Author: cdtalaw

Memorization Techniques & Learning The Law

Memorization Techniques & Learning The Law

When talking about memorization and studying, it means understanding material and memorizing a substantial amount of material, in a short amount of time. While law school exams primarily require applied knowledge, not rote memorization, you still have to know the material, which requires some (a lot of) memorization. Repetition of the material is necessary for retention of the material. This requires repeatedly studying a topic or concept and actively practicing your recall of it. There are devices available to help you such as your course outline or even flashcards. Of course, any device is only as good as the time truly spent repeating your review...

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Different Approaches To Taking Notes

Different Approaches To Taking Notes

Taking good notes is an essential component of excelling in any academic course. How should you approach taking notes? Does the fact that you are in law school change this approach in any way? Most of us simply try to summarize what we think is important. Next, we try to note a key point as quickly as possible so that we are ready for the next. Nonetheless, there are some alternative approaches that you can take to improve how you take notes. Things change from the old to the new. This is certainly no secret. However, it is important to remember...

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Attributes of A Good Law Outline

Attributes of A Good Law Outline

Every law student is familiar with the benefits of a well-written outline but not every law student knows how to write one.  There are certain attributes that a good law outline contains. It is important to start outlining as soon as possible in the semester or quarter. Organizing your class notes is not the equivalent of making a comprehensive, quality outline. Also, consider doing your outline yourself without any assistance from your fellow students. A self-written outline should mirror your learning style. Here are some attributes of a good law outline. *The outline is well-organized Review your course syllabus as well as the...

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Time Management Goes A Long Way In Law School

Time Management Goes A Long Way In Law School

The perception, or myth, that law school consumes every moment of a student’s time and energy is alive and well. Of course, students that manage their time effectively are much more likely to succeed in law school than those students who do not. Here are some time management tips. *Calendar your activities Once you receive your class schedule, calendar it. Review the syllabus for each class. Get an idea of when you will prepare for each class. Calendar your study time windows for the current week. Try to stay, at least, one week ahead. *Determine what routine works best for you Adhering to a...

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Law School Is A (Daily) Commitment

Law School Is A (Daily) Commitment

More than a few undergraduate students are scared by the commitment that succeeding in law school seems to demand. They seem to believe that success is directly related to committing every hour of their day, at least, that they are awake, to studying, preparing for, and attending class. Is the notion that law students do not have any free time a myth or a reality? Perhaps, a better way of looking at it is that law school is not some unrealistic hourly commitment, but a daily commitment. Making a commitment involves dedicating yourself to something, whether it is a cause or individual. Any...

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How To Register With The State Bar

How To Register With The State Bar

Once you begin law school and know that you wish to practice in the State of California, you should register with the California State Bar. Although you may register with the State Bar at any time during law school, it is strongly recommended that you register and complete this requirement during your first 90 days of law school. You only need to register once since your registration never expires. Although federal law does not generally require a person to provide a social security number when submitting any type of application, an applicant for a license to practice law in California must...

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Things To Do When You Start Law School, Part Two

Things To Do When You Start Law School, Part Two

Your first weeks of law school are arguably the most important since the way you perform in your first semester may set the tone for the way you perform for the duration of your law school career. Surviving the first weeks of law school will get you over the proverbial hump, and a big one at that. Here are some more things you should consider doing when you start your law school classes. *Develop good habits. You have two choices in law school: You can survive, or you can thrive. Sure, survival means that you made it and that you earned your law degree....

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Things To Do When You Start Law School, Part One

Things To Do When You Start Law School, Part One

Getting your law degree requires many things: dedication, hard work, knowledge, and resilience are just a few important words that come to mind. All these traits are important over the entire course of your schooling, but they are also important as you begin your journey. *Get organized. Good habits and routines can reduce stress and even make law school seem less intimidating. Avoid any type of procrastination during the first weeks of school. Focus on your present tasks while observing what is approaching in the near but not too distant future. Try to always stay one step ahead of your deadlines. If...

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Five Books Every Law Student Should Read

Five Books Every Law Student Should Read

While summer is a time for law students to broaden horizons and gain experience doing legal work through internships and the like, it is also a great time to relax and read a good book. Here is a list of five books every law student should read: Bleak House by Charles Dickens When it comes to Charles Dickens, his works A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, Great Expectations, and A Tale of Two Cities tend to first come to mind. However, Bleak House is heralded by many to be his greatest novel. Many consider it a masterpiece and “one of, if not, the...

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5 Ways To Save On The Costs Of Applying To Law School

5 Ways To Save On The Costs Of Applying To Law School

Applying for law school is not inexpensive. It may cost you thousands of dollars. As the pandemic creates more economic uncertainty, this is hardly an insignificant expense. Here are some ways to reduce the costs of applying to law school. The application fee for the California Desert Trial Academy, College of law, (CDTA) is only $100. Everything else is included in your tuition. Thus, other than your tuition, this application fee is the only fee you will incur throughout law school. *Perform Due Diligence When it is all said and done, law school applicants must pay LSAT test preparation fees, LSAT test...

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