Letters to a Law Student – Review

From general advice, over myths about studying law to TOP TEN lists – if you’re thinking about studying law at university or even if you’re already a law student, this is the book you want to read to maximize your success and minimize your stress level. Here are my thoughts!

Synopsis:

Filled with general advice and the most asked questions about studying law at university, this book will help anyone who is playing with the thought of becoming a law student or one who struggles with writing essays or studying in the most effective way. With chapters such as Four reasons for studying law, But is law the right subject for me, How (and not to) argue and How to write… it gives the reader advice, guidance, but also great law related examples of what not and what to do!

Genre: Non-Fiction, Law, Education

Publication Date: August 1st 2006

Pages: 367

Rating: 5/5 stars

My thoughts:

Overall, this book had a huge impact on me. I, having thought about studying law for some years now, have learned a multitude of new aspects on studying law at university which will surely prove themselves most helpful in the future. Instead of a common review, I will give you a small summary of the things I have learned and describe why I can recommend this book for anyone interested in law.

For the ones thinking about taking a law degree:

The first chapter briefly covers the question What is Law as an introduction to the whole book, but also an outlook of what you will be faced with during your study – I found this to be a very helpful and practical way to start the book.

Afterwards, people thinking about studying law will most likely be interested in the chapters (1) Four reasons for studying law, (2) But is law the right subject for me and (3) Myths about studying law (some more interesting chapters to come!).

(1) This chapter here deals with the fact that you don’t have to become a barrister or solicitor after studying law, but can choose from a variety of jobs all over the world. Personally, I found this aspect to be very reassuring as I’m sure of wanting to study law, but not precisely as sure of what I want to become afterwards.

(2) While (1) deals with the different aspects you will face during your studies (politics, economics, philosophy, history etc.), this one faces the more personal abilities you will have to acquire over time to be a successful law student. The abilities the author mentions are for example: Self-belief, organization, focus and curiosity. But while he not only explains why these specific abilities are necessary, he also describes ways and techniques how to acquire them – because he is not somebody believing only a godlike person with all the mentioned abilities is able to study law successfully, but that each and every ability can be self-taught and learned.

(3) Whereas the other chapters list aspects necessary for your studies, this chapter demolishes certain myths about the subject which could be some reasons why you are not certain if studying law is the best option you have. Some myths are: You should only study law if you want to become a lawyer, You have to be good at debating, You haven’t done the right subjects at school to study law, Law is for the rich and so on.

Right now, I have already displayed my favorite chapters from the view of a pre-undergraduate, but here are some very enriching other chapters if you’re thinking about studying law: Choosing a university (also Oxford vs. Cambridge), Tips for interview, Fallacies and stupidities, Some hard truths and Avoiding Problems.

for the ones already taking a law degree:

I am not an expert in this area, as it doesn’t fit for me – I’m still in high school and only thinking about studying law, but I’ll try to briefly sum up the other chapters.

The greatest help would be the chapters which help you improve your skills. Again, the author not only explains what you may be doing wrong currently, but also gives great examples (also law related) and help how and in which ways you can improve yourself.

(1) One category covers the subject of how much you will have to read while studying and how best to do so. It explains how best to use a textbook, how to read cases, how to make sense of statutes and how to get through articles. Personal opinion: While this topic isn’t of much use for me, it shows techniques how to memorize texts, cases and explanations which is a common problem for law students (or so he says).

(2) Another category covers the subject of how to write essays, how (and not to) argue, how to write a problem answer and how to write a dissertation. Helps in the same way as (1).

(3) Other useful chapters would be: Your fellow students (especially how working alone and never helping people is actually contra productive!), On free speech, Tips on revising, Last advice before the exams and Making the most of your time.

Recommendable: For both people thinking about and taking a law degree!

I can not emphasize enough what a huge help this book can be. For the ones who are unsure if they’re interested in law or even if they are capable of studying law and for the ones who need help and guidance studying. Because besides giving helpful examples and techniques to improve yourself, it also mentions what books can be helpful for a certain topic (such as writing a good essay or preparing for studying law).