Tech Study Aids for Law Students

Jump To:

• Taking Notes
• Recording Lectures
• Virtual Flashcards
• Staying Focused
• Managing Stress

Taking Notes

There’s nothing wrong with taking notes by hand or using a tried-and-true word processor, but if you want to up your note-taking game try using Google Docs or Microsoft OneNote. With Google Docs, you can access your notes from any computer and alleviate the stress of losing everything should something happen to your laptop. OneNote takes it even further by allowing you to organize your notes into different "notebooks."

Recording Lectures

For the auditory learners out there, recording lectures can add a great asset to your study tool belt. Playing back the lectures while you go over your notes can help you ensure you didn’t miss any important points, and hearing the lecture again solidifies your memory.

Be sure to talk to your instructor before recording their class – most don’t mind, but it’s better not to assume. They also may wish to bring it up with the rest of the students, since they will likely be recorded as well during class discussions.

Virtual Flashcards

What could be better than flashcards that live on your phone? Whether you’re trying to memorize the elements of common law murder or the types of Fair Use, flashcards can be your best friend. And now, there are several apps out there to help.

Staying Focused

Looking for new ways to stay on task? Try the Pomodoro Technique. This time-management method, named for the tomato-shaped timer used by its developer, Francesco Cirillo, breaks down long work periods into 25-minute sections.

The Pomodoro Technique works well for reading, writing, and researching, and rewards every 25-minute work period with a five-minute break. It is particularly helpful for those days when you know you need to devote a whole afternoon (or a whole day) to your studies. The timer adds a sense of urgency, helping to jump-start productivity and avoid distractions. The best part is, it’s easy: Set a timer on your phone, computer, or a Pomodoro app and you’re ready to go!

Managing Stress

Law school can take a toll on a person, both mentally and physically. Between the heavy workload and exposure to often brand-new concepts, you might begin to feel spread too thin. It’s important to develop ways of managing stress and maintaining your mental health. Time with friends and family, exercise, and hobbies are often the best remedies, but when you’re short on time a meditation app can help. Not sure if meditation is for you? Most of these apps also include deep breathing exercises and sleep stories to help take your mind off of the parol evidence rule.