Law School Insider: Favorite First-Year Law School Courses

Welcome to Law School Insider! In this multi-part blog series, you will hear directly from current law students about their favorite courses, law school myths, best tips, and more!

In this first post of the series, you will hear about all-time favorite first-year law school classes and why your fellow Illini chose them.

First-Year Courses

Although each law school will have unique features to their curriculum, all law schools have a required set of first-year courses in the foundational subjects for legal studies. In addition to courses in legal research and writing, these first-year subjects include Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Property, and Torts. In addition, some schools offer first-year students the option to take an elective course(s) in addition to their required coursework. Keep reading to learn more!

Civil Procedure

“Civil Procedure! I loved getting deep into the weeds of rules and technicalities and learning how to use them strategically in litigation. And you’ll learn a lot of fun legal jargon like pro hac vice and certiorari!”

-Haydn L. | University of Michigan Law School

“Civil Procedure because it allowed me to learn about the process of civil cases and how cases eventually make it to court. My professor was also a great teacher.”

-Jillian W. | New England Law Boston

“Civil Procedure because it is a rule-based class.”

-Taylor H. | University of Illinois College of Law

“Civ Pro. Enthusiastic professor using basketball analogy for rules in FRCP. Felt like trying a new sport instead of learning a complicated matter in law school.”

-Randy X. | Chicago-Kent College of Law

Contracts

“It’s technical, but it also makes a lot of logical/reasonable sense to someone with no legal background. We’ve been making contracts with one another since we were 4 years old (“I’ll trade you my snack for yours”). All of that comes down to basic contract law.”

-Michael B. | University of Illinois Chicago School of Law

“I really enjoyed contracts. I was an accounting major and spent over 4 years in consulting, so I think it played to my business background and strengths.”

-Grant L. | UCLA

“Contracts – it teaches you how to ensure you don’t get taken advantage of.”

-Matthew M. | UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law

“My favorite doctrinal class was contract law. I enjoyed learning about a type of law that is different than criminal law that you might have seen on tv before law school.”

-Darius C. | Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

“I enjoyed contract law because I found it to be both interesting and practical. The rules governing contracts are clear and well-defined, which provides a level of certainty and predictability that is often lacking in other classes. I have also found that it has come up most frequently in my upper-level classes and internships compared to any other first-year class.”

-Ashley T. | George Washington University School of Law

“My favorite class was Contracts because it was a slow burn to come to a point of understanding in the class. The cold calls were the most terrifying, but I admire the way that legal and business interests come to a head in contracts.”

-Margaret B. |DePaul University College of Law

Criminal Law

“Criminal Law is a very interesting and engaging class.”

-Kayla C. | DePaul University College of Law

“I really enjoy Criminal Law. I have no interest in prosecution or criminal defense, but the material is very interesting.”

-Stella G. | IU Maurer School of Law

Property

“I loved property law because it was very straightforward and to the point. Although there were exceptions to the default rules, it seemed very rule-based and straightforward.”

-Cierra M. | University of Illinois College of Law

“So far, property. The class was taught by an extremely engaging professor and it truly makes you see the world in a different view.”

-Justin M. | Loyola Law School, Los Angeles

“Property. Lots of interesting historical and theoretical background.”

-Khalil R. | University of Chicago Law School

Torts

“Torts is sort of like a puzzle that you try to see if the facts can fit into the rule. It was challenging, but rewarding when you come to the correct answer.”

– Joseph A. | University of Illinois Chicago School of Law

“Torts has been my favorite class so far. My professor was really great and was able to simplify the most difficult topics. In addition, I really liked the textbook in the course because it gave only the information that we needed. I felt like the course gave me a great overview of Torts, and my internship this summer will be focused on civil litigation.”

-Mackenzie M. | University of Illinois College of Law

“I love torts because the reasoning is very straightforward and rule-based.”

– Clara T. | Southern Illinois University School of Law

First-Year Electives

Some law schools allow first-year law students to select an elective course. See below for some favorites!

