Ace Your Case: Mastering the In-Person Law Examination 

Ah, in-person law examinations – the stuff of late-night study sessions, colour-coded flashcards, and a caffeine-fuelled frenzy. For many law students, these assessments can feel like a daunting mountain to climb. Coursework and online assessments are often viewed as the more manageable route but let’s face it: in-person examinations are often unavoidable. While they may seem rather intimidating, they offer an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your legal knowledge and analytical skills under pressure.

As someone who actually preferred in-person examinations (yes, I know I’m a bit of an anomaly), I have come to appreciate the structure and focus they demand. My goal here is to not just help you survive but thrive during this intense period. Whether you are a seasoned law student or facing your first exam season, these are five practical tips to amplify your preparation process and ease that tension. Let’s dive in!

I. Understand the Examination Format Like It’s Your Case Brief

Before you even crack open a textbook, get crystal clear on what the examination entails. Is it open book or closed book? Will you be writing essays, answering problem questions, providing client advice, or a combination of these? Understanding the format allows you to tailor your preparation accordingly. To better contextualise:

• If the exam is essay-dominated, refine your ability to craft concise yet persuasive arguments.
• If it’s a problem question-centred exam, focus on practising IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) structures.
• Lastly, if the exam is client advice-based, expand IRAC structures by including further analyses of fictional client’s situation as this exam format often tends to test your understanding of regulatory requirements.

II. Create a Realistic Study Plan

A realistic study plan is your best friend during examination preparation. It is crucial that your study plan be effective but ultimately realistic. While it might seem ideal to exhaustively cover every topic in your syllabus, this may not be feasible given time constraints and other academic and personal commitments. Instead, consider the following approach:

• Prioritise strategically by breaking down your syllabus into manageable portions. For example, allocating your study time accordingly by dividing topics based on your strength areas and areas needing improvement.  
• Utilise areas of concentration provided by professors as a guide and avoid superficial coverage that leads to inadequate knowledge across topics.

Remember, the goal is to improve your memorisation by developing a solid understanding of core concepts and the ability to apply them. This focused approach to creating a study plan will serve you better in an in-person examination setting where critical thinking, retention of information, and application of knowledge are required.

III. Master Your Material: Condense, Simplify, and Make It Memorable

One of the biggest challenges law students face is remembering case law–especially for closed-book examinations. With so many cases to recall, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. While creating concise outlines with key principles is essential, you can take it a step further by using creative memory techniques to make the information stick.

Associating cases with funny references can transform dry legal principles into something memorable and even enjoyable. This method works because our brains are wired to retain narratives better than abstract facts. Using a popular contract law case, Lampleigh v Braithwait (1615) HOB 105, let me illustrate how this might work:

• Case Summary: Braithwait was accused of killing another man and asked Lampleigh to secure him a King’s pardon. Lampleigh did this at considerable expense to himself and Braithwait subsequently promised to pay him £100 but never did. As Lampleigh’s efforts were in the past, ordinarily his action should have failed (past consideration is no consideration). However, because Lampleigh’s efforts were made at the request of Braithwait and said request contained an implied promise of reimbursement, the past consideration was enforceable.
• Principle: Past consideration is enforceable if the claimant’s services had been rendered at the defendant’s request, and it was implicit that both parties must have understood that the claimant’s services would have to be paid for.
•  Reference used: “One of Us” Lion King Song (Deception, Disgrace…)
• Why it works: The words deception and disgrace can be used to describe Braithwait’s act of killing a man and the potential consequences Braithwait was likely to face without the King’s pardon secured through Lampleigh’s efforts.

This memory technique effectively creates a vivid, emotional connection to the case facts. It does not visualise the entirety of the case facts and its principle as this technique is only intended to complement thorough legal studies and not replace it. By creating similar references for other cases, you’ll find that recalling them during exams becomes much easier—even under pressure!

IV. Practice Like You Are Already in the Examination Room

Knowing the material is only half the battle because how you approach and execute the examination, matters just as much. The best way to prepare for an in-person examination is by simulating it as closely as possible.

Simulation techniques such as practicing sample questions using actual examination time constraints can help in improving your critical thinking under pressure, sharpening your time management skills, and building your confidence through repeated exposure. The more practice you do, the less intimidating the examination will be.

V. Take Care of Yourself Leading Up to Examination Day

It is easy to fall into the trap of overworking yourself during exam season, but neglecting self-care can backfire spectacularly, thereby rendering these tips futile. Prioritise these habits:

• Sleep: Aim for at least 7-8 hours per night so your brain can retain what you’ve studied.
• Nutrition: Instead of relying solely on caffeine, fuel yourself with brain-friendly foods like fruits and veggies.
• Exercise: Even a short walk can help boost focus and reduce stress.
• Mindfulness: Practice deep breathing or meditation if anxiety creeps in. Trust me, it really does help keep the nerves at bay.

On the examination day, eat a light breakfast (nothing too heavy), arrive early, and bring all necessary materials (pens, ID cards, etc).

FINAL THOUGHTS: THE POWER OF SELF-BELIEF

In-person law examinations do not have to be an insurmountable challenge. They can actually be an opportunity to shine if approached with the right mindset and preparation strategy. These five tips can and will help you with the preparation strategy side of things, but the right mindset is ultimately up to you.

After all, it is your responsibility to believe in yourself. Yes, it’s a responsibility. With the addition of self-belief to this equation, you can now confidently walk into that examination hall and tackle whatever comes your way.

Article written by Fareeda Bakare, a Law graduate from The University of Sheffield and 2024 Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) Prize-winner for Best Performer in Law of Public Companies.