Duke 1L (soon to be 2L) taking questions Forum

[beachbum]

This might not really be specific to Duke Law, but what the heck...

How essential is it to have a good laptop for law school? In other words, can one go through 1L the old fashioned way (pen and paper) without much fanfare? I never got into the habit of taking notes on computers and, now that I think about it, I would prefer not to. Are exams all taken on the laptop, pen and paper, or does it vary by class/professor?

Strictly speaking, you don't need a laptop. However, you're probably going to be at some disadvantage in classes that give "traditional" (or, "write as much shit as you can in three hours") exams, if only because your peers will be able to type faster than you'll be able to write.

Ah, gotcha. Nice to know contemporary Luddites aren't necessarily doomed at Duke. How many traditional exam classes can one reasonably expect throughout 1L and law school generally? Also, can you elaborate on the disadvantage? Do people who hand write such exams typically do worse than their typing peers simply because of the speed issue you mention?

Exam types will vary heavily depending on your professors. I had only one "traditional" exam as a 1L, though friends in other sections had more. The disadvantage is exactly what it sounds like: where points are awarded for spotting and analyzing every issue and sub-issue, the student who can spot and analyze more of those issues will get more points (and, consequently, a better grade). So you're probably gonna be at a disadvantage relative to your faster-typing peers, who can simply throw more words - and more issues/analysis - on the page. (This is why some 0Ls on here get all jacked up on improving their typing speed prior to starting law school.)

[retaking23]

Thanks for the heads up on the exam situation Beachbum!

I was looking over the entire thread and noticed that the consensus on having a car at Duke is overwhelmingly positive. From you experience, is it necessary to have a car immediately from the start or would it be okay to wait a couple of months or even a semester before getting a vehicle? Also, do students primarily own or lease their vehicles?

[drive4showLSAT4dough]

Thanks for the heads up on the exam situation Beachbum!

I was looking over the entire thread and noticed that the consensus on having a car at Duke is overwhelmingly positive. From you experience, is it necessary to have a car immediately from the start or would it be okay to wait a couple of months or even a semester before getting a vehicle? Also, do students primarily own or lease their vehicles?

Duke 2L jumping in. It depends on where you live. If you live within walking/biking distance from campus, then maybe you could get by without a car for a while. However, I think it would be a big hassle (getting around, being dependent on rides, grocceries, etc.). You will quickly realize that time is very valuable during 1L (whether studying or unwinding). Spending that time trying to coordinate transportation is not something I would have been able to tolerate. No idea about the own/lease, that's your call.

[retaking23]

Should find out for sure in a couple of days when class schedules get posted, but to current students: how much do you usually spend on books? And would you recommend getting hornbooks and/or other supplements as well?

[racrfish]

Should find out for sure in a couple of days when class schedules get posted, but to current students: how much do you usually spend on books? And would you recommend getting hornbooks and/or other supplements as well?

I don't remember the exact amount I spent 1L, but it was probably a few hundred... sort of depends on what's assigned, really, especially if it's the same book the previous class used. There's a google doc of current 2Ls and 3Ls selling their books (in addition to the PILF one, which IDK what the deal is with that) and if it doesn't get posted on the admitted students page ask for it here and one of us will post the link. Alternatively if you have Sachs or Haagen PM me and I'd love to pass these books on for a good deal.

Supplements will depend on your learning style. I bought them and would always forget to use them until outlining time, and even then didn't get much use from them unless there was something I was still lost on that late in the game. I'm sure others used them far more than I, so ymmv. I think it's wise to get one for civ pro, and for others maybe wait and see how you feel as the class goes on.

Also: yay! Get excited for class schedules and sections this week!

[intlsplitr]

On supplements - if you are ok with not writing in the book, they are all on reserve at the library. That way you don't have to pay for them.

[WhereIsMyMind]

Just got my schedule!