First Amendment Law

“First Amendment Law is my favorite! My professor is engaging, knowledgeable, and does a great job facilitating class discussion. It’s really important to try taking classes with good professors if you can help it. The material of the class is really interesting, and I have developed a much deeper understanding of the theory and practicality of the First Amendment from this course!”

-Skylar R. | Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

International Law

“I’m taking international law as my 1L elective, which is by far my favorite class. I’m interested in international environmental law, and it’s been wonderful to have an opportunity to study that subject while still in my first year. I definitely recommend taking an elective 1L year, being able to study something you’re passionate about can be a nice break from the required 1L doctrinal courses that you may not feel as personally invested in.”

-Amanda W. | Duke University School of Law

STAY TUNED!

Stay tuned for the next edition of Law School Insider: Favorite Law Courses Part II where will hear from current law students about their favorite upper-level courses!

Summer and Fall Recommended Course Charts

Recommended Course Lists

It is that time of the year again! Registration for Summer and Fall 2023 is just around the corner! Law schools do not require any particular major or coursework. Students in ANY major can attend law school, and there are NO specifically required courses for pre-law undergrads. However, given an interest in law, we have compiled a list of suggested summer and fall courses that pre-law students may find helpful and interesting.

In general, students interested in going to law school should take classes that focus on analytical and critical thinking, communication, research and writing, and when possible – legal topics of interest. The recommended course list includes classes from many different disciplines that might serve one, or more, of these goals. Take a look at the chart to find courses that are both interesting to you and will help build the necessary skills for law school.

Please keep in mind that these lists should not be viewed as exhaustive as there are many beneficial courses offered each semester. These lists should be used to highlight courses of particular interest and give a broad overview of options.

Want to learn more?

See what fellow Illini say are some of their favorite pre-law related courses at Illinois…

Ben Mulaomerovic

Ben is currently the Class of 2025 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council Ben is studying Finance and Accounting. He shared the following perspectives on his favorite pre-law related courses…

FIN 241 – Fundamentals of Real Estate – Introduction to Real Estate Transactions, Property Rights & Regulation. Currently taught by practicing lawyer Scott E. Perkins who provides unique insight into the daily life of a practicing real estate lawyer and applicable real-life examples. Great foundational class for those with an initial interest in property/real estate transaction law and finance.
BADM 300 – The Legal Environment of Business – Although currently a mandatory aspect course of the business curriculum, BADM 300 is truly a fantastic introduction to corporate law and its many implications for current events, M&A, shareholder defense and so much more! The class is taught by Professor Warnick, who invests in students both inside and outside the classroom to ensure students with a particular interest in law have relevant insight into the life of a practicing corporate lawyer!

Justin Davis

Justin is currently the Class of 2023 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council and president of UIUC Accounting Club. He shared the following perspectives on his favorite pre-law related courses…

PHIL 102 – Logic and Reasoning – It was a great introduction to applying critical thinking to a text and then writing down your analysis.
BADM 300 – The Legal Environment of Business – This was my first perspective on what laws apply to corporations. It also provided a glimpse into liability, constitutional law, and the hierarchy of federal vs state laws.

Jack McNabb

Jack is currently a pre-law student of the Class of 2023, studying Sociology and Business & Informatics. Here are his perspectives on his list of favorite pre-law related courses…

BADM 340 – Ethical Dilemmas of Business – I am currently taking this course and I have enjoyed it thus far. As the name states, this course explores some large ethical issues facing the current business world and could be valuable to students interested in business law.

Sruthi Navneetha

Sruthi is currently the At-large Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council, president of Phi Alpha Delta, and president and founder of Women In Law Pre-Law Society. She shared the following perspective on her favorite pre-law related course…

ECON 437 – Game Theory – This can really help with other pre-law-related classes as topics in this class reappear in almost even Political Science class. It also helps people think critically, which is essential to scoring well on the LSAT.

