Kara Sears
Law students often have questions for their professors, whether it's about their exam performance, advice on how to study, or even personal queries. While professors are a great resource for academic guidance, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's essential to respect their time by being prepared with specific questions and only seeking their help when necessary. Secondly, not all professors are equally skilled at providing detailed feedback, so students may need to guide them with their inquiries. Additionally, students should be mindful of the scope of their professors' expertise and avoid asking for legal advice or admission-related procedural questions. While professors can offer valuable insights and mentorship, their role is primarily academic, and students should manage their expectations accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of questions | Specific, follow-up questions about what you can do in the future to avoid making the same mistakes |
| Who can ask questions | Current and former law school students |
| When to ask questions | During office hours |
| How to ask questions | In person, via email, or on online forums |
| Topics to avoid | Asking for legal advice |
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What You'll Learn
Asking for advice about law school
The law school application process can be daunting, but thorough research and preparation can help you make informed decisions. Here are some tips to guide you in asking for advice about law school:
Choosing a Law School:
Start by identifying law schools that align with your interests and career goals. Consider factors such as faculty engagement, student leadership opportunities, clinical programs, and financial aid offerings. Utilize resources like the EqualJusticeWorks Guide to Law Schools, which provides side-by-side comparisons of various law schools in these areas.
Understanding Application Requirements:
Each law school has unique application requirements, deadlines, and supporting materials. Stay organized by creating a spreadsheet to track essential information for each school you're applying to. This includes deadlines, required materials, and correspondence with admissions staff. Be meticulous in answering all questions honestly and completely, as omissions or false information can negatively impact your application.
Seeking Recommendations:
Strong letters of recommendation are crucial for your law school application. Approach professors who know you well and can speak to your specific strengths and characteristics. Provide them with a clear and honest picture of yourself, including your interests, values, and how law school fits into your long-term goals. This will enable them to write more personalized and compelling letters.
Meeting with Professors:
If you have the opportunity to meet with law professors, prepare thoughtful questions in advance. Ask about their experiences teaching at the law school, common challenges faced by students, and strategies for standing out in classes. You can also seek advice on improving your exam performance by discussing specific questions or areas where you struggled. Remember to self-assess your answers beforehand and ask follow-up questions to gain clarity and avoid future mistakes.
Practicing and Preparing:
Law school professors emphasize the importance of practice. Take advantage of resources like the Law School Toolbox, which offers free content, podcasts, and tutoring services to help you sharpen your skills. Additionally, seek out practice questions and past exam papers to familiarize yourself with the format and improve your critical thinking abilities.
Remember, asking for advice about law school demonstrates your initiative and commitment to your legal education. By following these steps and staying organized, you'll be well on your way to making informed choices about your law school journey.
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Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of a well-rounded education and should be actively practised in the classroom. Teaching for diversity means acknowledging a range of differences in the classroom, including differences in socioeconomic backgrounds, learning abilities, ethnic and religious identities, and cultural beliefs and customs. By embracing these differences, educators can foster an environment of inclusivity, where all students feel supported and respected as individuals and members of groups. This sense of belonging within the learning community is crucial for students to freely explore ideas, express their views in a civil manner, and develop their critical and creative thinking skills.
To promote diversity and inclusion in the classroom, educators can employ various strategies and teaching styles. For example, the Teaching Tolerance website offers classroom resources, articles, and digital content on issues of diversity and social justice. Krista Tippett's On Being radio program, as part of the Civil Conversations Project, also provides valuable content that can be adapted for the college classroom. Additionally, educators can incorporate culturally responsive teaching (CRT) approaches, which aim to empower students by expanding their educational and cultural capabilities. This may include activities that encourage students to develop empathy and respect for other cultures, such as exploring language, religious practices, cuisine, and other cultural aspects.
Inclusive teaching strategies can be intentionally incorporated to ensure that all students feel included and valued. This may involve using accurate and respectful terminology when discussing social identities and encouraging students to celebrate and respect people from diverse cultures. Diversifying the teaching staff is also essential, as students of colour deserve the opportunity to learn from teachers who share similar cultural experiences. By modelling inclusivity and celebrating diversity, educators can foster a respectful learning environment that extends beyond the classroom and into the wider community.
Equity in the classroom refers to providing all students with equal access to the necessary resources and opportunities to reach their full academic potential. This may involve creating an equitable grading system, which can be a challenging and emotionally charged conversation. However, it is crucial to ensure that all students have a fair chance to succeed. By promoting diversity, embracing inclusion, and striving for equity, educators can prepare their students to become civically engaged adults who recognize and value the contributions of all people.
