Product Description
Law School Admission Expert Ann Levine, former director of admission for two ABA law schools and popular pre-law blogger of the Law School Expert blog offers concrete tips and professional insights into the law school admission process and how to maximize each piece of the law school application process. The Law School Admission Game: Play Like an Expert answers questions for today's law school applicants including:

- How will law schools view my credentials, activities, and work experience?

- What is the rolling admission process and how can it impact whether I am accepted?

- Will the fact that I am a non-traditional applicant help me or hurt me?

- Why is the personal statement important and how do I select a topic?

- What should I do if someone tells me to write my own letter of recommendation for their signature?

- How do I explain a low LSAT score, inconsistent GPA, academic probation, or arrest record?

- Should I write one of the optional essays? Which one?

- Why was I placed on a waiting list and what can I do to increase my chances of acceptance?

- How can I use scholarship offers to negotiate between law schools?

- How do I decide where to attend?

The tips and insights provided within The Law School Admission Game: How to Play Like an Expert is the second best thing to having your own law school admission consultant. Ms. Levine offers candid and tangible advice in a conversational tone with an open and encouraging (but brutally honest) approach. This book will change how you look at the law school admission process and help you create your strongest possible application package. This book offers strategies for all law school applicants, including specific advice for people:

-Determined to attend a Top Law School

-Hoping for the chance to attend any law school

-Seeking an affordable legal education

-Returning to school after being in the work force

-Still in college with limited work and life experience

-Considering how to build their experiences and resumes to strengthen their applications

-Concerned about writing a compelling personal statement because they haven't experienced poverty or overcome paralysis

Know the story they want to tell about overcoming obstacles in life but are not sure what to emphasize. No matter your life story or potential weaknesses in your law school application, The Law School Admission Game: How to Play Like an Expert will guide you through every piece of the application process. From filling in the blanks on applications to deciding whether to submit an optional essay to what to do when waitlisted, this little book will assure you and arm you with insider knowledge every step of the way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (49)

Great Book, Great Advice
This book is concise and to the point.Several similarly marketed products are overwritten and take chapters to convey what Ann Levine is able to in a couple of pages.I would never have been able to put my law school application together so well without the insight and tips provided.Though helpful, online forums are daunting and sometimes confusing, whereas The Law School Admissions Game is organized and direct.On top of helping me through my personal statement and addendum, the book answered all of my random questions about the admissions process in general.I have read about five law school admissions guides, but this is my favorite and most recommended.

Priceless
This book provides a complete guide from cover to cover on what it takes to get into the top schools in the country. Of the many books I purchased I believe this provided information that was most accessible while double checking, reviewing and planning my application strategies. It was also very readable from cover to cover, which I greatly appreciated. Not only does Ann have expertise from working as a Director of Admissions for two ABA schools, she also has her website [...], where she routinely interacts with applicants who share their concerns/questions/troubles/stories with her. You can tell in her book that regardless of your circumstances or situation Ann has seen it before and knows how to prepare the best application for you.

Excellent guide - Glad I read it before I applied to law schools...just one little problem
I first found Ann K. Levine and her limitless amount of information and tips through her online blog, but I soonrealized that most of my deeper questions deserved more insight and discussion than already available online. Thus, I decided to pick up her new book in order to "play like an expert" myself in the law school admission game. While I have not yet applied to law school but will be this fall, I can say that this book has provided me with an almost unfair amount of insight into the process and has prepared me to tackle the journey with all of the necessary tools. I STRONGLY suggest this to anyone who intends on applying to law school, especially if you have not already taken the LSATs (but do so even if you have already taken them, like myself). My only gripe with this book is the vast amount of errors that were carelessly overlooked by the author / her editor / the printer. In a guide that constantly reminds you to avoid errors (especially those of the grammatical sort) in the admissions process, I would not expect to find such an embarrassing amount of mistakes. Therefore, I could not possibly award this book with all 5 stars even if the content deserves it. Despite that, I urge you to ignore the author's carelessness about her grammar and instead enjoy the wealth of knowledge which this book will impart on you!

Buy this book!
Quite simply, Ms. Levine knows her stuff, that much is clear from the detail in her book. She also pulls no punches and tells you straight out what works and what doesn't.
If you want to get into law school buy this book.

I can't imagine applying without this.
I'm so glad that I got this book before applying to law schools.I'm quite sure that without it, my personal statement would've been cliché.Excellent advice without sugarcoating or coddling. ... Read more

Product Description
Richard Montauk, a savvy admissions insider, demystifies the application process and provides the tools to ace every step. Based on interviews with dozens of admissions officers, Montauk delivers a candid view of what leading law schools look for in an applicant. He also gives applicants solid advice on developing marketing strategies, writing winning essays, maximizing financial aid, and assessing and upgrading credentials to better match that ideal profile. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

Minimally helpful
I read this book when applying to law school and found it to have much of the same information I found in other guides.The trouble with this and other books like it is that they put too great an emphasis on softs which give applicants an unrealistic picture of the admissions process.Most of the decision is made based upon two things: GPA and LSAT.Period.Essays and other softs are important at some schools.But the information this book contains on those points is better covered in other texts.I give it three stars because the information is useful, although also available elsewhere.

Very Helpful!
I was told that I absolutely had to buy this book, so I did.I haven't had much of a chance to look through it yet, but it seems to be tremendously helpful.It goes through the steps of getting into a great law school.Even if you don't have much time before application deadlines, there is a section for what to do right now.Great book!

The Most Honest Book on the Market
As other reviewers mentioned, Montauk's book is the most complete tome on the subject of law school admissions to date.It's also very honest.It is hard to get into a top 20 law school and he makes sure the reader understands this fact.He also lets the reader know that for many people, law is the wrong choice and will only lead to lots of debt and unhappieness in the future.

The negative reviews on Amazon seem to come from people who were taken aback that Montauk might suggest that law isn't right for everyone, but he is really doing potential applicants a favor.If a brief diatribe on the pitfalls of law scares you away, you probably weren't that committed to it anyway.The dark secrets that law schools/law firms don't want you to know:

1.If you don't go to a top law school (at least top 25), you will not have a good chance of getting a Biglaw job, i.e. the highest paying most coveted jobs in the industry.If you pay full price at a school outside of the top 25 and expect to make big bucks upon graduation, you might find out, as so many other students have, that you cannot find a job that pays well enough to justify the $150k in loans you just took out for law school.

Note--If you have alternative career plans or receive substantial scholarship money, then this changes the equation.

