How to Write a Law School Outline

Creating an outline is a very important part of studying for the final exam.

Creating an outline is a key to success in any law school class. You need to ensure that you are covering all of the material covered in class while keeping your outline simple to read. While you want to cover every aspect of the class you must keep your outline in a format that is easy to navigate for your final exam

Things You'll Need

• One computer
• One printer
• Class materials such as handouts and books
• Class syllabus

Instructions

1. Start organizing your law school materials and begin the outline writing process at least one week before classes end.

2. Use your class syllabus as a template for your outline. Your syllabus will help you remember what areas your professor focused on the most during the semester.

3. Write down the holding of each of the cases you read as you go through the syllabus and summarize the class. You do not need to know who wrote the opinion and every single fact in the case. All you need to write down is the holding and understand how it is significant in light of other cases you have read.

4. Create charts where you have the opportunity to. You may find it easier to visualize certain concepts as opposed to just reading your concepts.

5. Rely mostly on your class notes when writing your outline. Your professor will emphasize certain facts or legal issues that may not be in your book or handouts. Your class notes will also give you insight on what your professor thinks is important and what he might use as an exam question.

6. Try to keep your outline under 35 pages. This will keep your outline manageable during the actual exam. If you make your outline too big it may become too cumbersome to go through during the exam.

7. Create a table of contents or use tabs so you can easily navigate through your outline during the test.

8. Keep your outline focused on broader concepts and ideas that transcend the class if you are about to take a closed-book final. Your professor is less likely to test you on specifics if you are not allowed to have notes with you during the test.

Tips & Warnings

• There are supplemental materials that you can purchase at your school bookstore or any bookstore that you might find helpful when studying and creating your outline. If you are having a hard time understanding concepts and creating your outline it may prove beneficial to purchase one of these supplemental books.

• If you are taking a closed-book final your professor will be less likely to test you on smaller, less important facts. The professor will most likely test you on broader concepts and ideas that transcend throughout the class. If you are about to take a closed-book final adjust your outline accordingly.

• The best way to understand what the professor will expect from you during the exam will be to speak with your professor after class or during office hours. What you are expected to do may change based on the nature of the test.

• Outlining is just one aspect of succeeding in law school. You must also attend class and do your reading assignments when assigned.

• None of these suggestions will work for everyone. For example, one student may like to create an outline that is 80 pages long. If any student feels comfortable with creating an outline that large then they should not feel discouraged from doing so.

• If you have any questions or concerns about what you are expected to know for your final, speak with your professor.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Create an Outline for Each Class