University Of Otago
Expert Tutoring for Otago Students
Personalised tutoring, structured group workshops, and targeted academic support designed to help Otago law students build strong foundations in LAWS101 and perform at a high level in Part II.
THE ELAN ADVANTAGE
Common Challenges for Otago Law Students
We bridge the gap between lectures and high performance with clear frameworks, practical strategies, and consistent feedback, operating independently of any university to provide a more flexible and results-driven learning experience.
The Problem
- Structuring Legal Arguments: Many students lose marks not because they misunderstand the law, but because they struggle to structure answers clearly, apply legal principles with precision, or convincingly argue both sides of an issue.
- Complex Case Law and Readings: First year readings can feel dense and technical. It’s common to read a judgment multiple times and still find it difficult to pinpoint the key legal principles or fully understand the reasoning behind the court’s decision.
- Exam Technique and Time Pressure: Students can struggle with managing time effectively, identifying the real issues quickly, and delivering structured, high quality answers within strict time limits.
What We Offer
- Weekly Tutorials: Structured sessions designed to break down complex topics, refine legal writing skills, and help you think critically under exam conditions.
- Proprietary Course Manuals: Develop strong legal foundations with structured summaries, model frameworks, and practical guidance on legal writing and exam technique.
- Practice and Feedback: Strengthen your legal reasoning through consistent practice questions and clear strategies for improvement.
- Access to Materials & Recordings: Review workshop content anytime and revise at your own pace with full access to our resource library.
Our Tutoring Programs
Our tutoring programs are designed specifically to overcome the aforementioned challenges
First Year Group Tutoring
Group tutors will cover content from LAWS 101, focusing on the most challenging topics, core legal concepts, and essential skills while providing comprehensive support throughout your first year.
- Regular group tutorials covering the previous week’s lecture content and legal writing skills.
- Participate in group discussions, being prepared to argue for and against key propositions of law.
- Up to date with the latest curriculum as covered by the University.
- Tutorials are recorded and made available to students via our website 24/7.
Second Year Group Tutoring
Group tutors cover content across all second year law papers: LAWS 201, 202, 203, 204, and 298. with a strong emphasis on advanced writing technique, clear argument structure, and developing a polished, exam ready style. This programme is designed for capable second year students looking to refine their skills and perform at a consistently high level.
- Regular group tutorials prior to all key assessments in all papers covered.
- Includes an intensive mooting workshop prior to compulsory moots.
- Up to date with the latest curriculum as covered by the University.
- Tutorials are recorded and made available to students via our website 24/7.
Individual Tutoring
An individual tutor supports students to improve their knowledge of legal concepts and develop legal writing skills. Tutors vary their approach to suit the learning style and strengths of each student, ensuring that they develop vital skills early in their law school journey.
Option 1 (Part 1): LAW 121, 131 and 141.
Option 2 (Part 2): LAW 201, 211, 231, 241, 297, and 298.
- Customisable hours of personalised individual tutoring valid for at least one paper out of your first year at law school.
- Includes the Group Tutoring Plan.
- Tutorials when they suit you, depending on your needs.
- Two weekly practice questions with feedback and tips.
- Personalised support and feedback, the key to our students’ success.
- Students who complete this package in first year are eligible for our second year program, including a legal internship.
“What I appreciated most was how practical everything was. The tutors focused on real exam-style problems and walked through them step by step, which made assessments far less intimidating.”
James Mcgregor
UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO, LLB Hons Graduate
100%
SUCCESS RATE IN 2025
4.8/5
AGREE “ELAN POSITVELY AFFECTED MY FIRST YEAR LAW GRADES”
83%
GET AN A IN THEIR FIRST
LAW PAPER
24/7
PRIORITY SUPPORT
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Elan Education Teach?
Because students already receive expert content instruction, our teaching objective focuses on giving students personalized writing feedback. Students will be given practice questions, styled after the University’s own assessment style for each upcoming assessment. Those practice questions will give students the ability to actually do legal writing, followed by personalised feedback that is tailored to the unique needs of each student.
Is Elan Education part of the University?
No. We are a private education provider unaffiliated with any university.
How do Elan Education tutorials differ from those offered by the University?
Unlike universities, we have the budget to offer a staff:student ratio of roughly 1:4. This means that we have the time, energy, and drive to offer each of our students feedback on their legal writing that is tailored to the unique needs of each student. Individual tutoring students receive 1:1 support tailored to their unique writing style. This is not something any University offers for budgetary reasons.
Do most students receive an offer for 2nd year law even without help?
High achieving private school or top-decile public students do indeed have high rates of admission to second year law. Our goal is more than just getting students accepted to 2nd year: we aim to get them to 2nd year with the highest possible GPA. Because the legal job market is so competitive and requires substantially higher than the B+ required to make it to 2nd year, we aim to empower students to leave no marks on the table. Guided by our 13 years of expertise and proprietary teaching method, we aim to empower all native English speakers with the ability to get a GPA in the A range.
How much does it cost?
Our group tutoring program, offering a once-weekly group tutorial, typically costs between $300-$435 per month, or roughly $50 per hour. Our individual tutoring program is tailored to each student, and typically runs between $60-$75 per hour.
How can I sign up? Do we really need to talk first?
You are welcome to sign up for group tutoring through our website. For individual tutoring, this is a highly customised program tailored to the needs of each student. Without speaking with you to better understand your situation, we are unable to assess which aspects of the program might work best.
Who are your tutors?
Our tutors are recent top-performing students, ensuring they have the latest knowledge and best tools to assist you. Their recent academic success guarantees up-to-date information and a strong foundation for effective support. We hire tutors on the basis of academic excellence, demonstrated drive to truly help, and the genuine desire to make a difference in their younger peers’ academic and personal journey through law school.
Does your program breach academic integrity?
The Company’s. We do not display lecture slides or proprietary materials on teaching materials. We teach based on the underlying principles, cases and statutes taught in each paper. We strictly avoid covering the topic of Rahui at VUW, out of respect for the cultural sensitivity of the subject matter and the effort spent by VUW personnel in designing a proprietary teaching method that is culturally sensitive.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Law School?
Book a quick call with our team to learn how Elan Education can support your success with personalized tutoring, exam preparation, and practical legal skills.