Remembering legal knowledge by end of law degree?

Question

Hi. I am a law student in my first year of tertiary level study and was wondering how all this knowledge fits in together at the very end after the finishing of the degree. I have spoken to some friends of mine and they're also wondering how one is supposed to remember, by the end of their degree, the stuff they learnt in first year. 

Generally I forget things after the assessment on a particular subject is done. Like tort law and contract law is going to fade out of me in my next holiday break. I know lawyers are meant to continue updating their knowledge, but it seems like there will be so much areas of law they'd need to keep updating on. 

Any insight into this would help. Thanks.

Yellow Alarm Clock · Accepted Answer

Law school isn't really about memorisation.  If you start working as a lawyer and you get a contract matter, it's perfectly fine if you need to look things up and refresh your memory on the legal issues.  
The important thing is that, by the end of your degree, you should have the ability to find, understand and apply the law quickly and accurately.  So the most important thing is to build up your skills in the processes of legal research and legal problem solving.
Also, memory isn't really an 'all or nothing' sort of concept.  Let's say you forget, for example, the details of the circumstances in which a contract can be enforceable without consideration.  But you'll probably still remember that consideration is normally required, and that there are some exceptions.  So when it comes up in practice, you'll be able to spot the issue and you'll know what you need to look up.  That's the important bit.

Anonymous · Answer

Lawyers often specialize in a particular field. It is perfectly normal for you to forget a lot of the stuff you learned, if you never use it. I wouldn't trust the average criminal defense lawyer to represent me in immigration court, and most probably wouldn't want to represent me if I asked.

Basically, you are expected to have more broad knowledge while studying than you will need in practice. Try to study the old topics once in a while to refresh your memory.

. · Answer

You'll remember more than you think you will.

But now there are things called books, and the internet. They both allow you to look things up that you might have forgotten:)

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Remembering legal knowledge by end of law degree?

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