Using Hypotheticals to Study

Writing out hypotheticals is a great way to study during the course of the semester. Becoming familiar with the structure of essay questions and how to respond will go a long way in helping you prepare for exams.

By now, you know that your professors expect an exam answer that is a well-reasoned and well-organized, and should contain an articulate analysis of the relevant rules of law with respect to the facts. The best way to do get adequate preparation is by writing out and practicing from prior exams – this is why many professors have copies of their old exams on the Library website. You should begin writing sample answers as soon as you have covered enough law to analyze a factual situation.

When asked if it is too soon to start working through hypothicals, remember:

1. Begin working with practice questions as soon as you have covered a topic.

2. Start simple and build to the complex. Begin with single issue problems and work your way to increasingly more complex problems until you have covered every principle that has been covered in your course.

3. Vary the type of essay that you answer when practicing. Be sure to work with both short essays and long, complex fact patterns with multiple issues and parties. Each presents a different challenge in issue spotting and organization.

4. Use exam questions to let you see the relationships between concepts and how topics come together. Hypotheticals can help by showing you the connections in the law.

5. Develop your reading skills as carefully as your writing skills. Pay attention to the exam directions. The only way to know exactly how your professor expects you to address a question comes from experience in reading your professor’s exams.

Life After First Year

Now that you are in your second semester, many of you have started this think past your first year of law school.  Below, you will find tips from Dean Taylor on life after first year. 

As always, we are here to help if you have any questions or concerns.

Life After First Year

By Charlotte D. Taylor, Assistant Dean for Student Services, Touro Law Center

So what are your steps after the 1st semester of law school? Below are some SUGGESTIONS. Depending on your law school and your needs, you may do more or less than what I indicated below.

1) Assess your game plan - part I - start with grades.

If you did not do as well as you hoped - find out why and how to improve. Meet with your professors, but don't argue over points. Make sure to find out what he or she was looking for, so you can give the professor what she or he wants on the exam this semester. Make sure to reach out to your advisor, Academic Support or Academic Development or Student Services if you need help improving your study skills.

2) Assess your game plan - part II - meet with your career counselor.

Most law students have a goal of a certain job or working in a certain industry, so find out what is recommended or what employers are looking for. Many employers do NOT look at transcripts or grades. Many want a resume, cover letter and a writing sample. Many are concerned with experience, so find out from your career services counselor how you can get experience.

3) Assess your game plan part III - what else is there?

Find out what opportunities exist outside of classes. Research and investigate about clinics, externships, clubs and more. Meet with your faculty advisor if you want to specialize in an area to see what he or she recommends. Meet with the Dean of Students, he or she may be able to help as well.

4) Assess your game plan part IV - the bar exam.

Don't ignore it. Make a plan now to take a prep course or to save money so you don't have to work while studying for the bar. Also, if you are planning to go to another state, find out about completing the bar application for that state.

Once you have all of the facts and research, make a plan for the next two or three years. You should have an idea of what classes you want to take, what you need to do to maintain or improve your grades, and what experience you will get. You should also have a plan for immediately after graduation for studying and taking the bar exam.

Start networking with alumni or guest speakers at the law school and get ready to make a name for yourself because before you know it - it will be time to plan that graduation party.

Taking Notes in Class

It is important to continue to take good notes in class.  Dean Taylor was a guest blogger last year, and posted her Top Three Do's and Don'ts for Taking Notes - you can access her post here.