How To Study in Law School: Course Load 12 Credits or Less
Succeeding in law school requires a strategic approach to studying, especially if you are balancing a lighter course load of 12 credits or less. A major aspect of excelling in law school is understanding how to prepare for different types of exams. Based on my experience, law school exams generally fall into two categories:
Open-book, take-home, or outline-permitted exams
Closed-book, closed-note exams
This guide focuses on strategies for the first category, which tends to be more common.
Daily Study Routine
Consistency is key when studying for law school. Aim to study for 3-4 hours a day, broken into 1.5-2 hour sections to maximize focus and retention. Here’s a breakdown of how to structure your study sessions:
Step 1: Reading and Highlighting
Spend a significant portion of your study time reading the assigned materials and highlighting key points. This active engagement helps you internalize the material and identify the main takeaways.
Step 2: Active Recall
After completing a section of reading, write down what you can recall from that specific portion. Writing helps reinforce memory and deepens your understanding.
For digital tools, I recommend using the GoodNotes app on an iPad, which is excellent for organizing handwritten notes while maintaining portability.
Lectures: A Foundation for Your Notes
During lectures, taking notes on your computer is ideal because it allows for faster typing and real-time organization. Here are some best practices:
Outline as You Go: Start creating your outlines during lectures by organizing topics and subtopics in real-time.
Consolidate Notes: Closer to exams, combine your handwritten study notes with your lecture notes to form a comprehensive outline.
Building and Refining Your Outlines
Outlines are essential study tools in law school. Here’s a step-by-step process to create effective outlines:
Compile Notes: Merge your handwritten notes, lecture notes, and highlighted readings into a single document. Your initial outline may range from 30-50 pages.
Condense Your Outline: Simplify your comprehensive outline to focus on the most critical information. Aim for 10 pages or less to make it manageable for review.
Cross-Reference: Use a commercial outline as a reference to ensure you haven’t missed any crucial areas. Incorporate any missing elements into your personal outline.
The Value of Creating Your Own Outlines
While commercial outlines can be helpful supplements, the real value lies in creating your own outlines and taking your own notes throughout the semester. This process helps you:
Deepen your understanding of the material
Prepare thoroughly for finals
Build a foundation for bar exam preparation
Your final, condensed outline becomes a powerful tool that summarizes and highlights the key elements of the subject matter, ensuring you are ready for both exams and practical applications.
By following this structured approach to studying, you can stay organized, retain information effectively, and approach your exams with confidence. Success in law school isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter!
