Roaming the halls during the first week of law school, you will inevitably hear the question: “What does it take to graduate with a First?” This question is on everyone’s minds, yet professors often offer little guidance. They might tell you to “read before your seminars” or “start revising for exams early”. But let us be honest, that is just basic advice on being a good student, not how to be a first class student.

When I ended my first year with a 2:2, aiming for a First was not even on my radar. I had never been so close to failing, and I had to find a way to improve my grades. I ended up graduating with a First in Law from the London School of Economics (LSE). Here are the 5 key changes I made to transform my academic performance — and how you can do it too.

 

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Table of contents:

1. Choose your modules wisely
2. Be strategic with your reading list
3. Add your own commentary when note-taking
4. Learn how to write an essay properly
5. Use time management principles to your advantage

 

In my first year, I put in the hours, pulling late nights in the library and downing too many cups of coffee. Yet, I still ended up with a 2:2. To make the significant improvement I needed, I realized that simply spending more hours studying was not the answer. I had been focusing my time and energy on the wrong things.

As I share the changes that took me from a 2:2 to a First, I want to highlight the key principle that underlies it all: study smart by maximizing your efforts on high-yield activities. In other words, you need to learn to “play the game”. Getting a First is not about mastering every single legal principle or dissecting every sentence of legalese in your textbooks. Instead, it is about focusing on what truly matters. If your ultimate goal is to get a First in law school, keep reading and learn to play the game.

 

1. Choose your modules wisely

Choosing your modules is a bigger decision than you might think. This decision influences how likely, or at least how easy, it will be for you to get a First. Some modules are inherently more challenging, have different assessment methods, or may align better with your strengths and interests.

Many students select modules they believe will look impressive on their CVs. Let us look at the most common situation: a training contract application to a top-tier commercial law firm. Contrary to popular belief, choosing a company law module solely to demonstrate your interest in commercial law is not necessarily the best strategy. These top law firms prioritize your overall performance for the year over specific module choices. If you choose a difficult module that lowers your average, it could close doors rather than open them. Plus, studying “commercial” modules is not the only way to show your interest in commercial law. Therefore, you should focus on creating a strong overall package. Aiming for a First can go hand in hand with landing a training contract.

In order to get a First, you need to understand which modules will help you achieve this goal. Every university has its “easy” modules and its “hard” modules. To figure this out:

• Ask upper-year students: The simplest way to discern the difficulty level of each module is to ask students in their penultimate or final year. They can share their experience with you and provide valuable insights.
  
  
• Read the syllabus: The syllabus and reading list may give you a hint as to whether the module is the appropriate choice. For example, one module I wanted to take required an understanding of EU law. While it was open to both second- and third-year students, I chose to wait until my third year to take it, after completing EU Law in my second year. This foundational knowledge made the module easier to manage.
  
  If the syllabus is not available to you, try reading the module information, downloading the syllabus before your current academic year ends, or even emailing the course convenor for the year’s reading list.
  
  
• Audit a few classes: If you are still deciding between two modules at the start of the academic year, you can attend a few classes of both modules and follow up with the readings. This should help you determine which course content you find more engaging and digestible. At the end of the day, there is merit in going with your gut and choosing the module you gravitate towards. While switching modules after the first few weeks might not be ideal, it is worth it for the benefit of making an informed decision.
  
  
• Pay attention to the assessment method: In the first year, many law schools have compulsory modules, so you will not have much choice. Use this time to understand which types of assessments (exams vs. essays) you perform better in. Do you excel under the pressure of timed exams or in crafting well-researched essays?
  
  Other factors might also come into play. For instance, there was a module I wanted to take in my second year, but the course had just changed its assessment method from a timed exam to a portfolio of essays. Since it was unclear how the marking would work for the portfolio pieces, I decided to wait until the following year to take it. This allowed me to gather feedback from the first set of students who took it under the new assessment criteria, giving me a better idea of what to expect.
  