2.Most lawyers are unhappy with their jobs (regardless of salary).A recent survey showed that 75% of lawyers would not go to law school if they could do it all over again.

Moral of the story:Forget the "you can do whatever you put your mind to!" crowds and take a realistic look at your talents, situation, and the legal profession.Some people aren't well-suited for law and many people will hate the profession--even those who are good at it.Just realize this before spending 3 years of your life and $150k-$180k to go to law school.

If you decide that law is for you, Montauk's book is the best for increasing your chances of admission.

kla

Richard Mountauk's guide on "How to Get Into the Top Law Schools" is a thorough, comprehensive, candid, and convenient must have for anyone considering law school. It takes you from the very initial process of thinking about law school to dealing with acceptances, waitlists, denials, transferring options, and to first-year law school experience. It gives you the tools you need on how to market yourself effectively and strategize your application packet to put you in the best light possible, and thus possibly improving your chances to your top choices. With cited quotes and excerpts on various subjects and topics from admissions officers themselves, that are heavily inserted throughout the entire book, one knows they are getting first-hand knowledge. This is an organized, effective, and excellent resource for one to have for a behind the scenes look at a process that few are privy too. Definitely a must read!

Essential Guidance
This book has served as a valuable guide through my undergraduate years.I purchased the first book before my sophomore year of college, and I believe the knowledge I gained has helped me to make the right choices in my endeavor toward law school.If you are an undergraduate student, and you aspire to law school, buy this book now.The longer you have it, the more helpful it will be during your preparation.If you are ready to apply, you will learn how avoid mistakes and put forth the best possible application you have to offer.The quotes from admissions people helped me to understand which schools I was best suited for and which ones to avoid.The path of law is a very important choice, and I appreciate that Mr. Montauk takes a prospective student from that decision process all the way through to tips for study success after the acceptance letter.As a side note, I had an urgent question about my law school application, and Mr. Montauk was kind enough to return my call (his phone number is in this book) on a Sunday.I wholeheartedly recommend this book! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (41)

Great Book
I got this book along with a couple others and this one tells me exactly what I needed to know and gave good examples of it. Not to mention I ordered the book at 9am and recieved it at 2 pm that same day. I was amazed.

Law School Applicants Must Read
This book is full of great hints and common mistakes. It is an easy read and I highly recommend it for anybody that is applying to law school.

This Book Is A Must Read
The "Ivey Guide to Law School Admissions", is an insightful collection of information. I have referred to this book as I completed both my Law School Applications and also as I was applying to Graduate School. It is a excellent value and the information provided is priceless.

great book
This book was in great condition and it was worth more than the selling price. It was a great buy.

Excellent
Good advice, anything you need to know pretty much when applying to law school. From letters of recommendation, personal statements, to addendum this book has it all, it even gives you examples in the back! ... Read more

Product Description
Law School Confidential is written for students about to embark on this three-year odyssey by students who have successfully survived. It demystifies the life-altering thrill ride that defines an American legal education by providing a comprehensive, blow-by-blow, chronological account of what to expect. It arms students with a thorough overview of the contemporary law school experience. This isn't the advice of graying professors or battle-scarred practitioners decades removed from law school. Miller has assembled a panel of recent graduates to act as "mentors", all of whom are perfectly positioned to shed light on what law school is like today. From taking the LSAT, to securing financial aid, to navigating the notorious first semester, to taking exams, to applying for summer internships, to getting on the law review, to tackling the bar and beyond...this book explains it all.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (178)

law school book 2
very well done. Nicely laid out. Lots of good information. I think it is copyright last 5 of 6 years. Fairly up to do date. Good insite and some great hints on the first year... do's and don'ts ... I like that part....

If you do buy it, buy it used... i would not have paid full price.. However this was very informative for me.

DO NOT BUY KINDLE VERSION!
The book itself seems perfectly ok. The 1 star is specifically for the Kindle version. It has a huge amount of OCR errors (that are also present in the apple ibook version, so it's a publisher issue). It makes the book almost unreadable in many places. There are some charts and forms that are messed up as well, but I expect that in a kindle version. Fix the errors and I would give it at least 3 stars. I have notified Amazon. For now stick with the paper copy.

The Kindle Typo'sruined my experience.
This is a good book, but reading it on Kindle was far from enjoyable.It begins in the book's forward, the word "die" appears where the word "the" should be. I thought, that is okay, easy enough to deal with. However, as you get deeper into the book, the typo's become more cryptic and more frequent.I love my Kindle, but you are better off reading this in hardcopy.

Compelling
I've only read the first few chapters because they're the only ones that apply to me so far. So far the advice is sound, there seems to be a lot of input from various people who have graduated from some of the top schools in the country. The writing is compelling and speaks directly to the reader in an informal manner. Probably a good guide to help someone wrap their head around the entire experience.

Satisfied
Great book, good condition.The status of my order was never updated so even though my book arrived in a decent amount of time, I thought the order was still being processed. ... Read more

Product Description
Alexander and Alexander's best-selling AMERICAN PUBLIC SCHOOL LAW, Seventh Edition, sets the standard for texts in educational law, an increasingly vital area of expertise for today's school and district administrators. This combined textbook/casebook provides an authoritative and comprehensive view of the law that governs the public school system of the United States, including common law, statutes, and constitutional laws as they affect students, teachers, and administrators. Featuring civil and criminal cases selected from hundreds of jurisdictions and newly updated to reflect the latest legal trends and precedents, the text reviews key laws and relevant court decisions. The case method offers ample opportunity for class discussion to discover and expose the underlying rules and reasoning, and the text actively encourages readers to relate factual situations to the law while anticipating similar experiences they may have as practicing teachers and administrators. Written in an engaging and accessible style, AMERICAN PUBLIC SCHOOL LAW, Seventh Edition, explains even complex points of law clearly and effectively for non-lawyers, and the authors maintain a diligent focus on the unique needs of professional educators preparing for successful careers in administration. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Quick Turnaround!
Thanks for the quick service!2 days from the time I ordered the book, it was at my door!Thanks!

Necessary Evil
This book is NOT a page turner, but well written and very informative.It is divided into different subsets of law.The book combines a description of the court decisions followed by the actual case law.

Great company!
I ordered this book and realized I did not have an expected delivery date. I called the company and they were very nice and immediately pulled up my information. The book was shipped the same afternoon I ordered it and I received it a couple days later!! Awesome!! I would definitely order from them again!

