1L Contracts Guide — Everything You Need to Know
Starting contracts as a 1L can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down what to expect, the topics you will cover, and how to prepare for exams.
What to Expect
Contracts is one of the foundational 1L courses. You will learn through the case method — reading appellate court opinions and extracting legal rules through class discussion. Expect to be cold-called and asked to explain the facts, holding, and reasoning of assigned cases.
Your grade will likely depend on a single final exam, typically a 3-4 hour essay exam that presents fact patterns requiring you to identify issues, state the relevant rules, apply them to the facts, and reach a conclusion (IRAC method).
Topics You Will Cover
●Offer & Acceptance
●Consideration
●Defenses
●Breach & Remedies
●Third-Party Rights
●Statute of Frauds
●UCC Article 2
Key Cases to Know
Exam Strategies
- 1Always check formation first: was there a valid offer, acceptance, and consideration?
- 2Distinguish between UCC (goods) and common law (services/real property) — the rules differ significantly.
- 3Promissory estoppel is a backup argument when consideration fails.
- 4For damages questions, calculate expectation first, then consider reliance and restitution as alternatives.