GULC Students Taking Questions Forum

[ChristineBaskets]

Thanks again guys for helping me with my sanity throughout this process. Here's a new batch of questions...

1) How the hell do we use the library? I suspect that 99% of research/reading will be done online and in the casebooks, but I was hoping to be able to find some decent supplements in the library. I just have no clue where to look... Or who to ask. I never used the library in undergrad so I'm just totally lost.

2) For those who had DeLaurentis for LRW, so far it kind of seems like the textbook readings are... inessential. And the online reading would be better if read as needed (e.g. "How to Search State Statutes on Lexis"), as opposed to all at once when she assigns it. Does this seem plausible or should I just do all the reading? (Kind of counting on this being the class where I can relax a bit with the reading assignments, because that surely isn't going to fly with the others).

3) prof. Feldman "STRONGLY" advises against the use of commercial supplements for her torts class. I was planning on looking into the E&E... Should I not?

[20171203]

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[buckiguy_sucks]

Reading for LRW is for chumps.

E&Es can be pretty useful if you're totally lost despite what profs say but you definitely don't need them yet. Some profs focus on like hyper specific parts of certain subjects so e&es can be way too general and have too much info. I highly suspect that you'll be way better off with old outlines than with commercial stuff anyway though because that's the material profs care about.

The only part of the library you'll ever use is the e&e section which is as Lincoln lawyer described it.

You don't need to worry at all about supplements at this point no one understands wtf is going on

[Glasseyes]

Thanks again guys for helping me with my sanity throughout this process. Here's a new batch of questions...

1) How the hell do we use the library? I suspect that 99% of research/reading will be done online and in the casebooks, but I was hoping to be able to find some decent supplements in the library. I just have no clue where to look... Or who to ask. I never used the library in undergrad so I'm just totally lost.

2) For those who had DeLaurentis for LRW, so far it kind of seems like the textbook readings are... inessential. And the online reading would be better if read as needed (e.g. "How to Search State Statutes on Lexis"), as opposed to all at once when she assigns it. Does this seem plausible or should I just do all the reading? (Kind of counting on this being the class where I can relax a bit with the reading assignments, because that surely isn't going to fly with the others).

3) prof. Feldman "STRONGLY" advises against the use of commercial supplements for her torts class. I was planning on looking into the E&E... Should I not?

1. There's no trick to "using" the library; during law school it's mostly just a quiet space to study. Ask someone at the circulation desk or the information desk where the supplements are, but also just explore the library until you find where things are. There are lots of study carrels on floors 3-5, plus the cafe in the basement (technically floor 1), so just wander til you find what you need. LRW will eventually require you to do some research using the physical stacks, but again, just ask any of the numerous library employees at the circulation or information desks.

2. I had DeLaurentis - the readings definitely aren't necessary, but you should know everything she's covering since it's what you'll be expected to do on the writing assignments. I did all the reading anyway because her readings were far easier than shit like civpro, and she does grade on participation. Half the battle in 1L is figuring out what works best for you, so do what you feel. I would just generally caution that the first week of 1L probably isn't the best time to start looking for shortcuts.

3. Profs say this shit a lot of times, and usually what they're getting at is that they're not interested in an exam that regurgitates black letter law, meaning your analysis needs to use the cases you discuss in class itself, not general principles from a commercial supplement. The E&E works best to help you work through areas of the law you're struggling with, but don't rely on its approach to any given subject; always keep your professor's take on the subject front and center in your mind. I had the torts E&E and never really used it, but there is an essential discussion of exam strategy at the back of the book, and that's pretty much required reading for everyone before they take their first issue spotter (along the lines of Getting to Maybe, but worth reading in addition).

[buckiguy_sucks]

Any 3Ls part timers or graduates with Rostain for evidence or Regan for corps I would appreciate a pm about nabbing some outlines if you've got em

[20171203]

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[buckiguy_sucks]

Langevoort does a not insignificant amount of UCC

You probably don't need supplements yet anyway

No supplement will specifically focus on what your prof does unless it was written by them. Just get any commercial supplement (or better yet just read the e&es in the library) and only read the parts about what your prof focuses on.

[ChristineBaskets]

Also curious about Feldman's class and possible supplements. I feel like that's the only substantive class where I just don't know what I'm supposed to be taking away from the readings/lectures on a day to day basis. Sure, I'm learning a lot of information, but my brain is not doing a good job of putting it together into a meaningful whole.

Another dumb LRW question (I'm sure this class is stressing me out more than it should be at this juncture):

I straight up don't understand how I'm supposed to "learn" legal writing and citation. I'm reading the assigned pages in the bluebook and just getting nothing out of it whatsoever. Retaining 0% of the information. Is this a process that I'll learn more from doing the assignments as opposed to doing the reading? Is the Bluebook more of a reference book to use while doing the projects themselves? Because my prof is assigning us to read 10-20 page chunks of citation rules, and all I'm seeing are a bunch of words.

