1Ls everywhere: it's the middle of the semester. Everyone is talking about OUTLINING. If you're confused (why are people using a noun as a verb?) and intimidated (my classmates *all* have lawyer parents!) pls read on...

1) Outlining (the process of creating an outline) is one way of organizing course material in preparation for a final exam. It is indeed a process. Think of your 1L course as a forest; the cases you read are trees in that forest; and your outline is a forest map.

2) B/c the goal is to create a map, it's best to organize the material by content/rules/principles and then think of the cases as examples of those rules in action. Use your syllabus and/or TOC of casebook for structure.

3) Your first attempt at creating your map will likely entail synthesizing your case briefs/other prep work with your class notes. This document will be big and not very useful. And then you'll make an outline of your outline! And you'll keep doing that. Soon, a map will emerge.

4) It's helpful (IMO) to review your outline/map with others in your class, but do not divide and conquer. It's the *process* of creating the outline that helps deepen your understanding of content. There are no shortcuts. But you can 2x check content/understanding.

Finally, not all students and not all courses are a good fit for outlines! Some will feel better with visuals like a flow chart and/or flash cards. Know and trust your learning style.