How to Study in Law School (WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!)

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Want to know the down and dirty of what to expect before heading into law school? Download the quick-start guide, "The Need to Know Guide to Law School": 👉launch.angelavorpahl.com/need-to-know-visit

[@MsMetalmonkey23]

I totally agree with the canned answers concept. Every history class ive taken in undergrad is english based, so we have to read the material, research extensively, listen to the lectures, and every week we write 600 word essays about subjects spoken about in class along with a 200 word discussion piece. Having to write every detail, in chronological order, with complete accuracy while adding feeling to the piece to keep the reader intrigued literally forces you to completely understand the material. It is extremely effective to write what you've learned in your own words.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hell yes!! I couldn't agree more. 😍

[@jkholtgreve]

You are lucky! Most undergrad classes in the US aren’t nearly as rigorous. I cannot imagine how much more I would’ve retained had my professors cared that much. Then again, I bet yours are paid much more comparatively as well. Here most schools have moved to paying adjuncts $4-5K/class at most.

[@MsMetalmonkey23]

@@jkholtgreve whenever a class doesn't include writing, more so tests and quizzes, I rarely walk away feeling like ive learned something. I literally pick my classes based on whether or not the curriculum included english writing (my school listed it in the enrollment catalog's course description)

[@benjaminweber7703]

Why didn’t someone mention caned answers earlier for me. I stumbled onto this by myself but not until the end of my first semester 2L. I’m entering my 3L year in the fall and I wish I had seen this video before I started school.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hey, Benjamin! I'm so bummed you just now found the video but I'm pumped for you to start using these study steps in the fall! They were a game changer for me in law school :)

[@addisonmorton2348]

What do you do if none of your professors let you have a laptop out in class and make you use a printed outline on the test

[@AngelaVorpahl]

So you'll need to bring your printed outline and canned answers with you to every exam because even typed exams will require you to use a software that prevents accessing any other location on your computer (including your notes, for example). If a professor absolutely forbids laptops in class (which I have never personally experienced), I would ask the professor if he or she would allow you to record the lecture and then I would sit as close to the front as possible, take what notes I could by hand during class, and then transcribe the lecture after class to then have the notes in electronic form. I know it makes for extra work upfront, but having those notes in electronic form will make it infinitely easier to create your outlines and canned answers down the road. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@addisonmorton2348]

Angela Vorpahl my a professors won’t let me have laptops (because it’s against their policy) or record them (because it’s against William and Mary’s Policy)

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@addisonmorton2348 That's so wild! Don't worry, the fact that no one is allowed a laptop to take notes will put you guys all on the same footing -- no one will have an advantage. I would still recommend writing down as much as you possibly can (as fast as you possibly can) in class, but focus on getting the most important stuff down rather than writing everything verbatim like you would if you had a laptop. If the professors use slides, ask if you can have a copy of the slides for your notes, or at least if you can take pictures of them with your phone. I'm guessing they'll say no based on the super strict policy, but it's definitely worth asking.

[@addisonmorton2348]

Angela Vorpahl so civ pro lets us have slides but only after the class has ended and crim and torts don’t use power points at all. Btw I love your channel it’s super helpful and deserves way more subs than it has. If you could do a video on the opportunities with the big four accounting firms I’d be super grateful

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@addisonmorton2348 Ah okay! Well I'm glad they're giving you some resources, but your best bet IMO is to simply write down as much as you can in class as fast as you can and you'll be way ahead of your classmates who are just trying to learn it all by memory at the end of the semester :) Great idea! I have a video coming out that I'm really excited about regarding how to get a job after law school, but I'll think about how to incorporate one down the road on getting jobs in other non-legal sectors!

