Taming Your Law School Readings: A Survival Guide for Filipino Students

“Super daming cases!” “Ang bagal ko magbasa!” Familiar cries, my friend. We’ve all been first-year law students, staring down a mountain of readings and wondering how we’ll ever conquer it. Don’t worry, I’m here to share tips that helped me survive (and even thrive!) in law school.

Conquering the Mountain: Tips for Efficient Reading

You’re used to readings, but law school is a whole different beast! It’s not just about speed; it’s about understanding and applying what you’ve learned. So, how do you transform from a slow reader to a legal eagle?

1. Find Your Reading Spot (and Time!)

• Location, Location, Location: Cafes work for some, but others need absolute quiet. Experiment! Find a place that lets you focus.
• Time Traveler: Not a morning person? Don’t force it. Identify your peak focus time and schedule your readings then.

2. Preview, Don’t Just Plunge

Imagine jumping into a pool without checking the depth. Scary, right? Reading a case head-on is similar.

• Skim for Gold: Glance through the case title, headings, and the first and last paragraphs. This gives you context and helps you identify the key issues.
• Questions are Your Guide: Before diving in, formulate questions you want the case to answer. This keeps you engaged and helps you read with purpose.

3. Embrace Active Reading (It’s Not Just Highlighting!)

• The Power of the Pen: Don’t just highlight! Annotate, summarize paragraphs in the margins, write down questions – make the text YOURS.
• Case Briefing: Your Secret Weapon: Create concise summaries of each case, noting the facts, issue, ruling, and reasoning. This forces you to engage with the material and creates a handy reference guide.

4. Break It Down (Divide and Conquer!)

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you won’t conquer your readings in one sitting either.

• Chunking is Your Friend: Break down large readings into smaller, manageable chunks.
• Breaks are Not a Luxury: Give your brain a rest! Step away every hour for 5-10 minutes to avoid burnout.

5. Practice Makes Perfect (Yes, Even Reading)

• Read, Read, Read: The more you read legal material, the more comfortable you’ll become with the language and structure.
• Variety is the Spice of Life: Mix up your reading materials with legal articles, journals, or even blogs (wink, wink!) to keep things interesting.

Organizing the Chaos: Effective Note-Taking Strategies

Now that you’re a reading machine, let’s tackle note-taking. The goal is to create a system that helps you quickly find the information you need when you need it.

1. Choose Your Weapon Wisely

• Digital Warrior: Apps like Notion, Obsidian, or even good old MS Word offer flexibility and searchability.
• Pen and Paper Purist: If you learn best by writing, go for it! Use different colored pens and highlighters for visual organization.

2. Structure is Key

• Consistent Formatting: Whether it’s headings, bullet points, or numbering, stick to a consistent format for clarity.
• Index Cards: Your Pocket Review: Use them to jot down key terms, case briefs, or important legal concepts for quick review.

3. Link, Don’t Just List

• Connect the Dots: Instead of isolated facts, focus on connecting cases, concepts, and legal principles.
• Visualize the Law: Flowcharts, diagrams, and mind maps can help you see relationships between different legal ideas.

4. Review and Refine

• Don’t Just File and Forget: Regularly review and revise your notes to reinforce your understanding.
• Test Yourself: Use your notes to create practice questions or flashcards – this helps you identify areas you need to revisit.

Cracking the Code: Answering Practice Questions

Oral recitations got you nervous? Don’t worry, it’s like telling a story, just with more legal jargon!

1. IRAC is Your Friend

This acronym stands for Issue, Rule, Application, and Conclusion – the backbone of legal analysis.

• Identify the Issue: What’s the legal question at hand?
• State the Rule: What law or legal principle applies to this issue?
• Apply the Rule to the Facts: How does the rule fit with the specific details of the case?
• Conclude: What’s the answer to the legal question based on your analysis?

2. Practice Makes Perfect (Again!)

• Mock Recitations: Grab a study buddy and take turns answering practice questions using the IRAC method.
• Record Yourself: Sounds awkward, but hearing yourself explain legal concepts can help you identify areas for improvement.

3. Relax, You’ve Got This!

Remember, everyone’s in the same boat. Take a deep breath, trust your preparation, and show your professor what you’ve learned.

You’re Not Alone in the Legal Jungle

Law school is challenging, but with these tips, you’re well on your way to conquering those readings, mastering note-taking, and acing those oral recitations! Remember, consistency and practice are key. Now go out there and show them what you’re made of!