Is Legal Writing the most important 1L course? Forum

[Freebot]

Given that most law courses are graded based on a single essay-based exam, it is intuitive that one should try to master the legal writing course in hopes of boosting one's grades in most of the rest of the courses. Does this actually work in practice?

[kcdc1]

I question whether your intuition is as intuitive as you think it is.

[Traynor Brah]

Given that most law courses are graded based on a single essay-based exam, it is intuitive that one should try to master the legal writing course in hopes of boosting one's grades in most of the rest of the courses. Does this actually work in practice?

No and no. But it is the most fun 1L course.

[swampman]

Absolutely. Don't even bother with the readings for your substantive classes. Just skim an outline before the test and blow the prof's mind with the beautifully crafted legal poetry that you managed to create in your three hour exam.

[BmoreOrLess]

The only helpful part of LRW for exam writing (and an extremly helpful part, IMO) is large scale organization.

[banjo]

Exam writing is its own genre. On an exam, your job is to tease out uncertainties in the law and facts and argue both sides. In most of the briefs, opinions, and memos I've read, the point is to make the case seem more straightforward than it really is.

[Clearly]

do not write law school exams like you write briefs in LRW.

[Yukos]

It probably is the most important 1L class, but like everyone said, not for this reason.

[bearsfan23]

do not write law school exams like you write briefs in LRW.

Nonsense. If you don't include a Table of Authorities on regular exams you are doomed to fail

[Freebot]

Absolutely. Don't even bother with the readings for your substantive classes. Just skim an outline before the test and blow the prof's mind with the beautifully crafted legal poetry that you managed to create in your three hour exam.

I planned to do the readings as well. In any case, thanks to the various posters who offered constructive feedback. Looks like there is no particular reason to give it more weight than is justified by the number of credits.

If I may ask, where can I find some examples of high quality law school exam essays? My degrees are in science and engineering so I haven't taken an essay exam in 14 years. Although I have written technical papers, mathematical proofs and USPTO office actions.

[StylinNProfilin]

Given that most law courses are graded based on a single essay-based exam, it is intuitive that one should try to master the legal writing course in hopes of boosting one's grades in most of the rest of the courses. Does this actually work in practice?

No and no. But it is the most fun 1L course.

In what sick world is LRW fun.

[Clearly]

Absolutely. Don't even bother with the readings for your substantive classes. Just skim an outline before the test and blow the prof's mind with the beautifully crafted legal poetry that you managed to create in your three hour exam.

I planned to do the readings as well. In any case, thanks to the various posters who offered constructive feedback. Looks like there is no particular reason to give it more weight than is justified by the number of credits.

If I may ask, where can I find some examples of high quality law school exam essays?

How about because its the most practically useful course you'll take in law school?

[chuckbass]

Absolutely. Don't even bother with the readings for your substantive classes. Just skim an outline before the test and blow the prof's mind with the beautifully crafted legal poetry that you managed to create in your three hour exam.

I planned to do the readings as well. In any case, thanks to the various posters who offered constructive feedback. Looks like there is no particular reason to give it more weight than is justified by the number of credits.

If I may ask, where can I find some examples of high quality law school exam essays?

How about because its the most practically useful course you'll take in law school?

It's not practically useful if you want to do corporate hth.

[BVest]

No and no. But it is the most fun 1L course.

In what sick world is LRW fun.

This. And I'm one of those sick fucks who loved law school in general... just not LRW. Or torts.

[Yukos]

Getting to Maybe is probably the best way to learn how to write a good exam.

Your profs will probably have sample answers to practice exams once you get into school, but you really shouldn't be worrying about this now (except maybe GtM). If you really can't stand not knowing, DesertFox posted some of his old exams and the grades he got on them--you'll see quickly that quality of writing has nothing to do with grades.

[Freebot]

Getting to Maybe is probably the best way to learn how to write a good exam.

Your profs will probably have sample answers to practice exams once you get into school, but you really shouldn't be worrying about this now (except maybe GtM). If you really can't stand not knowing, DesertFox posted some of his old exams and the grades he got on them--you'll see quickly that quality of writing has nothing to do with grades.

Thanks! Ordered Getting to Maybe. Does anyone have a link to DesertFox's exam thread? He is quite an active poster.

[UnicornHunter]

Absolutely. Don't even bother with the readings for your substantive classes. Just skim an outline before the test and blow the prof's mind with the beautifully crafted legal poetry that you managed to create in your three hour exam.

cosigned

[A. Nony Mouse]

Given that most law courses are graded based on a single essay-based exam, it is intuitive that one should try to master the legal writing course in hopes of boosting one's grades in most of the rest of the courses. Does this actually work in practice?

No and no. But it is the most fun 1L course.

In what sick world is LRW fun.

"most fun" in law school isn't saying much.

And OP, I agree with the person above who said not to worry about it now - your school will have sample exams, and it will be much more helpful to look at those once you have a little intro to the law that's being discussed in them. I had a hard time getting much out of GtM before having any legal knowledge (though of the various things around, it's one of the few worth reading before school - you may want to review it again partway through the semester is all). Also, different profs will prioritize different things - I had one prof who actually graded for good writing, and I've had at least one other prof who'd give you pretty much full points for bullet points/an outline, if it hit all the issues he wanted you to spot.

[despina]

do not write law school exams like you write briefs in LRW.