20 Best Books For Pre Law Students (2023 Update)

First published in 1999, acing your first year of law school has become one of the bestselling law school preparation books of all time. every law student will tell you that the first year is the most important and the most frustrating. law professors do not teach students the law, instead they leave students on their own to figure out the answer from a series of questions. this is a manual that teaches first year law students the ten basic skills they need to know to start learning their first day and ace their first year. the second edition has been updated to reflect the best use of technology. it includes a preface that addresses the socratic method and how to beat it. it also includes an epilogue that focuses on tasks that are necessary to ensure a successful transition from the first to the second semester.

This book contains 30 detailed chapters, plus addenda and additional material that set out everything a law student must do to excel in law school …an absolute requirement for getting a good law job. it is completely updated, with an analysis of hundreds of legal resources and the realities of law school and the legal profession. its 800 pages are an exhaustive and unique compendium of materials, advice, and precaution for the law student or soon-to-be law student.

The pre-writing handbook for law students describes a detailed, systematic approach to the task of analyzing a legal problem. the handbook is designed to help students focus on and become competent in the process of legal analysis that precedes their work on early legal writing products such as memos, case briefs, and other documents. the handbook is designed with first-semester legal writing students in mind, but it is also suitable for use in academic support courses and in pre-law programs. the handbook teaches the process of legal analysis by walking students through a series of repeatable steps they can apply to any legal scenario. by practicing and internalizing these analytic steps, students will experience a smoother writing process that translates into a better written product. each chapter of the handbook contains several useful features: frequent metacognitive "checkpoints"–text boxes that prompt students to pause or stop in their pre-writing work and assess their own efficiency and effectiveness. concrete examples of how the steps in the pre-writing process actually work in two fully developed recurring legal scenarios. end-of-chapter recaps that summarize the desired results of the students' work during each step of the pre-writing process. the second edition includes three new independent practice exercise sets (in addition to the one that appeared in the first edition). these independent practice exercise sets reinforce the steps in the pre-writing process and encourage students to work on their own to internalize those steps. the independent practice exercise sets, which increase in complexity, are ideal for classwork, for out-of-class assignments, or as vehicles for graded writing assignments. the teacher's manual includes advice on how to incorporate the handbook's new approach into an existing first-semester legal writing course; complete keys to all of the exercises within the text; pre-writing worksheets for each scenario and independent practice exercise set; and samples of written products (objective memos, trial briefs, demand letters, and/or client letters) for use with the recurring scenarios and the independent practice exercise sets. the thorough content of the teacher's manual should enable professors to use the handbook effectively with minimal additional preparation. praise for the first edition:

The 2018 printing of starting off right in law school, second edition, contains a new chapter, "organizing your reading." law school is different. incoming students, confronted with an entirely new vocabulary and unfamiliar with the discipline's unique and demanding educational methods, are often disoriented. this book is designed to give these students a head start, both by introducing them to the fundamentals of the legal process and by helping them acquire the study skills necessary for success. starting off right in law school introduces new law students to the practice and study of law by following a lawsuit from its inception through the appeals process, illustrating what lawyers actually do, how they prepare, how they interact with clients and in courtrooms, how a lawsuit proceeds, and how students can effectively read and analyze cases, outline, and apply what they have learned on the exams. widely used in law schools, the first edition of starting off right in law school prepared new law students to excel in doctrinal courses. the second edition has been updated to prepare students both for the broader demands of doctrinal courses and for the more distinct reading and writing demands of legal writing courses. this book is the perfect tool for pre-law students to read on their own or for law school orientation required reading.

A provocative, accessible, and cleverly illustrated guide to legal principles and practice, by a law instructor and internationally experienced attorneythis might be the most useful book law students ever read. not because it contains the details of case law, but because it teaches them how to think like a lawyer. from the fundamentals of effective argument to the principles, structures, and assumptions underlying our legal system, 101 things i learned in law school makes the impenetrable clear and the complex understandable. illustrated lessons summarize landmark cases and illuminate a fascinating range of questions, including: – what is the difference between honesty and truthfulness? – why is circumstantial evidence often better than direct evidence? – how does one find the proper sources to substantiate a legal argument? – why do states deliberately pass unconstitutional laws? – how can testimony from a hostile witness be helpful? written by an internationally experienced attorney and law instructor, 101 things i learned in law school is a concise, highly readable resource for law students, graduates, professionals, and anyone else fascinated–or confused–by our legal system.

