Critical Skills

Skills for Success

To achieve your personal best in law school, you must master a number of skills, both broad-ranging academic skills and specialized law-specific skills.  Following the guidelines of our recipe for success, work on mastering the following critical skills:

• Reading actively and critically
• Briefing cases
• Taking and transforming notes
• Synthesizing rules
• Using learning styles effectively
• Using study groups effectively
• Using study aids effectively
• Learning and remembering material
• Creating course summaries or "outlines"
• Creating flowcharts
• Spotting issues in a fact pattern
• Analyzing facts in light of the ruling law
• Managing time and setting goals
• Managing stress
• Writing effectively.  

Look for more help with specific skills in the list below.

Preparing for Class

Creating a Learning Environment • Active Case Reading • Reading for Speed and Comprehension  •  SQ3R  •  Case Briefing Basics  •  Case Briefing Tips  •  Case Briefing Checklist  
 

Understanding the Course Material

Outlining  •  Using Study Aids  •  Learning and Remembering Material 
 

Putting Your Knowledge to Work

Writing Effectively  •  Sources for Practice Problems and Exams  

Preparing for and Taking Exams

Exam Strategies 
 

Managing Your Life

Managing Finances and Debt • Managing Stress • Quick Relaxation Techniques • Recreation

More Web Resources for Law School Skills