[@laurenkimura9142]

I swear if anyone dislikes this video, they are a monster and would mess up the system of likes

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Haha I appreciate the support!! Very sweet of you :)

[@holdentwin]

Hi Angela, I was wondering if you or a known classmate have used a combination of a voice recorder and dictation software to take notes in law school (one I have found online is Dragon by Nuance). I am entering 1L this fall. I love your videos - thank you so much for all the help. As a first generation college student the little things that no one tells you and just expects you to know are always the hardest things to see proactively, and I have been thinking that this may be a very effective way to thrive in law school and even into practice. Also just curious where you went to law school? Thanks!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi, Ryan! I didn't use any type of dictation software, and I didn't know of anyone who did either, but that's not to say it's not worth a shot. My initial reaction is that I can't imagine that it would be more helpful than typing your own notes because in doing so you are actively listening and organizing your notes as you go, which is a super important part of the process. The idea is repetition and organization, and the more times you can get eyes and ears on the information the better off you'll be. My sense of voice dictation software is that it would hinder that mental information-download-and-organization process, but if you wind up trying it let me know what you think!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Questions about studying in law school?? Ask them in the comments below and I'll be happy to share everything I know!

[@alybeverly9488]

So this is my first year in Law School and I really found all of the things you said helpful, like some I did intuitively already and thanks to you, I know I'm on the right path. Thank you so much!

[@bleachdeliver]

Are you a 2L now how’s it going

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I'm so glad to hear it, Aly! I actually host a free FB for law students looking for clarity and support in their law school journey, would you like the link to join?

[@mirnabarahona5296]

Hi Angela, is the Grammar really hard my first language is Spanish, and I am afraid my grammar is not enough, but I love law and numbers I’m working in accounting bachelor. Thank you you are very sweet humble and always giving great advises.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi, Mirna! First of all I want to congratulate you on seeking to learn and write and practice law in another language(!!) -- I'm currently doing that now with Spanish and it is without a doubt the most challenging thing I have ever undertaken! I don't want to misguide you. The truth is that learning any new language is very challenging, and learning the legalese of a new language is even more challenging because it's another language in and of itself. That being said, although it will take more time and patience, IT IS DOABLE. And, yes, there is a lot of writing in law school exams (and you will have at least one legal research and writing class), but if you're committed to the path, then I would encourage you to go for it. Once you graduate you can absolutely choose a legal practice area that is not research and writing heavy (like tax law, for example) where your accounting background will provide you with a great skill set and you'll be able to bring your clients value outside of the drafting and brief-writing so prevalent in other practice areas. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions! :) Angela

[@mirnabarahona5296]

Angela Vorpahl thank you for answering me☺️☺️☺️

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@mirnabarahona5296 My pleasure!! Any time! :)

[@hobojo1083]

Hi Angela, what's the difference between a canned answer and an attack outline? I've never heard of canned answers so I'm just curious where they fit into exam prep amidst other prep tools like outlines/attack outlines.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

An attack outline is usually a 1-2 page document that is essentially a "table of contents" (i.e. a list of the high-level legal issues that you've learned throughout the class). Canned answers is an 18-28 page document that is a further synthesized version of your outline that lists out the issue, the rule, and the analytical framework that you can then use as a crazy powerful test-taking tool on the final exam. This is what I consider the secret weapon for final exams :)

[@muroojtahir697]

My profs don’t allow laptops in class. I write down my brief by hand & then add the notes in class in a diff color. Later I use the notes to create my outline w/ slap down rules. My school doesn’t allow notes during the exams. I am not sure canned answers would help beyond more practice. I am just doing practice exams(essays & multiple choice)

[@AngelaVorpahl]

That sounds like a really well-thought-out plan, I love it!

[@zpzodon2933]

Hi Angela! Going to Law School is so tedious and stressful for the mind! So what would your advice be on improving memory and retention? And how to handle our emotions and stress during this time?

