1000 Days to the Bar But the Practice of Law Begins Now, 2nd Edition 2nd Edition

Use for intro to law school.

Professor Tonsing has improved a great law school resource with his second edition of this title.I was first exposed to the ideas of Professor Tonsing as a 'second-career' law student when I read his book as it first came out. I was able to apply his ideas to my own law school experience and found it to be a common-sense approach to the study of law. I felt that the use of his system was a major factor in my passing the bar exam on the first try without the use of expensive 'cram' classes. I also found that the skills I had developed in law school in this way had prepared me for work in a law firm.The strength of Professor Tonsing's book lies with how he ties what you need to do in law school to the development of skills needed for the practice of law. Unlike other books on the same subject, Professor Tonsing's book stands out in this respect. An added benefit is his method of time analysis to show the skeptical student that you do in fact have enough time to make the best use of law school.The second edition is a refinement of the ideas presented in the first edition yet keeps the same conversational tone that makes it a joy to read. The rationale for his approach is clear and convincing. After reading his book, you have a hard time logically justifying another approach.As a legal educator myself, I have been able to use Professor Tonsing's approach in my own classes for foreign lawyers; the result is a more result-oriented approach to legal education that makes better lawyers, not just better law students.Larry White, J.D.LecturerTOBB ETU School of LawAnkara, Turkey

I was lucky enough to have Professor Tonsing teach my Orientation course when I began law school, and this book was part of the curriculum. Anyone beginning law school is likely a bit terrified and anxious, but this book gives you concrete strategies for approaching the tasks required of you as well as sound advice that translates into the practice of law. The text is approachable and filled with real-world examples that are entertaining and instructive. You can feel the author's passion for the law and finely attuned moral compass as you read, and both those things were so important for me to perceive before beginning a legal education. I highly recommend this book to anyone entering law school as it allayed some of my anxiety and made the start of classes much less stressful.

I have already taken upon myself a new perspective on how to approach my upcoming law school studies. Immediately, Tonsing lays out for the reader the idea that law school in fact is not “school” at all. Instead, the first day of law school, he contends, is the first day of the rest of your career. I haven’t thought of this perspective before and since starting this book, I now believe I will be approaching the next three years of my life as practice as opposed to study. With this mindset, Tonsing contends that an emphasis on learning as opposed to grades will become the greater focus. Good grades, then, will become a positive outcome.You will not go wrong with this book.

Great book for anyone preparing to go to law school. Great advice and strategies.

Good product. Highly recommended by law professors and my law school. I had to get it and happy with the condition of the book.

Bought it for an ex-coworker. Quite pleased.

Review by Nancy Waggner1000 Days to the Bar: But the Practice of Law Begins Now!Dennis J. TonsingAs the Pre-Law Advisor at a prestigious liberal arts university, I recommend Dennis Tonsing's 1000 Days to the Bar: But the Practice of Law Begins Now! to the students and alumni with whom I work. Candidly, I wish I had had the good fortune to read it before I went to law school. Unlike other books that purport to give law students a leg up on the competition, 1000 Days to the Bar provides strategies that lay the foundation for success during and far beyond law school and leads students to take control of, and responsibility for, their own legal training.In the spirit of full disclosure, I worked with Dennis at Roger Williams School of Law for a number of years and observed first hand the environment for transformation he creates for students. His broad understanding of law student development and legal education, coupled with his extensive experience in practicing law himself, make him a true expert in supporting the efforts of those wishing to engage in the practice of law - starting from the first days of legal education. Dennis is engaging. He is humorous, erudite and cares deeply about students and the legal profession. He is also empowering. He demonstrates strategies, provides structure to what is for many an unwieldy endeavor, and guides students clear of the shoals of shortcuts.Very few law students intuitively "get" the big picture of what law school is. I know that I did not, until preparing for the bar exam. Dennis' book lays out a logical, non-threatening road map for students to take, one step at a time, to help shift attitudes -- from passive learning in which faculty provide information and students absorb - to active learners, responsible for teaching themselves. As Dennis says, "..."teaching" as you know it...is not borne by the law professor. That is now your job. School is over. The years of being taught have concluded. Lawyers self-educate. Welcome to the practice."Much like preparing for trial, 1000 Days to the Bar breaks down the study of law into basic elements (Reading & Briefing Cases; Actively Attending Class; Transforming Notes; Preparing Course Summaries; Preparing Flow Charts; Internalizing Material and Practicing Exam Writing). Dennis then breaks those elements into smaller pieces, providing rationale for why each is necessary. Of perhaps equal importance is the step-by-step guides to approaching exams and managing time.The book is written in a professional yet approachable style. Having it at hand has made me a better Pre-Law Advisor, guiding would-be applicants into a clearer understanding of what lays before them should they choose to enter the rewarding, yet demanding practice of law. I share the age-old adage to those facing the daunting task of applying to law school: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Dennis Tonsing has done a superb job of breaking down the preparation for becoming a successful law student and lawyers, one bite at a time. I highly recommend it.