When Should I Start Practicing Writing?
Another common law school myth is that you have to wait until you are done with the course to start practicing writing. That is just not true! In fact, if you wait until the end of the course, for most of us, it is much too late, especially if you are in your first year of law school. Why? Well, legal writing (and, yes, IRAC) is a learned skill. It is not the same as exams of your past. It requires a style and formula that many of us are not accustomed to. In addition, you need feedback. Most law school classes have only one final at the end of the semester. If you wait until the end of the semester to start writing, and then you don’t do it correctly, the only feedback you get will be poor grades on your finals. And who wants that?
So how do you go about practicing writing? Well, many professors will discuss hypotheticals in class on a given topic. Even if you just discuss a hypothetical in class, try writing out an answer on your own. Take it to the professor to see if he or she will review it with you. Or get some of your friends together to review it as a group. Or hire someone like me to review it and give you detailed feedback. This practice throughout the semester can make a very big difference come exam time.
Where else can you find writing practice? Check supplements, bar exam review books, and past exams circulated by professors. Remember to look for fact patterns that reflect the law you have already learned and save other fact patterns for later.
Writing early and often (with a good outline, of course) is one of the best ways to set yourself up for exam day.
If you would like writing feedback, please contact Amicus Tutoring.
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