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Oh my gosh, wonderful questions and ones we could (and hopefully will!) have an entire day discussion on :) For me personally, the thing that has always been true is that my brain has to see information multiple times before it will actually understand and internalize it. That's why an important mantra when I'm teaching my students is always "organization and repetition." You want to give your brain 5 times to process the same information before final exams so that you can actually give it a chance to internalize it and then be able to use it. In terms of emotions and stress, especially that first semester, it's crazy tough. I remember feeling like I was in this dark tunnel for the entire exam period and never having experienced anything like this before. There are experts and professionals who are much better versed in this area than I am, but the one piece of advice that a 3L told me that year that I carried with me ever since is: "Don't worry, you'll be yourself again soon." The pressure and stress can only survive as long as there's something to feed it, and once final exams are over, it has nothing left to give it ammunition. Let me know how this resonates with you :)

[@zpzodon2933]

@@AngelaVorpahl Hey Angela! Repetition is key for me as well in grasping the material and finally "being able to use it." And in terms of stress, that is good advice, the amount we feed is what gives stress it's ammunition, eventually it will run out. Sleep was one of the major factors also in helping me cope with stress especially the day before the exam. If I didn't get enough, it would definitely reflect on my performance. Exercise would also help me cope with stress, improve my energy and memory.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@zpzodon2933 Heck yes! That's awesome that you recognized that and were able to give your body what it needed. I think so often we get caught up in the whirlwind and forget that our mental and emotional well-being are inextricably linked :)

[@zpzodon2933]

@@AngelaVorpahl Hey Angela! Thank you very much for your reply! It means a lot to me for you to take the time out of your busy schedule to advise me in college matters. Once I was appointed in the Dallas County Court as a juror to handle an indecent assault case, and the defendant got 13 years in prison. I thought the prosecutor did a good job in closing the case; she also graduated from SMU law school, your alma mater! Continue the great work Angela=)

[@mccoyology]

Angela is their a negative to writing your notes then transcribing it later? I’ve always preferred to write my notes.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hey, Stephen! So, yes, unfortunately -- handwriting your notes and then transcribing them later is doable, but you're going to (1) burn time that could be used for other important parts of the law school studying process (e.g. reading for class, outlining, canned answers, R&R), and (2) you won't be able to take notes as thoroughly or extensively in class as you would if you were typing them. That being said, this is just the advice of one person, and if you feel much more comfortable handwriting your notes and transcribing them later, then you do you!! :)

[@Wazowskii69]

Hello! Thank you for the amazing video. Quick question, why do you suggest we type everything (notes, outline, etc..) instead of handwriting? I’ve always thought it’s easier for us to remember things that we write ourselves rather than type. Not to say I’m against typing, I’m very much for it.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi Javier! Great question and I have sooo many thoughts on this. Send me a DM on Instagram @angelavorpahl so that I can send you an audio with a more complete answer :)

[@mazinsyed7279]

Heyy Angela, I was wondering if in law school exams does Grammer and spelling matter alot like is it a deal breaker to have a few of those mistakes?

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hey, Mazin! I would say generally no, it's not going to be a deal-breaker. Professors are most interested in your analysis of the law to the facts. If you had 35 grammar and spelling mistakes then MAYBE they'd dock you some points based on the argument that if you turned in a writing to a client or a judge with that many mistakes in the real world it wouldn't be very persuasive. But for the most part law school isn't teaching you grammar and spelling skills, it's teaching you analytical skills so generally speaking law professors won't burn you on a handful of mistakes, especially since they know everyone is writing as fast as they possibly can on the exams.

[@mirnabarahona5296]

Great video

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Thanks so much!! I'm glad it was helpful!! :)

[@mgoo-j7q]

OMG that’s was soooo useful. I wished I watched this at the start of the semester 😊

[@AngelaVorpahl]

lol I'm so glad to hear it and that you found it now! :)

[@mgoo-j7q]

I started using your suggestions yesterday, and it made such a difference. Thank you. 😊

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@mgoo-j7q 🙌🙌🙌

[@sharonjohanazuniga5106]

Angela! Thanks so much for the tips! Just started - and these tips were awesome! Felt like I was getting behind.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi Sharon! I'm so glad to hear it!! I also run a free FB group for law students looking for clarity and support in their law school journey, would you like the link to join?

