How 2 Do Things

Outlining in law school is can be a major key to your success. You have probably heard this, but what does that really mean? Follow the steps below to create successful outlines for your classes.

Listen to your professor in class and take detailed, copious notes. If you can use a laptop and you are a fast typer, use it in class to create a transcript. Your class notes will be the starting skeleton of your outline.

Read all assigned reading. As you are reading, highlight or underline things that appear important. Usually, the important stuff is when the text discusses black-letter law in that subject area. After you have the class notes “skeleton” from step one, go back and add in your underlines or highlights into the outline where you think they fit.

If class and your text book do not provide clarity for you on a certain portion of the law (believe me, this is sure to happen), ask your professor about it or talk with some of your friends. Or, if that is futile or you remain confused, consult a commercial outline or source. Commercial outlines can clear matters up when you are confused and can also help you with the basic organization of your outline. Another option here is to speak with someone who has taken the class before, or to obtain an outline (with that person’s permission, of course) from someone who has taken the class before.

Your outline will be a work-in-progress throughout the year. The final product is what you will ultimately study for the exam. Remember, the important thing is not what it looks like, but actually going through this process. If you go through these steps, you will be surprised how much you remember and understand when it is time to study and when you are taking the exam.

Don’t get caught up trying to be too precise in the beginning (or even at the end for that matter) with your outline. It doesn’t have to read in normal outline format (i.e. I., A. 1, (a) , etc.). It can simply be a free-flowing document with bullet points all over the place. It is your document; as long as you understand it, that is all that matters.