It seems like I constantly get asked, "Bailey, what things should I read before I go to law school?" People that are asking this question are clearly on the right track for law school. After all, you're going to be reading so much in law school, you might as well get some practice now. Normally, I like to tell people to just read something fun before law school - because you're about to spend three years reading case books and won't have much time for reading books you actually want to read. However, that doesn't help people who want to get an edge up on the law school competition, and want to read things that will actually help them. Thus, I've compiled a list of things you can read for before law school to help you prepare.
1. Law School Blogs
Alright, of course I have to throw a shameless plug in here. If you're about to start your first year of law school, I've documented my first year and compiled some things that I think incoming students absolutely need to know. So check out the rest of my blog if you want some law school tips and tricks. And of course - there are so many fabulous law school bloggers out there! I made a list of some of my favorites, so definitely go check out these other amazing bloggers if you want to learn even more about law school.
2. 1L of a Ride: A Well-Traveled Professor's Roadmap to Success in the First Year of Law School
This is the book literally everyone reads before going into law school. And if you're going to only read one book, make it this one. It's a good, comprehensive guide without being too scary. Plus, your classmates have probably all read it, so you might as well too. In fact, your school might have assigned you this book or recommended it to you before you start 1L year. So that's how you know you absolutely should read it.
3. Getting to Maybe: How to Excel On Law School Exams
Although it's the summer before law school and you may think taking exams is a far-off task, your first set of finals will be here before you know it. I highly recommend checking out this book that gives you tips and tricks for taking law school exams. Learning about exams now will take some of the stress off of you as the semester drags on. One of my professors actually recommended this book to me, and I was beyond glad to have it as a resource.
4. Biographies of Supreme Court Justices
You're going to be learning a lot about the United States judicial system, and the justices of the Supreme Court will soon become familiar names to you. Although this isn't necessary, some background knowledge of the justices might be nice to have and help you understand why opinions are written the way they are. Although there are so many biographies out there, here are some of my favorites:
My Own Words - by Ruth Bader Ginsburg
My Beloved World - by Sonia Sotomayor
Scalia's Court: A Legacy of Landmark Opinions and Dissents - by Antonin Scalia and Kevin A. Ring
2 to 5 books and some blogs? That's it?
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