Orange Edge
Newly admitted law students often experience a mixture of excitement, curiosity, and trepidation about what the first year of law school will entail. That’s why we created the Orange Edge program, specifically designed to help select students get a head-start on developing academic skills and lasting relationships at Syracuse Law.
As part of the Orange Edge curriculum, you will be exposed to first-year core subjects, legal research and writing, and law school study skills. You’ll also get to interact with other incoming students and form a support system at the College of Law early on. Participating in this program will not only introduce you to the law school experience, but also help:
- Establish a foundation for your legal reasoning and analysis skills.
- Improve your competency in written analysis.
- Introduce critical study skills and strategies.
- Expose you to the Socratic method.
- Give you a head start in networking with your professors, peers and the Syracuse Law community.
Orange Edge is only available to select incoming students based on need and interest.
Podcast Series on Academic Success
Check out our eight episode podcast series to prepare yourself for your legal education at Syracuse Law. Topics include:
- Becoming an Expert Learner
- Understanding the Transition from Undergrad to Law School
- Understanding the Law School Syllabus
- Using Study Groups Effectively
- Time Management and Self Care in Law School
- Understanding Law School Outcomes
- Understanding Law School Hypotheticals
- Understanding Exams
Self-Study Resources
Familiarize yourself with fundamental legal concepts, terminology, and foundational principles before you start formal classes. This early exposure can make the initial learning curve in law school less steep and prepare you for your legal education ahead.
Law School Basics
- Law School Dictionary
- Syracuse University College of Law Dictionary
- Suggested Reading Before Law School
- Managing Your Time in Law School
- Tips to Maintain Your Mental Health in Law School
Preparing for Class
Outlining (and Alternatives)
Answering a Hypothetical on a Law School Exam
- IRAC
- IRAC with a Case Illustration (IRCAC)
- RARARA
- General Tips for Success on Exam Writing
- How to “Issue Spot”
- Conclusory Statements and How to Avoid Them
- How to Effectively Use Cases on Exams
- Using Counter Arguments in IRAC
- How to Self-Evaluate Your Own Hypotheticals