Sure, you could spend $100,000 on a law degree from harvard or yale. but then you'd have to deal with crowded classrooms, inconvenient course schedules, and rigorous academic study. fortunately, the brilliant minds of mental_floss magazine are proud to offer an alternative: law school in a box. this prestigious boxed university offers a complete legal education for just $14.95. your program includes: law school in 96 pages: your comprehensive textbook 10 heroes of the courtroom trading cards 10 'you be the judge' cards a devilishly complicated legal trivia bar exam a rolled diploma with real latin words it's the perfect gift for lawyers and would-be lawyers of all ages, from the highest-ranked boxed law school in the country!

If you're going to law school but have no idea what to expect, you're not alone. law school can be overwhelming. you're learning a new way of thinking and doing an enormous amount of work, and maybe struggling to reach the same level of achievement you have in the past. on top of that, you're still finding your path in a new profession, learning its rules, expectations, and possibilities. the aim of this book is to help prepare you for the challenges ahead. it tells you what to expect and how to make sure that you end up on a career path that you're happy with. covering everything from preparing for law school to becoming an attorney, this book is your guide to what's really important over the next few years. law school is challenging, but you can handle it with strategic planning and advice from people who have been there.

"many law school prep books exist. what makes this one unique? written by a professor with more than two decades experience teaching thousands of law students at six law schools; provides a candid beginning-to-end roadmap of what to expect in the first year; addresses each aspect of academic success, including the top five habits of successful law students, effective class participation, case-briefing, note-taking, outlining, exam preparation, and essay and multiple-choice exam strategies; focuses on practical advice that can be followed by any student; shows with dozens of anecdotes and examples, including samples of authentic law school exam questions and answers, socratic dialogue, case briefs, outlines, and class notes; features a 'student voice' with comments from real 1ls; goes beyond academic advice to include tips on managing stress and maintaining well-being; backs up advice with empirical research; includes input from other law professors, including an interview with five professors of legal writing, the course that causes the most complaints and angst among 1ls; written in a lively reader-friendly voice, bolstered by humor"–page [4] of cover.

If you are considering law school, the pre-law survival guide is a must-read. – get the book that became a best seller the week it came out! in this informative and noteworthy book, jolene blackbourn, esq. shares the expertise of over forty attorneys and professionals to help pre-law students better understand what they need to do to be successful before they apply to law school, during the application process and in the beginning of law school so that they can have the career they always dreamed of. – in the pre-law survival guide you will learn: how to save money during every step of the legal journey – how to ensure you are on the right path to fulfill your career dreams – how to network effectively so you make strong connections and gain insider information about what various areas of law are actually like – what types of mentors are available and why you may (or may not) want to use them – and so much more – the pre-law survival guide provides students with a plan of action for each step of the legal journey, so you not only reach your goals, but do so more easily. – don't wait. while you hesitate, others are learning how to ensure their dreams become a reality.

A short & happy guide to being a law student is a must-read whenever worry or doubt creep in. in this volume you will find essential wisdom for the study of law and life. learn from the unprecedented ten-time recipient of the professor of the year award how to be your best in and out of class, how to prepare for exams, how to succeed on exams, how to put your best foot forward in a job interview, how to find teachers to inspire you, what to do in classes that leave you uninspired, how to cope with stress and how to create value in everything you do.

This book is for entering law students and law school orientation programs about how to study law. it covers how lawyers use the law, how the legal system works, how to study, how to read and brief case decisions, how to participate in class, how to prepare course outlines, and how to study for exams and write essay exam answers. it also provides a chapter with pointers about legal research and writing because of the importance of these subjects in the first-year curriculum. the book's aim is to provide a practical, prescriptive, and descriptive treatment of the conventional topics and instruction given by law professors about studying law. it has been vetted by over twenty-five reviewers, consisting of law professors, current and prospective law students, and practicing lawyers.