Alex Nevarez

Alex is currently the Class of 2023 Representative of the PLAS Advisory Council, president of Pre-Law Honors Society, and vice-president of Kappa Alpha Pi. These are her favorite pre-law related courses…

PHIL 103 – Logic and Reasoning QR 2 – This is the most important course I have taken because it is directly applicable to the LSAT. In this course, you learn logic, symbolic logic, and essentially a new way of thinking. This new way of thinking is directly applicable to the LSAT as there are two logic sections. Because I had already taken this course when I started LSAT studying the logic sections came easy to me because my brain already had logical thinking background.
PHIL 104 – Intro to Ethics – In this course, it is logic, ethics, and writing combined. You cover three hot topics and read from philosophers coming from both sides and then you will write a paper on who you believe is right for each topic. The material is extremely in-depth and eye-opening and it aided me in helping me create good and sound arguments. I grew as a thinker and a writer.

Considering a minor?

Check out this informative video about the Legal Studies Minor, including a Q&A with Professor Jennifer Pahre:

Click here to view the Legal Studies Minor Info Session (Fall 22)

Visit the Legal Studies Minor website to learn more or email:

law-undergrad@illinois.edu!

Still not sure what to take?

Schedule a pre-law advising meeting to discuss course options!

Alumni Attorney Talks

Alumni Attorney Talks is a virtual series that aims to provide prospective law students with helpful insights about attending law school and pursuing a legal career. This series features interviews with University of Illinois alumni working in a variety of diverse settings within the legal profession.

MICHAEL C. ROSENBLAT

Attorney at Rosenblat Law

SPECIALIZING IN FALSE CLAIMS ACT, WHITE COLLAR CRIME, AND MILITARY JUSTICE CASES AS WELL AS HEALTH CARE INVESTIGATIONS

Learn more about Rosenblat Law Here!

quick facts about michael c. rosenblat

Law School: UIC School of Law f/k/a John Marshall Law School
UIUC Undergraduate Major: Political Science
Mr. Rosenblat’s Three Words to Describe his Profession:

Thoughtful | Caring | Fun

CHECK OUT THIS INSIGHTFUL INTERVIEW BELOW

click HERE!

Experiential Learning in Law School

An important part of a law school curriculum is the hands-on, applied, experiential learning opportunities that a prospective law school offers. Law schools offer many different types of experiential learning that allow students to “practice” and develop lawyering skills before graduation. You can learn more about experiential learning from the ABA rules governing legal education. Here are a few of the common experiential learning opportunities present at law schools:

Actual/Real Client Experiential Courses

The following types of experiential courses provide students with the opportunity to work on legal matters for actual/real clients. This work is conducted under the supervision of licensed attorneys.

Clinics

A law clinic is a type of experiential learning program in which law students provide legal services to clients under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Law clinics are typically operated by law schools “in-house” or in partnership with external legal service-providing institutions. They offer students the opportunity to gain practical experience in the law while providing valuable services to the community. Law clinics typically specialize in a specific area of law ranging from immigration to housing to civil rights to family to criminal to financial to veterans’ affairs. Clinics often provide legal assistance to underserved populations, such as low-income individuals or victims of domestic violence.

Clinics are credit-earning courses that are managed by a faculty member, who is also typically the supervising attorney. Through clinics students typically attend a class session as well as conduct legal work. Students may engage in a variety of legal activities, such as conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, representing clients in court, and negotiating with opposing parties. In some states, law students enrolled in clinics may need to apply for a special student license with the Board of Bar Examiners. In Illinois, this is called a “711 License”.

Field Placements

Field placement is an experiential opportunity where law students have the opportunity to earn credit while also participating in actual client legal work. Field placements may be very similar to clinics, however, they are often taught by an adjunct faculty member who is not a full-time member of the law school faculty and may only be offered during certain semesters. Field placements are typically partnerships with existing government or legal aid offices already providing legal services within the community. In addition to the legal work conducted by students under the supervision of a licensed attorney, there is also a course component that may include lectures or regular assignments. One of the most common types of field placement courses is an externship – read more on those below!

Externships

A legal externship is an experiential learning opportunity in which law students work with practicing attorneys or judges to gain practical experience in the legal profession. Legal externships are basically credit-earning “internships”. In a legal externship, students secure a position with an organization such as a government agency or nonprofit legal aid organization working under the supervision of a licensed attorney or judge.

