Cracking the Case Method, Legal Analysis for Law School Success

Paul Bergman, University of California-L.A. School of Law

Patrick Goodman, University of California-L.A. School of Law

Thomas Holm, University of California-L.A. School of Law

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Table of Contents

This 4th edition is updated and revised, and introduces readers to a limited role that AI technology may play in helping them to develop their legal analytical skills.

Learn more about this series.

Praise for Cracking the Case Method:

“Cracking the Case Method is the best, most accessible book I’ve read about the law school classroom. I assign it to my orientation students and recommend it to every incoming 1L. It is the perfect how-to manual for learning legal analysis in the first year.”
Kristen Holmquist
Teaching Professor of Law
Faculty Director, Experiential Education
UC Berkeley School of Law

“Legal education and the legal profession are in the midst of a profound re-structuring brought on by a revolution in technology and dramatic changes in the economy. In the midst of such change, Cracking the Case Method is a critically important work that will help all law students develop a lawyer’s most important tool—using the venerable case method to carry out legal analysis and to hone their analytical skills—the essence of every lawyer’s work. Cracking the Case Method is not an abstract academic exercise but a nuts-and-bolts, how-to approach to legal analysis that will train better lawyers and promote just results in our judicial system. The Case Method may be over 100 years old but how to use it as an effective tool for good lawyering has never been done like it is in these pages.”
Hon. Jeffrey S. Brand
Emeritus Dean and Professor of Law
University of San Francisco School of Law
Judge of the CA Superior Court, Ret.

“Cracking the Case Method: Legal Analysis for Law School Success is a unique primer for new law students because it is both accessible and complete. This book provides the nuts-and-bolts on how to succeed in law school from day one with instruction on reading cases, briefing cases, participating in Socratic questioning in class, and developing effective legal arguments. But this book is more than a “how to.” It provides much-needed context, explaining why the case method developed and why it continues to be a critical part of the law school experience. When I served as the Director of Academic Skills at UC Irvine School of Law, I was frequently asked to recommend books for beginning law students. This one topped my list! And now that I’ve returned to practice, I see even more clearly how Cracking helps prime beginning law students not only for academic success, but for practicing law! Cracking remains my favorite book for teaching the process of legal argument.”
Linda C. Puertas
OGC Assistant General Counsel-Laterals (US), Latham & Watkins LLP
Former Director of Academic Skills and Lecturer, UC Irvine School of Law

“The authors provide an accessible and often humorous guide to the Case Method. In addition to de-mystifying legal studies for the new student, the book provides a sound foundation for the future practitioner; the object of the Case Method, in the main, is to allow the application of legal principles to help clients resolve their problems.”
Hector G. Gallegos
Intellectual Property Group Litigation and Trial Partner, Ret.
Morrison and Foerster LLP

“Reading this book before my first year of law school gave me a much-needed primer into the world of legal education. If you are the first in your family to go to law school or have not worked in the legal profession before starting law school this book will help level the playing field by giving you guidance from award winning professors. Cracking the Case Method: Legal Analysis for Law School Success provides insight on the Socratic method, different sources of U.S. law, how to spot issues, how to create a plan of attack for exam questions, and most importantly for your first day of class... how to brief a case. You will turn back to this book many times during your first semester of law school. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to incoming 1L students.”
Chrystal Fryman
Graduate, UCLA School of Law

“Cracking the Case Method is a fantastic resource that touches on and explains every academic aspect a student needs to know in order to be successful in the first year of law school. As an incoming 1L with minimal legal experience, I felt somewhat unprepared and nervous for the upcoming year. This book’s witty insights and comprehensive explanations quelled any nerves I had, helped me create a foundation of legal knowledge, and provided me with tools I still use as a 3L.”
Brett Meyerhoff
Graduate, UCLA School of Law

“I found the transition from undergrad to law school quite difficult, but it was also a welcomed challenge. Cracking the Case Method was my first introduction to what was to come in the tedious first year. All of my prior academic career had been focused on the regurgitation of information. This book helped me understand that law school was going to be inherently different and provided an excellent road map for success. I have no doubt that first year students who learn and apply the tools introduced in this book will be better positioned than their peers who chose otherwise.”
Austin Schulz-Amos
Graduate, UCLA School of Law

“I reviewed several preparatory materials before entering law school, and Cracking the Case Method is by far the best! It’s short, funny, and to the point. It helped me through every aspect of law school (case briefs, exams, a typical class, etc.) and eased the stressful transition. I found it indispensable during an overwhelming first week of classes, and still continually refer to it. My study time is now much more effective. I come into class feeling prepared with a good understanding of what to focus on. This book is constantly recommended by me, my classmates, professors, and other law students as the most effective law school prep guide. Don’t make the mistake of thinking a few Google searches can show you everything you need to know before entering your 1L year. Take my advice, and theirs, and read this book!”
Chanté Eliaszadeh
Graduate, UC Berkeley School of Law

“Cracking the Case Method is an invaluable resource that should be available to all incoming 1Ls. The case method is used in almost every first-year class and knowing how to effectively analyze cases is a necessary skill to succeed in law school. It would benefit all law students to read this book; even second and third years, as it provides a clear and concise refresher as to what to do to be most successful in law school. I was fortunate to have read this book before my first year of law school; it certainly made a difference in how I approached my classes and exams.”
Vivian Martin
Graduate, UCLA School of Law