Whew. Three to go.

CivPro is byebye. Issues I "spotted":

• document requests
• motions for dismissal
• compulsory joinder of parties
• objections to document requests (including attny-client privilege, work product doctrine, and overly broad or overly burdensome requests)
• motions to compel discovery
• motions for summary judgment
• choice of law (Erie)
• standards for appellate review of different issues
• JMOL motions both at close of evidence and after the verdict (a.k.a., JNOV)
• motions for new trial
• appellate review of JMOL, new trial, and interlocutory appeals under collateral order doctrine and/or 28 USC 1292

If there was anything about preclusion doctrine on there, I didn't see it. In all, the exam was either awful or terrific; I was done with my first take on all nine questions in just over two hours. Problem: It was a three hour exam. I went back through to check answers, polish some things, add in more obscure issues, etc. I found some problems and holes to fill, but not too much. So either I just knew it and type really fast and got it all down, or I missed some big issues. Probably the latter, but we'll see. Doesn't matter much at this point, does it?

But it does matter in that I'm trying to figure out if there's anything to be learned from this experience as far as study habits go. Last semester I labored in obscurity on every exam, making my little outlines and running through practice questions on my own. That worked, um, just ok. For this CivPro exam, I worked much more with other people, trading notes, discussing issues, and running through sample questions and answers in a group setting where everyone could point out what anyone else was missing. So the question is: Which works better? The solo or the group method? I guess I'll learn something when grades come out this summer.

Now, it's time for contracts, sales, and UCC for you and me. Or me, anyway.

Posted 04:53 PM | Comments (7) | law school

Game Day

Six hours until CivPro, and I'm feeling, well, fine about it. If I can feel this prepared for the other three, all will be well. I may not get A's, but I don't think I'll crash and burn in to the GPA cellar, either.

Running through practice questions yesterday w/friends who did much better than I did last semester I learned that I often think I've answered completely, when really I've left things out. I mean, it's like we know and understand the same things, we I just don't get them all down on paper. Apparently I sometimes just skip over elements of a rule or test that are in my outline, as if my brain is filling gaps in my answer even as my typing fingers create the gaps. I'm not yet sure how to prevent this, other than to remind myself to write down every damn issue from the fact pattern, somehow, then be sure to tick through every single possible step in my outline related to that issue. Perhaps I just need more practice. Yeah. There's still time. Yeah, that's it.

Posted 06:53 AM | Comments (3) | law school