I wish i knew then what i know now! don't get to the end of your law school career muttering these words to yourself! take the first step toward building a productive, successful, and perhaps even pleasant law school experience—read this book! written by students, for students, law school confidential has been the "must-have" guide for anyone thinking about, applying to, or attending law school for more than a decade. and now, in this newly revised third edition, it's more valuable than ever.this isn't the advice of graying professors or battle-scarred practitioners long removed from law school. miller has assembled a blue-ribbon panel of recent graduates from across the country to offer realistic and informative firsthand advice about what law school is really like.this updated edition contains the very latest information and strategies for thriving and surviving in law school—from navigating the admissions process and securing financial aid, choosing classes, studying and exam strategies, and securing a seat on the law review to getting a judicial clerkship and a job, passing the bar exam, and much, much more. newly added material also reveals a sea change that is just starting to occur in legal education, turning it away from the theory-based platform of the previous several decades to a pragmatic platform being demanded by the rigors of today's practices.law school confidential is a complete guide to the law school experience that no prospective or current law student can afford to be without.

What is law? — four reasons for studying law — the astonishing hypothesis — but is law the right subject for me? — top 10 myths about studying law — choosing a university — the lnat and other law tests — tips for interview — how (and how not) to argue — fallacies and stupidities — general tips on studying law — some hard truths — avoiding problems — coping with stress — top 10 films about law — making the most of your time — using a textbook — reading cases — a brief history of law reporting — figures in english legal history — making sense of statutes — how to get through an article — using the internet — getting the most out of where you are — top 10 controversies in english law — your fellow students — on free speech — how to write an essay — writing a dissertation — top 10 metaphors, allusions, and phrases — how to write a problem answer — tips on revising — last advice before the exams — moving on — top 10 final words of advice.

Steven burton's an introduction to law and legal reasoning, second edition continues to be an ideal learning tool for first-year law students in a variety of introductory courses including orientation programs, legal reasoning, lawyering skills, or first-year substantive courses. written specifically for beginning law students, this concise paperback helps students gain an understanding of law and legal reasoning by emphasizing how they can use cases, rules, precedent, holding, and other elementary legal concepts to solve legal problems. especially easy to use, the second edition: offers concise, lucid text gives more attention to competing, contemporary modes of analysis including critical legal studies and philosophical critiques clearly delineates the structure of law as precedents, rules, principles, and policies introduces many new examples coherently organized in nine chapters, introduction to law and legal reasoning covers cases and rules, analogical and deductive legal reasoning, legal reasons and conventions, purposes, judges' and lawyers' perspectives, and legitimacy. short and affordable, this book is a good fit for orientation programs, introductory courses on legal reasoning or legal method, lawyering skills courses, or as a supplementary text in any first-year substantive course.

Steven burton's an introduction to law and legal reasoning, second edition continues to be an ideal learning tool for first-year law students in a variety of introductory courses including orientation programs, legal reasoning, lawyering skills, or first-year substantive courses. written specifically for beginning law students, this concise paperback helps students gain an understanding of law and legal reasoning by emphasizing how they can use cases, rules, precedent, holding, and other elementary legal concepts to solve legal problems. especially easy to use, the second edition: offers concise, lucid text gives more attention to competing, contemporary modes of analysis including critical legal studies and philosophical critiques clearly delineates the structure of law as precedents, rules, principles, and policies introduces many new examples coherently organized in nine chapters, introduction to law and legal reasoning covers cases and rules, analogical and deductive legal reasoning, legal reasons and conventions, purposes, judges' and lawyers' perspectives, and legitimacy. short and affordable, this book is a good fit for orientation programs, introductory courses on legal reasoning or legal method, lawyering skills courses, or as a supplementary text in any first-year substantive course.

This book demystifies law school and the process of studying the law. rather than just describing the various necessary study skills — including case briefing, taking notes in class, and preparing exam outlines — the book shows how these skills are interrelated and how an incoming student can practice them before coming to law school, making the transition from prospective to actual law student easier and as painless as possible. written in an informal and conversational tone, coming to law school shows incoming law students the benefits of coming to law school armed with strong study skills already in place and guides them through the process of getting ready for school with examples and exercises to clarify the points it raises. the book also contains information about many practical issues, including the law school process, how to do well in a summer job, and taking the bar exam. although this is not a book about the law, it is designed to help all law students get the most out of law school.