Excellent
This book came in excellent condition and the turn around time for delivery was speedy. This is what I call excellent service.

never received the book
Do not use this company.I will never use this company again.I ordered a book, paid for the book, and never received it.Upon complaint they said the book was still on it's way and that I could return it upon arrival.It has been over a month since ordering and still no book.I want my money back. ... Read more

Product Description

A must have resource for school leaders and personnel, Special Education Law and Practice in Public Schools is dedicated to understanding the complex laws and issues surrounding students with special needs.  Broad in coverage, it discusses current topics such as: the reauthorization of IDEA, NCLB, and 504; working with families; IEPs; assessment; staff relationships and staffing patters; due process hearing, mediation and complaints; school-wide discipline, and strategies for specific populations ( infant/toddler, preschool, secondary school, etc.) Filled with ready-to-use samples and inclusion strategies, the book adheres to school administration and CEC standards and is a conclusive resource for practicing professionals.  

Customer Reviews (2)

SPED law and practice in public schools
I ordered this item and received it a few days later. Great customer service from this merchant and the item was in great/new condition.

Thank you for the prompt service.

Excellent Resource
I found this text to be very comprehensive.It breaks down special education law and how it applies to teachers in plain language. Since I'm a teacher & not a lawyer I really appreciated how this text "translated" key laws and court cases so I can fully understand how they apply to me as a professional. ... Read more

Product Description

This is an essential text for educators and policy makers at all levels. It is practical, easy to read, and contains relevant information on historical and contemporary legal issues affecting the organization and administration of schools in America.

Customer Reviews (21)

Great reference
This book is a great tool for anyone working in the schools. Includes case studies, discussion/reflection questions, and laws to live by. There are many times when as an educator I question whether something is being done right, and this book tells me everything I need to know. I highly recommend this book.

Nearly New?!?!
This textbook was a required text for a grad. class.I understand that a textbook should be "nearly new" after being used by an owner, however, this textbook's spine was spliting in half and every chapter was heavily highlighted.I would have thought I would have paid half the price, but not quite!

Practical and informative
This text is easy to read and informative. Sample cases provide insight into current law.Practical for both public and private school teachers and administrators.

I would recommend this book
This book is actually an easy read and it gets to the point.The only downfall I see is that there are not term definitions for most of the legal terms.I found many of the cases up to date and relevant to any school setting.

Poor service
Initially I was pleased with how quickly my book arrived.Upon further review I realized that the wrong edition had been sent. ... Read more

Product Description

The ULTIMATE Insider Information on How to STAND OUT and GET ADMITTED!
When trying to beat the tough law school competition, how do you know what will get you fast-tracked to the "yes" pile (or the dreaded "no" pile)?

Customer Reviews (10)

Disappointment in Amazon
I ordered this book for a friend applying to Law School. The package never arrived by the projected ship date. Turns out that when I called they said they could resend it but the time fame was pretty much closed for Law Applications. Have no idea about the book just had a bad experience with having it sent/arriving (at all).

The most informative law school book I have found
I would highly recommend this book over all others for the following reasons:

- It is meant for all readers, in all stages of their life - still in high school, still in college, recent college grads and accomplished professionals.
- It is well-written and clearly separated into chapters, easy to read and easy to understand.
- The book was not only helpful for me, but also for those writing my recommendations. I photocopied several chapters which I sent to my recommenders along with the form from lsac.org.
- The author has catered to those in all stages of the process - not sure about applying, pretty sure about applying and definitely applying. She helps (with examples) readers figure out if law school is really for them, or if it's just the easy way out for the time being (but not the right choice in the long run).

With all that said, I would strongly recommend this book. It is not a waste of money and is perfect to help someone thinking about applying or getting their applications ready - I have referred to it so many times, for the LSAT, recommendations, my personal statement, how to choose the right schools etc.

Not just for law school applicants
I bought this book for my nephew, a college sophomore who is a bright, wonderful kid, but kind of lost about what to do once he graduates.I think this book will help him preserve his options.Curll's advice is, of course, directed specifically at those who are considering law school.But the essential ideas deserve a much broader audience.For example, the chapter on letters of recommendation explains how to select the people best suited to write such letters and how to help them write letters that will be effective. The chapter on how to write the personal statement (part of the law school application) can help anyone who must seize a limited opportunity to "market" him or herself.Particularly useful to my nephew -and to most college students, undoubtedly -is the chapter describing how to make the most of the college years.Curll offers a compelling rationale and specific strategies for choosing courses that develop critical thinking, participating in extra-curricular activities that develop leadership and teamwork, and broadening one's perspective through internships and work experiences.

Curll writes in an accessible, engaging style and uses entertaining vignettes to illustrate her points.While law school applicants are the natural audience for this book, Curll has a great deal to offer all those contemplating graduate study in the professions.

Excellent Resource for Law School
Easy read - straightforward advice provided.Gave insight of the admission process for law school.I would recommend purchase to anyone considering law school.

a perfect primer
Joyce Curll has written the definitive guide for students considering admission to law school.Her background at Harvard and NYU offers instant credibility to her comments, which I believe will be very useful to her readers.Too much information at times?Maybe, but I'll trust her intelligent audience to sort that out.Such frank talk from the ultimate admissions insider (she's admitted thousands who have gone on to successful legal careers and even one President-elect) is rarely shared in public.

I've counseled students in law school and recruited for a top Wall Street firm for over twenty years- what I wish is that all those students I met over the years had had the benefit of Curll's common sense career advice.While always careful not to direct students in any one direction, Curll shares a balanced assessment of the many options in both the public and private sector open to law school grads.

This book is a perfect primer for anyone considering going to law school.Buy it for any undergraduate, but particularly for those students without access to a savvy pre-law advisor who can to coach them through the admissions process.Curll's careful tips to her readers helping them navigate through each step of the application process will do much to level the admissions playing field. ... Read more

Product Description

Much has changed in the area of school law since the first edition of The Educator's Guide was published in 1986. In this new seventh edition, the authors have streamlined the discussion by pruning older material and weaving in new developments. The result is an authoritative source on all major dimensions of Texas school law that is both well integrated and easy to read.

Intended for Texas school personnel, school board members, interested attorneys, and taxpayers, the seventh edition explains what the law is and what the implications are for effective school operations. It is designed to help professional educators avoid expensive and time-consuming lawsuits by taking effective preventive action. It is an especially valuable resource for school law courses and staff development sessions.

