Learning Resources

Everything you need to succeed: research tools, writing support, study materials, and more

Legal Research Tools

Access the leading legal research platforms used by lawyers nationwide

Westlaw (Thomson Reuters)
The most widely used legal research platform. Access case law, statutes, regulations, and secondary sources across all U.S. jurisdictions. Includes KeyCite for citation validation.
Access: Law Library (on-campus) | Remote access through Stanford login
LexisNexis (Lexis+)
Major legal research alternative. Comprehensive case law, statutes, regulations, and secondary sources. Shepardize for citation validation. Strong administrative law database.
Access: Law Library | Remote access through Stanford login
Google Scholar (scholar.google.com)
Free legal research tool with cases from all U.S. appellate courts. Good for case citations and basic research. No subscription required, but less comprehensive than Westlaw/Lexis.
Access: Free (anywhere with internet)
HeinOnline
Premier database for legal periodicals, law reviews, and historical legal documents. Essential for in-depth secondary source research. PDF image-based access to full text.
Access: Law Library | Remote access through Stanford
JSTOR
Digital library of academic journals, including many law reviews. Good for interdisciplinary research combining law with economics, sociology, history, and other fields.
Access: Stanford account required
Recode
Statutory research platform specifically designed for legislative research. See how statutes have changed over time and compare across jurisdictions.
Access: Law Library computers
Google Scholar (scholar.google.com)
Free access to federal and state case law, with links to free full-text sources when available.
Access: Free (no login required)
Court Listener
Free database of federal opinions with advanced search features. Excellent for finding and analyzing case law.
Access: Free at courtlistener.com
State Legislative Websites
Each state provides free access to statutes and legislative materials through their official website.
Access: Free through state bar/legislature websites
Congress.gov
Official U.S. Congress website with all federal bills, statutes, and legislative history. Free and comprehensive.
Access: Free at congress.gov

Writing & Citation Support

Master legal writing and proper citation format

✏️
Writing Center
One-on-one feedback on legal writing, memo structure, case briefs, and exam essays. Professional legal writing coaches available by appointment.
  • Memo writing structure
  • Exam essay analysis
  • Clarity and concision
  • Issue spotting techniques
📖
Bluebook Citation Guide
The official citation guide for legal writing. Learn proper format for cases, statutes, regulations, secondary sources, and more.
  • Print copy at Law Library
  • Online at bluebookonline.com
  • Quick reference guides
  • Citation practice exercises
💻
Citation Tools
Digital tools to generate proper citations automatically. Lexis and Westlaw both have built-in citation generators.
  • Westlaw citation generator
  • Lexis citation generator
  • Google Scholar citations
  • Manual override always available
📚
Legal Writing Guides
Books and resources on legal writing fundamentals, persuasive writing, and brief writing.
  • Available at Law Library
  • Legal Writing for 1Ls guide
  • Persuasive writing techniques
  • Stylistic best practices

Study Materials & Outlines

Organize your coursework with guides and outlines

Course-Specific Outlines

Each core course has detailed outlines available covering:

  • Condensed rule statements with examples
  • Key cases and holdings
  • Common exam fact patterns
  • Hypo practice with answers
  • Visual diagrams of complex concepts

Access: LSIB dashboard or through individual course pages

Subject-Specific Flashcards

Digital flashcard sets for memorization and quick review:

  • Contracts rule elements
  • Constitutional Law doctrines
  • Evidence rules and exceptions
  • Torts liability standards
  • Criminal Law elements

Tools: Anki, Quizlet, or LSIB built-in system

Practice Hypos with Model Answers

Hypothetical fact patterns with detailed model answers explaining reasoning:

  • Issue spotting practice (by course)
  • Multi-issue complex hypos
  • Model answer explanations
  • Sample outlines showing answer structure
  • Exam-style questions with feedback

Difficulty Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Library & Academic Support

Stanford Law Library and academic support services

📚
Law Library
State-of-the-art law library with extensive print collection, research computers, study spaces, and professional librarians for research consultations.
  • Research consultations (free)
  • Study rooms for group work
  • Computer access with all databases
  • Extended hours during exams
👨‍🏫
Tutoring Services
Individual and group tutoring by experienced tutors for challenging courses. Focus on doctrine, exam strategy, and writing.
  • One-on-one sessions
  • Study group facilitation
  • Exam strategy coaching
  • Scheduling through Dean of Students
🎯
Academic Success Program
Comprehensive program to support academic success including study skills workshops, time management seminars, and peer mentoring.
  • Study skills workshops
  • Time management seminars
  • Peer mentoring groups
  • Exam strategy sessions
♿
Disability Services
Support for students with disabilities including test accommodations, note-taking assistance, and academic planning.
  • Test accommodations
  • Extended exam time
  • Note-taking services
  • Assistive technology

Pro Bono & Clinical Practice

Gain real-world experience while serving the community

Clinic Opportunities

Hands-on legal experience in a supervised clinical setting:

  • Community Law Clinic: General practice serving low-income clients
  • Entrepreneurship Clinic: Advise startups and small businesses on legal issues
  • Immigration Clinic: Immigration law and asylum representation
  • Environmental Law Clinic: Environmental justice and conservation issues
  • Public Interest Clinic: Civil rights and policy advocacy
Pro Bono Projects

Short-term volunteer opportunities with nonprofit organizations:

  • Legal aid organizations
  • Public defender offices
  • Environmental nonprofits
  • Civil rights organizations
  • Community organizations

All students are encouraged to contribute 50+ hours of pro bono work during law school.

Bar Exam Study Resources

Preparation materials for the Uniform Bar Examination

📊
NCBE Official Materials
Official resources from the National Conference of Bar Examiners including sample essays, MPT tasks, and MBE practice questions.
  • Sample essays with grading
  • MPT practice questions
  • MBE practice sets
  • Official exam information
🎥
Bar Review Courses
Comprehensive courses covering all tested subjects with video lectures, outlines, and practice questions.
  • Barbri, Kaplan, and Themis
  • Structured subject review
  • Practice exams and feedback
  • Bar exam strategy
📝
Essay Writing Resources
MEE essay writing guides and practice with grading feedback to prepare for the essay portion of the exam.
  • IRAC essay structure
  • Time management tips
  • Practice essays with feedback
  • Subject-specific outlines
💬
Bar Prep Study Groups
Connect with other bar exam takers through the Lounge to form study groups and share strategies.
  • Subject-specific groups
  • Study schedule coordination
  • Practice test review
  • Motivation and support

By The Numbers

Resource usage and outcomes

98%
Student Access to Legal Research Tools
500+
Hours of Tutoring Available Annually
15+
Clinic & Pro Bono Opportunities
93%
Bar Passage Rate (Stanford Law)
1,000+
Study Outline Pages Available
24/7
Library Access During Exams