[@sharonjohanazuniga5106]

@@AngelaVorpahl yes please

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@sharonjohanazuniga5106 Great! Here's the link to join: facebook.com/groups/lawtribenetwork I'll see you inside!!

[@jocelyntovar4455]

Is bad handwriting a dealbreaker

[@AngelaVorpahl]

I would definitely recommending typing EVERYTHING -- class notes, outlines, canned answers, and final exams, so, no, handwriting should never come into play :)

[@julieann4813]

Hi Angela! I am so glad I found your channel. I am currently in my 1st semester of 2nd year and I am still struggling to find the smart and effective way to study. So thank you! Some of my profs only do graded recits every meeting, no lecture. Some dont come to class many times so I get lost in those subjects..

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi Julie! I'm so glad the video was helpful! I totally understand not getting clear direction from your professors on how to study, which makes the entire process feel impossible. I actually host a free FB for law students looking for clarity and support in their law school journey, would you like the link to join?

[@julieann4813]

@@AngelaVorpahl Yes! That would be very helpful..

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@julieann4813 Great! Here's the link to join: facebook.com/groups/lawtribenetwork I'll see you inside!!

[@elan8703]

Please what if you don't think you can type as fast as the lecturer speaks

[@AngelaVorpahl]

That's totally fine! You're not going to get down every single word they say, just shooting for most of them. Plus, you'll get faster as the semester goes because you'll be typing so many hours per day. So don't worry if you feel like you're a slow typer (I definitely felt that way when I started too). You'll also start to develop your own shorthand and abbreviations, so that will make information easier to capture too! I actually run a free FB group for law students and prelaw students looking for clarity and support in their law school journey. Would you like the link to join? :)

[@elan8703]

@@AngelaVorpahl yes please..I'll really appreciate that

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@elan8703 Great! Here's the link to join: facebook.com/groups/lawtribenetwork See you inside! :)

[@hyojinlee]

Love this video! :)

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Thanks Hyo Jin!! This is one of the earliest videos I ever made! :)

[@davidsoto4394]

Good advice.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Yay! I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@EliteRowmaster]

I’m sorry but a lot of these tips are way too personal and don’t get to the meat of success - just these little tips and your preferences like this font transcribing and what colour to high light... you also don’t justify transcribing by addressing the counter arguments which are well established for why you shouldn’t do it not enough justification for timelines or length of CANs or outline... like it just feels like you’re smart and don’t really ‘know’ why you did well and so you’re just putting up your preferences but it’s really cause you’re just smart and not because of your strategy.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hi! You're definitely right that this video just begins to touch on the process of how to study in law school to do well. There is a lot of other explanation and context that needs to be understood for these study steps to work. I guarantee you that I was not smarter than the other law students in my class, and that being the smartest or the hardest working is nowhere near as strong of an indicator of success in law school grades as having a rock solid action plan that you can repeat over in over every semester no matter what class or type of exam. I fleshed the steps out a bit more in a quick-start-guide I made, would you like me to send you the link to help give you a little more context for the process?

[@EliteRowmaster]

@@AngelaVorpahl sure, i’ll look at it. I reread it and my tone was off in the message, sorry about that.

[@AngelaVorpahl]

@@EliteRowmaster No worries, I totally get how frustrating it can be to hear so many different pieces of advice on how to study and how to do well and having no idea what to listen to and what to ignore. Here's the link to the quick start guide of the study strategies I used all throughout law school to be able to repeatedly and consistently get A's throughout the 3 years regardless of the class or type of exam and I hope it helps you as well(!): launch.angelavorpahl.com/beat-the-curve. After you take a look at it, feel free to let me know if you have any questions! :)