The Dos and Don’ts of Taking Class Notes in Law School

The Dos and Don’ts of Taking Class Notes in Law School

Navigating the first year of law school can be a challenging endeavor for many students. The transition from undergraduate studies or a different professional background to the rigorous demands of law school requires a strategic approach, especially when it comes to taking class notes. Notes are not just a record of what was discussed in class; they help form the basis of your outlines and can be a critical resource as you prepare for exams! In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential dos and don’ts of taking class notes in law school.

The Dos and Don’ts of Taking Class Notes in Law School

Do: Focus on the Rules

One of your primary objectives in law school classes should be to capture the rules discussed in cases, statutes, and in class. Your outlines, which are crucial for exam preparation, should be structured around these rules. There are times when professors will explicitly state a rule, but in other instances, you might need to deduce it yourself. Occasionally, a professor might refer to a rule from another source, such as the Restatement or the Uniform Commercial Code. It’s vital to note not just the rule but also where it comes from if mentioned. Ensuring that each rule discussed in class is meticulously noted, including any references to statute source or cases, is crucial for building an effective outline.

Do: Include Hypotheticals and Examples

Hypotheticals and examples discussed in class are gold mines for exam preparation. Given that your professor is the one crafting your exam questions, these discussions offer a window into what your professor expects to incorporate into the exam. By incorporating these examples into your notes, you align your understanding and application of the law with your professor’s expectations. These examples can also help you break down and make sense of complicated legal concepts, so you have a better understanding heading into final exams.

Don’t: Overemphasize Case Details

A common trap for first-year law students is focusing too much on detailed facts of the cases discussed in class. While it might seem important at the moment, these details are seldom relevant to your exam performance. What matters more is your understanding of the law and your ability to apply it appropriately. Hence, avoid cluttering your notes (and subsequently your outlines) with extensive facts about cases. Streamlining your notes to include only the most pertinent information will aid in creating more focused and efficient study materials.

Don’t: Note Down Classmate Contributions Without Caution

In the spirit of capturing everything said in class, students often end up recording discussions and hypotheticals proposed by their classmates. This practice can be problematic, primarily because the accuracy of these contributions cannot always be verified. Unless your professor affirms a student’s input as correct, it’s wise to exercise discretion in what you choose to document. The goal is to filter your notes so that they predominantly reflect the insights provided by your professor, who is the ultimate arbiter of what’s relevant for your exams.

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