Becoming a Lawyer: Success at Law School

Michael Brogan is the Director of Engagement and Senior Lecturer at the School of Law, University of Western Sydney. David Spencer is a Professor and Academic Director at Australian Catholic University (Victoria).

• 1. Why am I Studying Law?What is law all about? Careers in the law Why study law?2. The University and Law Programs What is law all about? Careers in the law Why study law?3. How is Law School Different from Other Studies? The distinctions between law school and high school or TAFEThe distinctions between law school and the workplaceThe distinctions between law school and other university studiesDeadlinesStudent learning responsibilitiesDifferent law schools4. Learning and Teaching in Law SchoolLearning and teaching approachesDifferent lecturers and their teaching approachesThe three curricula of any courseFour interrelated components of any unit of studyHow to approach your lecturers about your learning5. Legal Problem-solving The proof-making modelWhy do law schools use legal problems for assessment?The legal problem-solving modelAn example6. Class TypesLecturesTutorialsWorkshopsSeminarsMootsRole-playsSmall-group workInformal learningStudent participationTaking notesThe rise of educational technologiesStudent and lecturer interactionMissing classes7. Managing Your Time WellOrient yourself to your units Time management: Hints, warnings, and techniques Study groups Working while studying8. Core Concepts: The Legal system and Legal Ethics The history of Australian lawJurisprudenceCentral principles and conceptsInternational lawCommon termsLegal ethics9. Sources of Law Primary and secondary sources of lawReading casesReading statutes10. Researching the Law Planning your researchResources available to law studentsLegislationSubordinate legislationCasesSecondary sourcesA warning: Beware of the internet!11. Assignments: Types and Tips Class participation and presentationDiscussion board contributionsEssaysField-trip reportsReflective journalsMooting and the viva voce examinationResearch papers and thesesLate assignments and misadventure12. Assignments: Referencing/Citing and Plagiarism The importance of correct referencingWhat do I put in my references?Referencing or citation methodsThe dangers of plagiarismA sobering conclusion13. Examinations Preparing for examsExam techniqueTypes of exams14. Gaining confidence and developing professional habitsDeveloping courageYour law school experience begins as soon as you enrolApproaching your lecturersFrequently asked questionsWhat to do if you feel you have been treated unfairlyCounsellors and disabilitiesFurther resourcesFinally