Letters to a Law Student 3rd edn

Nick McBride is a Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge. He was formerly a Fellow of All souls College, Oxford. A specialist in areas of the common law (obligations) he is also director of undergraduate studies and a law librarian, equipping him with the ideal background for guiding students through their legal studies.

I. THINKING ABOUT STUDYING LAW



1. What is law?



2. Four reasons for studying law



3. Why not just do a conversion course?



4. But is law the right subject for me?





II. PREPARING TO STUDY LAW



5. Arguing effectively (1): logical arguments



6. Arguing effectively (2): speculative arguments



7. Choosing a university



8. The LNAT and other law tests



9. Tips for interview



10. Some traps to avoid



11. Some advice before you start your studies





III. STUDYING LAW



12. The challenges ahead



13. A mini-dictionary of English law



14. General tips on studying law



15. Using a textbook



16. Reading cases



17. A brief history of law reporting



18. Looking at statutes



19.Reading articles



20. Using the Internet



21. Your teachers and you



22. Your fellow students



23. Making the most of your time





IV. PREPARING FOR YOUR EXAMS



24. Writing essays



25. A sample essay



26. Writing a dissertation



27. Discussing problem questions



28. Coping with stress



29. Tips on revising



30. Last advice before the exams





V. MOVING ON



31. Preparing for what's next



32. Some final words of advice







Appendix A. A Proust Questionnaire



Appendix B. Preface to the Third Edition of McBride &Bagshaw, Tort Law



Appendix C. Century Insurance Co Ltd v Northern Ireland Road Transport Board [1942] AC 509



Appendix D. 'Reasons to study law' - a speech delivered at Dr Challoner's High School, on January 19, 2012