The seventh edition begins with a review of the legal structure of the Texas school system. Successive chapters address attendance and the instructional program, the education of children with special needs, employment and personnel, expression and associational rights, the role of religion in public schools, student discipline, open meetings and records, privacy, search and seizure, and legal liability under both federal and Texas law. In addition to state law, the book addresses the growing role of the federal government in school operation through such major federal legislation as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the No Child Left Behind Act.

Product Description
How To Do Your Best on Law School Exams shows you, step-by-step, how to practice and excel at the two core law-exam tasks: spotting issues and resolving them with succinct lawyerly arguments. This popular and widely recommended Book emerged from teaching countless courses and grading thousands of exams over many years at the New York University Law School and at the City University Law School. In building-block detail, it shows you how to practice decoding of the typical multi-issue exam essay. It enables you to add an exam lens to your learning and outlining, so that you are practicing issue-spotting and step-by-step writing of lawyerly exam arguments throughout the semester and also illustrates many blunders that constantly appear on law exams. It includes many actual exam problems with illustrative "A" and occasional poor answers, and detailed comments explaining why exam arguments are excellent, mediocre or poor. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

A MUST HAVE FOR A LAW SCHOOL
This book is a MUST have for several reasons:

(i) A lot of students DO NOT KNOW HOW TO GET AN A GRADE or DO NOT KNOW HOW THEY GOT that A. By purchasing this book you will get a pretty good idea as to how to get an A, to correct errors, if any, or to get back to normal studying instead of spontaneous purchasing of study materials hoping to get an answer.

(ii) This is the only book, unfortunately, that gives you SPECIFIC STEPS for spotting the issue, writing the argument, etc. It is, in my view, the only guideline that students may have. Moreover, this book emphasizes the fact that each exam is professor specific. So, DO NOT EXPECT TO GET ALL THE ANSWERS. It is not panacea as some people might expect. You, as a reader, have to decode the mystery of law using all available resources including tutoring, if necessary. This is the first fundamental step towards mastering the law.

(iii) In my view, the other broad category that may benefit something out of this book is paralegals or legal assistants. In fact, anyone in legal profession may get something out of it. For example, paralegals when they do initial interrogations for their attorneys have to get the details our of their client's version of the story. Having read this book, you'll get an idea how to get facts, list them, and later do the research.

(iv) Last, the publisher is open for communications. Seldom will it happen. You can ask questions by writing the publisher-professor directly. It is impressive.

CONCLUSION à A MUST HAVE. Thanks the other people for posting objective comments.

Outstanding Help for Law Students
I bought this book in first year law after enduring my first round of law exams. I didn't have a lot of time to devote to studying the book so I was pleasantly suprised to find that the book got right down to to the guts of "how" to systematically tackle law exams without a lot of superfluous "fluffy" prose. The examples are clearly formulated and drawn from broad legal concepts and cases that made it easy to understand how to approach not only the exam itself but the preparation leading up to it.

I was concerned that this book wouldn't be much help as I am in law school in Canada. I was pleasantly suprised, however, that the book was totally applicable. The book provides a multitude of "issue spotting" techniques, as well as how to apply legal principles in lawyerly argument. The book gives clearly detailed examples of good and poor exam answers so that you know what to do and what to avoid on law school exams.

One other note: the book on Amazon indicates a publication date of November 1988 but the version that I received had been updated in 2006. I would highly recommend this book for law students in both Canada and the US.

From a 2.6 to a 3.6 GPA.
The heading says it all. The book is not a magic wond so just reading it won't give you awesome grades. However, if you study from the first day of school until the last day of finals and APPLY what the book tells you to do, you will succeed. Great book, awesome ideas.....best investment I made since entering law school.

Alright
the book will most likely not help you that much in lawschool.ive come 2 find that each professor is nuanced in how they want their exams written and using this book as a catch all method just wont cut it for a lot of classes.it is better than nothing, but i wouldnt read it and think i mastered the mysteries of law school after having done so

Excellent resource for any law student
In this day in age, where law school prep has become an industry of its own, you find yourself wondering which ones are worth paying attention to, and which ones are worth ignoring. Delaney's book definitely belongs in the prior category. It's helpful, but it's also not overly complex. I love how he explains ideas with concision and gets right to the point. As a law professor, his words have instant credibility.

I highly recommend this book to any 1L, whether you're looking to survive first year or make law review. ... Read more

Product Description
“Law school applicants should consider this a guide to producing a competitive, superior essay. . . . These successful examples speak louder than any written how-to instructions could.” –The Book Watch

Each year, thousands of people apply to the most prestigious law schools across the country, competing for an ever-smaller number of spaces. But each applicant gets one chance to distinguish himself or herself from the pack: the law school application essay. In the essay, you can spotlight the qualities you possess that transcripts and LSAT scores cannot reveal.

Essays That Worked for Law Schools shows that winning essays come in a variety of styles and voices. One student writes about running a day-care center. Another tells a harrowing story about driving a cab in New York City. And a third gives an incredibly convincing argument for why the world needs one more good lawyer. From the thousands submitted each year, the essays in this book were considered some of the best by admissions officers at the nation’s top law schools.

If you’re facing essay anxiety, this book will educate and inspire you–and most important of all, help you write an essay that will give you the best chance of getting into the law school of your choice.Amazon.com Review
While almost anything goes in a college-application essay,law-school applicants are expected to be a little moresophisticated. No navel-gazing allowed. But please, no pontificating,either. Like admissions officers everywhere, those at law schools arelooking for something fresh. That means, says Boykin Curry, thatunless you are quite certain that you've got a spectacular newapproach, you should avoid such topics as "Why I want to be a publicdefender," "I have always wanted to be a lawyer since I was ten," and"What I think about justice" ("lecturing on the law--before you havestudied it--" Curry warns, "is likely to bore and irritate thereader"). Instead, be honest, and be creative. Use these essays forinspiration. One essayist here demonstrates his bargaining skills byrelating his Peace Corps experiences haggling over goat meat in Niger.Another writes touchingly of his stated goal: to practice law with thesame integrity that his grandfather brought to his carpentrybusiness.

A chart at the beginning of the book illustrates just how muchimportance various schools place on the essay (the University ofWashington gives it little consideration; Harvard and Yale say it's avital part of the application).--Jane Steinberg ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

law school entrance personal statement prep
There was nothing unique about this book.I bought 4 different books to help me write my personal statement.They all said the same thing with the same insight.Talk about plagarism.They weren't word-for-word, but the gist was the same.

Save your money and buy only 1 book!

