1L of a Ride

1L of a Ride Synopsis

Now with an accompanying video course!

1L of a Ride provides a candid step-by-step roadmap to academic and emotional success in law school's crucial first year. Narrated in an accessible first-person voice, Professor McClurg weaves together anecdotes, student comments, empirical research, and samples of authentic law school documents (e.g., exam questions, student outlines, class notes) to present a comprehensive picture of the 1L experience.

This version comes with an access code to a first-of-its-kind online video course designed to reinforce the reading. These thirteen videos address subjects covered in the book, often from fresh angles, and some new topics. Along with McClurg, the videos feature award-winning law professors Christine Coughlin (Wake Forest University), Meredith Duncan (University of Houston), and Nancy Levit (University of Missouri-Kansas City). Each video is roughly ten minutes, followed by a short self-assessment quiz. They include:

• 1. Introduction to the Video Course
• 2. Planning Ahead and Biggest Fears
• 3. Structure and Role of U.S. Courts
• 4. Socratic and Case Methods
• 5. Overview of First-Year Curriculum
• 6. First-Year Sample Course: Torts
• 7. How to Read and Brief a Case
• 8. The C.R.E.D.O.—Top Five Habits of Successful Law Students
• 9. Essential Study Techniques
• 10. Legal Research Basics
• 11. Legal Writing Basics
• 12. Managing Stress and Maintaining Well-Being
• 13. Professionalism

Research shows students gain not only from reading, but seeing and hearing, in part because video helps accommodate diverse learning styles. Use the videos to enhance comprehension and retention. Studies also show students prefer and benefit from one-on-one facetime with professors, which the videos, while no match for the real thing, can help simulate.