What is the best piece of advice i can give a law student?

The best advice for a law student is to prioritize exam skills and techniques alongside substantive legal knowledge. It's crucial to understand how to effectively apply your knowledge in exam settings to achieve good marks. Here's a breakdown of advice, incorporating key elements for success:

• Master the IRAC Method:

  Use the IRAC (Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion) method to structure your answers in law essays and problem questions. This framework ensures you address all necessary components of a legal analysis.

• Practice with Past Papers:

  Use past examination papers to familiarize yourself with question types and improve your exam technique. This practice will allow you to apply your legal knowledge in the context of exam questions.

• Understand Essay Question Words:

  Pay close attention to essay question words like "analyse," "assess," "examine," "discuss," and "evaluate". These words indicate that you should approach the issue from different points of view, and justify your conclusion.

• Plan Your Time:

  In exams, make rough notes before beginning to write a full answer. Allocate your time effectively to ensure you address all questions adequately, and to avoid spending too much time on one question.

• Focus on Key Legal Issues:

  Identify the central legal issue in any question. For problem questions, determine the legal question that, when answered, will determine the result of the case.

• Cite Case Law Effectively:

  Cite case law to support your arguments, but focus on stating the principle or ruling of the case, rather than retelling the entire case.

• Apply Legal Principles:

  For problem questions, clearly state the relevant legal principles and apply them to the facts presented.

• Use Precise Language:

  Avoid absolute words and use words like 'likely', 'possible', or 'highly likely'. Ensure you use appropriate legal terminology.

• Prioritize Clarity:

  Write your answers clearly and concisely. Make sure to proofread your answers for errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation.

• Answer the Specific Question:

  Make sure you are directly answering the question asked and avoid including any irrelevant material.

• Legal Research:

  Use legal databases like Lexis Library, Westlaw, and JSTOR to conduct research.

• Paraphrase:

  Avoid plagiarism by paraphrasing source material in your own words, ensuring you cite sources.

• Understand the Structure of Law:

  Recognize the difference between substantive law and procedural law, and the relationship between common law and statute law.

• Adhere to Professional Standards:

  Maintain a professional and formal tone in your writing, and understand the ethical obligations placed on legal professionals.

• Pay Attention to Detail:

  Pay attention to the details in the cases, statutes and fact patterns. Use correct punctuation and legal citation formats.

By following this advice, a law student can develop both the substantive legal knowledge and the practical skills necessary to succeed in their studies and future legal career. Get in touch if you need a deeper look at anything law related.