when reading cases in law school. Law 101 by Jay M. Feinman provides a comprehensive introduction to the legal system, first-year legal topics, and the litigation process. Michael G. Trachtman’s The Supremes’ Greatest Hits, which summarizes landmark Supreme Court cases and the key legal battles that shaped our country, is another good read for a future law student.

These recommendations are just a few of the resources that can help you feel more academically and mentally prepared for law school, but there are many other great resources that can help you get started on the right foot. And don’t be too worried if you’re tired of academic success books and instead read classics, historical novels, or contemporary fiction instead. Any book that increases your fund of general knowledge and exposes you to great writing will also aid in your development as a successful law student.

For more helpful advice, check out these articles:

  • Ahead of the Curve: A Guide to Essential Law School Supplies
  • Read to Succeed: Learn the Language of the Law
  • Ahead of the Curve: Time Management When Starting Law School
  • Everything You Need to Know About Finding Your Law School

 

Looking for some help to do your best in law school? Find out about our law school tutoring options.


About Jennifer Warren

Jennifer received her B.A. in Politics cum laude from New York University and her J.D. with highest distinction from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. She has several years of experience in the areas of juvenile law and civil litigation and is the Academic Achievement Coordinator at Oklahoma City University School of Law.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Six Steps to Prepare for Law School – Nationaljurist says:
    December 21, 2021 at 12:01 pm

    […] you know about their experiences, check out books on the topic (your local library likely has a lot of options), or listen to these podcast episodes for incoming 1Ls. Just be sure you have a clear idea what it […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

  • Podcast
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter

About Us

If you find law school tough, you are not alone! The Law School Toolbox team is here to help you through it. Check out our helpful free content, podcasts, courses and one-on-one tutoring. Thanks for stopping by and drop us a line if you have any questions. We also invite you to join our weekly mailing list, for advice right to your inbox.

Recent Posts

What’s on My Law School Bucket List

What’s on My Law School Bucket List

I can hardly believe it, but my first year of law school is coming to a close. With the end of 1L, I’ve been reflecting on both how far I’ve come and … Read More about What’s on My Law School Bucket List

Podcast Microphone

Podcast Episode 392: Listen and Learn — Recording Statutes (Real Property)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're talking about the purpose of recording … Read More about Podcast Episode 392: Listen and Learn — Recording Statutes (Real Property)

7 Ways to Be a Great Intern

7 Ways to Be a Great Intern

Once you land a great internship, your job is not done. You have to be a great intern. Being an intern is hard, but simple things can make you a … Read More about 7 Ways to Be a Great Intern

Podcast Microphone

Podcast Episode 391: How to Show Up as a Summer Associate (w/Sadie Jones)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones on the podcast to talk about the expectations that law … Read More about Podcast Episode 391: How to Show Up as a Summer Associate (w/Sadie Jones)

Ten Tips to Prepare for Success in Your Oral Argument Assignment

Ten Tips to Prepare for Success in Your Oral Argument Assignment

If you’re someone like me who cringes at the thought of public speaking and debating, doing an oral argument for your legal writing class or moot … Read More about Ten Tips to Prepare for Success in Your Oral Argument Assignment

Want Better Law School Grades?

Sign Up for Our Exam Tips!

Footer

  • Podcast
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Tutoring
  • Courses
  • Job Help
  • About
  • Contact
  • Login
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Refunds

Copyright 2023 Law School Toolbox®™