A Primer on the 'Bell Case Synthesis Method' and a Lesson on Adult Child's Play

The ability to successfully discern and communicate the relevant aspects of a judicial opinion is a fundamental skill that legal professionals must have. Despite its importance, many in the legal arena lack the ability to effectively demonstrate this skill. Needless to say, law students suffer from this same shortcoming. After years of reading inadequate briefs submitted by lawyers and reviewing deficient submissions by law students, I developed an original case synthesis method. This method, titled the “Bell Case Synthesis Method,” teaches one how to select supporting cases and how to adequately explain the relevant aspects of selected cases. This original method has been tested for years and has proven to be quite valuable for memo and brief writing, as well as for the higher level thinking that is needed for success in law school and the practice of law. This article will benefit a broad audience, including lawyers, law students, paralegals, law clerks, inmate counsel and legal educators. In addition, it is timely, given the recent emphasis on producing practice-ready law school graduates.