This is one of the posts that I've looked forward to completing for a long time. On a basic level, we all have different learning styles. Outlining for law school caters to linear thinking, which is great for linear learners. Regardless of whether you're a linear learner or a more holistic-type, outlining sucks. The process sucks. The time that you put into it sucks. And, moreover, if you lose part or--heaven forbid--all of it, that REALLY sucks. For those who find that they learn best from outlining, good for you! I am happy for you. For the rest of us who hate it for whatever reason, consider my alternative. Preface: this method has also worked really well for two of my mentees. One is in the top 10% at USD; the other is in the top 10% at UCLA. I suppose I'll call this process "index-carding" only because "flash-carding" sounds too much like pre-made flashcards, which is NOT what my alternative to outlining consists of. 1. Get a pack of ...
Beyond the "whats" of law school and law practice more generally, here, the "hows" are explained, whether you need them during law school or many years thereafter.