  
• Consider non-law electives: If your law degree program offers non-law electives, they can be a smart way to boost your average. Grading for law modules is notoriously strict, with a 70 being a huge feat. In contrast, other departments may award 80s or 90s as average Firsts. This does not mean you should choose random modules just for an “easy A”, but if there is a different discipline that interests you, it could be a beneficial addition to your course load. Keep in mind that not all non-law electives are easy, so you will need to do your research.

So, which electives should you choose? If you are debating between two, opt for the easier one. Determine this by speaking with upper-year students, doing research on the module, and perhaps even auditing a few classes.

 

2. Be strategic with your reading list

When you receive a seemingly endless reading list at the start of term, your initial instinct might be to read everything. However, this is not only unrealistic but also counterproductive to your goal of achieving a First. Contrary to the stereotypical image of law students being glued to their textbooks, a first-class student knows not to spend every second reading. It is important to read strategically and efficiently, so that you can dedicate more time to “high-yield” (arguably more important) skills, such as your analytical and writing abilities.

To read strategically, the first thing to understand is that not all readings are created equal. Your reading list serves different purposes:

• General understanding: These readings provide you with a broad overview of the law. They point to the legal concepts that your professors want you to grasp. Textbook chapters are a common example.
  
  
• High-yield content: These readings are the ones that delve into contentious legal issues and are often critical for exams. For example, reading different articles on the same issue can help you understand the nuances of a legal debate and even encourage you to develop your own perspective. This critical thinking is what differentiates a first-class student.
  
  

Before you start any reading, ask yourself what information you want to seek out. Are you confused about a topic and need to review the current state of the law? Or do you already have a grasp of the basics and want to delve deeper into complex issues? Being clear about your objectives will help you prioritize effectively.

Another, more obvious, distinction is between essential readings and further readings. Professors usually label a reading as either “essential” or “further” on the reading list, but do not let these labels trick you. Keep in mind:

• Not all essential readings are essential. Most of the time, textbook chapters are essential readings. However, if you already have a solid understanding of the black letter law from your lectures, do not spend hours ensuring your notes cover every single page of the textbook. You might end up with a set of pretty notes, but that does not move you closer to a First. Identify which portions of the textbook are relevant to your syllabus.
  
  This applies to all readings, not just textbook chapters. It is not about reading every page but identifying and focusing on the ones that matter.
  
  

• Not all further readings are not essential. Given the number of readings you have to tackle every week, it might be tempting to put further readings at the bottom of your to-do list. However, some of them are more important than they seem and can help you get a First.
  
  For instance, if the issue of strict liability in your Torts class has been a recurring theme in past exams, dig deeper. An essential reading might provide one academic’s perspective on the issue. Look for a further reading that offers counterpoints. This approach helps you develop well-rounded arguments and a deeper understanding of the issue, which is an example of high-yield content.

Being strategic with your reading list is a skill that, like many others, requires practice and is one that you will develop over time. The above pointers should point you in the right direction to get started.

 

3. Add your own commentary when note-taking

What differentiates a First from a 2:1 is critical analysis and independent thinking. What does this mean? You might have heard that this requires “original” ideas, but that is not entirely true. It is unrealistic to expect law students to come up with groundbreaking concepts that seasoned academics have not already considered — trust me, your professors are aware of this. You do not need to reinvent the wheel.

Independent thinking can involve critiquing and expanding on existing ideas. This includes:

• Critiquing your readings: Analyze whether you agree or disagree with the arguments presented.
  
  

• Choosing your side: Decide where you stand in a debate and back it up with reasons.
  
  

• Expanding on arguments: Build on an academic’s argument or identify any limitations.
  
  

You should build a habit of actively engaging with the material. The easiest way to get started is to incorporate your thoughts and opinions into your notes as you read. Here is how you can do it effectively:

• Be critical: As you are reading, ask yourself: Do I agree with this argument? Why or why not? Are there any limitations? How does this author’s viewpoint link to other arguments I have encountered?
  
