When to Buy a Law Book? A Guide for Law Students to Save Money on Law Books

Law is a discipline and profession where the process of gathering information never ends. The need for effective legal research to gain expertise in the field and establish oneself as a good lawyer cannot be overemphasized. 

Any law aspirant would know that the foundation of this course is built on textbooks. While attending law school, all a student can witness is lecturers and tutors constantly referring to the textbooks or recommending additional study materials to know the specifics of the subject. However, these law school books don’t come cheap and cost an arm and a leg if you want the latest edition to stay updated. 

 

So what can a student do to avoid spending a fortune on law school books? The answer is to look for other alternative sources. 

 

 

1. Used Law Books: One of the most effective ways of saving money for a law student is to get over the temptation of buying brand new books, although nothing could replace the feel of its crisp pages. 

The law textbooks are mainly a compilation of statutes and cases. So instead of spending hefty amounts on buying new books, a law student can get used law books at half the price. It will save money and enable one to get a number of additional study materials within their budget. 

 

2.  List your priorities: Before spending money purchasing all the books mentioned for the course year, one can always prioritize the immediate requirements. Once the law school books required for the semester are covered, a law student can approach seniors or students who have graduated for their used law books for the following semesters. 

 

3. Rent law books: Another alternative is renting law school books. For instance, if a book costs $100 while it can be rented for $30, then a student can always opt for the second. It will save them from the stress of spending a huge amount in one go. Before renting a book, one should ensure that the rentals are for the next semester. The rents may vary depending upon the demand for the books, and as such, one should always keep an eye on the rental sites to grab the best offer. 

4. Online Law Bookstore: A student need not run to the bookstore to buy law school books. Another convenient option is comparing the cost of the books, both new and old, and then comparing it with books available in online stores, which are often cheaper than campus bookstores. 

5. Digital Libraries: Most students are now drawn toward digital libraries as it facilitates legal research by providing information faster and giving exposure to a vast source. There has been a significant rise in subscriptions to online libraries offering convenience to find a specific case or reference and avoiding wasting time locating a law report or a law book.