2 free multistate charts: Venue in Civil Action and "International Shoe"

You probably know by now how important it is to have a firm grasp on Federal Civil Procedure. 

Here are a couple of the most tested rules.  Yes, they're basic...but forgetting them can be fatal.  Subscribers will have these waiting in their inbox in PDF format, along with some other goodies within 24 hours.  (note: these are image files and will not print as clear or legible as the PDF files).  Subscribe to the free newsletter here.

Real Property isn't easy. Here is a visual aid to learn Joint Tenancy in 5 minutes.

Real Property isn't easy.  Here is a visual aid to learn Joint Tenancy in 5 minutes.

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. . . for the treasure trove of visual aids covering the Multi-State Bar Exam - Including more Real Property Visual Aids like this one.

Master Future Interests

Preview of my free future interests report (just sign-up on the right-hand column):

This short document will provide you with a text outline teaching you to assess future interests, tough rules from the Common Law and the Modern Law treatments, such as: The Doctrine of Worthier Title, The Rule in Shelly's Case, and more!

The Rule Against Perpetuities: 3 Steps to Defeat the RAP on the BAR

If a Rule against Perpetuities (RAP) question comes up on the MBE, you can use a quick 3 step process to quickly reach the right answer.  

Step 1: Write Down the Future Interest (FI) resulting from conveyance + determine “Condition Precedent”

Step 2: Circle the “Measuring Man” (MM);

Step 3: Ask yourself: within 21 years of the death of MM, will we know who takes?

Here is an example: 

For Tom’s 75th birthday, his wealthier friend Jerry wants to do something special for him.  Tom has one 27 year old son.  Both are in relatively good health.

Jerry conveys to Tom for life, then to the first of Tom’s children to reach age 33.

Step 1: You should recognize this as a Contingent Remainder.  The future interest involved is contingent – meaning it may occur – but only if Tom dies AND if he has no child who is 33 at that time.    

Step 2: Tom Is the “Measuring Man.”  Tom’s life determines whether the “contingency” takes place, so to speak.

Step 3: Tom could die tomorrow; his son could die tomorrow; his son could die tomorrow and the next day Tom could get a woman pregnant.  Think of all of the possibilities.

The Answer: Tom would have his life estate, and Jerry would have a reversion.  

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