Download the three databases
Import each CSV into Notion (Import, then CSV), then set each property to the type shown. The import steps are on the free templates page.
Case brief database
One page per case in the FIRAC pattern (Facts, Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion), plus the course it belongs to and whether you are ready if called on. One sample row is included.
- Case (title), Course (select), Citation, Court, Year
- Facts, Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion (text)
- Exam relevance (text), Cold-call ready (checkbox), Date briefed (date)
Course outline
A topic-by-topic outline for each course, built so every topic states its rule, elements, key cases and an exam tip, with a confidence score you update as you revise. Two sample rows are included.
- Topic (title), Course (select)
- Rule, Elements, Key cases, Policy and arguments, Exam tip (text)
- Confidence (number 1 to 5), Last reviewed (date)
Exam prep tracker
A task list for the run-up to exams: readings, outlines, practice papers, flashcards and office hours, each with a due date, hours and status. Three sample rows are included.
- Task (title), Course (select), Type (select)
- Due date (date), Status (select), Hours (number), Priority (select)
Brief cases in a database, not a document
A case brief in a database can be filtered, grouped and related to your outline. Brief each case straight after class while the discussion is fresh, keep each field to a few lines, and note why your professor assigned it.
- Filter Cold-call ready is unchecked before each class to see what to review.
- Group by Course to see every case in a subject on one screen.
- Add a Relation to your Course outline so each topic shows its cases.
Build your outline as you go
Start the outline in week one. Add a topic whenever a new rule arrives, and fill in the rule, elements and key cases while the class is fresh. By exam time the outline already exists and your revision is testing it, not writing it.
Update the Confidence score honestly each time you review. A view sorted by lowest confidence is your revision list.
A weekly rhythm
- Sunday: plan the week in the exam prep tracker. Add every reading and deadline.
- After each class: brief the cases and add or update outline topics.
- Midweek: review last week's topics at the lowest confidence.
- Friday: spend 30 minutes revisiting the week's topics and update confidence scores.
- Once a month: revisit every topic you covered, starting with the weakest.
Reviewing a topic a day after, a week after and a month after learning it is a simple spaced-review pattern. Put those dates in the Last reviewed property and sort by oldest first.
The exam countdown
- Four weeks out: complete the outline for every course and book practice papers.
- Two weeks out: do timed practice papers and mark them against your outline.
- One week out: shorten each outline to a one-page attack sheet.
- Final days: review weak topics only, and rest.
Ground rules
- Follow your law school's rules on collaboration and on AI tools. They differ between courses and institutions.
- If you are a trainee or on placement, keep client and employer information out of your personal workspace.
- Write briefs and outlines in your own words. Copied text will not help you in an exam.