QLD General advice for new student

[LJ.]

Hi all,
I am a newly enrolled Law student and I am keen to understand the materials (not just memorise for exams).
If anyone would provide their opinion on essential court judgements, websites to stay updated on particular areas of law, or general advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

 

[Tim W]

1. Welcome to foot of the mountain. It is worth the climb. In the end.
   
   
2. Keep it simple, stay focussed. Read the stuff you're given.
   Turn up to classes, having done the readings first.
   
   
3. Learn to write, and to cite.
   Your university library might provide academic writing workshops.
   If so, attend them.
   
   
4. You won't do anything that is very fun in first year.
   So, no sexy electives until at least the second half of second year.
   
   
5. First year law students do not have original thoughts about anything.
   First year law students (especially younger ones) are basically
   empty vessels into which basic facts need to be loaded.
   
   
6. Nobody's interested in your personal back story. Or your personal baggage.
   
   
7. You'll be in classrooms full of very clever people,
   many of whom have massive egos.
   Don't be fooled or intimidated by them.
   
   
8. Have a read of this.

(What would I know? Law lecturer, now in my 12th year)

 

[LJ.]

1. Welcome to foot of the mountain. It is worth the climb. In the end.
   
   
2. Keep it simple, stay focussed. Read the stuff you're given.
   Turn up to classes, having done the readings first.
   
   
3. Learn to write, and to cite.
   Your university library might provide academic writing workshops.
   If so, attend them.
   
   
4. You won't do anything that is very fun in first year.
   So, no sexy electives until at least the second half of second year.
   
   
5. First year law students do not have original thoughts about anything.
   First year law students (especially younger ones) are basically
   empty vessels into which basic facts need to be loaded.
   
   
6. Nobody's interested in your personal back story. Or your personal baggage.
   
   
7. You'll be in classrooms full of very clever people,
   many of whom have massive egos.
   Don't be fooled or intimidated by them.
   
   
8. Have a read of this.

(What would I know? Law lecturer, now in my 12th year)

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate such a comprehensive response.

In your 12 years as a lecturer, what is a common mistake students typically overlook or should aim to actively address early?

Thank you

 

[Tim W]

They don't read the materials that are prescribed.

 

[thomas3040]

I agree with points 5, 6 and 7 above.
I just finished 1st year LLB, failed some units due to not doing weekly readings and exercises until the last week. Yet have still progressed through barely.
I regret posting all my personal information in week 1 when asked to 'introduce yourself to your peers' which noone seems to care. Only 4 or 5 students out of 50 or so enrolled did post. Attend classes even if not mandatory.
the biggest tip is DO PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS!
I can't stress the importance of that.
DO NOT USE A.I but I have been purchasing others notes off the website studentvip notes and they are so detailed and have helped me tremendously, especially with case summaries.
It is legal too.
Goodluck.

 

[ArmandoMyers]

It's so much better to understand the material than just memorizing it. For court judgments, I recommend looking up major cases in areas that interest you—Supreme Court decisions are always a good start. Websites like Justia or Cornell Law School have great summaries of cases. Also, I found that staying updated on legal blogs or even Twitter accounts dedicated to law can help you stay in the loop on current topics. Also, sometimes LSAT cheating comes up in conversations, I’ve heard some people say that in tough times, finding a little extra help can feel like the only option to push through.