Courses
Law School… Need to Know!
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About the course
The first semester of law school is often described as "drinking from a firehose." You are learning a new vocabulary; a new way of reading, writing, and thinking; and a new way of taking exams. Law School: What You Really Need to Know! is here to help you navigate that stressful first semester. Comprised of short, asynchronous modules as well as live webinars, the program will teach you how to use your time efficiently and navigate the differences between law school and undergrad. Our expert faculty will discuss best study strategies and tips for everything from case briefing and outlining to how to use practice exams and learn from those practice exams.
Syllabus
- W1Not completed
Recorded Webinar: Welcome to Law School - What You Really Need to Know
Law school is about to begin, so knowing what's coming and how to manage your time is more important than ever!
Susannah and Melissa will take you through what's to come in "Law School: What You Really Need to Know" and talk about what to expect in your first semester of law school, as well as planning when to do what. - M1Not completed
The Judicial System and Sources of Law
What is the difference between a trial court and an appellate court? How do state and federal courts interact? Where does law come from and what is the difference between a case and a statute?
Professor Ashley London takes you through the various sources of law, as well as an introduction to the judicial system and why that's important. - M2Not completed
Belonging in Law School
Many law students-especially first-generation law students-are uncertain whether they truly "belong" in law school. It's important to realize you are not alone in feeling this way, and that these feelings can be overcome with connection and community. We will hear from three faculty members about why students sometimes feel they don't belong and techniques for addressing those feelings. - W2Not completed
Recorded Webinar: Belonging in Law School
Join Kirk, Russel and Emily and their students for a Q&A on belonging in law school - M3Not completed
Advanced Case Briefing
By now you might have already learned a bit about reading and briefing cases, but in this module Professor Kiyana Kiel will take you deeper into how to read cases, and how to brief them. This will help you prepare better for class and, eventually prepare you better for your final exam. - M4Not completed
Becoming an Expert Learner
How do you know if you are making progress? How do you know if you are really learning the material, especially when there is only one exam? How do you know what learning methods work best for you?
Professor Nicole Lefton discusses the processes used to plan, monitor, and assess one's understanding and performance. To become an expert learner, you need to learn to think about how you think, and think about how you learn. Professor Lefton will help you with that. - M5Not completed
Advanced Note Taking
Do you know what note taking methods work best for you? Are you confident you know what to write down from class lectures?
Let Professor Laura Mott help you perfect your law school note taking, as she gives you tips and tricks and helps you decide what is important. - W3Not completed
Recorded Webinar: How to Take Notes Like a Pro
Join Professor Laura Mott and students for a Q&A on how to take the best notes for your exam! - M6Not completed
Outlining: Putting it All Together
Do you know why you are reading cases? Do you know what to do with your class notes after class? Do you know how all of this relates to studying for your exams?
Professor Toni Miceli will teach you how to consolidate your class notes and start synthesizing your materials, or "outline." This is a key element in the study process, and will help you start to prepare for exams - M7Not completed
Practicing to Learn: Using Multiple-Choice
Do you know how to tackle a legal multiple-choice question? Sure, you have likely had many opportunities in the past to take multiple choice style exams, but they can be a bit different in law school.
Susannah will take you through why legal multiple-choice questions are different, as well as the best ways to practice and learn from those practice questions, since after all, practice makes progress! - M8Not completed
Exam Preparation
Law School exams may be a bit different from what you are used to. Melissa will guide you through how to best prepare for exams, from how and when to practice, to how to prepare on the day of the exam in a way that ensures you maximize your points! - M9Not completed
Issue-Spotting for Exams
For many law students, spotting issues in law school exams is one of the most difficult things to master. However, it's difficult to succeed on an exam if you don't spot all of the issues. Let Professor Kris Franklin take you through the process step-by-step! - M10Not completed
The "A" in IRAC
What does it mean to apply the facts to the law? When your professor gives you feedback that says you need "more analysis" what does that mean?
The A, or Analysis, in IRAC is usually where you can pick up most of your points, and it's typically where most students struggle. Professor MaryAnn Herman will guide you through that process, just in time for your final exams! - M11Not completed
Receiving Feedback
Receiving feedback that is critical can be hard and knowing what to do with the feedback can be even harder. Susannah and Melissa will talk about what to do with negative feedback, and how to turn it into a positive experience!