Are the Planet Law School Recommended Books Worth Buying?

[Affelmfloto]

Is anyone reading all of the books mentioned in Planet Law School, such as the Examples & Explanations books?

Does anyone know if these are truly helpful or if they are a waste of time?

[Pleamsmalebap]

I read Planet Law School, and I'm not crazy about it. I've been reading a few other books on law school, but not really indepth -- more to get an idea of each one, and decide if they'll help me. So far, the only ones I've gone out and bought (after borrowing from the library) are Getting to Maybe, Acing Your First Year of Law School, and the Complete Law School Companion. You can find the top law school books through that link.

I don't really know how well they'll apply, but they seemed to have more than a modicum of common sense. Other than that, I'm not really doing much to get ready. My school offers a 2 week introductory course that supposedly helps pave the way for 1Ls, so that will help a bit.

[Cousiaswash]

I just got done with my first year of law school, and my suggestion to anyone out there thinking about summer reading to prepare: DON'T!!! Enjoy your summer-get out and hike or read for pleasure or go on vacation. Law school in your first year is going to be a foreign experience and really grueling. Just enjoy the freetime while it lasts, and then hit it hard in the fall. Good luck to everyone, and trust me, it gets better!!!!

[abavarpagrind]

I am 39 years old, married and the mother of 4, and also plan to start law school in a few months. It is scary, and I'm sure it will be tough, but I strongly believe that any obstacle can be overcome to achieve one's dreams. I have been working in this field for 16 years and I know that this is what I want to do. It is normal to be anxious, and I think the 20 something 1Ls are also scared. We have more family responsibilities, but I think our maturity and life experiences will definitely be a plus in law school and in the practice of law. Good luck!

[Liailfelf]

Good question; one which I've been pondering. I, too, have already received some of the materials that PLS recommends, and have been slogging through torts and property.

I am currently lokking for a LAw school that would I can really benfit from. I am curently attending undergrad in social work but really have the desire to pursue a degree in law. I am also seeking information about the LSAT as I'm currently enrolled with Kaplan.

If nothing else, it makes me realize how woeful my study habits are (20 yrs out of college).

[Ionippemi]

I suggest that students read books to prepare them for the experience of law school, rather than books which address substance and doctrine.

Your first-year professors will guide you through the doctrine. To the extent you need assistance beyond the casebooks, you will find help through some excellent commercial study aids. Someone posted a message suggesting the Aspen series, "Examples & Explanations." You can get that right here at the LawVibe law school bookstore. That's a fine set of books, and there is one volume for every doctrinal subject you will encounter in your first year. But wait until you begin school to read this type of book.

Why? Your professors will not address every topic in those books -- they will pick and choose according to their teaching styles, their academic interests, and their fields of expertise. Wait to see exactly what your course includes. Also, many professors teach in such a way that commercial study aids are either not very helpful, or downright harmful. Wait.

On the other hand, the difference between your collegiate experience and your law school experience is so great, that you should begin reading about how to handle law school.

Several books I recommend to my students include --

1. "1000 Days to the Bar -- But the Practice of Law Begins Now." This book explains that law school is nothing like college, and encourages students to treat the first day of law school as if it is the first day of their careers as lawyers (which, of course, it is).

2. "Bridging the Gap Between College and Law School" by Deans Stropus & Taylor at DePaul Law School. I have included this book on the recommended reading list for new students at my school for two years now, and they seem to get quite a bit out of it.

3. "Law School for Dummies." This oxymoronic title is a misnomer. Dummies don't go to law school. But despite the title, the book -- written by Rebecca Greene, a May 2003 grad of Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington -- provides quite a bit of very good insight and advice.