Very helpful for me
I have a biology and computer science background and was very nervous about my ability to write an impressive essay compared to other applicants with a background in english, history,and political science.I quickly identified with the essays of non traditional applicants, but also learned a great deal from the wit, charm, and literary styles of the other essays.I found the book to be invaluable in my application efforts.Thank you.

A helpful book but could have been better
I personally found it helpful to see what other applicants had written.The forty essays in this book are separated into seven categories.They are essays about: Character, the school and you, important changes, entering the legal profession, contemplative, crimes, and applicants with colorful backgrounds.I found about half of the essays to be of little help to me personally as they were more the result of an applicant's specific abilities than a good essay.For example, I did not find essays about being a congressman's son, growing up as a Native American, or living in Niger to be to helpful.It would also have been nice to know which essays worked at which schools.It mentions the schools on the cover but does not tell which essays went to each school.This would be especially helpful since some worked at Florida State and Tulane while others worked at Harvard and Stanford an obvious difference.Personally, I found How to get into the Top Law Schools to be more helpful but this is good as supplementary reading.

Boring Essays
The book has its helpful points, but the overwhelming majority of the essays in this book are boring and don't stand out in too many ways, in my opinion. I'm having a hard time seeing why the various admissions officers chose to submit the essays in this book--probably because most applicants write boring essays, as even the admissions officers in this book will tell you. I also guess it's because the title of the book is "Essays That Worked," not "Essays That Are Impressive." And I'll bet the essays mainly "worked" because everything else in their admissions files was stellar and they were written in a decent fashion.

One of the essays I remember particularly well basically read like a laundry list of things that can easily be found ELSEWHERE in his application, which I specifically remember reading in just about every other book/advice about law school essays NOT to do. There don't seem to be many truly revealing essays (interesting life events), essays that grab at you or cultural essays--all of which, in my opinion, are the absolute best ones. The essays do tell you something about each person's character and most are well-written, which probably contributes to why they worked, but the way in which most of the authors acheived their ends is not exemplary. Their methods are plain, as if they are too scared to really open themselves up or talk about something very personal. I believe you can write much better essays than these.

Perhaps the most exemplary and interesting essay in terms of writing style, topic and revelations about the author is the last one in the "Essays About Character" section where a young woman wrote about, what I will call, her conflicts with her mother. Her essay is an example of what I mean by very interesting life events that reveal something about the authors in a much deeper way than the average essay does.

The most helpful parts of the book, for me, were the questions in the beginning about essays that were answered by admissions officers and the chart that shows how much estimated importance each of the top schools places on essays. It's truly eye-opening to see how much schools like Harvard and Yale value personal statements while schools like Duke and Boalt place the least amount of emphasis on it out of the top schools listed on the chart (I don't consider Indiana a top school, and their were rated as seeing essays the least important). I would, perhaps, buy the book just for this information and maybe to get an idea of how much better you can do on your essays...and also for the one stand-out essay I mentioned.

Even if you're not a minority, I believe the best essays I've read are the ones in the upcoming book by Evangeline Mitchell entitled "Profiles and Essays," a book that is basically targeted at African Americans. Not all the essays are about being Black--in fact, most aren't--so you can still get some good ideas and see good, race-neutral essays. The book is likely officially coming out this fall, but you can probably order a rough copy of it now at hopespromisepublishing.com as I did. The essays I've read in other books are, more or less, boring as well...although Richard Montauk's "How To Get Into Top Law Schools" and Willie Epps's "How To Get Into Harvard Law School" present SOME good essays.

Perfect for applicants
I am an educational counselor and received all four of the new "Essays That Worked" books recently. These newly revised editions are perfect for any applicant stumped by or anxious about writing a personal statement. The essays are inspiring, and the advice is frank and fresh. The authors did a great job of updating these classics, and I highly recommend them to anyone applying to college, law school, business school, or med school. ... Read more

Product Description

This book provides a broad legal background and helps teachers understand their rights and responsibilities, as well as, the rights of their students.  School Law for Teachers covers the issues that are greatest concern to teachers today, namely employment and tenure, teachers' rights, teacher discipline, teachers' legal responsibilities, negligence and defamation, students' rights, education of students with disabilities, student discipline and due process, discrimination and harassment, and religion.  Inservice Teachers, School Administrators, and Special Educators.

Product Description
 

Do teachers have a right to dress as they wish?

Can Social Studies Teachers be prohibited from discussing controversial issues?

When can copyrighted works be copied without permission?

If you’ve ever pondered these or other questions of law, you need to know the right answers! In School Law: What Every Educator Should Know, A User-Friendly Guide, David Schimmel, Louis Fischer, and Leslie Stellman demystify educational law one question at a time and provide clarity to hundreds of topics that affect teachers today—NCLB, Vouchers, School Choice, Discipline, Academic Freedom, Liability for Student Injuries, Due Process, Search and Seizure, Dress and Grooming, to Harassment and Child Abuse—encompassing law established by state and federal statutes, constitutions, and court decisions. The authors offer friendly translations of legal jargon into everyday English, empowering educators to take the law constructively into their own hands and use it as a source of guidance and protection to improve their schools and classrooms.

School Law: What Every Educator Should Know, A User-Friendly Guide is a powerful reference every educator can use and is a perfect resource for seminars and courses in Education Foundations, Introduction to Educational Psychology, School Counseling, Field Experience, Student Teaching Practicum, and Classroom Management, where knowledge of core legal concepts is important.

Product Description
Written by an award-winning professor with wide experience teaching at many different law schools, 1L of a Ride provides a step-by-step navigational guide to both academic and emotional success in law school s crucial first year. It essentially answers the questions, What s the first year of law school really like and how can I make the most of it? Readers learn what to expect, when to expect it, and how to respond to it.Other how to succeed in law school books exist, but 1L of a Ride is the only book that: Addresses each aspect of academic success, including the top five habits of successful law students, effective class participation, how to interact with professors, case-briefing, note-taking, outlining, exam preparation, and essay and multiple-choice exam strategies. Includes both a professor and student perspective, with comments from real law students as they progressed through their first year from beginning to end. Features authentic samples of Socratic dialogue, student case briefs, student class notes, and exam questions and answers. Focuses on practical advice that can be followed by any student from day one. Employs a lively first-person voice, humor, and dozens of anecdotes to bring the advice to life. Relies on educational research to back up advice. Includes input from other law professors, including an interview with five professors of Legal Writing, the course that causes the most angst and complaints from first-year students. Provides up-to-date advice in step with the changing landscape of U.S. legal education, including coverage of technology issues relevant to law students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

