Reading right : the key to success in law school -- Basic briefing : developing an initial strategy for managing cases -- Advanced thinking leads to advanced reading -- Expert reading : a new take on a familiar skill -- Engage with energy -- Monitor your reading and read for the main idea -- Always (always!) read with a clear purpose -- Get oriented and own your prior knowledge -- There's more to the five Ws (who, what, when, where, and why) than meets the eye -- Evaluate what you're reading: your ideas matter -- Review, rephrase, record -- Casebook reading : a summary -- Reading statutes -- Reading cases outside of casebooks -- Reading on a screen -- Conclusion -- Appendix A. Test your reading speed -- Appendix B. Getting in a good reading groove -- Appendix C. Advanced reading checklist (focus & enjoy) -- Appendix D. Resources for further reading.
Summary:
"With a fresh new look in its third edition, Reading Like a Lawyer continues to be on the cutting edge of teaching one of the most challenging skills lawyers and other legal professionals need to develop: how to read law effectively. Studies show that the reading skills your students have developed in college may not be enough to ensure their success in law school. Reading law requires professionals to understand the purpose of their reading, to form and express opinions about what they're reading, to apply legal logic, to read with energy, and to adopt sophisticated reading habits that are unique to the study of law. Written for law students, pre-law students, paralegals, and others interested in developing these reading skills, Reading Like a Lawyer teaches each of the following critical legal reading skills: how to read legal casebooks and engage in class, as well as how to use your reading to prepare for exams; how to read published court cases outside of a casebook; how to read legislative material; and how to read online effectively. Based on sound educational research, each chapter includes exercises that challenge students to apply what they have learned. A website accompanies the book and includes additional readings (e.g., on logic) plus opportunities for students to gain confidence by testing their own thoughts against those of the author"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.