Here at the Law School Toolbox, we’re strong proponents of handwriting your law school notes. Sticking to pen and paper when you have the option to use a laptop might seem old-fashioned, but going old-school with your note-taking has a host of benefits, including increased retention and comprehension. Though taking notes on a laptop might seem more efficient, it has its costs in higher potential for distraction and lower comprehension.
If you’re used to typing your notes, handwriting might feel strange at first. But I urge you give it a try. I was inspired to handwrite all my notes first semester, and I discovered that I really liked it, despite the overwhelming majority of my peers using laptops. If you decide to give it a go, use these tips to help you reap the benefits of handwritten notes while keeping your records organized, efficient, and legible.
Tip #1: Don’t try to write everything down!A common misconception about handwriting is that it puts you at a disadvantage compared to typing because you can’t keep up with what the professor says. But this slower speed is actually one of handwriting’s many benefits. Rather than mindlessly transcribing, handwriting forces you to synthesize during class, sifting through the information and determining what is important. This actually saves time in the long run – while those with typed notes will be sorting through hundreds of pages come outlining and final exams, trying to figure out what is and isn’t relevant, you’ll be ahead of the game with your more streamlined notes. So instead of trying to write down everything, think about the bigger picture of what you’re learning that day. If you’re unsure what you should be writing down, check out this article on things to include in law school class notes.
Tip #2: Use colors and highlighters to make your notes legibleAnother potential pitfall of handwritten notes is that they easily turn into an illegible sea of scribbling. Remember that this is going to be your main source material when it comes to outlining and preparing for final exams, so they should be visually easy to follow. Be sure to organize your notes as you write, using headers and bullet points. Also consider using ink color and highlighters to make your notes more visually comprehensible. For example, you could use blue pen for reading notes or case briefs and black pen for in-class notes, so when you’re looking back, you can easily see what’s what. Another tip is to highlight case names so you can easily find what was discussed about each case. If you’re like me and own a rainbow of highlighters, trying choosing a different color highlighter for each larger unit so you can see where one topic ends and another begins.
Tip #3: Find pens you like, ideally ballpointIf you commit to handwriting all your law school notes, you’re going to be writing a lot. I must have gone through at least half a dozen pens my first semester. While you don’t need expensive pens, a super basic one probably won’t cut it here – you’ll at least want some kind of grip so the pen won’t hurt your fingers, and something that writes smoothly. I would also recommend ballpoint rather than gel, as gel will bleed through notebook paper and prevent you from using both sides of the page. Finally, remember to keep backup pens in your backpack, as the ink can run out faster than you expect!
Tip #4: Draw diagrams and picturesOne advantage handwriting definitely has over typing is the ability to easily draw diagrams and pictures. I found it useful to be able to diagram in-class hypos with a bunch of claims by and against various parties during civil procedure, or a UCC 2-207 flow-chart in contracts. Including diagrams and pictures in your notes is also a great way to visually break up a bunch of writing. They also provide a different way of comprehending the material, which can be especially helpful if you’re a visual learner.
Tip #5: Don’t be afraid to doodle!My final tip is to embrace doodling. I’ve always been a doodler, and it’s something I missed doing when I typed my notes. Science says it can actually improve recall and relieve stress. Also, it’s a better brain break for when you’re bored in class than surfing the internet, which is a strong temptation when you’re on a laptop. You can even try drawing little pictures related to each case to help jog your memory later!
I hope reading these tips for handwriting your law school notes has emboldened you to give pen-and-paper a go. You’ll never know if you don’t try!
Want to learn more about note-taking in law school? Check these out:
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