Survival Kit Of Lawyer: Numeric Memory

In the context of numeric law, lawyers frequently must recall memory-specific numbers associated with statutes, regulations, and contractual provisions that are frequently referenced or cited in their field of expertise. This memorization aids attorneys in swiftly accessing legal documents, strengthening their courtroom arguments, and impressing clients during consultations. While clients may not wish to delve deeply into the details of complex legal terminology, they often appreciate witnessing how lawyers seamlessly recall and cite extensive texts and numerical data.

If you can recall lengthy and complex numbers, which may not even be the most relevant, people will consider you a genius. Especially in an age dominated by smartphones and digital notes, few make the effort to memorize anything, particularly numbers. This approach offers a distinctive advantage, especially for lawyers aiming to stand out from the crowd.

Numbers often appear similar because they are combinations of just ten unique digits, from 0 to 9, with all others being repetitions of these. Consider the German Civil Code, which features §§ 433 and 434 of the BGB. While both address the obligations in sales contracts, § 433 details the primary obligations of the seller and buyer, whereas § 434 focuses on the condition of the item being defect-free. Similarly, the relationship between §§ 488 and 489 outlines the basic terms of a loan agreement in § 488, with § 489 discussing the rights to terminate these agreements. This pattern repeats with §§ 985 and 986, §§ 631 and 632, and §§ 611 and 631. For lawyers, memorizing hundreds or thousands of such numbers can lead to confusion. What if there was a way to associate each number with a brief narrative and reinforce it through visual representation? This could provide a lifelong memory of these numbers, regardless of their similarity.

Before exploring the number memorizing solutions, let's examine another category of numbers that holds significant importance in the legal field: long numbers. In the case of § 535 BGB, we encounter a three-digit number, which might require a simple association for lifelong memorization. However, there are longer sequences, ranging from six to seven digits and extending up to 14 or even 20 elements in the sequence.

In the area of construction and real estate law, such lengthy numbers are very common. When a lawyer can swiftly reference specific figures, such as the multi-digit sums of damage compensation for various properties, or can accurately recall the start and end dates of lease agreements without glancing at the documents, it demonstrates a profound mastery of the case and project details. This level of preparation is often perceived as a direct indicator of the lawyer's dedication and expertise.

With such numbers, accuracy is crucial, as they are either correct or incorrect. There is no room for interpretation with numbers; you cannot mistakenly cite § 355 BGB for a lease agreement, then skillfully reinterpret it as § 535 BGB. Misquoting compensation amounts can only lead to disadvantages, and clients may even question your competence. It's essentially a win-or-lose scenario.

Here is a method for crafting a narrative behind the numbers, ensuring you never forget even the most complex sequences.

Alphabet for Numbers

Let's consider that each number from 0 to 100 has its own unique association. For instance, the number 888 is no longer simply three eights but is considered as 8 and 88, each having distinct associations. Each number is linked to a specific person who was born or died in that year, making the year noteworthy and permanently connected to that person and number. With this technique, the number 8 is not just a simple digit; it represents a static association with Thurgood Marshall, who was born in 1908.

And the number 88 will be associated with Arthur Schopenhauer, born in 1788.

In this approach, you simply memorize figures such as Thurgood Marshall and Arthur Schopenhauer, and since they are consistently linked to the same numbers, after some time it becomes easier to remember them. Consider the actions associated with these figures - perhaps envisioning a trial, a handshake, or even A. Schopenhauer signing a book he then hands to T. Marshall. You select the location, choose the action and the story, and connect these elements to the number and its relevance. The more enduringly you need to retain the information, the more creatively you should craft memorable stories and scenarios for long-term memory.

Applying the same logic to the lease agreement § 535 BGB, we can create a memorable visualization. We can split this number into 5 and 35. In my digit memory alphabet, we get the following associations for these numbers.

Now, we recombine these two numbers, merging their associated narratives as well.

We see how Number 5, represented by Christian Dior, is measuring the robe of Number 35, represented by the Dalai Lama, for a purpose related to a lease agreement - perhaps crafting another robe to offer for rent. The final part of the narrative (rent of the robe) is depicted in the next image.

Such stories forge powerful memories, making them easy to recall regardless of how many other numbers lawyers must retain. With today's generative AI, creating an image of two individuals who have never met - and could never meet - is a matter of seconds (although many AI companies implement now active restrictions policies). For example, imagine Elisha Otis (founder of Otis Elevators) and Julia Child (American chef).

They are both depicted in the environments for which they are renowned: an elevator and a kitchen, respectively. This combination creates a vivid memory aid. In this way, any legal information can be more easily stored and linked to memorable, unforgettable stories.

Numeric Memory Tool for Lawyers

One could develop their own set of these associations or utilize existing ones. However, the optimal approach would be to create a specialized tool that simplifies the memorization of complex texts and numbers for lawyers, offering the formation of associations and narratives through an e-memory platform or memory section inside an e-learning portal, rather than relying on manual methods.

Imagine a learning tool tailored for lawyers, featuring various learning paths, skills, and topics and a particular section dedicated to number memorization. Within this section, lawyers would have multiple learning options available - they could choose various methods, including the one described in the article.

They should have options for learning number associations, but also training their existing skill with some exercises to enhance their rapid recall. The learning experience could also include dynamic and customizable elements: numbers might sequentially appear, prompting lawyers to recall and type the seen numbers at the end of the exercise, select the correct association for each number in a quiz format, or choose the correct number for the person in the number alphabet.

The second capability of the app involves a more practical process. Lawyers can drag and drop documents into the tool, paste text, or write directly within it. The tool will then offer suggestions for memorizing numbers, including appropriate combinations with their corresponding associations and providing memorable stories. It could even generate collage images that users can download to test their recall later.

This tool could become an integral component of the efficiency skill set of lawyers. While there are numerous potential enhancements and development details to consider, even in its basic form, this tool can significantly enhance a lawyer's memory in the world of digits.

Despite their confidence in number memorization, many lawyers are surprised to learn that there are some individuals who can remember 100 decimal digits of Pi number without any effort.

100 digits of Pi 3.141592653589793238462643383279502884197169399375105820974944592307816406286208998628034825342117067

Using association techniques, where numbers are connected to historical figures with memorable stories, can transform the challenging memorization process into a fun and engaging exercise. This method not only makes number recall easier but also earns a reputation for a lawyer as a memory expert among clients.