How I study in law school is a complete change than how I studied in undergrad. It is time-consuming. I study about 80% of my days. One thing I had to learn was to “study smarter” and not “study harder”. I had to come up with methods that worked for me, and if they didn’t work, then I tried to correct it as early as I could. When you first get to law school, you have to re-adjust. Some stuff I did in August I don’t do anymore because it was wasting my time.
You have to be able to balance effective studying with how much time you spend on it. You are always limited on time; whether that be an exam or studying. You need to make the best use of your time to ensure success.
Reading Schedule
As far as my reading schedule goes, I read the material two days in advance.
Examples:
I have Civil Procedure & Legal Writing on Mondays & Wednesdays meaning that I read for these classes on Saturdays & Mondays
I have Torts & Property on Tuesdays & Thursdays meaning that I read for these classes on Sundays & Tuesdays
I have Contracts on Wednesdays & Fridays meaning that I read for that class on Mondays & Wednesdays
I like this method because it puts me ahead, but not too much ahead to where I could get confused. I like to review the cases right before class so that I can refresh my memory in the event I get cold called on, or if I want to participate in the class discussion.
I was first against making a study schedule because I didn’t want to plan out every minute of my day. This has been helpful because I get everything done within the time I allocate myself. Having time management is important. Here is the study schedule I set for myself.
2017-2018 Academic Year Study Schedule:
Mondays
I have class for Civil Procedure 9am-10:20am & Legal Writing 1:30pm-2:50pm
8:30am-9:00am Review Civil Procedure class notes
10:30am-12:00pm Read for Contracts
12:00pm-1:00pm LUNCH
1:00-1:30pm Review Legal Writing class notes
3:30pm-5:30pm Type notes for the day
5:30pm-6:00pm BREAK
6:00pm-8:00pm Read for Civil Procedure
8:00pm-9:00pm GYM
9:00pm-11:00pm Read for Contracts
Tuesdays
I have class for Torts 10:30am-11:50am & Property 1:30pm-2:50pm
10:00am-10:30am Review Torts class notes
12:00pm-1:00pm LUNCH
1:00-1:30pm Review Property class notes
3:30pm-5:30pm Type notes for the day
5:30pm-6:00pm BREAK
6:00pm-8:00pm Read for Torts
8:00pm-9:00pm GYM
9:00pm-11:00pm Read for Property
Wednesdays
I have class for Civil Procedure 9am-10:20am, Contracts 10:30am-11:50am & Legal Writing 1:30pm-2:50pm
8:30am-9:00am Review Civil Procedure class notes
12:00pm-1:00pm LUNCH
1:00-1:30pm Review Legal Writing class notes
3:30pm-5:30pm Type notes for the day
5:30pm-6:00pm BREAK
6:00pm-8:00pm Read for Contracts
8:00pm-9:00pm GYM
Thursdays:
I have class for Torts 10:30am-11:50am & Property 1:30pm-2:50pm
10:00am-10:30am Review Torts class notes
12:00pm-1:00pm LUNCH
1:00-1:30pm Review Property class notes
3:30pm-5:30pm Type notes for the day
5:30pm-6:00pm BREAK
8:00pm-9:00pm GYM
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays my schedule is more flexible because I do not work, so it gives me time to catch up, or get study guides ready before the final.
Outside the Classroom and Readings:
- A good amount of my studying comes from outside of the classroom. I like to watch videos and use supplements to make sure that I understand the material. I strongly encourage that supplements are used as supplements and NOT replacements.
- There is this website called Barbri. My school provides us with this resource, and it is very helpful. They have videos and quizzes that are amazing when studying throughout the semester. Sometimes I use it if I am confused on topics, or I use it to make sure that I have the information down. I follow the conversation and when they ask question, then I try to answer it myself.
- Quimbee is also a great resource! Students mainly use Quimbee for case briefs. They have amazing case briefs, but again, I would not just rely on this source. Read the case yourself, then look for outside resources. Quimbee is also great for videos and quiz questions. They have essay questions, and multiple-choice questions. They have videos on relevant subjects.
- Lastly, VISIT YOUR PROFESSORS. This is probably the most helpful resource that helped in preparation for the final exam. The professors are the ones who are giving you the final, so it is great to see how they would like the wording. You can also go to your professors to clear up anything that is unclear. I would advise when you go to their office hours or set an appointment that you go with specific questions. The professor is not going to re-teach the class to you. I usually create my outline, and if I am confused on something I write it down. Whatever I write down, I then take it to the professor and ask them. This is probably the best resource that I used while studying.
- Example: If you have are confused on the formation of a contract, then go to your professor and seek help
Law school is a learning curve. It can be challenging and stressful, but once you get into a rhythm then you are more than half way there.
Legally Complicated 