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    List of Readings for Entering Law Students Suggested by the Library:
    For Basic Legal Background and Practical First Year Techniques
     

    Call numbers and locations are for the UW College of Law,
    George W. Hopper Law Library collection


    law school success

      

    Burkhart, Ann M. and Stein, Robert A., Law School Success: A Guide to Studying Law and Taking Law School Exams, 2nd ed. (nutshell), West Pub. Co., 2008.
    Reserve KF 283 .B87 2008

    First year study hints, resources, curriculum, exams, classroom experiences, outlines and a brief introduction to the legal system.

     

    introduction to the law

       

    Burnham, William, Introduction to the Law and Legal System of the United States, 5th ed., West Group, 2006.  KF 386 .B88 2011

    More in-depth reading for the novice; extensive introduction to legal system and methodology, brief review of different areas of law: administrative law, civil procedure, criminal procedure, Constitutional law, contracts, torts, property, family law, criminal law, business law, tax law.

     

    law school exams

       

    Calleros, Charles R., Law School Exams: Preparing and Writing to Win, Wolters Kluwer, 2013.   KF 283 .C35 2013

    This short (200 page) book conveys two points about exam taking that are vital to every law student: (1) Exam scores can always be improved if the student masters effective exam techniques such as those outlined in this book, and (2) preparing to perform well on exams begins with a positive mind-set on the first day of class and steadily proceeds with solid study techniques throughout the semester.  

     

    cooper.jpg

       

    Cooper, Charles, Later in Life Lawyers: Tips for the Non-Traditional Law Student, 2nd ed., The Fine Print Press, 2012.
    Career Services, KF 283 .D37 2006 (See Career Services for this book)

    This guide for non-traditional law students includes tips for getting into, and preparing for law school, through looking for a job. Topics inclued attending law school when you have children, and working during school.

     

    mastering the law school exam

       

    Darrow-Kleinhaus, Suzanne, Mastering the Law School Exam: A Practical Blueprint for Preparing and Taking Law School Exams, Thomson/West, 2006.
    Reserve KF 283 .D37 2006

    This practical guide to taking law school exams includes detailed examples with analyses of sample answers and helps students fill the gap between what the professor refers to as learning to "think like a lawyer" and the actual means for doing so.

     

    how to do your best on law school exams

       

    Delaney, John, How to Do Your Best on Law School Exams, 5th ed., John Delaney Publications, 2012.
    Reserve KF 283 .D44 2012

    Perhaps premature to be entered on such a list, but once first year classes begin, there will be little time for such reading. And this is a worthwhile source. Law school exams are different than any you have probably ever taken. This book takes you through the steps of examination preparation and writing, along with samples. 

     

    writing essay exams to succeed in law school

       

    Dernbach, John C., Writing Essay Exams to Succeed in Law School (Not Just to Survive), 4th ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2014.
    Reserve KF 283 .D47 2014

    Although short (only 110 pages), this book contains much helpful information, including plenty of examples that illustrate the right and the wrong way to write essay exams, as well as advice from an experienced law professor on what it takes to excel on exams.

     

     

    getting to maybe

       

    Fischl, Richard Michael, Getting to Maybe: How to Excel on Law School Exams, Carolina Academic Press, 1999. KF 283 .F57 1999

    Reaching far beyond the traditional explanations for writing law school exams, this text initiates a more complete process for test-taking while addressing analytical skills first year law students will be learning. It is an in-depth treatment, fairly complex to the new legal learner, but the system as it is explained should make excellent test-takers out of those who understand the material.

     

     What every law student really needs to know

       

    George, Tracey E. and Sherry, Suzanna, What Every Law Student Really Needs to Know: An Introduction to the Study of Law, 2nd ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2016. KF 283 .G46 2016

    With the aim of decreasing students' anxiety and increasing their chances of achieving academic success, this book prepares students to get through their first year of law school. As a valuable reference over an entire law school career, it will continue to contribute to students' academic success.

     

     Introduction to the Study and Practice of Law

     

    Hegland, Kenney F., Introduction to the Study and Practice of Law, 6th ed. (Nutshell), West Pub. Co., 2014.  Reserve KF 273 .H4 2014

    Hints and tips on study, exams, case briefing, case reading, careers; covers some trial aspects, easy reading.

     

    law school rules

      

    Lewis, Mario T.D., The Law School Rules: 115 Survival Strategies to Make the Challenges of Law School Seem Like "Small Stuff", Harmony Books, 1999.  KF 283 .L49 1999

    One-page tidbits, many of these suggestions are common sense. Written by a law school graduate, the book is a fun browsing resource.

     

    what the l?

       

    May, Kelsey, Samantha Roberts and Elizabeth Shelton, What the L?: 25 Things We Wish We'd Known Before Going to Law School, Carolina Academic Press, 2010. Reserve KF283 .M388 2010

    This book was written by three recent law school graduates (University of Tulsa, class of 2010) who have complied 25 chapters of advice for new and current law students.  Written from the perspective of actual law students who just completed their studies, it may differ some from the average law school survival book written by law faculty and is definitely worth a look.

     

    1L of a ride

       

    McClurg, Andrew J., 1L of a Ride: A Well-Traveled Professor's Roadmap to Success in the First Year of Law School, Thomson/West, 2009.  KF 287 .M38 2009.