1L of a Ride
The summer before law school I was lost and confused about what to expect on the first day and for my first year of law school. I purchased 1L of a Ride: A Well-Traveled Professor's Roadmap to Success in the First Year of Law School (Student Guides) and after reading it I felt so prepared for law school and for my first semester that I was able to enjoy the summer without the fears and worries of law school on my mind. The book is not a list of do's and dont's for first year students. The book outlines a 1L's entire first year of law school from outlining and exam taking to managing school and a social life. I learned several helpful tips from the book that I have followed and it has helped me stay on top of my school work and stress free. Law school can be overwhelming for every 1L at times, no matter how easy or hard one might think the material is, but the book will teach you ways to manage that stress and keep up with the demanding workload the professors demand of you. It is a well written guide to success for first year law students and not like any other Law School help book on the market. I would recommend it to anyone planning or even thinking about going to law school. It will take you into the daily life and demands of a first year law student. It is also a great reference to be able to refer back to different chapters of the book throughout the year when outlining time approaches or exam time.

Helpful Roadmap
This book was very helpful for knowing what to expect when entering law school.It was right on the mark!Additionally, as I am going through law school, it continues to be a valuable resource for staying on track and preparing for exams.

an insight on life's lessons and how they apply to 1st Year Law Students
As a 40 something professional transitioning from one career to another, I know that knowledge is power and I was looking to get as much information as I could on what to expect from the first year of Law School. This book was recommended to me by an upper classman at my Law School so I bought it on a lark. As I progressed through the book I found it both exhilarating and terrifying to learn what the next year of my life is going to be, but Professor McClurg does a great job of balancing the information presented to give one a good look at what stresses you should expect with strategies and recommendations for making life easier during the first year of Law School. I especially appreciated the input he garnered from 2Ls and 3Ls as well as other accomplished Professors from other Law Schools. This book is a definite must read for any student who aspires to Law School.

"1L of a Ride"
I will be starting my 1L year in a few weeks.During the admissions process, I had the opportunity to meet with some of the admissions staff at the schools I was considering.During one of my visits, this book was suggested to me by a dean of admissions.I kept the title in the back of my mind and purchased the book about a month ago.Although I am sure all 1Ls, including myself, are terrified about the unknown that lays ahead of them, this book has helped minimize my anxiety.I feel like I am walking into law school with my "eyes open" instead of being completely blindsided during the first day of orientation.I have begun to recommend the book to my friends who are considering applying to law school.I feel like it will give any perspective or incoming student a candid insight into what is on the horizon.

Great Read
I guess I cant givea fair evaluation till I actually begin school, but so far this book is a great read. Tells you a lot of common sense stuff, but in a way that ensures you make the common sense stuff a priority. It entertaining, fun, and is actually getting me to be an excited (and terrified) 1L! ... Read more

Product Description

The definitive text—completely revised—on the professional and legal standards of school psychology

Fully revised and now in its sixth edition, the single best source of authoritative information on the ethical and legal issues associated with school psychological practice includes the most up-to-date standards and requirements of the profession. Citing recent legal rulings and publications as well as historical references, Ethics and Law for School Psychologists provides the most comprehensive foundation for scholarship in this area.

A key reference for understanding and delivering ethically and legally sound services, the text combines the expertise of three leading professionals at the forefront of the field. Completely updated to reflect the National Association of School Psychologists' (NASP) revised 2010 Principles for Professional Ethics, the new edition of this classic text also addresses the final regulations in implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the amended Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, the Sixth Edition features:

• New material on the management of sensitive, private student information and a revised section on privileged communication
• Broader coverage of ethical-legal issues in school-based intervention, including a new section on interventions in the general education classroom
• The latest research and professional literature related to ethics and law in school psychology

Covering the ethical and legal issues that impact every school psychologist, and with numerous pedagogical features including case vignettes, end-of-chapter questions, and topics for discussion, Ethics and Law for School Psychologists, Sixth Edition is well suited for graduate students in school psychology and is a must-have resource for all practicing school psychologists, educators, and school administrators. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Concise and info-packed
We are using this book in my School Psychology credential coursework.It is a bit dry; even the page layout and the feel of the paper make me think of a desert.But it is proving to be a very concise and useful tool, complete with application scenarios that convey how the issues come up in real life.Also, it has an excellent index, which is key to accessing the information packed in there. It turns out that Ethics is a pretty juicy topic!

Too much too soon
I am a teacher using this text book for the first time in a Foundations course in a graduate level school psychology program at a well known university.While this book is packed with lots of great information, I find that thecontent and depth of informationis more than is neededfor a first year entry level school psychology student. I will be changing to another text.

Books r fine; shipping was slow!
The books are fine- I'm just disappointed on how long it took to receive my order. I took the 5-7 business day option, and it was more like 12 or 14 days. It's frustrating when you're promised something and it doesn't deliver- literally! Lol

Great Reference
I originally bought this text since it was required for my school psychology coursework.It's easy to read as far as textbooks go, and the case examples are quite helpful in illustrating points.When I really started to appreciate this book was when I started studying for the Praxis.It's a great reference to look back on legislation and case law in addition to a fantastic study guide!

Textbook Purchase
I received the book very quickly and the price was great! I am very satisfied with my purchase. ... Read more

Product Description
Planet Law School is unlike any law school guide you will ever read. Written by an iconoclast with aims to improve all of law school education, this is an encyclopedic law school guidebook that has become shorthand . . . "PLS" . . . among law students. In its 858 pages, PLS offers in-depth advice on hundreds of legal resources, with chapters and sections on courses, materials, study guides, professors, law review, internships, clinics, bar review, research, writing, mastering exams (and the bar exam), and excelling in law practice.PLS simply has material and advice you won't find anywhere else. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (148)

Nothing Spectacular...
This book doesn't say anything that other books don't say in a more clear, concise, reader friendly manner.It's poorly written and edited, unnecessarily lengthy, and extremely negative.The author rambles on and on, there is random bold printing throughout the text, and it's extremely repetitive.There is nothing useful in this book you won't find in 1L of a Ride: A Well-Traveled Professor's Roadmap to Success in the First Year of Law School (Student Guides), which offers more useful advice than Planet Law, and is a much more pleasant read.

