The Law School Toolbox Podcast: Tools for Law Students from 1L to the Bar Exam, and Beyond

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast! Today we're talking about building relationships in law school with everyone from professors to classmates and potential employers. Of course grades are important, but building relationships can not only make your law school experience more pleasant, it can open doors of opportunity in the future. In this episode, we discuss: Why relationships matter How to get to know your professors Different opportunities to interact with your professors, in and out of the classroom Developing relationships with your classmates School activities and social outlets that foster meaningful interaction Getting to know other people at your law school in administration or different programs How to meet lawyers and non-lawyers in the community through bar association events, pro bono work, charity fundraising events, etc. Finding mentors and sponsors Resources: How to Get to Know Your Professors in Law School (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/05/how-to-get-to-know-your-professors-in-law-school/) Office Hours – Should You Go? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/office-hours-go/) Podcast Episode 106: How to Go to Office Hours and Make It Worth Your Time (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-106-go-office-hours-make-worth-time/) Tips for Making the Most of Your Professor's Office Hours (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/making-most-of-professors-office-hours/) Video Quick Tip: Office Hours (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/video-quick-tip-office-hours/) Avoiding Office Hours? Go, and Get Something Out of It (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/avoiding-office-hours-go-and-get-something-out-of-it/) Should I Do a Law School Extracurricular? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/should-i-do-a-law-school-extracurricular/) Podcast Episode 59: Conquering Loneliness in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-49-conquering-loneliness-in-law-school/) Legal Networking 101: Towards a New Definition of Networking (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-networking-101-towards-a-new-definition-of-networking/) Video Quick Tip: Finding Mentors and Sponsors (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/video-quick-tip-finding-mentors-and-sponsors/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Episode-107-Building-Relationships-in-Law-School.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today, we're talking about going to law professors' office hours and getting something out of it. Lots of law students say they're going to go to office hours regularly, but few actually do. Developing good relationships with your professors will not only have a positive effect on your law school success, but may prove to be valuable for years to follow. So tune in, and learn to love office hours! In this episode, we discuss: Why some students are hesitant to go to office hours Reasons why going to office hours is beneficial Ways to make office hours less intimidating and more useful How office hours in law school differs from undergrad Things you might talk about when you visit your professors Questions to avoid asking Other ways to interact with your professors if you are unable to make it to the scheduled office hours Don't forget about your TAs! Resources: How to Get to Know Your Professors in Law School (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/05/how-to-get-to-know-your-professors-in-law-school/) Office Hours – Should You Go? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/office-hours-go/) Tips for Making the Most of Your Professor's Office Hours (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/making-most-of-professors-office-hours/) Video Quick Tip: Office Hours (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/video-quick-tip-office-hours/) Avoiding Office Hours? Go, and Get Something Out of It (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/avoiding-office-hours-go-and-get-something-out-of-it/) Video Quick Tip: Finding Mentors and Sponsors (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/video-quick-tip-finding-mentors-and-sponsors/) Networking Strategies for a New World (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/networking-strategies/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Episode-106-Making-Productive-Use-of-Office-Hours.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Today, we're talking with a former law firm recruiter about the basics of OCI, or on-campus interviewing. OCI is the process by which most large law firms, and some medium-sized law firms and public interest organizations recruit their summer associates and hire full-time lawyers. There are many steps to the process, and it is time-consuming and can be energetically draining, so we're discussing what you can expect and how you can put your best foot forward with an experienced BigLaw recruiter. If you're planning to participate in your school's OCI program, tune in! In this episode, we discuss: What a summer associate position is, and why they are highly sought after The basic process of initial interviews and callback interviews Strategically bidding for an interview What law firms are really looking for How to prepare for an initial interview, what to expect, and what to wear Callback logistics: What happens in a callback interview? What if you have to travel? How should geography play into your interviewing decisions? Factors to consider when selecting an offer How to ensure you DON'T get an offer Resources: Podcast Episode 3: Mastering the On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) Process (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-3-mastering-campus-interviewing-oci-process/) Podcast Episode 4: Callback Tips for BigLaw Summer Associate Positions (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-4-callback-tips-biglaw-summer-associate-positions/) Podcast Episode 55: An Overview of BigLaw On-Campus Interviewing (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-55-overview-biglaw-campus-interviewing-oci/) Podcast Episode 85: Surviving as a Summer Associate and New Firm Lawyer (with Grover Cleveland) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-85-surviving-summer-associate-new-firm-lawyer-grover-cleveland/) Ahead of the Curve: What are BigLaw Recruiters Really Looking For? