Professor Jennifer North

05/28/2026

If you are starting law school in the fall, this post on how and why to brief cases might interest you!

Using a case briefing system

05/16/2026

Use the summer to get your mind right.

This is the first in a series that talks about the big picture of entering law school. There is so much to learn when you start, these posts are meant to give new 1Ls the lay of the land, provide context for you so there is no time lost on trying to figure out how things work.

Big Picture: Providing some context for your first year of law school

05/02/2026

This one is perfection. Enjoy!

426 likes, 19 comments. “ ”

05/01/2026

I met Raffi a couple of years ago at a conference in Texas. He’s an experienced appellate lawyer. Take a look at this Tik Tok - you will be glad to see that everything you learned in your oral argument holds true! Right down to the single manila folder.

291 likes, 11 comments. “ ”

04/30/2026

The semester has been the longest shortest semester ever!

It's a whirlwind!

04/25/2026

04/23/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EPPHR8QAt/

This quote by George Orwell, the author of 1984 and Animal Farm, highlights the crucial link between language, logic, and personal freedom.

Precision of Language: Orwell believed that clear writing is the foundation of clear thinking. When we struggle to put our thoughts into precise words, our ideas remain vague and undisciplined. By improving our writing, we force ourselves to organize our minds and look at the world more accurately.

The Tool of Analysis: If you cannot "think well"—meaning you lack the tools for critical analysis—you become unable to distinguish truth from propaganda or logic from emotion.

The Risk of Manipulation: This is the most "Orwellian" part of the quote. He warns that intellectual laziness creates a vacuum that others (like governments or advertisers) are happy to fill. If you don't take the effort to form your own well-reasoned opinions, you will inevitably adopt the ready-made narratives of those who want to control you.

04/19/2026

Great podcast on the story behind Mapp v. Ohio, the watershed case on unreasonable searches and seizures.

Podcast Episode · Criminal · April 17 · 35m

04/16/2026

Here's a little motivation motto for those getting ready for their first oral arguments...😊

03/28/2026

My lessons learned and insights from 22 years as a legal writing professor. Click to read Teaching & Learning Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing, by Jennifer North, a Substack publication. Launched a day ago.

03/28/2026

Conference week starts Monday!

Get the most out of limited one-on-one time