Best Pre-Law School Book Available
I read this book on the advice of a law student who used the book to finish in the top 10% of a top 15 law school and now works for a large NY firm.I followed the year long reading plan and read all of the suggested readings before I started law school.I just finished my first semester and made all A's.I say this not to brag about my own intelligence (in fact I am not smarter than the dozens of other students who attend my top 15 law school), but to say that if you follow the advice of PLS and work hard, you can easily finish in the top 10% of your law school class.PLS outlines the keys to law school success: 1. Prepare before your classes with the E & E's 2. Take the LEEWS course to understand how to take exams 3. Do not concentrate on the cases in class because they simply confuse you (instead focus on horn books and other summary material that makes the information much clearer) 4. Take practice exams early and often (and do plenty of hypos)

I would and have recommended PLS to incoming law students because it provides the best information available on how to succeed in law school.In response to all the negative ratings this book received, I would simply say that most of their criticisms either focus on the hyperbolic nature of Atticus' writing style (he is definitely prone to the occasional exaggeration), or on his critical approach to law schools (which he is 100% right about).The rest of the negative reviews criticize the book and then provide their own advice, which happens to be taken straight from PLS.

Dead On
I read this book before I started law school and I am now in my last semester at a Tier 1 law school. Law school is terrible. I don't think there is a vast conspiracy, but vast amounts of cowardness and laziness. PLS2 highlights a perfect example of a school being built next to a law library, but the ABA wanted the school to have it's own library. So the school did which jacked up tuition prices. The ABA has a monopoly on the way law schools can teach and conduct classes and bully law schools around with the loss of accreditation. God forbid a law school try something new and innovative. Instead we are stuck with the way things are now. And believe me, the way things are now suck.

The way law school is taught is in my opinion grossly negligent, if not outright fraud. I spent two whole semesters in a contracts class but at no time did we ever learn how to write a contract. If law school was really about preparing a law student to become a lawyer, one would learn how to draft even a simple contract. Instead, we were taught the evolution of legal theory in regards to contracts. I have friends in multiple law schools all over the country and they were all taught the same thing. Not a single person I know was ever taught how to draft a basic contract in any contracts class. Sure, having students submit simple one page contracts to get commits done by the professor would result in more work for the professor, but if a 9th grade teacher can grade 2 papers every six weeks and 3 or 4 multiple choice tests every six weeks, surely a law school professor could handle 2 or 3 additional assignments once a semester instead of just one single test at the end. Because more feedback could only help the law student and godforbid should a law student get helpful feedback.

Furthermore, law school classes for the vast majority of the time use the case method (aka socratic method). This is where one reads a case, then discusses the case in class. It's briefly mentioned every now and then that the cases you'll read represent some small percent of all law suits. Keep in mind the first 90% of lawsuits settle before even going to court. That 10% is then heard before a court, and maybe, just maybe, 1% then go on to an appeals court. So you'll spend a good 95% of your time in law school studying basically 1% of those cases that reached some sort of appeals court. But as an attorney, especially a newer one, most if not all of your time will be spent on the cases that settle. To me, this is disgusting.

In addition, most classes have one single final at the end of the semester. That's it. That is the only time you will ever get "feedback." Sure, you might get called on once or twice during the semester to answer questions, but even then, I've never heard a proffessor once utter "That is the kind of analysis/thinking that will get you a good grade or make you a good lawyer" or "That's not the kind of analysis/thinking that will get you a good grade or make you a good lawyer."

In sum, this book will prepare you for everything that is wrong with law school and legal education generally. I wish I had taken the warnings more seriously. Law school is more akin to graduate studies in the history of legal theory than on how to be a lawyer. So be warned. If you love history, you'll probably love law school. If you want to be a lawyer for any other reason, there is a better way to go about it. Want money? Go to business school. Want to help people? There's Teach for American, the Red Cross, all kind of charitable organizations that you could work for. Want to be intellectually challenged? Go do theoretical physics. Love history? Go to grad school for history.Love legal history? Well, law school will be just right for you then.

[Edit] Just finished law school... finally. And I reread Planet Law School for fun and even having fully completed law school, it still is dead on. No if's ands or buts about it. Some of the reviews might say that the book is negative or whinny... I don't. It's all true and rational. SO BE WARNED.

Needs a lot of editing, but you won't find this information hardly anywhere else!
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who will be attending law school. Although the author often carries anegative tone, the information provided is realistic. This is one of the few primers that accurately prepares the student for what is coming his or her way. On the down side, this book is very poorly written. There are numerous grammatical errors, typos, unnecessary "legal speak", and entire chapters that are simply re-workings of earlier ideas or concepts. This book is over 800 pages. I could edit this myself down to 400 easily, without losing any value.

In contrast, the author's poor writing ability cannot be used as an excuse to reject his main argument - A student who wants to succeed in law school is well advised to prepare herself ahead of time.

Ignore anyone who tells you to spend your summer before law school playing beer pong and going to parties.

Needlessly Arrogant
The author does offer a lot of in depth, seemingly useful advice ( I haven't gone to law school yet so I can't know how actually useful it is yet). The tone with which he presents it is, however, flawed. His implied assertion that those who follow the rules of PLS are bound for greatness, while those who don't are doomed to failure is obviously untrue. To assume that I'll be able to effortlessly stomp out all my classmates at a T14 school is ridiculous, the idea that with a few months of study I'll know more than all my professors, doubly so.

Additionally, his long rants against the law school system at large, and his "testimonials" cause him to come across as one of those free energy guys ranting against the conspiracies of "the man" to keep us down.

Some editing, some humility, and some Haldol for the author would make this book much better. ... Read more

Product Description

Expert guidance in creating a high-performance personal statement--essential for admittance to law school

Nationally known consultant Paul Bodine has helped thousands gain admission to elite professional schools. In Great Personal Statements for Law School, he helps you ace your personal statement, the most critical part of any law school application.

Customer Reviews (4)

law school entrance essay prep
There was nothing unique about this book.I bought 4 different books to help me write my personal statement.They all said the same thing with the same insight.Talk about plagarism.They weren't word-for-word, but the gist was the same.

Save your money and buy only 1 book!

Very useful and informative book on applying!
Paul's book is really helpful. If you aren't sure what personal experience to write about in your personal statment, Paul discusses how to choose what to write about, which is really useful. He also tells you how to write a good outline so that when you actually have to write the essay, it's not so hard.

The advice on letter of recommendations is also very useful. Paul tells you how to choose the right recommenders and how to coach them so that your recommendations will really be an asset to your application.

There are also many sample essays which I found very beneficial. For this alone, the book is worth it.

I really recommend this book to anyone who's even thinking of applying to law school!