From attorney to zealous advocacy, l is for law is a humorous, colorful introduction to the language of law for preschool-age children. the book features a new legal term for every letter of the alphabet, illustrated by full-color, playful images to entertain parents and children alike as you move from a to z.while i wouldn't recommend that you use this book to study for the bar exam or instead of hiring a lawyer, if you want to teach your child the alphabet, this is the book for you

Law school can be a joyous, soul-transforming challenge that leads to a rewarding career. it can also be an exhausting, self-limiting trap. it all depends on making smart decisions. when every advantage counts, a student’s guide to law school is like having a personal mentor available at every turn. as a recent graduate and an appellate lawyer, andrew ayers knows how high the stakes are—he’s been there, and not only did he survive the experience, he graduated first in his class. in a student’s guide to law school he shares invaluable insight on what it takes to make a successful law school journey. originating in notes ayers jotted down while commuting to his first clerkship with then-judge sonia sotomayor, and refined throughout his first years as a lawyer, a student’s guide to law school offers a unique balance of insider’s knowledge and professional advice. organized in four parts, the first part looks at tests and grades, explaining what’s expected and exploring the seven choices students must make on exam day. the second part discusses the skills needed to be a successful law student, giving the reader easy-to-use tools to analyze legal materials and construct clear arguments. the third part contains advice on how to use studying, class work, and note-taking to find your best path. finally, ayers closes with a look beyond the classroom, showing students how the choices they make in law school will affect their career—and even determine the kind of lawyer they become. the first law school guide written by a recent top-ranked graduate, a student’s guide to law school is relentlessly practical and thoroughly relevant to the law school experience of today’s students. with the tools and advice ayers shares here, students can make the most of their investment in law school, and turn their valuable learning experiences into a meaningful career.

Thousands of students use sterling test prep study aids to prepare for law school exams and pass the bar! passing the bar is essential for admission to practice law and launching your legal career. this preparation guide describes the principles of substantive law governing the correct answers to exam questions. it was developed by legal professionals and law instructors who possess extensive credentials and have been admitted to practice law in several jurisdictions. the content is clearly presented and systematically organized for targeted preparation. the performance on individual questions has been correlated with success or failure on the bar. by analyzing previously administered exams, the authors identified these predictive items and assembled the rules of law that govern the answers to questions tested. learn the essential governing law to make fine-line distinctions among related principles and decide between tough choices on the exam. this knowledge is vital to excel in law school finals and pass the bar exam.

Foundations of law is designed to help law and pre-law students make sense of law in a changeful age. it is founded upon the conviction of the english jurist william blackstone that students who intend to study law need both technical instruction in law and liberal education in the history and jurisprudential concepts of law. it also emphasizes enduring aspects of legal practice: the role of logic; the meaning and importance of conscience and of due process; different approaches to textual interpretation; and the relation of law to other normative concepts (such as morality and religion) and to science (such as economics). the book surveys classic writings concerning law and justice–for example, the works of sophocles, plato, aristotle, and aquinas. it contains writings that are foundational to anglo-american legal norms and institutions–blackstone, bentham, locke, the federalists, lincoln, holmes, and others. it includes helpful analytical insights from influential jurisprudence scholars–austin, hart, hohfeld, dworkin, and finnis, among others. most uniquely, it matches each of those writings with constitutions, declarations, statutes, judicial decisions, and other legal and political texts (even a letter from jail) that illustrate and reinforce the key lessons drawn from the great works. the book does not leave students adrift in abstractions. it provides a solid grounding for understanding and practicing law in a rapidly-changing world. combines technical instruction in law with liberal education in the history and jurisprudential concepts of law. provides a solid grounding in the enduring characteristics of law to enable students to understand and practice law in a rapidly-changing world. surveys the great books concerning law, equity, and justice. uniquely matches each great book excerpt with judicial decisions, statutes, proclamations, and other legal materials to illustrate how foundational concepts recur in contemporary legal norms and institutions and to illustrate and reinforce the key lessons drawn from the great works. emphasizes enduring aspects of legal practice: the role of logic; the meaning and importance of conscience and of due process; different approaches to textual interpretation; and the relation of law to other normative concepts (such as morality and religion) and to science (such as economics). surveys classic writings concerning law and justice–for example, the works of sophocles, plato, aristotle, and aquinas. surveys writings that are foundational to anglo-american legal norms and institutions–for example, the works of blackstone, bentham, locke, the federalists, lincoln, and holmes. includes helpful analytical insights from influential jurisprudence scholars–austin, hart, hohfeld, dworkin, and finnis, among others. opens each chapter with reading questions to assist beginning students. follows readings with notes to direct more advanced students to additional reading and further lines of inquiry.