How Law School Works

At most law schools, final exams can often determine the majority or even all of a course’s grade; students may not be used to this kind of pressure – especially during their first year – so final exams must be approached carefully and assessed thoroughly in order to receive their grades.

An extensive amount of preparation must take place prior to classes; students typically read up to 100 pages for each course and spend time creating an outline.

Coursework

As with undergraduate students, law school students face loads of homework – but unlike their counterparts in undergrad programs they are expected to perform at the top of their class.

Law school coursework doesn’t simply consist of reading case law and attending class; students also undertake research projects and draft memoranda on them. The purpose is to help develop students’ reasoning abilities so they can interpret theories and laws correctly both orally and written down.

Coursework often consists of one or two major exams in each semester that account for 100 percent of a student’s grade, leaving little feedback throughout the semester and creating a highly competitive learning environment.

To promote equity, many law schools use a standard distribution curve for grades in each course. This prevents an elite subset from performing significantly better while an overwhelming majority receives lower grades.

Examinations

Law school exams are the key to doing well academically, since law schools use standard distribution curves. Achieve A scores is difficult unless one excels at significantly surpassing class average – giving top law students an edge when graduating regardless of school ranking.

Professors use written assignments and case studies in addition to exam grades as measures of student progress. This method encourages students to strengthen their analytical skills while honing legal writing abilities – two components necessary for earning their Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.

Law students typically read from casebooks containing various legal cases and court decisions. Instead of lecturing directly, most professors instead call on students to discuss cases, helping them learn how to analyze case law by discussing facts and deducing legal implications. Furthermore, professors instruct law students in developing persuasive oral and written arguments.

The Socratic Method

Law professors don’t lecture; rather they pose questions designed to teach their students how to analyze case law. Therefore, it is crucial that you have your texts and notes ready so you can respond when called upon by professors.

Socratic questioning (elenchi, Latin for cross-examining, testing, scrutinizing for purposes of refutation) is an integral component of law school classes and intended to probe into people’s underlying beliefs upon which statements, arguments and assumptions are constructed.

Socratic dialogue involves testing and challenging beliefs to generate deep insights that improve understanding of a topic. Socrates famously noted that an unexamined life was not worth living, creating real tension during these discussions as participants are forced to explore their beliefs; though this process may be uncomfortable at times, it’s necessary for learning; law students frequently benefit from joining study groups as an aid in this regard.

Internships

Paid internships can be a great way to both gain legal experience and make some extra cash at the same time. Many law school admissions committees take an interest in applicants who have had this experience when reviewing applications.

Law school requires hard work from its students both inside and outside of the classroom, including dressing professionally, being punctual, doing your reading for class, as well as participating in clinics and internships with real world consequences.

Follow your passions instead of simply attending law school for money – that will likely result in success later on! However, it won’t come easily; following them may require hard work and perseverance, but you will thank yourself later for having made that choice!