Click here to view a list of many BLS Library books listed under subject: Law Students: United States (shown "newest to oldest"). Incoming BLS students need a BLS email account to check out BLS Library's e/books.
Also, law students can join American Bar Association's Law Student Division to obtain free, "basic access" to many ABA resources for law students. Resources for law students include these articles:
1 digital copy is available. It circulates for 2 hours (like a Reserve book).
The West Academic description notes that this law professor/author discusses "pre-planning, top student fears, the first-year curriculum, the Socratic and case methods of teaching, effective class participation, the top habits of successful students, essential study techniques, legal research and writing, exam strategies, maintaining well-being, online learning, [and] career planning,"
In SARA catalog record, click: ACCESS ONLINE VERSION - (EBSCO). 1 digital copy is available.
Excerpt from summary: "1L Success: Becoming a Lawyer, a Professional Identity Formation Workbook takes you through the entire 1L year, providing solid and invaluable tips, along with reflections so that you can take a deeper look and find deeper meaning (and greater rewards!) from all the effort you are putting in. The book also talks about how to find the motivation and inspiration to study when you are not feeling it (and you won't every day). We'll look at proven strategies to overcome challenges and techniques to help you achieve your success goals. Wherever you are in the process, if you are thinking about applying to law school, are about to start, or are well into your first year, this book will help you be the best first year law student you can be and enjoy the process along the way!"
Contents: The summer before law school -- Lists to get you ready -- Legal writing 101 -- Fall -- Getting your bearings -- Midterms -- The memo -- Fall writing tips -- Doctrinal exams -- Spring -- January jump-start -- The brief -- Spring writing tips -- Elevate your writing style -- Editing shortcuts -- Getting a job -- Resumes -- Writing samples -- Interviews.
Excerpt from summary: "This book offers a step-by-step guide to the most difficult tests you will confront as a law student and as a young lawyer. Updated throughout, the second edition includes chapters about negotiating effectively and finding happiness in the law, as well as a complete set of materials for a civil trial (Which Crafts v. Assure Fire Insurance). With these materials, readers can practice making opening statements, closing arguments, examining witnesses, and making arguments to a court."
This guide is a CALI open-access e-book and it includes interactive questions/exercises. Click: Read Book > Click: Downward arrow to expand Contents.
Contents: The life of the law -- The English origins of American law -- The creation of American law, or, making it up as we go along -- Thinking like a (modern) lawyer -- Lawtalk 101: the language and arguments of contemporary American law.
Access to this ebook is "unlimited." In SARA catalog record, click: ACCESS ONLINE VERSION - EBC. First time users click: CREATE ACCOUNT.
Summary: "Before embarking on the life-altering, three-year journey of law school, law students need actionable tools to stay grounded, mindful, and connected to their purpose. Although exam-taking skills and outlining strategies are important, first-year law students also need guidance that recognizes their humanity. For example, when students make mistakes, or when things do not go as planned, how will they course correct? Do they have a recovery plan to get back on track? How will they respond to fear? Setbacks? Worry? Stress? Feelings of What if they don't measure up to their own definition of success or the definitions others set? How to Show up and Shine in Law School with Gratitude, Grit and Grace transcends traditional advice on how to excel in law school by focusing on mindfulness, gratitude, worthiness, and how to persevere in the face of unexpected challenges. After reading this book, students will feel empowered to think, act, and be expansive in law school."
BLS Library will link to this free, open ebook when it becomes available at CALI.org in fall 2025.
Discusses optimizing class time, outlining, talking to faculty, preparing for exams, selecting 2L/3L classes and taking care of yourself (including developing a "resilient mindset").
Access through Aspen Learning Library. Remote access to Aspen Learning Library requires implementation of the BLS proxy server instructions.
Excerpt from book's description: "Covering foundational topics from exam writing to the structure of the federal government and court systems, David Horton breathes life into the concepts students will encounter at the beginning of their law school careers through the lens of a 2015 civil jury trial in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York: Beastie Boys v. Monster Energy Drink Company." New to 2nd ed. "Introductory legal analysis exercise gives students a taste of the classroom experience. Discussion of the NextGen bar exam. Revised mock exam question and answer."
Includes chapters: Fear in law students - Four steps to fortitude in lawyering -- Step 1: untangling fear -- Step 2: mentally rebooting -- Step 3: channeling our inner athlete -- Step 4: cultivating a culture of fortitude.
Excerpt from publisher's description: "With a friendly and informal writing style, this guide to law school features insights into how and why law school classes work the way they do, and the tools and techniques to better understand the substance of the first-year courses. It helps students enter law school with an understanding of legal concepts, the American legal system, and court structures, allowing the students not only to succeed, but to thrive in the classroom."
BLS Library has ordered 1 digital copy. It will circulate for 2 hours (like a Reserve book).
Excerpt from summary: "[G]ives law students weekly checklists explaining the skills necessary to successfully navigate their first year of law school. Each chapter provides a checklist of things to do that week, such as briefing cases, going over notes, outlining classes, or doing practice questions."