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Opinions on "One-L of a Year" by Leah Christiansen?

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 9:52 pm
by cyclawps
I'm looking for reading that will prepare me for 1L without going into substantive law (e.g. Getting to Maybe). I couldn't find any reviews of "One-L of a Year" on this forum. Has anyone read it?

Re: Opinions on "One-L of a Year" by Leah Christiansen?

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 9:59 pm
by mjb447
I read it after I'd been practicing for a little bit. It's fine, but I don't think it's a must-read.

Re: Opinions on "One-L of a Year" by Leah Christiansen?

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:02 pm
by barkschool
cyclawps wrote:I'm looking for reading that will prepare me for 1L without going into substantive law (e.g. Getting to Maybe). I couldn't find any reviews of "One-L of a Year" on this forum. Has anyone read it?
this is not responsive:

what are you trying to prepare for, there is nothing you can do beforehand

Re: Opinions on "One-L of a Year" by Leah Christiansen?

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:15 pm
by kay12345
honestly you should just read this forum. those books are hokey.

Re: Opinions on "One-L of a Year" by Leah Christiansen?

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:47 pm
by NotSkadden
I recommend reading these at your leisure One L of a Ride by Andrew McClurg and One L by Scott Turrow. Won't get you better grades, but it's nice seeing what others have gone through in the past and have some idea of what you're getting yourself into.

Also, this gold: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... p?t=123092

Edit: Link.

Re: Opinions on "One-L of a Year" by Leah Christiansen?

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 2:36 pm
by cyclawps
barkschool wrote:
cyclawps wrote:I'm looking for reading that will prepare me for 1L without going into substantive law (e.g. Getting to Maybe). I couldn't find any reviews of "One-L of a Year" on this forum. Has anyone read it?
this is not responsive:

what are you trying to prepare for, there is nothing you can do beforehand
I agree that preparation can only go so far. However, it seems plain to me that certain skills that benefit law school success can be developed (e.g. reading speed, typing speed, analytic thinking, etc) in advance of 1L. Moreover, I think I'd find it helpful to get a pre-law school perspective on the general contours of 1L which might include broad comments on the social context, how briefs and outlines may or may not help, and study skills that enhance memorization. Exposure to this in advance of 1L can save time, which gives more time to prepare for exams.

I'm not searching for a legal bible or a pre-1L course. I'm trying to evaluate the merits of a book with respect to how it might enhance relevant skills or expose me to the general contours of 1L and helpful study skills.

Re: Opinions on "One-L of a Year" by Leah Christiansen?

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 2:37 pm
by cyclawps
NotSkadden wrote:I recommend reading these at your leisure One L of a Ride by Andrew McClurg and One L by Scott Turrow. Won't get you better grades, but it's nice seeing what others have gone through in the past and have some idea of what you're getting yourself into.

Also, this gold: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... p?t=123092

Edit: Link.
Thanks for the suggestions. I've looked at One L of a Ride and will probably read it. Do you think One L is accurate? I've continually heard that it borders on the hyperbolic.

That thread is indeed gold.

Re: Opinions on "One-L of a Year" by Leah Christiansen?

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 9:53 pm
by barkschool
cyclawps wrote:
barkschool wrote:
cyclawps wrote:I'm looking for reading that will prepare me for 1L without going into substantive law (e.g. Getting to Maybe). I couldn't find any reviews of "One-L of a Year" on this forum. Has anyone read it?
this is not responsive:

what are you trying to prepare for, there is nothing you can do beforehand
I agree that preparation can only go so far. However, it seems plain to me that certain skills that benefit law school success can be developed (e.g. reading speed, typing speed, analytic thinking, etc) in advance of 1L. Moreover, I think I'd find it helpful to get a pre-law school perspective on the general contours of 1L which might include broad comments on the social context, how briefs and outlines may or may not help, and study skills that enhance memorization. Exposure to this in advance of 1L can save time, which gives more time to prepare for exams.

I'm not searching for a legal bible or a pre-1L course. I'm trying to evaluate the merits of a book with respect to how it might enhance relevant skills or expose me to the general contours of 1L and helpful study skills.
honestly, just memorization skills gets u deans list

Re: Opinions on "One-L of a Year" by Leah Christiansen?

Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2017 10:58 pm
by NotSkadden
cyclawps wrote:
NotSkadden wrote:I recommend reading these at your leisure One L of a Ride by Andrew McClurg and One L by Scott Turrow. Won't get you better grades, but it's nice seeing what others have gone through in the past and have some idea of what you're getting yourself into.

Also, this gold: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... p?t=123092

Edit: Link.
Thanks for the suggestions. I've looked at One L of a Ride and will probably read it. Do you think One L is accurate? I've continually heard that it borders on the hyperbolic.

That thread is indeed gold.
That's a fair characterization of One L, but I found it enjoyable and worthwhile. Can't say I learned much from it, however.

Re: Opinions on "One-L of a Year" by Leah Christiansen?

Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2017 11:21 pm
by GreenEggs
just watch The Paper Chase and you'll be set

Re: Opinions on "One-L of a Year" by Leah Christiansen?

Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 5:03 pm
by PeanutsNJam
Getting to Maybe is helpful. Some of the guides on TLS are helpful as well. If you read those two things, that's plenty.

If you have to scratch that 0L itch, look up resources on how to learn/study in law school, and don't try to actually learn/study law school things. It's helpful to know what to look out for and what to focus on from the get-go.