Letters to a Law Student

Nicholas J. McBride is a Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge; he was formerly a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford.  He is (with Roderick Bagshaw) the author of Tort Law, now in its fifth edition.

'An excellent reference for aspiring and current law students alike.' Dr Alexander Williams, Durham University 'The ideal book for students to read as soon as they arrive at university, if not before. The key points are well illustrated and the chapters are short and punchy. Tough truths, top tips and surprising advice that may turn your teachers' advice on its head.' Caroline Strevens, Head of the School of Law, University of Portsmouth

• Preface Letter 1 What is Law? Letter 2 Four reasons for studying law Letter 3 The astonishing hypothesis Letter 4 But is law the right subject for me? Top 10 Myths about studying law   Letter 5 Choosing a university Letter 6 The LNAT and other law tests Letter 7 Tips for interview Letter 8 How (and how not) to argue Top 10 Fallacies and stupidities   Letter 9 General tips on studying law Letter 10 Some hard truths Letter 11 Avoiding problems Letter 12 Coping with stress Top 10 Films about law   Letter 13 Making the most of your time Letter 14 Using a textbook Letter 15 Reading cases Letter 16 A short history of law reporting Top 10 Figures in English legal history   Letter 17 Making sense of statutes Letter 18 How to get through an article Letter 19 Using the internet Letter 20 Getting the most out of where you are Top 10 Controversies in English law   Letter 21 Your fellow students Letter 22 On free speech Letter 23 How to write an essay Letter 24 Writing a dissertation Top 10 Metaphors, allusions and phrases   Letter 25 How to write a problem answer Letter 26 Tips on revising Letter 27 Last advice before the exams Letter 28 Moving on Top 10 Final words of advice Appendix A A mini-dictionary of English Law Appendix B Century Insurance v Northern Ireland RoadTransport Board [1942] A.C. 509