  
• Highlight key points: Note down the main arguments and your reaction to them. This will help you recall critical perspectives when writing essays or during exams.
  
  
• Draw connections: Link the current reading to previous readings or lectures. This not only helps in understanding the broader context but also in showcasing a comprehensive grasp of the subject.
  
  

When I started adding commentary to my notes, my notes became a much richer resource when it came time to write essays or prepare for exams. I saved time because the different arguments and legal debates were easier to recall, and I did not have to redo my readings to come up with fancy arguments. It became easier to draw on my notes to construct well-argued essays. Building this habit encouraged me to develop the independent thinking skills that sets top students apart.

 

4. Learn how to write an essay properly

Your ability to write an essay is the foundation of any law school assessment, whether coursework or an exam. If you excelled in essay-based subjects at school, you might think that your essay-writing abilities will easily translate in law school. However, mastering law school essays is an art of its own. It is not just about getting the OSCOLA citations right, even your phrasing and structure matters. I learned this the hard way. You can spend hours on readings, but your effort only pays off if you can turn your comprehension into a first-class essay.

To improve your essay writing, my best suggestion is to create a feedback loop. Here is how:

1. Do formatives: Participate in mock assessments and formative essays, even if they are not officially graded.
   
   
2. Get feedback: Seek detailed feedback from your professors.
   
   
3. Book and attend office hours: Discuss your feedback during office hours to gain deeper insights.
   
   
4. Apply feedback and repeat: Implement the feedback in your next essay. Even if you get a good grade, read the feedback thoroughly understand what worked well and what did not. You want to replicate the good parts and avoid the bad parts.

Skipping formatives is more common than you think. I skipped many in my first year, thinking my time was better spent catching up on readings. The following year, I committed to completing these assessments. Not only did I finish my readings faster, but I was also able to test my understanding of core concepts and interpretations of legal issues to ensure that my “independent thinking” skills were on track.

Taking advantage of formative assessments and office hours is about leveraging the resources around you. After my first year, I reached out to upper-year students for advice and reviewed their essays. This practice helped me understand what differentiates a first-class essay from a 2:1. It is something I would recommend every law student do. If you want to save time, I have analyzed countless essays and distilled the key points of first-class essay writing here.

 

5. Use time management principles to your advantage

Many people assume that achieving a First in law school requires marathon study sessions and sacrificing all other aspects of life. However, that is far from the truth. In fact, many first-class students successfully juggle multiple commitments, enjoy an active social life, and still excel academically.

When I entered my second year, I was tired of my unproductive study sessions that had taken over my life in first year. Spending hours in the library was not getting me the results I wanted, so I did a one-eighty. I made it a point to join multiple societies, commit to a new sport, and spend time with friends. How did I still have time for my studies? I learned how to use time management principles to my advantage.

First, let us look at Parkinson’s Law. This law states that “work expands to fill the time allotted for its completion.” If you give yourself an entire day to finish your readings, it will likely take the whole day, often due to procrastination and lack of urgency. This happened to me all too many times. More often than not, I did not even finish the readings because there was no sense of urgency. However, when I added other activities to my schedule, I was forced to read more efficiently. I learned to quickly identify relevant in formation within dense journal articles and to cut out the irrelevant sections of the textbook. This is a good way to learn how to focus on what matters, namely the high-yielding tasks.

Second, the Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule, states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. In a study context, this means that concentrating on high-yielding tasks will produce the most significant results. High-yielding tasks include critically analyzing key readings, writing formative essays, or practicing past exam questions. Once I recognized the value of these high-yielding tasks, I stopped trying to do it all. Instead, I focused on the critical 20%. I did less of everything else, so that I had more time for these tasks. I had time to complete the readings that truly mattered, think critically about the material, and practice my essay writing skills. This strategic approach not only improved my grades but also left me better prepared for revision and exam periods.

If you ever want to chat, please feel free to reach out here. Good luck!