SMU Law Starter Thread

[midjeep]

Well I just looked at my schedule....I am in section 1 for all my classes except for Legal writing.

These are my profs/classes so far:

Civ Pro = Dorsaneo
Torts = Dyson
Property = Forrester
Contracts = P Rogers
Crim Law = Palacios
Legal Writing = STAFF

Any comments, suggestions, last rites? There were two instructor names listed for each class so I am assuming Amberson is a TA of some sort.

BTW, I know not all SMU undergrads are stuck up, just the majority (I went to Baylor so I can definetely relate)

I am guessing this will probably be professor specific, but do you know what commercial outlines/legal flash cards most students use? I'm not planning on buying anything before I get my feet wet, but I want to keep an eye out on Ebay for any good deals (being that I am already broke). Oh and what is the best bookstore on campus? I knew which bookstores were cheaper at Baylor, but I wasnt sure if there are big price differences at SMU between the stores.

Thanks in advance for all your responses I wont get internet access in my apartment until the 10th so I am kinda limited on my internet access until then.

 

[ChrystalSMU]

My schedule is:

Property: Amberson & Forrester
Criminal Law: Amberson & Palacios
Civil Procedure: Dorsaneo & Amberson
LRWA: Amberson & Cross
Torts: Amberson & Dyson
Contracts: Amberson & Rogers

Have you heard any suggestions for note taking software? I want to purchase one because I will definitely be taking notes on my notebook..

[ChrystalSMU]

Everyone check your mail! The packet finally arrived with orientation info and the assignment do in LRWA the first day of class 

[smujd2007]

Laura Amberson is the registrar, not a TA . . .fyi.  I thought the same thing. Her name will be next to ever teacher's name because she registers everyone and she is the contact person in case something goes wrong since grading is anonymous.

Most people like examples and explanations, some like emanuels. Lots of people used the law in a flash flashcards. Lots of people like legalines for property (the person that wrote the property text that we used also wrote the legalines for the text). Second semester lots of people (myself included) used the High Court case summaries for class preparation. Good luck!!

[smujd2007]

Most people just used microsoft word for notetaking. Its free and it works.  There were a few people that used some of that other software, but most people just made a folder for each class and then put different files in the folder.  For instance, I made a folder for each class, and in that folder I had a file for class notes, my long outline, my short outline, and any outlines from upperclassmen. But everyone is different . . .do what works for you.

[midjeep]

Thanks for the additional info, have any insight on what to expect during orientation? I still haven't received a schedule of events and I was curious if it is OK to go ahead and purchase books and get any other stuff out of the way (I already picked up my parking pass and I will probably get my ID tomorrow). As you can tell, I have nothing else better to do than to worry until classes begin Thanks again.

[smujd2007]

Orientation is long and boring. Wear comfortable but nice looking clothes.

You probably won't get a schedule of events beyond show up in storey hall by 9 am on these two days . . .  I don't remember orentation all that well.  I do remember it was in Karcher Auditorium and we were all in rows of ten (2 rows for each legal writing section).  I remember the dean giving a long speech that he didn't finish, some information about filing an declaration of intent to study law (and to take the bar exam) before october. 

I wouldn't buy books yet because then you will try to start doing crazy stuff like reading ahead.      If you have the self restraint, go pick out used books from Varsity Bookstore (on hillcrest, not the SMU bookstore, Varsity's prices will probably be lower).

Oh, and there will probably be an event at Dave and Busters to socialize with your new classmates one evening after orientation. Some of the professors will give info about what you should expect . . . one professor will go through how to brief a case with you . . .that's all that I remember right off the bat.  Oh, and they will also give you westlaw and lexis nexis passwords, etc., even though you don't have full access until october 1st, because some teachers use westlaw for their course webpages. Someone from the library will give a presentation about the services that it offers.

[midjeep]

Thanks again for the info. Here is another question: How are the summer job prospects for an SMU 1L? Did you find a job that was law related? Was it paid? Over all, how is the career services department at SMU? BTW, I am not totally compulsive in person

[smujd2007]

I took the summer off.    The only people that I knew that found jobs either had really good grades or really good connections, or both. Even then, these connections were formed before law school. Career services is okay, but don't expect them to do the work for you. Many SMU 1L's, even with good grades, don't find law related summer employment--its just the luck of the draw I guess.

Oh, right, you aren't this compulsive in person . . . (lol). All 1L's are. 

Thanks again for the info. Here is another question: How are the summer job prospects for an SMU 1L? Did you find a job that was law related? Was it paid? Over all, how is the career services department at SMU? BTW, I am not totally compulsive in person

[pmw03]

sigh.  section 3 here.  evening program.  just getting my syllabi and looks like a month of reading already.  guess i'd better get used to it.  any ideas as to where ican get a list of required books so I can find them used elsewhere?

thanks.

mw