During the externship, students may engage in legal research, draft legal documents, attend court proceedings, participate in client meetings, and do other legal activities. Externships are credit earning and are typically unpaid, although some may be paid depending on the externship program and specific placement.

Legal externships are available in a variety of legal practice areas, including civil rights, criminal defense, corporate law, environmental law, intellectual property law, and more. Participating in a legal externship can be a valuable experience for law students, as it enables them to gain practical skills, make professional connections, earn credit hours toward their degree, and gain insight into the legal profession. Externships are very popular activities for students during the summer between 1L and 2L year, and some students will also participate in externships during the academic year.

Simulated Learning

Simulated experiential courses provide students the opportunity to develop skills necessary to practice law by recreating real-life legal scenarios and procedures. These courses do not provide include actual client work.

Trial Advocacy

Trial courts are courts of first review for legal issues where issues of evidence and facts are determined.

For example, in a criminal trial for murder, a prosecutor will attempt to present sufficient evidence to support a guilty verdict, asking the jury to determine if there is enough evidence (facts) to prove the defendant committed the crime of murder as the law defines murder.

Trial advocacy courses in law school are designed to teach law students the practical skills necessary to be effective advocates in a trial setting including oral advocacy, courtroom strategy, motion practice, and evidence presentation.

In trial advocacy courses, students are taught to master the art of persuasion and to develop techniques for communicating complex legal concepts to juries in a compelling and understandable manner. The curriculum also includes instruction on the principles of evidence, the rules of courtroom procedure, and the strategies and tactics of trial advocacy.

Trial advocacy courses usually include simulated trials where students are required to present opening statements, conduct direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, introduce evidence, and present closing arguments. In addition to simulations, trial advocacy courses often involve lectures, workshops, and seminars.

Moot Court

Moot court is a curricular offering in law schools that simulates appellate court proceedings. Appellate courts consider cases in which a trial court has previously issued a judgment.

For example: If a defendant was convicted of murder by a trial court, defense attorneys may choose to appeal that verdict to an appellate court.

Appellate courts consider issues of law and therefore require different procedures. Moot court allows students the opportunity to enhance legal writing, advocacy skills, legal analysis, and oral argument abilities.

Moot court involves a hypothetical case that is typically based on real legal issues. Students are provided a packet of information that simulates a trial court record and judgment. Students will research legal issues presented in the “trial court packet” and then draft a “legal brief”. Students will work in teams and consider 2-4 legal issues which they will argue in their brief supported by existing case law. Once briefs are completed, students will prepare an oral argument to present to a panel of “judges” typically comprised of law professors, practicing attorneys, or judges who represent an appellate court. Oral arguments are typically timed as in real court proceedings, and students are expected to argue convincingly, persuasively, and professionally.

Moot court classes often include an internal law school competition, however, there are many moot court competitions hosted annually each year across the country. Students may compete in these external annual competitions for credit after advancing from the internal moot court competition or having been selected through tryouts. Some students may compete in such competitions as an extracurricular activity if their law school does not have a credit-earning team.

Moot court provides law students with a valuable opportunity to develop essential advocacy skills, such as legal writing, critical thinking, legal research, public speaking, and persuasion.

Additional Simulated Courses

Law schools offer simulated courses in many different aspects of legal practice. Some common types of additional simulated courses are listed below:

Negotiation Courses

Negotiation courses teach law students the skills and techniques necessary to effectively negotiate in legal settings through hypothetical scenarios. These courses also provide students with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of negotiation, emphasizing the importance of preparation, communication, and problem-solving through regular lectures.

Negotiation courses often emphasize the importance of communication skills in negotiation, including active listening, effective questioning, and persuasive speaking. Students learn to develop and deliver persuasive arguments, build rapport with their negotiating partners, and manage emotions and conflicts that may arise during negotiations.

Negotiation courses are important as these are essential skills and knowledge for any legal practice.