Great help to students!
A helpful book! This book's real value are the excellent sections on
starting the writing process and understanding the basic types of questions that law schools ask. There are also separate chapters on secondary essays, like diversity and optional essays and wait list letters and a separate chapter just on recommendation letters.

A genuinely terrible book
Avoid this one at all costs. These personal statements are laughably bad, almost without exception. Treating them as models for your own law school personal statement isn't wise; these things read more like poor college admissions essays written by high school students. The writing is leaden and awkward, the subjects cliched, and the editing sloppy. Also, it's worth noting that most of the applicants whose essays are featured in the book gained admission only to mediocre law schools. A better choice is "Law School Essays that Made a Difference," which features much stronger personal statements written by borderline applicants to top schools (Harvard, Columbia, Yale, Stanford, Chicago, etc.). The writers managed to gain entry to these sorts of schools, sometimes despite so-so numbers, because of their exceptional personal statements. The "Anna Ivey Guide" and Richard Montauk's "How To Get Into The Top Law Schools" also have good info about the personal statement. Or avoid the law school advice industry altogether and get a book like "The Art Of The Personal Essay," an excellent anthology edited by Phillip Lopate; "The Best American Nonrequired Reading" series, edited by Dave Eggers; Natalie Goldberg's "Writing Down the Bones"; and Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird." ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Inaccurate information! DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!
The authors did not practice due diligence in their facts. For example: On page 26, the suggestion that homeschooling by non-credentialed parents was illegal until the 2008 court case simply isn't true. California law has always provided the option for anyone to open a private school, including one in their home for their own children. The court that heard the 2008 case originally read the law sections regarding tutoring and operating charter school independent study programs and concluded those must be the only two options to homeschool. It later acknowledged it had made a mistake and California law did, and always has, allowed private schools to be operated by anyone, including a parent for their own children. To state that the law somehow changed because of the 2008 court case and homeschooling through a private school has only been legal since then is incorrect.



On page 40, it is implied that setting up a private school in a private home would be nearly impossible because of a list of regulations required of private schools including earthquake safety and fire and health inspections. In fact, Health and Safety Code35296 states that only schools with a occupant capacity of 50 or more pupils or more than one classroom are required to establish emergency procedures for earthquakes. Code 13143 makes a similar statement regarding fire inspections saying that any assembly such as a school where 50 or more persons may gather together must be inspected.Regulations on safety goggles during certain classes, regulating toxic arts supplies and keeping track of nearby sex offenders are all very easy for a small private school to implement. None of these private school regulations would be a substantial stumbling block to establishing a home based private school as is being suggested.

What ELSE is wrong? I would NOT buy this book.

California School Law
I was very impress in how fast I was able to receive the order. Thanks ... Read more

Product Description

This text examines is written for K-12 educators and others who have little background in school law and need to know the  sources of law under which educators operate. It focuses on an understanding of legal rationale and principles that inform practice.

Customer Reviews (9)

Teachers?
Judging from the spelling and punctuation in the previous comments, they must have been made by teachers.

God help our kids...

Excellent Job!
The book was the cheapest I could find on the internet (with some very other high prices out there), and it was delivered promptly.

School Law:Cases and Concepts (9th Edition)
This book is very resourceful and up to date on school law nationwide, especially in New Jersey.

Great buy
This was the first time I had purchased a text book online and I am happy to say that I will order again through Amazon becuase I am so happy with the book that I received.

School Law Book
I found the book to be affordable (compared to the price of a new text) and it has been very useful in my graduate class.It also arrived within a very reasonable amount of time. ... Read more

Product Description
Provides advice for first year law students on a variety of issues and strategies to help them avoid the pitfalls that are common amongst first year students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

law school book 1
gave an account of the 1st year of college.. but it is an old copyright. This book focuses on the socratic method. I am going to attend a college that has a more realistic approach.
However it was good, gave me a lot of information. I now understand what i didn't. I was hoping it would have scared me to not do this ... what am i crazy? (grin) ...

I'm going for it, i think ... buy it used ... if you do. And it was beneficial.

Best Law School Primer
I'm in my second year of law school and the reason I did well my first year is this book. It saved me countless hours of time I could have spent trying to figure out how to brief cases, write memos, do research, etc. It's simple, clear, and to the point. In your first year you don't have time to read anything extraneous and this book goes right to the point. A +

Law School Tips - O RLY?
This book has so much fluff and overly obvious advice that it is a total snoozer compared to other law school prep books.Law School Confidential and PLS 2 are leaps and bounds better than this and very similar in price - don't waste your money here.

Very useful
One of the blogs I read in anticipation of my first year was authored by an obviously succesfull student and he recommended this book. Shame he is a commie. An outline on your first year with a solid emphasis on legal writing, outlining and exams. I found the legal writing section to be very useful because I didn't have a very good legal writing professor. Some cold hearted conservatives argue that academia is where professionals who couldn't hack it in the big times end up earning their bread. If law school professorships are where dejected high power attorneys get banished, then the dregs of this barrel of dejection are inhabited by your legal writing professor and probably your career placement director. The greatest academic surprise I encountered my first semester of law school was how much effort and time learning legal writing would take on my own. This book will help you learn the formula your whacky and/or drunk legal writing professor is looking for. Unfortunately, legal writing professors are zany and ineffective in their own individual ways so the help this book provides will be minimal. Legal writing's importance cannot be overrated, any help is good help. The glossary found at the end of this 130 page outline should supplement any need for a copy of Black's Law Dictionary but waste your money if you want; Westlaw has a copy online.
[...]

Just get it - great intro!
This book is great for someone who is just learning how to think while in law school. While some of the reviews claim that it lacks substance, this book is not trying to lay out for you everything you should do in law school. It is sensitive to the fact that different people learn differently and so some things are going to be different. However, the basic tools it is laying out for you are the necessary tools to have a head start. I found that each page was jammed packed with tid bits on what not to worry about, what to focus on, what little things mean that will just make it easier when you get your books and feel overwhelmed... basically, it is not a step-by-step guide on how to be the best law student possible - that is up to you, but it gives you the tools to understand what you are supposed to be looking for and what not to stress about.

Get it, if you are a worrisome person like me who likes to plan ahead, this book will help you create a clear vision of the basics, tell what not to worry about, and one of the most important things, show you how to write a brief. I found it very useful and am glad I read it!

p.s. I am only giving it 4 and not 5 because I would have liked for them to come up with more examples than they did, but if you are an intelligent person (and you obviously are if you are going to law school) then you will be able to figure these things out and remember them for yourself. ... Read more