Browse: Home / Law School

Law School

(Batman’s) advice for new law students, part VI: “always mind your surroundings”

By Ira Nathenson on March 10, 2010

One common mistake of new law students is conclusory argumentation, as discussed in this post on avoiding “Monty Python” argumentation.  Another common mistake is incomplete analysis.  An essay answer might include analysis that scratches the surface but doesn’t explore deeper.  But it’s crucial to consider the strengths and weaknesses of any argument, and to explore [...]

Posted in , , | Tagged , , , | Leave a response

Advice for new law students, part V: avoid Monty Python “Yes it is!, No it isn’t!” argumentation

By Ira Nathenson on December 7, 2008

When engaging in legal analysis, avoid being conclusory.  As I tell my 1Ls, always follow the advice of Dorothy from the song Follow the Yellow-Brick Road (emphasis added):
If ever, oh ever, a Wiz there was the Wizard of Oz is one because
Because, because, because, because, because
Because of the wonderful things he does.
Always give the [...]

Posted in , | Tagged , , , , | Leave a response

Advice for new law students, part IV: essay exams

By Ira Nathenson on November 29, 2008

Understandably, new law students stress over how to write essay exams.  In my Civil Procedure class, I run multiple review sessions including an essay exam writing workshop.  For the workshop, I hand out tips and techniques on doing Civ Pro essay exams in my class.  Although the materials below are geared towards Civil Procedure and [...]

Posted in | Tagged , | Leave a response

Next »