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Teaching philosophy and experience
When interviewing for a law professor position, candidates should be prepared to discuss their teaching philosophy and experience. They should provide specific examples of how they have engaged students, fostered critical thinking, and adapted their teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning needs. For example, a law professor might believe in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment, encouraging active participation, and making complex legal concepts accessible and relevant to their students' lives. They might also make themselves available for one-on-one meetings to provide additional guidance and support.
In addition to their teaching philosophy, law professors should also have a strong command of legal knowledge and a commitment to professional growth. This includes staying informed about new developments in the legal field, such as access to justice, the impact of technology, and changes in the legal job market. Law professors should also be collaborative and contribute to the broader legal education community beyond the classroom. For example, they might collaborate with colleagues to improve the curriculum or share their expertise through publications and research projects.
Furthermore, law professors should have experience in mentoring and supporting students in their career development. This could involve providing guidance on study routines, exam preparation, and even offering advice on transfer applications or fellowship opportunities. By sharing their own experiences and expertise, law professors can positively impact the next generation of legal professionals. Overall, a law professor's teaching philosophy and experience should demonstrate a strong commitment to educating and empowering their students, both inside and outside the classroom.
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Feedback and improvement
Students often avoid their professor’s office hours because they are unable to think of questions to ask. However, it is important to meet with your professor to discuss your exam performance and get feedback. It is a good idea to have clear and specific questions prepared in advance. For example, if you are struggling with a particular concept, ask your professor to explain it to you in a different way. If you are unsure about how to improve your grade, ask your professor for specific advice on what you can do differently next time.
If you are nervous about meeting with your professor, there are a few things you can do to prepare. First, try to self-assess your answer and identify areas where you could have improved. This will show your professor that you are engaged in your learning and committed to doing better. Second, write a list of specific questions that you can ask during the meeting. This will help to guide the conversation and ensure that you get the most out of it. Finally, remember that it is okay to seek help from other sources if your professor is not able to provide the assistance you need. There are many resources available to law students, such as tutoring services and online forums.
When asking for feedback, it is important to be respectful of your professor's time. Only go during office hours, and let them know in advance that you plan to come. Be realistic about the amount of time they can give you, and don't expect them to spend hours going over your work. It is also important to remember that not all professors are experienced in providing detailed feedback, so you may need to guide them with your questions. Try to ask specific follow-up questions about what you can do differently in the future, rather than just asking for general advice.
In addition to seeking feedback on your exams and assignments, you can also use office hours to ask your professor for advice on law school applications and the legal field in general. If your professor has experience teaching at other law schools, they may be able to provide insight into the application process and what admissions councils are looking for. They may also be able to give you advice on which law schools are the best fit for your interests and career goals. If your professor has worked in the legal field, they may be able to offer guidance on networking, internships, and job opportunities.
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Real-world legal cases in lessons
Law school classes are bound to cover real-world legal cases, as these are considered essential to a student's education. These cases offer startling glimpses into the human experience and are fundamental and precedent-setting.
One such case is the famous "cricket case", which involves the question of what constitutes a contract. In this case, Lord Denning opens with a description of the delight of village cricket and wonders if the cattle that once grazed the cricket field objected to the cricket. The case is also memorable for its conclusion: "Not long after the case, the Millers moved house."
Another case that students may encounter is the "snail in the bottle" case, which launched the modern law of negligence. In 1932, Mrs Donoghue found a snail in her ginger beer, leading to Lord Atkin's famous neighbour principle, which states that we should take reasonable care to avoid harm to those we foresee can be affected.
In the realm of constitutional law, the Belmarsh decision is a milestone, setting the boundary between national security and civil liberties. This case involved a challenge to the Labour policy of indefinitely detaining foreign terrorist suspects without charge, with the majority declaring that the British state acted illegally and discriminately.
First-year law students are also likely to encounter the case of R v Dudley and Stephens, which vividly demonstrates that necessity isn't always an adequate defence against murder. In this case, Dudley and Stephens killed and resorted to cannibalism to survive while shipwrecked and adrift in a lifeboat. Despite public sympathy, they were convicted of murder.
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Frequently asked questions
No, law professors are not a substitute for legal counsel. However, they can explain difficult legal concepts and provide advice on how to study for exams.
It is recommended to always meet with your professor to discuss exam performance and get advice on how to improve. Come prepared with clear and specific questions about your performance and how to do better in the future.
You can ask about your exam technique, such as whether you have understood and applied the rules correctly, or whether you have used the facts sufficiently to explain your arguments. You can also ask for advice on how to study for exams, but it is not recommended to ask your professor to explain basic concepts that were taught in class.
Yes, if your professor teaches at a law school you are interested in applying to, you could ask them for general advice about the application process and student life.
Your professor can give you advice on developing good study habits and fostering critical thinking skills. They may also be able to point you towards other sources of help, such as tutoring services.
