Legal Reasoning

I.R.A.C.

• What is the Issue to be solved
• What is the Rule (law) to which the issue must be applied
• How do I apply the issue to the law (Analysis)
• What Conclusion properly flows from that analysis

Socratic Method

The law school method of learning

• Will my analysis withstand scrutiny?
• Will I prove capable of explaining WHY my argument is correct
• Can I measure up to the cross-examination of a trial lawyer

Brief the material

As you will on every law school case assigned

• Am I able to break an argument down into its essential parts?
• Do I understand what role each and every sentence plays in an argument?
• Will I have the discipline required to thoroughly brief this material?

Issue Spotting

The ability to identify the seminal point of an argument

• Am I able to identify the conclusion of an argument?
• Am I able to distinguish relevant from irrelevant information?

Study Groups

Learn how to use them effectively

• Can I reason effectively with my peers in a small group?
• Do I have what it takes to put in additional time and effort?

Attorney-Mentors

A step beyond

• Some guidance in a new, complex world, would be good!
• I'd like to have an experienced go-to person on my side

Statutory Construction

All legal writing begins with definitions

• Will I have mastery of the words repeatedly used on the LSAT?
• Do I really know what definition is assigned to the word "assumption", or "inference", or "conclusion", or "argument" by the test maker?
• How much trouble am I in if the definition I use for these words is different from the definition being used by the test maker?

Trial Prep

Prepare for the LSAT the way a litigator prepares for trial

• Do I have the willingness, capacity, and stamina to prepare for this exam?
• Am I able to reason systematically?
• Do I have what it takes to "own" this process?