Client Counseling

Client counseling is a course offered in law school that focuses on developing skills in communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building with clients. The goal of the course is to help law students become more effective in working with clients in a variety of legal contexts, such as litigation, transactional law, or alternative dispute resolution.

In client counseling courses, students learn techniques for effective communication with clients, such as active listening, empathetic response, and effective questioning. They also learn strategies for problem-solving and decision-making with clients, such as identifying the client’s goals, assessing legal risks, and evaluating potential outcomes. Client counseling courses may also cover ethical considerations in working with clients, such as confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and informed consent.

Arbitration

Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in which parties agree to resolve their disputes outside of court through a neutral third party, called an arbitrator. Arbitration courses in law school focus on the principles and practices of arbitration, including the law and ethics surrounding arbitration, the process and procedures involved in arbitration, and the role of the arbitrator.

In arbitration courses, students learn the legal framework that governs arbitration, such as the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) and state arbitration laws. They also learn the ethical considerations involved in serving as an arbitrator, such as avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining impartiality, and ensuring procedural fairness.

Students are also taught the procedures involved in arbitration, including the selection of arbitrators, the submission of evidence, the presentation of arguments, and the issuance of awards. They may also learn about specialized types of arbitration, such as labor arbitration or international arbitration.

March Snapshot

March 1: NEW OPPORTUNITY! Legal Analyst at Schlichter Bogard & Denton in St. Louis, Missouri | For more information, click here.

March 1: Sign-up to work with the Division of General Studies this summer! | Deadline to apply is March 19. For more information, click here.

March 1: Sign-up for Princeton Review LiveOnline LSAT 165+ Guarantee* Courses | For more information, click here.

March 1: February LSAT scores released.

March 1: Washington & Lee Law General Information Session |11:00 am ONLINE. For more information and to attend, click here.

March 1: Creating a Powerful Cover Letter | 5:00 pm in Career Center suite 213. For more information, click here.

March 1: Recognition, Insight, and Openness (RIO) series | 6:00 pm in Mumford Hall. For more information, click here.

March 2: DEADLINE! Last day to register for the April LSAT! | For more information, click here.

March 2: DEADLINE! Last day to register for Northwestern Law’s 8th Annual Pathways to the Legal Profession Conference | March 4th 11:00 am – 2:15 pm ONLINE. For more information and to register, click here.

March 2: DEADLINE! Community Impact Scholarship |For more information, click here.

March 2: AccessLex Webinar — Choosing a Law School | 11:00 am ONLINE. For more information, click here.

March 2: Michael Strautmanis, ’94 Lecture on the Role of Government and the Law | 12:00 pm at Max L. Rowe Auditorium. For more information, click here.

March 3: Recognition, Insight, and Openness (RIO) series | 4:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.

March 6: Application Live for Yale Law School Launchpad Scholars Program! | For more information and to apply, click here. Registration closes June 4.

March 6: Selecting a Law School |12:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.

March 6: Speaking Center Workshop: Building Your Elevator Pitch | 3:30 pm in Main Library 106. For more information, click here.

March 7: Law in the Lone Star State Admissions Virtual Panel | 11:00 am ONLINE. For more information, click here.

March 7: Counseling Center EVERYbody Project Workshop | 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm. Location is given upon registration. For more information, click here.

March 7: Recognition, Insight, and Openness (RIO) series | 4:00 pm in Huff Hall. For more information, click here.

March 7: Finding an Internship | 5:00 pm in Career Center suite 213. For more information, click here.

March 7: Homecoming: Coping with Home Over Spring Break | 7:00 pm in Gies Success Lab in BIF Room 1041. For more information, click here.

March 7: University of Miami Law: LSAT Workshop for Prospective Students | 7:00 pm. For more information and to register, click here.

March 8: Washington & Lee Law Virtual Admissions Wednesdays | 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Take the opportunity to speak with an admission representative, a current student, or join a thematic group session every Wednesday. For more information, click here.

March 8: AccessLex Webinar — Applying to Law School | 2:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.

March 9: DEADLINE! Marsala Law Group Lifelong Hobby Scholarship | For more information, click here.

