2L Too Good for Multi-Color Highlighting

As a 1st year Duke Law student, Michael Levenson studied arduously. His routine included a complex highlighting system where different colors corresponded to various pertinent parts of the case at hand. Levenson used blue ink for the holding, yellow for the facts, pink for any rules, orange for judge's reasoning and green to underscore references to lower court decisions. Things have changed, however, now that the second year of law school has started.

"Seriously, what's the point of a detailed notation system now that I'm a 2L?" asked Levenson. "Considering my grades don't count and, with interviewing, I'll barely have time to read anyway, why bother with more than one color highlighter? That's so 1L."

One benefit of his decision, says Levenson, is that there will be a tremendous time and cost savings. He relates that during his 1L year he searched far and wide for the absolutely best available package of highlighters. Hours were spend on internet research where user reviews were scoured, prices compared and factors such as color brightness and ink longevity considered. More time was dedicated to in-store visits where annoyed Office Max attendants were peppered with numerous questions. In the end, Levenson estimates that tens of hours and over fifty dollars were devoted to his study technique.

Levenson remembers that he even went so far as to bid on a box of swag - all the law firm giveaways that were never claimed - at Duke's PILF [Public Interest Law Foundation] auction.

"I made a carefully calculated bid and then stood by the item, hoping to block perspective bidders from claiming what I knew had to be mine," remarked Levenson. "I mean, there were so many yellow hi-liters in that box, you know the ones with the mini, red Post-it flags built in. And there were all sorts of other colors as well. Having those items now is so worth it even if they all do say Dewey & Leboeuf."

The newly-minted 2L has already enjoyed the benefits of his new, less labor-intensive system. Levenson reports that not having to switch between colors has cut his case reading time by 20%. Moreover, highlighting only in yellow has stopped making "my books look like a fucking gay pride flag."

"Plus," Levenson added, "now I only have yellow ink stains on my clothes."

Since realizing that single color highlighting is preferable, Levenson has also reconsidered some of his other study techniques such as making copious notes in the margin, briefing cases, purchasing relevant supplements and not watching too much porn.

The question remains whether the relatively relaxed highlighting standards of Levenson and other 2Ls will continue or, as 3Ls, they will reacquire the academic intensity that possessed them during their first year.

"Highlighting? Dude, I've barely opened the very few books I even decided to buy this semester," remarked 3L Dan McPherson. "Anyway, I need to go. I've got a 2:10 tee time at the Washington Duke."