How to Study Law Effectively: Proven Methods for Success 4 months ago

Are you stuck in a study slump? Don't worry, I've got you covered.

First things first, give yourself a pat on the back for taking the initiative to seek out new strategies to enhance your study habits. That’s why you’re here, right? The very fact that you’re reading this article shows your eagerness to learn and improve, which is a commendable step in the right direction. 

Now, let’s dive into some effective techniques and insights that can help you break out of that study slump and improve your learning process.

1. Conditioning the Mind and Body

A strong mindset is crucial for fostering motivation, maintaining focus, and retaining information. Take a moment to reflect on your academic goals and write down what you want to learn, improve, or accomplish. Mind setting also includes believing in your ability to succeed. This effectively boosts your confidence, encouraging you to tackle challenging tasks and persist through difficulties. 

Do not forget to prioritize your essential needs like sleep and nutrition. Neglecting these can become excuses later on to avoid studying. While caffeine may keep me awake despite lack of sleep, it does not really ensure a productive study session like a full 8-hour sleep does. 

 

2. Organize your life, or at least your study space, routine, and materials

Ensuring that your head is in the game is one aspect; the other is creating an environment that fosters your academic goals. Designate a study space that is quiet and free from distractions. Maintain a clutter-free desk, placing only essential study tools such as pens, highlighters, sticky notes, your codal, tablet, or laptop. Keep this area dedicated solely to studying to help cultivate and maintain a focused mindset while you're there.

When structuring your study routine, consider applying Parkinson's Law by setting clear deadlines for covering each topic. This approach creates urgency, maximizing study efficiency and reducing procrastination. Plan your study schedule thoughtfully, allotting dedicated time for each subject, and maintain discipline to successfully reach your goals. [1]

As for study materials, while having multiple study resources can be beneficial, sometimes a trustworthy commentary or simply the codal suffices. Evaluate your materials and prioritize the most reliable ones, possibly those recommended by your professor. Keep others as backups or supplementary resources for when needed.

Check out Digest.PH, your one-stop shop for a wide array of legal resources. Discover the curated collection of free legal case digests, meticulously selected to support practitioners, scholars, and students in their pursuit of legal knowledge. Let Digest.PH be your study buddy, enriching your understanding and aiding you in achieving your academic goals.

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3. Getting Started

This is deceptively simple yet often the most challenging, in my opinion. What do you do when you're fully prepared to study, your study area is set up, and you've exhausted all your procrastination excuses, yet you still struggle to begin studying?

One effective strategy is to apply the 5-minute Rule: commit to studying for just five minutes. Once you start, you'll discover that it is only getting started that is the hardest part, and you may find yourself studying for much longer than planned. This small commitment can break the slump and ease you into a productive study session.

 

4. Engage in Active Learning

Engaging in active learning techniques can significantly enhance your understanding and retention. Start by taking thorough notes—check out Effective Note-Taking Strategies for Law Students for valuable tips. Consider using flashcards to aid memorization or applying the Feynman Technique, which involves simplifying complex ideas as if teaching someone else. [2] Another effective method is SQ3R: Survey the material, formulate questions, read in detail, recite from memory, and review regularly. [3] For visual learners, watching educational videos can supplement your learning experience. 

Do not hesitate to seek help when needed. Discussing challenging concepts with peers or instructors can offer fresh perspectives and enrich your understanding of the subject matter. Curiosity is a powerful tool in learning—embrace it to deepen your knowledge and academic success.

 

5. Mix-up Subjects

If you’re like me, who easily gets bored with repetition, consider alternating the subjects you study rather than focusing exclusively on one at a time, unless there are imminent deadlines. By alternating your study sessions, you can foster a holistic understanding of each subject and mitigate the risk of neglecting any one area of study. It would not really do you any good that you are at the top of the class in one subject while at the bottom in another.

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6. Practice Effective Exam Preparation

To excel in exam preparation, leverage the Pareto Principle, which suggests that 80% of exam questions typically stem from just 20% of the syllabus. Begin by analyzing past exams, assignments, and lecture notes to pinpoint these frequently tested topics. You can maximize the efficiency of your preparation sessions by focusing your study efforts on these high-yield areas or core concepts that are likely to appear on the exam. [4] Does samplex ring a bell? 

Wondering how to effectively answer your exam questions? Find the answers in ALAC Method in Law School: A Practical Guide.

 

Other tips 

  1. Take Regular Breaks: After a 25-minute study session, take a 5-minute break and engage in small activities to stay motivated.

  2. Incorporate Physical Activity: Include brief periods of physical activity such as stretching or walking to boost blood flow and energy levels.

  3. Change Your Study Environment: Switch up your study location or study outdoors to refresh your focus and prevent monotony.

  4. Limit Caffeine Intake: Opt for water or herbal tea instead of excessive caffeine to avoid energy crashes.

  5. Listen to Background Music: Play low-volume instrumental music or soothing white noise to enhance concentration and calm your mind.

  6. Use Chunking Techniques: Break down complex information into smaller, manageable chunks to make learning easier and prevent overwhelm.

  7. Deep Dive into Subjects: Approach your subjects with curiosity and enthusiasm. Aim to understand the material deeply by asking questions, exploring additional resources, and considering different perspectives.

  8. Study Smart: Especially in preparing for exams, use the limited time to review only your most relevant notes, trust your stock knowledge and daily grind.

  9. Prioritize Mental Health: Remember that your mental health is crucial. Don’t feel guilty about low-performance days; prioritize rest and recovery to maintain overall well-being and academic success.

 

Studying law, like mastering any other subject, requires a personalized approach tailored to individual strengths and learning styles. There is no one size fits all method which would guarantee success for everyone, but discovering and honing your own strategy is crucial. 

In this article, I shared the approach that has propelled me to my final semester in law school. I must admit, however, that my studying style has evolved significantly over the years, adapting to different professors, subjects, and my overall workload. Flexibility and self-awareness are key in this journey. Do not limit yourself to a single studying style; instead, remain open to experimenting with different methods until you find what works best for you in each unique context. 

On a last note, remember that it’s essential to be kind to yourself throughout this process. Law School is definitely not an easy feat, but it will surely be rewarding. Embrace the learning curve, celebrate your progress, and understand that adjusting your approach is a natural part of academic growth. Keep pushing forward with resilience and an open mind, and you'll find your own path to success.


[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/lucianapaulise/2023/09/26/how-to-boost-your-productivity-at-work-by-harnessing-parkinsons-law/

[2] https://www.colorado.edu/artssciences-advising/resource-library/life-skills/the-feynman-technique-in-academic-coaching

[3] https://ucc.vt.edu/academic_support/study_skills_information/sq3r_reading-study_system.html#:~:text=SQ3R%20is%20a%20reading%20comprehension,text%20requirements%20from%20any%20class.

[4] https://subjectguides.york.ac.uk/study-revision/pareto-principle#:~:text=The%20Pareto%20Principle%2C%20often%20called,wins'%20with%20comparatively%20little%20effort.

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