Starting law school can feel like stepping into a whole new world—intense reading schedules, endless case briefs, and a constant feeling that you should be studying. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Whether you’re fresh out of undergrad or balancing a job with evening classes (like me!), this guide is here to help you survive—and thrive—through the law school grind.
1. Master the Case Brief
Case briefs are going to be your best friend (or worst enemy) throughout law school. A good case brief will help you stay on top of class discussions and ace your exams. Here’s how to keep them manageable:
What to Include in Your Brief:
- Case Name and Citation – Always start with the basics.
- Facts – Summarize the key facts succinctly.
- Issue – Identify the legal question the court is addressing.
- Rule – What’s the rule of law the court applies?
- Analysis/Reasoning – How does the court apply the rule to the facts?
- Conclusion – What was the court’s decision?
Pro Tip: Use This Is Not Legal Advice Case Brief Notebooks, which have pre-set sections for the rule of law, analysis, and more. Trust me, staying organized will save you during finals!
2. Create a Study Schedule and Stick to It
Time management is everything in law school. You’ll have to juggle classes, reading, studying, and personal time. Here’s how to make it work:
- Weekly Reading Plan: Break down your reading for each class day by day. Do your best to keep up with your reading assignments; falling behind is a slippery slope.
- Focus on Class Participation: Keep your case briefs handy and engage in class discussions. Participation can influence your final grades in some courses.
- Review Early and Often: After each class, review your notes and case briefs to reinforce your understanding. You’ll thank yourself during finals.
3. Find Your Study Style (and Don’t Compare Yourself!)
One of the most important things to remember in law school is that you don’t have to study the way everyone else does. Some people thrive on traditional outlining, while others prefer different approaches—and that’s okay!
- If flashcards and outlines work for you, great! But don’t feel pressured to follow suit if they don’t.
- Personally, I love using flow charts and audiobooks—they help me visualize the structure of legal concepts and keep me engaged during long readings.
Pro Tip: Try out different study methods early on and stick with what works for you.
4. Get Familiar with IRAC
The IRAC method (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) is essential for organizing legal arguments. Whether you're writing a memo, answering an exam question, or briefing a case, IRAC helps you structure your answers logically. If you're still unsure how to use it, check out my previous post, "What is IRAC and Why It Matters."
How to IRAC Your Way to Success:
- Issue: What’s the legal question you’re answering?
- Rule: State the rule of law that applies to the issue.
- Application: Apply the rule to the facts of your case.
- Conclusion: Reach a conclusion based on your analysis.
Pro Tip: Practicing this method early on will make exams much less stressful. Don’t wait until finals to get comfortable with it!
5. Use Outlines Wisely
Outlines are your roadmap to exams. Start your outlines early in the semester and update them regularly to avoid cramming.
How to Create Effective Outlines:
- Include important rules, case names, and any class notes that offer insight into what your professor cares about.
- Make your outline short and digestible—condense long readings and case briefs into bullet points.
- Consider using a mix of your class notes, case briefs, and reading notes to develop a thorough understanding of the material.
Pro Tip: Outline as you go, and by finals, you’ll have everything you need. If you wait until the end of the semester, you'll feel overwhelmed.
6. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health
Law school is stressful, no doubt about it. But burning out won’t do you any favors. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself along the way:
- Stay Active: Even just 30 minutes of exercise a few times a week can make a big difference in your stress levels.
- Eat Well: Law school stress often leads to bad eating habits, but maintaining a balanced diet helps with focus and energy.
- Get Enough Sleep: Pulling all-nighters may seem tempting, but sleep is crucial for memory retention and clear thinking.
- Find Time to Decompress: Whether it’s a hobby, spending time with friends, or watching Netflix, you need downtime to recharge.
7. Prepare for Finals Early
Finals are the ultimate test of your understanding and stamina. Start preparing weeks in advance, and don’t wait until the last minute.
- Practice Exams: Use old exams to get familiar with the types of questions your professor asks and to fine-tune your timing.
- Review Your Outlines: By the time finals roll around, your outlines should be ready for review—this isn’t the time to be writing them!
- Study in Intervals: Avoid marathon study sessions. Break your studying into manageable chunks and take regular breaks to keep your mind fresh.
Pro Tip: Grab a This Is Not Legal Advice planner to keep all your study schedules, deadlines, and assignments in one place!
8. Have Fun and Build Your Network
It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of law school, but remember, this is also a time to meet people who will be part of your professional network. Attend events, join student organizations, and don’t be afraid to reach out to professors and practicing lawyers for advice.
Pro Tip: Building connections now can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and mentorships down the road.
In Conclusion
Law school is tough, but with the right mindset, tools, and support, you can make it through. Stay organized, keep up with your work, and don’t forget to have some fun along the way! And if you need to add some humor to your law school grind, check out This Is Not Legal Advice for legal-themed gear that’ll remind you it’s okay to laugh (even at yourself sometimes).