Why you can't remember what you read (and why it's not your fault)

You have just spent three hours reading cases. You close your laptop, exhausted. Someone asks you what you learned.

...and your mind goes blank.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. The #1 complaint I hear from law students is: "I read everything, but I can't remember any of it."

Here's the hard truth most law students don't realise: You were never taught how to study law.

You are expected to absorb complex legal principles, remember hundreds of cases, and apply everything under exam pressure—but no one ever showed you the method that makes this possible.

That's not a you problem. That's a system problem.

I'm Merinda, and I've coached law students for a decade—not by making them work harder, but by teaching them the study systems that actually work. Systems that turn overwhelming reading lists into confident, exam-ready knowledge.

Let me show you what's really going on—and why the solution isn't what you think.

Why your brain forgets what you read:

First, let's talk about what's actually happening when you "study."

Research shows that you forget 70% of new information within 24 hours unless you process it in a specific way and here's the kicker: most law students are using methods that guarantee they will forget.

Your brain is not designed to remember everything you read

Your brain prioritises information that's emotionally significant, immediately useful, or deeply processed. A contract law case about consideration? Not high on your brain's survival list—unless you give it a reason to care.

Passive reading creates weak memory.

When you read without a system, your brain treats the information as background noise. You are processing words, but you are not creating the neural pathways needed for long-term retention.

You are overloading your working memory.

Trying to absorb too much in one sitting overwhelms your brain's capacity. It's like pouring a gallon of water into a cup—most of it spills out, and you are left wondering why nothing stuck.

Bottom line: If you are just reading and hoping it sticks then you are fighting against how memory actually works.

The 3 mistakes that guarantee you will forget:

Mistake #1: Believing "More Hours = Better Results"

Most students think: If I just read it one more time, I'll remember it."

But re-reading creates the illusion of knowledge. The material feels familiar, so you think you know it—but familiarity isn't the same as retention.

When exam day comes, that false confidence crumbles.

Mistake #2: Studying without a system

Sitting down to "study" without a clear method is like going to the gym without a workout plan. You might feel busy, but you are not making real progress.

Mistake #3: Trying to do it all alone

Law school is isolating. You are surrounded by people, but everyone's struggling in silence, convinced they are the only one who doesn't "get it."

Without accountability, guidance, or a proven framework, it's easy to fall behind—and even easier to burn out.

What Actually Works (And Why Most Students Never Learn It)

Retention isn't about intelligence. It's about method.

My proven systems (I have to sometimes change the systems I use for each client)—backed by cognitive science and refined through real-world results—that help you:

✅ Retain information after reading it once (not five times)

✅ Recall complex cases and principles under exam pressure

✅ Build confidence instead of anxiety

These systems aren't taught in law school. You are expected to figure it out on your own—and most students never do.

That's where everything changes.

Why Capable Students Still Struggle:

I work with brilliant law students every day. Students who are intelligent, hardworking, and motivated.

But they're struggling because:

❌ They don't have a system that works with their brain

❌ They're using outdated study methods that guarantee forgetting

❌ They're overwhelmed and don't know where to start

❌ They lack accountability and consistent support

❌ They're convinced they're "not smart enough" (when the real issue is method, not ability)

The moment they learn the right system? Everything shifts. This is the most exciting part of me.

Suddenly, they are retaining. They are walking into exams feeling prepared, not panicked. They are performing better.

....and most importantly—they believe in themselves again.

What my Law Students say:

"I went from barely passing to consistently achieving a distinction. Merinda didn't just teach me content—she taught me how to learn."

"For the first time, I actually felt confident going into exams. I knew I had a system that worked."

The Role of Accountability (The Missing Piece)

Here's what most people don't talk about: you can have the best study system in the world, but without accountability, you won't use it.

Life gets busy. Motivation fades. Doubt creeps in.

That's why my students don't just get a system—they get:

✅ 24/7 support (not just weekly sessions, but ongoing accountability)

✅ Personalised guidance tailored to their brain, schedule, and challenges

✅ Confidence-building to handle stress, anxiety, and self-doubt

✅ A coach who's spent 20 years in law firms and knows what the profession demands

My Life Coaching is also weaved into every part of my coaching. Self care is so important.

When you have someone in your corner—someone who believes in you, keeps you on track, and guides you through the hard moments—everything becomes possible.

I offer personalised study coaching for law students—helping you build the systems, confidence, and accountability you need to thrive in your degree and beyond.

Book a free consultation today to discuss how I can support you.

You are capable of so much more than you realise. You just need the right system.

Merinda x

Hi, I am Merinda. I have spent 20 years in law firms and 10 years coaching law students to achieve results they did not think were possible. If you are struggling to retain what you read. I can help.