Law School

LegallyBrunette · #1 08-03-2007, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adpiucf

But I should brief at least the first week, right, just to get an idea of what to do?

I would say yes. You'll probably develop a better system on your own eventually (like Kevin's, for example), but I found briefing to be a good introduction on how to start organizing the information in cases.

Basically, there are tons of guides, software programs, hornbooks and suggestions you'll encounter, but ultimately there is no one way to succeed in law school and it's ultimately a matter of finding what works best for you. (At least, that has been my experience).

Kevin · #2 08-03-2007, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LegallyBrunette

I would say yes. You'll probably develop a better system on your own eventually (like Kevin's, for example), but I found briefing to be a good introduction on how to start organizing the information in cases.

Basically, there are tons of guides, software programs, hornbooks and suggestions you'll encounter, but ultimately there is no one way to succeed in law school and it's ultimately a matter of finding what works best for you. (At least, that has been my experience).

True.

Also, I found CALI to be instrumental in my finals preparation my first year. Try it. As you go on, the lessons aren't nearly as good for later level classes.

adpiucf · #3 08-09-2007, 02:16 PM

I got my course schedule! Horray... and I bought books-- boo! I had to buy them locally-- not enough time to order them online before classes start.

Can anyone recommend first year supplements that were the most valubale to you? It seems the E&E's and Gilberts Outlines get a lot of good feedback.

Also, how vital is it to have the current edition of a supplement? For example-- there's a brand new 2007 E&E for Professional Responsibility and no used yet available; the former edition was 2004. I'd rather save a lot of $ and buy the 2004, but if it won't be useful I'll pony up for full price.

Thanks again!

kddani · #4 08-09-2007, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adpiucf

I got my course schedule! Horray... and I bought books-- boo! I had to buy them locally-- not enough time to order them online before classes start.

Can anyone recommend first year supplements that were the most valubale to you? It seems the E&E's and Gilberts Outlines get a lot of good feedback.

Also, how vital is it to have the current edition of a supplement? For example-- there's a brand new 2007 E&E for Professional Responsibility and no used yet available; the former edition was 2004. I'd rather save a lot of $ and buy the 2004, but if it won't be useful I'll pony up for full price.

Thanks again!

Don't waste a lot of money on that stuff until you figure out what works for you. For instance- you should not need E&E for Professional Responsibility- that's throwing money away. Professional Responsibility is pretty much a cake class, you just need to study the rules. This stuff adds up every semester, you did not need a study aid for every class. You just won't have the time to read everything.

Save your money for classes where you need it. E&E is great for Civ Pro and classes that may be more about concepts (Glannon is my hero and it was actually a required text for me!). Different classes lend them to different things. E&E is great if you're having some difficulty with the concepts because it gives you examples and explanations (duh). However, Torts and Criminal Law, you understand the concepts easier, but may need some help with remembering the elements, and an outline style book may be better for you. Or maybe you don't need anything at all.

Also, if you sign up for Barbri first year (which you probably should), you'll get their outline books, which are great and not really anything different than what's you'd get in a Gilbert's, etc.

You may also find the flashcards helpful. But again, it all depends on your style, and also your professors' approaches.

GeekyPenguin · #5 08-09-2007, 05:52 PM

Don't buy an old supplement for PR - the ABA Rules of Professional Conduct just changed recently and an old supplement will have the old rules.

I like Gilberts and I like CrunchTime, I am way too lazy to wade through a whole E&E on most subjects.

I also don't take a lot of notes in most of my classes and like MysticCat I'd have to say that's probably not a good idea.

deadbear80 · #6 08-09-2007, 11:16 PM

I was a fan of Crunchtime and E & E (for certain subjects). I also thought the "Understanding" series was pretty good (as did my cousin). For PR, either buy Crunchtime or use a Nutshell. Don't waste the money on E & E. I thought E & E was most helpful for Con Law II/III (Civil Rights/Liberties & 1st Amendment), Fed Income Tax, and Trusts & Estates. The flashcards are actually nice too for 1st year subjects and Evidence.

I would wait and see how much you understand a class though before you go out and buy stuff. I don't know how it is where you are, but our bookstore wouldn't let us return study aids even if they were never written in/opened at all/etc. After a couple of weeks, go look at the study aids and see what would be most helpful to you before buying. They add up quickly.

adpiucf, aren't you a 1L? Are they teaching you guys PR during 1L? If they aren't, don't go buying study aids for classes that you aren't going to be taking just yet. You never know how things will be and when you'll take a class. For all you know, things will change between now and when you graduate with certain laws and you don't want to be stuck with study aids that won't be helpful.

shinerbock · #7 08-10-2007, 11:55 AM

I think E&E is fantastic, especially for Civ Pro.

adpiucf · #8 08-10-2007, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadbear80

adpiucf, aren't you a 1L? Are they teaching you guys PR during 1L? If they aren't, don't go buying study aids for classes that you aren't going to be taking just yet. You never know how things will be and when you'll take a class. For all you know, things will change between now and when you graduate with certain laws and you don't want to be stuck with study aids that won't be helpful.

Yep-- I am starting 1L next week-- and PR is a first semester course. Which is typical for my school, I suppose-- everyone else I have talked to at other schools takes it as a required elective between 2L and 3L!

Thank you all so much for the advice. I'm sure I'll more neurotic questions over the next few months, and I appreciate the insight!