[usn26]

I straight up don't understand how I'm supposed to "learn" legal writing and citation. I'm reading the assigned pages in the bluebook and just getting nothing out of it whatsoever. Retaining 0% of the information. Is this a process that I'll learn more from doing the assignments as opposed to doing the reading? Is the Bluebook more of a reference book to use while doing the projects themselves? Because my prof is assigning us to read 10-20 page chunks of citation rules, and all I'm seeing are a bunch of words.

lol who's your prof? Don't just read the bluebook. It's completely pointless b/c you can't possibly retain it. If anything, just glance at the overview that shows you the basic structure of case cites (think it's in the blue pages before the rule)

[buckiguy_sucks]

I straight up don't understand how I'm supposed to "learn" legal writing and citation. I'm reading the assigned pages in the bluebook and just getting nothing out of it whatsoever. Retaining 0% of the information. Is this a process that I'll learn more from doing the assignments as opposed to doing the reading? Is the Bluebook more of a reference book to use while doing the projects themselves? Because my prof is assigning us to read 10-20 page chunks of citation rules, and all I'm seeing are a bunch of words.

lol who's your prof? Don't just read the bluebook. It's completely pointless b/c you can't possibly retain it. If anything, just glance at the overview that shows you the basic structure of case cites (think it's in the blue pages before the rule)

Legal citations are definitely a learn by doing thing reading the bluebook is a waste and it is absolutely a reference book and not something people regularly read

[Glasseyes]

I straight up don't understand how I'm supposed to "learn" legal writing and citation. I'm reading the assigned pages in the bluebook and just getting nothing out of it whatsoever. Retaining 0% of the information. Is this a process that I'll learn more from doing the assignments as opposed to doing the reading? Is the Bluebook more of a reference book to use while doing the projects themselves? Because my prof is assigning us to read 10-20 page chunks of citation rules, and all I'm seeing are a bunch of words.

lol who's your prof? Don't just read the bluebook. It's completely pointless b/c you can't possibly retain it. If anything, just glance at the overview that shows you the basic structure of case cites (think it's in the blue pages before the rule)

Legal citations are definitely a learn by doing thing reading the bluebook is a waste and it is absolutely a reference book and not something people regularly read

The only value I could see in reading would be getting a passing familiarity with some overarching rules you might otherwise miss, like how footnotes only get short cites if it's within 5 footnotes of the original cite. Other than shit like that, don't expect to learn much of anything by reading the BB

[buckiguy_sucks]

The only value I could see in reading would be getting a passing familiarity with some overarching rules you might otherwise miss, like how footnotes only get short cites if it's within 5 footnotes of the original cite. Other than shit like that, don't expect to learn much of anything by reading the BB

Yeah but these are like write on BB exam level rules or being on journal level rules not LRW bb exam level rules which are the basic ones

Also I am definitely not qualified to give LRW advice I got a shit grade in it but I have lots of opinions on lots of things

[petitprince]

Hi there!
I am not quite sure how this thread works - would it be not welcome to ask for PS advice/review here?
I am aiming for 2017 entry and currently working through my applications. Would really appreciate if someone can offer some advice on my PS/other materials, or is willing to have a chat when I visit the school in early October - please write me a private message!

Thanks a ton,

[Hand]

Hi there!
I am not quite sure how this thread works - would it be not welcome to ask for PS advice/review here?
I am aiming for 2017 entry and currently working through my applications. Would really appreciate if someone can offer some advice on my PS/other materials, or is willing to have a chat when I visit the school in early October - please write me a private message!

Thanks a ton,

just retake

[buckiguy_sucks]

Hi there!
I am not quite sure how this thread works - would it be not welcome to ask for PS advice/review here?
I am aiming for 2017 entry and currently working through my applications. Would really appreciate if someone can offer some advice on my PS/other materials, or is willing to have a chat when I visit the school in early October - please write me a private message!

Thanks a ton,

just retake

definitely retake, but I think you'll find the PS board in the admissions forum to be adequate for GULC and literally every other school (except perhaps yale) you don't need a unique to GULC personal statement

any qs you have about the school can probably be thoroughly discussed on here though no real need to have a meetup unless you're trying for a meat-up

[j_clapper]

As a current 1L, I had trouble meeting people during orientation and that has continued into the first few weeks of classes. I see other people in my section socializing and making friends with each other, but I mostly keep to myself.

Any suggestions for meeting people/making friends? I feel like since GULC is such a big school, it is easy to slip through the cracks.

[usn26]

As a current 1L, I had trouble meeting people during orientation and that has continued into the first few weeks of classes. I see other people in my section socializing and making friends with each other, but I mostly keep to myself.

Any suggestions for meeting people/making friends? I feel like since GULC is such a big school, it is easy to slip through the cracks.

Find a student org that interests you and get involved. Also, law students are the worst, so you're not really missing out.

[Gray]

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[usn26]

law students are the worst, so you're not really missing out.

As your official BFF I know that doesn't include me.......

Exception that proves the rule, obvs.

[ChristineBaskets]

As a current 1L, I had trouble meeting people during orientation and that has continued into the first few weeks of classes. I see other people in my section socializing and making friends with each other, but I mostly keep to myself.

Any suggestions for meeting people/making friends? I feel like since GULC is such a big school, it is easy to slip through the cracks.

Are you me

[Gray]

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[WhiskeyAndCupcakes]

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[usn26]

always appreciate the typical usn optimism.

What am I here for if not to put the positive spin on things?

Also, you're probably stuck next to 2 people every class, so talk to them. Especially if you're back row or front row, b/c you're probably with kindred spirits.

[Londonbear]

As a current 1L, I had trouble meeting people during orientation and that has continued into the first few weeks of classes. I see other people in my section socializing and making friends with each other, but I mostly keep to myself.

Any suggestions for meeting people/making friends? I feel like since GULC is such a big school, it is easy to slip through the cracks.

Just say hi to the people sitting next to you and if they respond and seem friendly, proceed to small talk.

[ChristineBaskets]

Any recommendations for a Criminal Justice supplement? Casebook is CrimPro: Investigation (Chemerinsky), and professor is Ohm.

I've heard that the "Constitution & Police" E&E is good, as well as Understanding CrimPro by Dressler. I believe the library has slightly outdated versions of these -- would it be worth purchasing the newest editions? And is there anything about Ohm's class in particular that would cause you to recommend a different supplement?