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This lesson explores one of the fundamental lawyering skills, which is to think like a lawyer, or analyze. Students will go through basic analysis exercises, so they can master this technique prior to writing exams.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the lesson, the student will be able to:
1. Explain the concept of "thinking like a lawyer."
2. Apply analytical skills to their reading, briefing, and eventually essay writing.

Lesson Completion Time
30-45 minutes

Author(s)

  • Melissa A. Hale

    Melissa is the Director of Academic Success and Bar Programs at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She received her B.S from Central Michigan University, and her J.D from New England School of Law. She focuses her research on teaching methods, including such presentations as: Tracking for the MBE: How to Help Students Identify Problem Areas and Improve (May 2016), The Middle Child Problem: How to Engage 2nd Year Students with Active Learning (May 2019), and Putting First Gen First: Supporting First Generation Law Students through Academic Success (October 2019). She has also published bar essay writing books for California, New York and Massachusetts.

    Prior to coming to Loyola University Chicago she worked in both Boston and Washington, DC. Prior to teaching, she practiced corporate and contract law.

    Director of Academic Success and Bar Programs
    Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Lesson ID
LSS04
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