March 9: Apply to be an ISTAR Tour Guide this summer! | Applications close March 20th. For more information and to apply, click here.

March 9: Student Success Workshop: Self-Care Workshop | 4:00 pm HYBRID. For more information and to register, click here.

March 10: DEADLINE! Undergraduate Research Symposium |April 27. For more information and to apply, click here.

March 14: DEADLINE! The Devadoss Law Firm Civil Rights Scholarship | For more information, click here.

March 14: Pre-Law for Parents and Families | 12:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.

March 14: AccessLex Webinar — Paying for Law School | 5:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.

March 15: AccessLex Webinar — An Introduction to Personal Finance for First-Generation Students | 11:00 am ONLINE. To attend, click here.

March 15: Washington & Lee Law Career Q&A |11:00 am ONLINE. For more information and to attend, click here.

March 17: DEADLINE! Apply for the American Indian Law Center Summer Pre-Law Program! | For more information and to apply, click here.

March 17: DEADLINE! WID Scholar Program | For more information, click here.

March 19: DEADLINE! Apply to be a Peer Advisor with Division of General Studies! | For more information, click here.

March 20: DEADLINE! Last to apply to be an ISTAR Tour Guide! | For more information and to apply, click here.

March 20: DEADLINE! Samvid Scholarship | For more information, click here.

March 21: AccessLex Webinar — Applying to Law School: A Strategic Approach to Underrepresented Students | 7:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.

March 21: Speaking Center Workshop: Nonverbal Communication for Presentations | 3:30 pm in Main Library 106. For more information and to register, click here.

March 21: You Gotta Dig a Little Deeper: Cultivating Vulnerability | 7:00 pm ISR 94 A Seminar Room A. For more information, click here.

March 22: Pre-Law 101 Session One | 4:00 pm English Building (EB) Room 160. For more information, click here.

March 22: Recognition, Insight, and Openness (RIO) series | 4:00 pm in Business Instructional Facility. For more information, click here.

March 22: Career Fair Preparation | 5:00 pm in Career Center suite 213. For more information, click here.

March 23: DEADLINE! Future Lawyers Scholarship | For more information, click here.

March 23: Acing Your Interview | 5:00 pm in Career Center suite 213. For more information, click here.

March 23: Student Success Workshop: Using and Creating a LinkedIn Profile | 6:00 pm on Zoom. For more information and to register, click here.

March 24: National Bar Association Corporate Law Section: Gateway to Success Scholarship | For more information, click here.

March 27: Sign up for CLEO’s ASAP (Achieving Success in the Application Process) | Applications are now open! Select from multiple dates. For more information and to apply, click here.

March 27: Freshman & Sophomores Scholarships Recruitment Information Session | 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.

March 27: Recognition, Insight, and Openness (RIO) series | 6:00 pm on Zoom. For more information, click here.

March 28: DEADLINE! Goostree Law Group Bright Futures Scholarship | For more information, click here.

March 28: Freshman & Sophomores Scholarships Recruitment Information Session | 11:00 am – 11:30 am and 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.

March 28: The Best of Both Worlds: Achieving Work Life Balance | 7:00 pm in 1090 Lincoln Hall. For more information, click here.

March 29: Freshman & Sophomores Scholarships Recruitment Information Session | 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.

March 29: Pre-Law 101 Session Two | 4:00 pm English Building (EB) Room 160. For more information, click here.

March 29: Recognition, Insight, and Openness (RIO) series | 4:00 pm in Business Instructional Facility. For more information, click here.

March 30: Philosophy Department Law School Panel Event | 6:00 pm in Gregory Hall 311.

March 31: Apply for “Explore Law” with Penn State Law! | June 12-15 on Zoom. Registration closes April 30. For more information and to apply, click here.

March 31: DEADLINE! Markowski-Leach Scholarship | For more information, click here.

March 31: DEADLINE! Women in Leadership Scholarship | For more information, click here.

March 31: DEADLINE! Redick Memorial Scholarship | For more information, click here.

March 31: Freshman & Sophomores Scholarships Recruitment Information Session | 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm ONLINE. For more information, click here.