Letters to a Law Student

1. Approach law study actively and question-driven

Remember that I told you in a previous letter that the most effective way of remembering anything was to use it?

Active engagement is key. Adopt a question-driven approach to studying law, constantly asking yourself about the reasons behind legal principles, their applications, and potential criticisms. This method enhances understanding and retention far more effectively than passive reading or note-taking. Develop your own questions about each topic, and seek answers through your readings, lectures, and discussions.

Create comprehensive files. Organize your study materials into two main components:

• Topic File: Containing notes on different legal topics, organized by primary questions
• Case and Statute File: Detailed notes on important cases and statutes, focusing on their significance and applications

Regularly review and update these files, ensuring that you're not just collecting information, but actively engaging with and understanding it.

2. Master legal research and case analysis skills

You will acquire all the legal research skills you need to find out the law on any given issue, including issues you've never considered before.

Develop systematic research habits. Law is a field where the ability to find and interpret information is crucial. Learn to efficiently navigate legal databases, journals, and case reports. Familiarize yourself with key legal research tools like LexisNexis, Westlaw, and BAILII.

Perfect case analysis techniques:

• Identify the key facts of the case
• Understand the legal issues at stake
• Analyze the court's reasoning
• Evaluate the significance of the decision
• Consider potential implications for future cases

Practice summarizing cases concisely, focusing on the ratio decidendi (the principle or reason for the decision) and any important obiter dicta (judge's remarks that don't directly impact the decision but may influence future cases).

3. Develop critical thinking and argument evaluation

Make sure that the arguments you make in favour of your position actually work: that there is no logical flaw in them and that they do not rest on any unsubstantiated assertions.

Cultivate logical reasoning. Law requires the ability to construct and evaluate arguments rigorously. Practice identifying and avoiding common logical fallacies, such as circular reasoning or false equivalences. When analyzing legal arguments, always question the premises and check if the conclusion logically follows.

Evaluate arguments systematically:

• Is the argument workable? (Not circular or illogical)
• Are all premises true and supported by evidence?
• Does the conclusion logically follow from the premises?
• Are there any unstated assumptions?
• What counterarguments could be made?

Regularly engage in debates or discussions about legal issues to sharpen your critical thinking skills. This practice will help you become adept at quickly identifying strengths and weaknesses in legal arguments, a crucial skill for both exams and future legal practice.

4. Write clear, well-structured essays and problem answers

Express yourself as clearly as possible... My cardinal rule for myself is that no one should ever have to read a sentence of mine twice in order to understand it.

Clarity is paramount. In legal writing, whether essays or problem answers, your goal is to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely. Avoid jargon unless necessary, and always explain technical terms. Use short sentences and paragraphs to enhance readability.

Structure your writing effectively:

• For essays:
  1. Clear introduction stating your argument
  2. Well-organized body paragraphs, each focusing on a single point
  3. Concise conclusion summarizing your key points
• For problem answers:
  1. Identify the legal issues raised by the facts
  2. State the relevant legal principles, citing cases and statutes
  3. Apply the law to the facts systematically
  4. Conclude with a clear answer to the problem

Practice writing under timed conditions to prepare for exams. Remember to use headings, numbering, and visual aids like diagrams when appropriate to make your answers more accessible to the reader.

5. Optimize revision strategies for long-term retention

Making revision notes is a hateful and depressing method of revision that will simply bore you silly. Within half an hour of starting to make revision notes your mind will have turned off in disgust and nothing you do after that first 30 minutes will actually be absorbed.

Engage actively with the material. Instead of passively rereading notes or creating endless summaries, use active revision techniques that force you to recall and apply information. This approach strengthens memory and deepens understanding.

Effective revision techniques:

• Write practice essays and problem answers
• Create diagrams linking related cases and concepts
• Teach the material to others or explain it out loud
• Use spaced repetition to review key information at increasing intervals
• Apply legal concepts to current news stories or hypothetical scenarios
• Participate in moots or mock trials to practice applying law in realistic contexts

Collaborate with study groups to discuss complex topics, share insights, and challenge each other's understanding. This peer-to-peer interaction can reveal gaps in your knowledge and provide new perspectives on familiar material.

6. Cultivate a broad understanding of law's societal impact

If you want to do well in your studies, you've got to do more than and know more than the average student.

Develop a multidisciplinary perspective. Law doesn't exist in isolation; it's deeply intertwined with politics, economics, history, and social issues. Cultivate an understanding of these related fields to enrich your legal analysis and arguments.

Broaden your legal knowledge:

• Read widely beyond assigned materials, including legal journals and books
• Follow current legal news and developments
• Engage with different legal philosophies and schools of thought
• Consider the practical implications of legal decisions on various stakeholders
• Explore comparative law to understand different legal systems

This broader perspective will help you craft more nuanced arguments, anticipate potential consequences of legal decisions, and develop a more sophisticated understanding of law's role in society. It also prepares you for a legal career where issues often transcend neat subject boundaries.

7. Prepare strategically for exams and manage time effectively

Be disciplined. If the 45 minutes for doing a particular question are up, finish your sentence and then move on to the next question.

Strategic exam preparation is crucial. Begin by analyzing past papers to identify common question types and themes. Focus your revision on areas likely to be examined, but don't neglect foundational concepts. Practice writing answers under timed conditions to improve your speed and efficiency.

Exam time management tips:

• Read all questions carefully before starting to write
• Allocate time proportionally to each question's marks
• Start with questions you're most confident about
• Use clear headings and subheadings to structure your answers
• Leave time to review and make corrections

In the exam, stay calm and focused. If you encounter a difficult question, take a deep breath and break it down into manageable parts. Remember, examiners are looking for your ability to apply legal principles to novel situations, not just recite memorized information.

Last updated: October 30, 2024