Law School Companion

Law courses require you to absorb each and every bits of complex information in a short period of time. The study of law is more intense and deep, than the study that you did as an undergraduate. However, you can succeed as a law student by developing proper study skills. You can develop these skills by following these simple steps throughout your law career.

• Choose a study place – Your study place should be free from distractions and interruptions. According to research, students study best in a quiet environment. Your study place should contain all the study materials that you need, table or desk that is large enough to hold the things you need, comfortable chair in which you can sit for longer period of time.
• Managing time – There are many hours in a day, a week and a year. You cannot change the numbers, but you can decide how to use them. You can manage your time by preparing a proper timesheet that shows what task you need to accomplish.
• Setting goals – A goal is something that you want to achieve. There are two types of goal: short-term goal and long-term goal.  A short-term goal is something that you want to achieve sooner, like preparing for tomorrow’s test. A long-term goal is something that you want to achieve at some later date like preparation for final exams. So, set appropriate goals for the things that you need to accomplish.
• Study group – Find a study group to join, but there should not be more than five members. Benefits of study group are -
  • Group members can discuss concepts and information during the study sessions.
  • One or more group members are likely to understand something you don’t.
  • Explaining concepts and information to the other group member will improve your communication skills, which is essential in case method and case briefs.

• Outline coursework – An outline is a small summary of the class, so make outlines for each class. These outlines are very useful in studying during the exam time.
• Memorize the material – Memorization is important in many law classes because so much of the material is a fact-based. Materials like cases, law review, rules of law, etc. require constant memorization and hence, develop your own system for memorizing large amount of data in a short period of time.
• Review your notes Immediately – It is very important to review the notes that you have written in the lectures on that day itself. It will help you to remember the notes for a longer period of time.
• Take study break – If you try to do too much studying at one time, then you will get tired soon and your studying will not be very effective. So, plan specific times for studying and study at same times each day.
• Motivation and Concentration– Motivation and concentration are the two important factors for good studying. Here are some ways to increase your motivation and concentration to study –
  • Remind yourself of your long-term goals.
  • Develop interest in your studies.
  • Create a comfortable environment.
  • Read few inspirational and motivational stories before going to bed.
  • Whatever you planned to do, just do it!