Ten Steps Toward Law School Success

Law school is a rigorous experience. Here are ten tips for studying during the semester in preparation for the final exam.

1. Carve out study time (and stick to it). Unless you are a super genius, you have to take time out to study. While study groups are very effective, nothing is going to establish a great foundation in the law like taking 2 - 3 hours a day to study for each class.

2. Buy or borrow study guides to supplement your books. One of the most difficult aspects of law school is learning how to think like a lawyer, and while some people have the knack to think that way in the very beginning of their law school career, many do not. Study aids by companies like West or Lexis provide the lawyer approach for the novice at reading cases and pulling out the black letter law. You should speak with second and third year law students about study aids they recommend.

3. Find a hornbook. Hornbooks are usually one volume books that give an overview of an area of law. Sometimes hornbooks may have several volumes for more in depth legal topics like Civil Procedure. Many law school libraries will have a host of hornbooks covering first year courses as well as other law school courses. From copyright to contracts, a hornbook usually can give a clear explanation of every area of law.

4. Initiate study groups early. Sometimes the best way to learn the law is to argue about why what you think is the correct interpretation. Establishing study groups provides an avenue for new law students to see more than one interpretation of a statute or case. A study group also is an effective way to increase your study time. You become accountable to your group members for being prepared and having valuable information to contribute.

5. Ask questions! The best way to get clarity on an issue when your study group, study guides, and study time do not provide a clear answer is to go to your professor and get the information from them, but do not stop there. You can also ask another professor who teaches that same subject, a second or third year law student, or ask an attorney. Attorneys truly enjoy talking about what they do and explaining things they understand.