    Written by a law professor who has taught for over 20 years at six law schools, this book provides a candid beginning-to-end roadmap of what to expect in the first year, both academically and personally.

     

    the law school trip

       

    McClurg, Andrew J., The Law School Trip: the Insider's Guide to Law School, Footnote Press, 2001.  LEISURE.

    A hilarious, tongue-in-cheek review of the law school experience that nevertheless allows you to see what you are up against. There is no real substantive content, but the fun look at the law school atmosphere is informative.

     

     Reading like a lawyer

       

    McKinney, Ruth Ann, Reading Like a Lawyer: Time-Saving Strategies for Reading Law Like and Expert, 2nd ed., Carolina Academic Press, 2012.  KF 283 .M398 2012

    Reading the law well is a crucial skill for any law student or lawyer.  This book teaches the reader to read quickly and effectively in order to master the material, save time, and perform well on exams.

     

    an introduction to law

       

    Moliterno, James E., An Introduction to Law, Law Study, and the Lawyer's Role, 2nd ed., Carolina Academic Pr., 2004.   KF 272 .M64 2004

    Creative explanation of development of law system using futuristic scenario; covers case briefing and legal research assignments such as memorandums and client letters.

     

    LAW 101

       

    Noreuil, Chad., LAW 101: What Law School's Really Like, Carolina Academic Pr., 2015.   KF 283 .N65 2015

    This book draws on the experiences of nine students over their 3 years of law school. Included with the book is information necessary to access an hour-long documentary featuring those students.

     

    Hard-Nosed Advice from a Cranky Law Professor

       

    Parrish, Austen L. and Knolton, Cristina C., Hard-Nosed Advice from a Cranky Law Professor: How to Succeed in Law School, Carolina Academic Press, 2010. KF283 .P37 2010

    This book is based around a fictitious law professor and his students, with each chapter focusing on a topic introduced in the storyline (which makes it more fun to read!). Topics covered include briefing cases, studying, taking exams, thinking beyond law school, and the bar exam.

     

    Succeeding in Law School

       

    Ramy, Herbert N., Succeeding in Law School, 2nd ed., Carolina Academic Pr., 2010.  KF 283 .R36 2010

    Written by the director of a law school Academic Support Program, this book includes chapters entitled "Maintaining a Healthy Mental Approach to Law School" and "Study Groups, Study Aids and Study Schedules."  It also gives the reader a chance to practice writing briefs, outlines and answering exam questions. 

     

    Law School Survival Manual

       

    Rapoport, Nancy B. and Van Niel, Jeffrey D., Law School Survival Manual: From LSAT to Bar Exam, Aspen Publishers, 2010.  Reserve KF 283 .R37 2010

    This book includes all the standard law school advice (exam taking, outlining, stress, etc.), but also offers very practical advice in an entertaining and slightly irreverent way (see page 45 for a discussion entitled, "Career-Limiting Moves that Come with Social Networking and the Internet", or page 142 for "Stupid Interviewing Mistakes that Students Make").

     

    Expert Learning for Law Students

       

    Schwartz, Michael Hunter, Expert Learning for Law Students, Carolina Academic Press, 2005.  KF 283 .S354 2005

    This book contains chapters on such helpful topics as memorization strategies, and ways to obtain academic assistance, as well as a thoughtful chapter written for the family and friends of law students.

     

    Law School Without Fear

        

    Shapo, Helene S. and Marshall, Law School Without Fear: Strategies for Success, 2nd ed., Foundation Pr., 2002.  KF 386 .S44 2009

    Written by professors when their children went to law school, this book covers the basics of law school, touching on course material and teaching techniques that will be new to incoming students like legal writing and reasoning and remedies. There are tips for study, exam-taking, and handling the psychological aspects of law school.

     

    Bridging the Gap Between College and Law School

        

    Stropus, Ruta K. and Taylor, Charlotte D., Bridging the Gap Between College and Law School: Strategies for Success, 3rd ed., Carolina Academic Pr., 2014.  KF 283 .S77 2014

    This book helps students make the transition from their undergraduate experience to law school learning. This book explains the "why" of law, providing students with the context necessary to understand why law school is taught in a certain manner. Explains the "how" of the law, setting out a step-by-step process that will help students adapt to the law school setting. Explains the "what" of the law, giving students the opportunity to practice the problem-solving process by providing numerous exercises in a variety of subject matter areas.

     

    The Eight Secrets of Top Exam Performance in Law School

       

    Whitebread, Charles D., The Eight Secrets of Top Exam Performance in Law School: An Easy-to-Use, Step-by-Step Approach for Achieving Great Grades, Thomson/West, 2008. 
    Reserve KF 283 .W48 2008

    This short, easy to read book describes eight secrets of successful exam performance and then walks the reader through several sample exam questions.



    Updated 10/16
    Contact Us

    University of Wyoming
    1000 E. University Ave.
    Laramie, WY 82071
    Phone: (307)-766-1121

    Find us on Instagram (Link opens a new window)Find us on Facebook (Link opens a new window)Find us on Twitter (Link opens a new window)Find us on LinkedIn (Link opens a new window)Find us on YouTube (Link opens a new window)