How to Take Notes in Law School: Effective Strategies That Work for Law Students

Taking notes in law school is more than just jotting down what your professor says or what you read from a book—it’s more than that! It’s about building a system that helps you understand, remember, and apply legal concepts, from codal provisions and doctrines to case facts and even hypotheticals.

So, whether you’re an incoming 1L or just looking to level up your law notes, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through the purpose of note-taking, tools and techniques that actually work, and common mistakes to avoid.

What Are You Taking Notes For?

Taking notes in law school isn’t just about copying down information, it’s about creating a resource you can rely on throughout your journey. Before you dive into your materials, it’s important to understand the purpose behind every note you take.

Before you even open your notebook or laptop, ask yourself this: Why are you taking notes?

In law school, notes aren’t just for reviewing before an exam. They help you:

• Prepare for daily recitations and Socratic questioning;

• Create case briefs and codal summaries;

• Draft outlines and reviewers  for quizzes, midterms, and finals; and

• Build your base and resources for the bar examinations that you will be taking after law school.
   

Your goal isn’t just to record—it’s to process and simplify.

What Are You Taking Notes On?

Law students in the Philippines juggle multiple sources. Each requires a slightly different approach to note-taking.

1. Codals and Statutes

Use margin notes or sticky flags to mark relevant provisions. Write short annotations for tricky terms.

Example:

Art. 1169 – Delay begins upon demand (unless obligation states otherwise). Check G.R. No. 123456.

2. Case Law

For cases, focus on Facts – Issue – Ruling – Ratio. Don’t rewrite the whole decision—summarize what matters. These summarized versions of the original or full texts are what you, as a law student, would refer to as a ‘case digest.’ Keep it simple, easy to understand, and digestible.

3. Textbooks and Reviewers

Extract only the relevant definitions, explanations, and examples—condense long paragraphs into quick-reference notes. It’s likewise helpful to create only outlines of these textbooks/ reviewers for memory recall work, considering that these textbooks and reviewers are already condensed or summarized versions of the primary sources of law.

Know Your Learning Style

Not everyone learns the same way—some law students do not even find the need to create their own notes, and that’s okay! However, if you’re an avid note-taker just like me, make sure to use and employ a note-taking method that fits you:

• Visual learners benefit from color-coded notes, charts, and mind maps.

• Auditory learners may benefit from recording lectures (if allowed) and summarizing aloud.

• Kinesthetic learners might retain more from handwritten notes.

Most-Used Note-Taking Methods for Law School

1. The Cornell Method

Divide your page into three sections: Notes, Cues, and Summary. This structure helps with quick recaps and review sessions.

2. Charting

Perfect for comparative law or distinguishing case rulings. Example:

3. FIRR Format for Case Briefs

Always break cases into:

• Facts

• Issue

• Ruling

• Ratio decidendi

4. Digital Notes and Apps

Tools like Notion, OneNote, and Evernote help organize subjects by semester. If you use a tablet, apps like GoodNotes or Notability work great for handwritten and annotated notes. While not necessarily a requirement, I find that investing in a good tablet for your law school journey is a good idea.

Essential Tips for Writing Law Notes

1. Don’t Write Everything

Focus on key doctrines, case names, and bar-recognized principles. Your notes aren’t a transcript—they’re a condensed version of your understanding.

2. Abbreviate Consistently

Use shortcuts like “SC” for Supreme Court, “Art.” for Article, “Δ” for defendant, and “∴” for therefore. Make your own key and stick to it.

3. Use Color and Formatting

Color-code by topic or subject (e.g., blue for Crim, green for Civ). Use bold, italics, and bullets ( • ) to emphasize structure.

4. Organize by Syllabus

Match your notes with your syllabus compilation for law school. This helps you track what topics are covered and where to focus.

5. Review Notes Within 24 Hours

Rewriting or reviewing within the day helps solidify memory. Highlight unclear areas to ask your prof or re-read.

 Common Mistakes in Law Note-Taking

• Writing down every word;

• Taking notes without understanding;

• Mixing up sources (e.g., codals vs. jurisprudence)

• Not organizing by subject or topic

• Forgetting to update notes after class discussions

Memorization and Retention

Your notes are only as effective as your ability to remember and use them. Pair your note-taking with good memorization techniques for law students.

Try methods like:

• Spaced repetition

• Active recall (flashcards or Q&A)

• Mind mapping concepts across subjects

Frequently Asked Questions on Law School Note-Taking

What’s the best way to take notes in law school?

Use a hybrid of structured formats (Cornell, FIRR) and personalized review methods. Consistency > perfection.

Should I type or write my notes?

Typing is faster, but handwritten notes improve memory. Many students do both—type during class, write summaries after.

What’s the hardest part about law note-taking?

Knowing what’s important. With experience, you’ll learn to spot bar-relevant doctrines vs. background info.

Do I need to memorize my notes word for word?

No. You need to understand the law, then apply it. Memorize concepts, not sentences.

What tools help with note-taking?

Use the Digest.PH legal research platform, Supreme Court decisions, and case digests to supplement your notes.

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Conclusion

Note-taking in law school isn’t about creating perfect notebooks—it’s about building your legal foundation, one codal, one case, and one class at a time.

Find the format that works for you. Be consistent. And always connect your notes to real-life application—whether that’s recitation, exams, or the Bar.

Let your notes be your map, not your maze.