Becoming a Lawyer: Success at Law School provides practical, experience-based advice for students beginning their law studies. It offers insight into the unique elements of law school culture, letting students know what to expect and what is expected of them, giving realistic advice and tips to get the most from their studies. Now in its third edition, Becoming a Lawyer is the essential guide to surviving and thriving at law school.
NEW TO THIS EDITION
- Fully updated to reflect changing technology, including assessment in Second Life, remote access, blended learning and flexible delivery
- A greater focus on graduate attributes and, learning outcomes and their impact on students
- Expanded information and tips on legal problem solving
- Updated and expanded material on legal ethics and communication skills
1. Why am I Studying Law?
What is law all about?
Careers in the law
Why study law?
2. The University and Law Programs
What is law all about?
Careers in the law
Why study law?
3. How is Law School Different from Other Studies?
The distinctions between law school and high school or TAFE
The distinctions between law school and the workplace
The distinctions between law school and other university studies
Deadlines
Student learning responsibilities
Different law schools
4. Learning and Teaching in Law School
Learning and teaching approaches
Different lecturers and their teaching approaches
The three curricula of any course
Four interrelated components of any unit of study
How to approach your lecturers about your learning
5. Legal Problem-solving
The proof-making model
Why do law schools use legal problems for assessment?
The legal problem-solving model
An example
6. Class Types
Lectures
Tutorials
Workshops
Seminars
Moots
Role-plays
Small-group work
Informal learning
Student participation
Taking notes
The rise of educational technologies
Student and lecturer interaction
Missing classes
7. Managing Your Time Well
Orient yourself to your units
Time management: Hints, warnings, and techniques
Study groups
Working while studying
8. Core Concepts: The Legal system and Legal Ethics
The history of Australian law
Jurisprudence
Central principles and concepts
International law
Common terms
Legal ethics
9. Sources of Law
Primary and secondary sources of law
Reading cases
Reading statutes
10. Researching the Law
Planning your research
Resources available to law students
Legislation
Subordinate legislation
Cases
Secondary sources
A warning: Beware of the internet!
11. Assignments: Types and Tips
Class participation and presentation
Discussion board contributions
Essays
Field-trip reports
Reflective journals
Mooting and the viva voce examination
Research papers and theses
Late assignments and misadventure
12. Assignments: Referencing/Citing and Plagiarism
The importance of correct referencing
What do I put in my references?
Referencing or citation methods
The dangers of plagiarism
A sobering conclusion
13. Examinations
Preparing for exams
Exam technique
Types of exams
14. Gaining confidence and developing professional habits
Developing courage
Your law school experience begins as soon as you enrol
Approaching your lecturers
Frequently asked questions
What to do if you feel you have been treated unfairly
Counsellors and disabilities
Further resources
Finally
Michael Brogan: Senior Lecturer, School of Law, University of Western Sydney
David Spencer: Professor and Academic Director, Australian Catholic University