Civ Pro - Metzloff
Torts - DeMott
Con Law - Young

Any thoughts on these professors and the best supplements for their courses?

Thank you

[SplitMyPants]

Any protips for Haagen's Contracts class? So far the lectures are pretty indirect and confusing.

After enduring the spring with Haagen, do you or anyone else have any general advice? I've continually heard his name brought up on here, and I'm a bit concerned now that I've gotten my schedule.

[SplitMyPants]

Just got my schedule!

Civ Pro - Metzloff
Torts - DeMott
Con Law - Young

Any thoughts on these professors and the best supplements for their courses?

Thank you

I'll jump on this as well:

Contracts - Haagen
Crim - Farahany
Civ Pro - Miller

[racrfish]

Any protips for Haagen's Contracts class? So far the lectures are pretty indirect and confusing.

After enduring the spring with Haagen, do you or anyone else have any general advice? I've continually heard his name brought up on here, and I'm a bit concerned now that I've gotten my schedule.

Cross your fingers and hope for the best? Few people came out with the result they expected (which includes some doing quite well who had expected to fail). By far my most frustrating class so far.

[SplitMyPants]

Any protips for Haagen's Contracts class? So far the lectures are pretty indirect and confusing.

After enduring the spring with Haagen, do you or anyone else have any general advice? I've continually heard his name brought up on here, and I'm a bit concerned now that I've gotten my schedule.

Cross your fingers and hope for the best? Few people came out with the result they expected (which includes some doing quite well who had expected to fail). By far my most frustrating class so far.

Thanks for the input. I'm not excited to have this as part of my first semester GPA, but I suppose I just have to grin and bear it...

[racrfish]

Any protips for Haagen's Contracts class? So far the lectures are pretty indirect and confusing.

After enduring the spring with Haagen, do you or anyone else have any general advice? I've continually heard his name brought up on here, and I'm a bit concerned now that I've gotten my schedule.

Cross your fingers and hope for the best? Few people came out with the result they expected (which includes some doing quite well who had expected to fail). By far my most frustrating class so far.

Thanks for the input. I'm not excited to have this as part of my first semester GPA, but I suppose I just have to grin and bear it...

Don't despair. It will probably make a big difference to have it fall semester rather than spring, before you get burned out, so you'll do all the readings and the work. It'll be fine

[SplitMyPants]

Don't despair. It will probably make a big difference to have it fall semester rather than spring, before you get burned out, so you'll do all the readings and the work. It'll be fine

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

[OliveBC]

racrfish I think I read a few posts up that you had Sachs for Civ Pro. Any advice? I also have Demott for Torts and Charles for Con Law if by chance you (or anyone else reading) has any knowledge about them.

Thanks

[meat tornado]

We're in the same section OliveBC!

[racrfish]

racrfish I think I read a few posts up that you had Sachs for Civ Pro. Any advice? I also have Demott for Torts and Charles for Con Law if by chance you (or anyone else reading) has any knowledge about them.

Thanks

I've heard good things about Charles, but I don't think Demott taught torts last year so I don't know. I had Sachs. He is awesome. Very tough, but very smart and a great professor. His cold calls are kind of long and definitely in-depth, so always always do the readings and come prepared. One of my favorite classes so far. There's not really much to give in the way of advice other than to work your butt off in that class, but it will pay off. His exams are always the same style so do all the practice exams he gives you and you'll be ready.

Also, PM me if anyone wants Haagen or Sachs casebooks for cheap.

[OliveBC]

racrfish I think I read a few posts up that you had Sachs for Civ Pro. Any advice? I also have Demott for Torts and Charles for Con Law if by chance you (or anyone else reading) has any knowledge about them.

Thanks

I've heard good things about Charles, but I don't think Demott taught torts last year so I don't know. I had Sachs. He is awesome. Very tough, but very smart and a great professor. His cold calls are kind of long and definitely in-depth, so always always do the readings and come prepared. One of my favorite classes so far. There's not really much to give in the way of advice other than to work your butt off in that class, but it will pay off. His exams are always the same style so do all the practice exams he gives you and you'll be ready.

