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How to Prepare for Class at Law School

Putting your best foot forward in class at law school
Tags: law school, class, class prep
Apr 2, 2023

Here are some tips for getting ready for law school classes:

  1. Read what you need to before class so you can understand the discussions better (LSD Case Briefs can make this a little easier)
  2. Take notes during class to remember what you are learning and then review notes later.
  3. Be an active participant in class discussions by asking questions and sharing your ideas.
  4. Look over your notes after class and make any corrections you have to
  5. Use tools like outlines and flashcards to help you study.
  6. Plan out your study time and don't put things off until the last minute.
  7. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your teacher, classmates, or tutor if you need it.

As a first-year student, showing up to class can seem daunting. But don't worry, with these tips you can effectively prepare for your law school classes

For many people these steps will seem very simple. However, Law School is a tough experience and sometimes it is easy to forget the little things. And hey, if you think these are simple then just look around, find someone who is struggling, and lend them a hand. Collaboration is the real secret to crushing law school. If nothing else people will remember you fondly.

Complete your readings before class

To fully engage in class discussions, it's crucial to read and comprehend assigned readings before class. This will enable you to follow discussions better, ask informed questions, and contribute to class conversations

Take notes during class

Jot down detailed notes during class on the main points discussed. This will help you remember important information and concepts, and prepare for further study and review.

Participate in class discussions

Active participation in class discussions is an excellent way to reinforce your understanding of the material and engage with your classmates and professor. Be prepared to ask questions, offer your opinions, and engage in constructive dialogue.

Review your notes after class

After class, take some time to review your notes and make any necessary corrections or additions. This will help you retain information better and prepare for future classes and exams.

Use supplements and study aids

Supplements and study aids such as hornbooks, outlines, and flashcards can be beneficial tools in preparing for law school classes. They provide additional explanations and examples of legal concepts and help you review and reinforce your understanding of the material.

Manage your time effectively

Managing your time effectively is essential in law school, where classes can be demanding and time-consuming. Set aside dedicated study time each day and create a study schedule that works for you. Prioritize your assignments, and avoid procrastination.

Seek help when needed

If you find yourself struggling with the material, don't hesitate to seek help from your professor, classmates, or a tutor. Law school can be challenging, and asking for assistance when you need it is crucial.

Preparing for law school classes requires preparation, participation, and effective time management. By completing your readings before class, taking notes, participating in class discussions, reviewing your notes, using supplements and study aids, managing your time effectively, and seeking help when needed, you can maximize your learning and succeed in law school.

If all else fails, try your best and be kind. That will take you further than any check list or article you can find online.

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Windsor MIT '22, Harvard College Advisor

I am the half of LSD that didn't take the LSAT, or go to law school (Sorry about that). But I did go to MIT business school while surrounded by law students and lawyers, so I am somewhat qualified to talk about the intricacies of law school apps and finances.

Windsor (the dog) didn't write this but he WAS a Resident Tutor and career advisor at Harvard College with me, so deserves some credit.

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KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
18:47
@TruthTheX: praying for your gulc uprising
19:15
Ty me too 🙏
19:15
@Silver: if you want to practice in IL then there’s likely no better school than the in state schools
@SpectacularDefiantMouse: yeah, like condemnedpuffygnome, I'm not really preparing for law school by taking some courses or anything like that. The only way I'm going to be preparing is by getting myself into a rhythm schedule-wise, well enough in advance of the first day of classes, that I think will be necessary for me to do well 1L.
I'm very much not in rhythm now. lol. But I've 3-ish months.
19:55
@Silver: Cost of attendance is what matters. $37K in-state tuition = $47K sticker price with a $10K scholarship elsewhere, $70K sticker with a $40K scholarship is better than either, $40K sticker with a $0 scholarship worse than both.
19:55
(Assuming placement etc. is comparable)
Congrats on Harvard, jb2028. Any reason you applied to A&M but not Texas at Austin? Seems odd.
19:58
@BankruptcyAndRestructuringLawIsCool: Family connection, they gave me a CAS waiver so it was free
Question for the chat about judicial internships (not externships). My understanding is that judicial internships (as opposed to externships) during the summer are unpaid. How, then, do people who get them pay living expenses during the summer? Do they just make loans stretch for 12 months when they're only meant for 9? I heard that some people supplement the internship with, e.g., a research assistant position with a law professor. But would such a person both do the internship and the RA position at the same time? And if so, is that too much work or feasible?
I don't know what the workload is really like for judicial internships and RA positions.
Also curious what other things people might do to supplement an unpaid judicial internship over the summer with something paid.
20:20
@BankruptcyAndRestructuringLawIsCool: Many schools will provide some type of stipend for unpaid summer roles with a public interest employer (defined broadly, often includes any gov or judicial job)
Right, I thought so. At BU, though, it appears that what's called BU's public interest project grant is not available to supplement judicial internships. And I think its public service summer funding is also limited. Oh well.
21:13
@BankruptcyAndRestructuringLawIsCool: FWIW they allude to some type of funding ("BU Law has implemented separate funding sources for judicial interns") in this packet https://www.bu.edu/law/files/2023/11/Public-Service-Summer-Funding-Applicant-Packet-2024.pdf
21:13
Although they don't give details, and as you note they don't guarantee funding to everyone (which is in line with other $ they offer, e.g. the LRAP)
21:14
Anyone know how hard it is to do pro bono work as a 1L for judges or fed gov in general in the D.C. market
21:14
Idk much about pro bono opportunities period but thinking I wanna try to get some work experience as soon as humanly possible
21:14
When I begin law school I mean
21:15
Lines up with BU's limited endowment: $81K per student a few years ago, i.e., enough to support a payout of about $3,250 per student per year at a 4% payout rate https://leiterlawschool.typepad.com/leiter/2022/05/per-student-value-of-law-school-endowments-2021.html
21:17
Seems like they're trying to compete with other schools on program headlines (we fund X, Y, and Z and we have an LRAP) but the endowment can't really support that, so they have all these programs but don't guarantee funding. Would not rely on that if you have alternatives.
Thanks for those links. I'll give the public service summer funding information packet, in particular, a careful read. But yeah, your takeaway seems right.
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
22:33
i could really use some fried chicken right now
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
22:34
kfc or popeyes
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
22:34
or korean with gochujang
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
22:35
i might order some gochujang sauce on amazon and cook some air fried chicken breast filets, they’re really good
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
22:35
just letting you guys know :)
0:14
Where I can find the definition of the false-endowment?
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