Also, PM me if anyone wants Haagen or Sachs casebooks for cheap.

Good to know, thanks again!

[SplitMyPants]

When I was signing up for parking I remember seeing a map of West Campus that was colored according to parking passes, but I can't find it now for the life of me. Can anyone point me that way?

The only map I can find is this garbage one that only shows individual lots, not zones:
http://maps.duke.edu/map/index.php?id=21

[FlowBro]

Just got my schedule!

Civ Pro - Metzloff
Torts - DeMott
Con Law - Young

Any thoughts on these professors and the best supplements for their courses?

Thank you

Have fun with Metzloff, you will spend 90% of class talking about stuff that never makes it onto the final. Do all the readings, don't get lazy and stop prepping for class even when it seems like you don't have to.

[FlowBro]

Any protips for Haagen's Contracts class? So far the lectures are pretty indirect and confusing.

After enduring the spring with Haagen, do you or anyone else have any general advice? I've continually heard his name brought up on here, and I'm a bit concerned now that I've gotten my schedule.

Don't read too deeply into cases in the beginning. Don't worry about what consideration is. Just know who is suing who for what and what went wrong in the K. Cold calls go in order of seating in the beginning and then will stop a few weeks in. Be sure to have a few quick notes about the cases, I found that full briefs were a waste of time. Haagen loves to hide the ball as well, which can be frustrating at times but is also slightly amusing. He has great hand gestures as well.

[SplitMyPants]

Any protips for Haagen's Contracts class? So far the lectures are pretty indirect and confusing.

After enduring the spring with Haagen, do you or anyone else have any general advice? I've continually heard his name brought up on here, and I'm a bit concerned now that I've gotten my schedule.

Don't read too deeply into cases in the beginning. Don't worry about what consideration is. Just know who is suing who for what and what went wrong in the K. Cold calls go in order of seating in the beginning and then will stop a few weeks in. Be sure to have a few quick notes about the cases, I found that full briefs were a waste of time. Haagen loves to hide the ball as well, which can be frustrating at times but is also slightly amusing. He has great hand gestures as well.

Thanks for the advice!

[Hank Rearden]

Hey! I'd like to throw my hat into the schedule ring...

Contracts: Bartlett
Civ Pro: Sachs
Torts: Coleman

(Section 6)

[PB&J.D.]

Hey! I'd like to throw my hat into the schedule ring...

Contracts: Bartlett
Civ Pro: Sachs
Torts: Coleman

(Section 6)

Same. Contracts & Torts have the books listed online. Nothing for Sachs, though.

[racrfish]

Hey! I'd like to throw my hat into the schedule ring...

Contracts: Bartlett
Civ Pro: Sachs
Torts: Coleman

(Section 6)

Same. Contracts & Torts have the books listed online. Nothing for Sachs, though.

Go here and do an online textbook lookup for all your courses: http://www.dukestores.duke.edu/textbook.php

Sachs' books show up there for me, anyway.

ETA: Section 6 is going to have a fun semester of cold calling Coleman and Sachs are notorious. (Though I thought Coleman wasn't as hard as Sachs.)

[Serett]

Hey! I'd like to throw my hat into the schedule ring...

Contracts: Bartlett
Civ Pro: Sachs
Torts: Coleman

(Section 6)

Same. Contracts & Torts have the books listed online. Nothing for Sachs, though.

Go here and do an online textbook lookup for all your courses: http://www.dukestores.duke.edu/textbook.php

Sachs' books show up there for me, anyway.

ETA: Section 6 is going to have a fun semester of cold calling Coleman and Sachs are notorious. (Though I thought Coleman wasn't as hard as Sachs.)

I think he may have mistyped. I'm in the same section, and it's actually Torts with Coleman that has nothing listed yet.