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/ahead-of-the-curve-what-are-big-law-recruiters-really-looking-for/) How to Prepare for OCI Interviews (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/prepare-oci-interviews/) Dressing Like a Lawyer on a Student's Budget (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/dressing-like-lawyer-students-budget/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Episode-105-OCI-Basics-with-Law-Firm-Recruiter-Sadie-Jones.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome to The Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today we're talking about shopping for law school essentials, everything from backpacks to highlighters. Law school is expensive, so make sure you are being savvy with your purchases! In this episode, we discuss: How to carry all of your stuff Whether to buy a new computer immediately The law school locker situation Do you need a briefcase? The best notebooks and binders, and why you'll need a rainbow of highlighters How to best use technology The benefits of note-taking software Handling life necessities, like your wardrobe, lunch boxes, and household items Ways to let other people help you stock up on what you need How to streamline purchasing so you don't have to waste time during the semester Resources: Start Law School Right Course (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) Law School Style Report: The Best Carryalls for the Professional Law Student (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-style-report-the-best-carryalls-for-the-professional-law-student/) Tech Correspondent: My Love Affair with Microsoft OneNote (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/tech-correspondent-my-love-affair-with-microsoft-onenote/) Tips for Using the Cornell Note-Taking Method (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-for-using-the-cornell-note-taking-method/) Is Handwriting Notes a Good Thing or a Bad Thing (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/is-handwriting-notes-a-good-thing-or-a-bad-thing/) Podcast Episode 60: 5 Tips for Surviving the First Month of Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-60-5-tips-surviving-first-month-law-school/) Podcast Episode 102: How to Read Cases and Prepare for Class in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/16176-2/) Circa Notebooks (http://www.levenger.com/CIRCA-326.aspx) Yellow Steno Pads (https://www.amazon.com/Spiral-Notebook-Inches-Canary-63851/dp/B000093L2D) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Episode-104-What-to-Buy.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we're talking with Sara O'Connor, one of our law school tutors, about setting yourself up for success in your mock trial class and/or competition team. Mock trial is not required, but it can be very rewarding and provide great experience for your future legal career. In this episode, we discuss: How to earn a spot on a competitive mock trial course or team What you can expect to learn in your mock trial course Preparing for a mock trial competition The events of the competition itself and how to be successful – stay calm! How the scoring system works and what you'll be judged on Resources: Podcast Episode 27: Job Interview Basics (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-27-job-interview-basics/) Active vs. Passive Listening in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/active-vs-passive-learning-law-school/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Episode-103-Setting-Yourself-Up-to-be-a-Mock-Trial-Rockstar.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we are going to dive into one of the realities of day-to-day law school life -- reading cases and preparing for class. You'll end up spending much of your day reading and preparing for class. And, yes, there is a "right" way and a "wrong way" to prepare for law school classes. This podcast will give you some valuable tips to make sure you're getting the most out of your study time. In this episode, we discuss: Why reading cases and preparing for class can seem daunting and difficult How to prepare for class correctly and make the most of your study time The elements of a case opinion you should be able to identify and become familiar with The significance and purpose of a case brief and dos and don'ts of case briefing Appropriate and helpful uses for supplements The struggle is real – really. Struggling with the material is part of the process! Resources: Start Law School Right Course (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right) Best Practices for Using Supplements (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/best-practices-for-using-supplements/) Podcast Episode 95: Top 1L Questions: Time and Life Management (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-95-top-1l-questions-time-life-management/) Constitutional Law Stories, by Michael C. Dorf (https://www.amazon.com/Constitutional-Law-Stories-Michael-Dorf/dp/1587785056) Is Handwriting Notes a Good Thing or a Bad Thing? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/is-handwriting-notes-a-good-thing-or-a-bad-thing/) How to Brief a Case in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-brief-a-case-in-law-school/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Episode-102-Reading-Cases-and-Preparing-for-Class.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, we're talking with Ashley Matthews, Program Manager for Law School Engagement and Advocacy at Equal Justice Works, about preparing for a career in public interest work. Public interest is a competitive field to break into, and it comes with its own unique set of challenges. If you've decided you want to pursue a career in public interest law, this episode is a must-listen! In this episode, we discuss: The challenges facing people who seek a career in public interest law Options for managing student loan debt for people in public interest careers Competitiveness in the public interest field What public interest employers are looking for Programs offered by Equal Justice Works for law students, recent grads, and more experienced lawyers The current controversy over validity of student loan forgiveness program approval letters The future of loan forgiveness and assistance programs Which law schools have LRAPs, and how to start one at your law school Resources: Podcast Episode 38: Can You Really Afford Law School? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-38-can-you-really-afford-law-school/) Equal Justice Works Fellowships (http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/post-grad/equal-justice-works-fellowships) Equal Justice Works Rural Summer Legal Corps Program (https://rurallegalcorps.org/) Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps JD (http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/law-school/americorpsjd) Podcast Episode 92: Top 1L Questions: The Money Edition (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-92-top-1l-questions-money-edition/) Podcast Episode 96: How to Rapidly Pay Off Law School Debt (with Guest Financial Panther) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-96-how-to-rapidly-pay-off-law-school-debt-with-guest-financial-panther/) Equal Justice Works Free Student Debt Webinars (http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/webinars) Cowley, Stacy. "Student Loan Forgiveness Program Approval Letters May Be Invalid, Education Dept. Says." N.Y. Times, Mar. 30, 2017. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/30/business/student-loan-forgiveness-program-lawsuit.html) John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program (http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/resources/student-debt-relief/John-R-Justice-Student-Loan-Repayment-Program) Law School LRAPs (http://equaljusticeworks.org/schoollraps) How to Get to Know Your Professors in Law School (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/05/how-to-get-to-know-your-professors-in-law-school/) Equal Justice Works 2017 Conference and Career Fair (http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/law-school/conference-and-careerfair) Equal Justice Works on Twitter (https://twitter.com/ejw_students) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Episode-101-Preparing-for-a-career-in-public-interest-with-EJW.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today is a very special day for all of us here at the Law School Toolbox - we are celebrating our 100th podcast episode! When we first started publishing podcasts, we weren't sure how it would go, but now, we're so humbled by the number of downloads and listeners we have each month. So, our sincerest thanks to all of you! Join us for a look back at our most popular (and most underappreciated) episodes. In this episode, we discuss: The top 10 most popular podcast episodes Lee and Alison's favorite, but underappreciated, episodes Highlights from each episode and why we feel they are significant Resources: Podcast Episode 51: The Characters You'll Meet in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-51-characters-youll-meet-law-school/) Podcast Episode 7: Time and Life Management Basics (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-7-time-life-management-basics/) Deep Work, by Cal Newport (https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted-ebook/dp/B00X47ZVXM) Podcast Episode 56: Getting Off to a Smart Start in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-56-get-smart-start-law-school/) Podcast Episode 11: Legal Writing 101 (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-11-legal-writing-101/) Podcast Episode 65: How to Make a Useful Law School Outline (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-65-make-a-useful-law-school-outline/) Podcast Episode 60: Five Tips for Surviving the First Month of Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-60-5-tips-surviving-first-month-law-school/) Podcast Episode 83: Lawyers in Action – The Airport Immigration Crisis (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-83-lawyers-in-action-the-immigration-crisis/) Podcast Episode 8: Law School 101 for 1Ls (What Not to Do) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-8-law-school-101-1ls-not/) Introduction to the Law School Toolbox Podcast (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/introduction-law-school-toolbox-podcast/) Podcast Episode 2: Why Is Law School Hard? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-2-law-school-hard/) Podcast Episode 1: Mindset: The Key to Success in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-1-mindset-key-success-law-school/) Podcast Episode 22: Take an Exam with Us (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-22-take-exam-us/) Law School Toolbox Podcast - Complete List (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-complete-list/) Podcast Episode 72: Seeking Accommodations in Law School and on the Bar Exam (with Dr. Jared Maloff) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-72-seeking-accommodations-law-school-bar-exam/) Courses for Law School Success (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/courses-for-law-school-success/) Tutoring for Law School Success (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Bar Exam Tutoring (http://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Bar Exam Workshops and Courses (http://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-workshops-and-courses/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Episode-100-100th-Podcast-Anniversary_Top-10-Podcasts-1.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with Mark Cohen, founder and CEO of Legal Mosaic, about what law schools should be teaching but aren't. Mark's experience in the legal industry is vast and varied, and, in this podcast, he offers his unique perspective on the current state of the legal profession, as well as what may lie ahead in the future. In light of these changing circumstances, what should you demand from your legal education that you're not getting? In this episode, we discuss: Legal process outsourcing (LPO) and technology, and how they're changing the delivery of legal services The distinction between legal services and legal products The weakening dominance of big law firms and the emergence of ancillary career options for new lawyers What they're not teaching you in law school that's vital for success as a lawyer The disconnect between doctrinal law and meaningful, practical experience The need for project management skills and collaboration in a legal practice Skills and qualities that could set you apart as a new lawyer What does the lawyer of the future look like? Resources: Legal Mosaic (http://www.legalmosaic.com/) Mark Cohen on Forbes (https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcohen1/#418f7aa728f7) Mark Cohen on Twitter (https://twitter.com/legalmosaic) Podcast Episode 86: Resources for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-86-resources-aspiring-entrepreneurs/) The Real Secret to Getting Clients for Your Online Practice (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-real-secret-to-getting-clients-for-your-online-practice/) Podcast Episode 81: Building Emotional Intelligence (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-81-emotional-intelligence-lawyers/) Podcast Episode 71: Soft Skills You Need to Develop to be a Successful Attorney (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-71-soft-skills-you-need-to-develop-to-be-a-successful-attorney/) Podcast Episode 5: Maintaining Authenticity in the Legal Profession (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-5-maintaining-authenticity-legal-profession/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Episode-99-What-Law-Schools-Arent-Teaching-but-Should-Be-with-Mark-Cohen-of-Legal-Mosaic.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we are sharing tips for the non-traditional law students out there. If you're getting ready for law school, this episode is going to be one you definitely want to flag! There is great stuff in here that even full-time, more traditional law students can learn from as well. In this episode, we discuss: People who might be considered "non-traditional" law students Balancing school and other obligations, including work and family Financial challenges unique to non-traditional students, and resources to help alleviate the stress Getting used to being in an academic environment after a break The advantages non-traditional students may have over traditional students Having a master calendar for all areas of your life, and how to prioritize based on degree of urgency Learning how to utilize your "village" for help – and it's okay to ask for help! Culture shock for those who are the first in their families to go to college or graduate school Resources: Start Law School Right Course (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) Parenting in Law School: Surviving 1L Year While Raising a Family (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-kids-surviving-1l-year-raising-family/) Buy Nothing Project – Find a Group (https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group/comment-page-1/) The Freecycle Network (https://www.freecycle.org/) Be Ready to Throw Your Writing Style Out the Window (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/0l-to-1l-be-ready-to-throw-your-writing-style-out-the-window/) Non-Traditional Law Students: Exploit Your Strengths, Meet Your Challenges (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/non-traditional-law-students-exploit-your-strengths-meet-your-challenges/) Balancing Life as a Night Student (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/balancing-life-as-a-night-student/) Time Management for Non-Traditional Law Students (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/time-management-non-traditional-law-students/) Stephanie Coontz, Do Millennial Men Want Stay-at-Home Wives? N.Y. Times, Mar. 31, 2017. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/31/opinion/sunday/do-millennial-men-want-stay-at-home-wives.html) Relationships and Law School: Can They Coexist? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/relationships-law-school-can-coexist/) Podcast Episode 95: Top 1L Questions: Time and Life Management (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-95-top-1l-questions-time-life-management/) Sonia Sotomayor, My Beloved World (https://www.amazon.com/My-Beloved-World-Sonia-Sotomayor/dp/034580483X/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8) D. Vance, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis (https://www.amazon.com/Hillbilly-Elegy-Memoir-Family-Culture-ebook/dp/B0166ISAS8/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Episode-98-Top-1L-Questions-Non-Traditional-Students-1.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, we're talking with Nathan Fox, founder of Fox LSAT, about the future of the LSAT. The test is, in large part, the same as it has always been and it has enjoyed a protracted monopoly in the law school admissions process, but could that be changing? Tune in for more! In this episode, we discuss: New "competition" for the LSAT: Harvard will begin accepting GRE scores in lieu of LSAT scores in their admissions process The reasoning and possible motivation behind the change Ways in which the LSAT and GRE are similar and different How this change might affect candidates in the law school admissions process and the future of law school admissions, generally The incorporation of technology in the digital LSAT pilot program taking place this year Signs along your LSAT journey that might indicate you're better off choosing another path – and there's nothing wrong with that! Resources: Fox LSAT (https://www.foxlsat.com/) Thinking LSAT Podcast (http://www.thinkinglsat.com/blog/) Podcast Episode 46: 4 Myths About the LSAT from Expert Nathan Fox (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-46-4-myths-about-the-lsat-from-expert-nathan-fox/) Nathan Fox on Twitter (https://twitter.com/nfox) Should You Quit Law School? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/should-you-quit-law-school/) Everything You Think You Know About Law School - The LSAT (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/everything-think-know-law-school-lsat/) Maximize Your Final Month of LSAT Prep (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/everything-think-know-law-school-lsat/) How to Avoid an LSAT Test Day Disaster (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/everything-think-know-law-school-lsat/) Tips for Studying for the LSAT While Working Full-Time (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-studying-lsat-working-full-time/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Episode-97-The-LSAT-with-Nathan-Fox.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, we're excited to have as our guest the founder of Financial Panther, a personal finance blog created for young professionals. Kevin paid off all his law school loans in a little over two years and has a lot of insight into how to stay financially grounded once you enter the legal profession. In this episode, we discuss: How Kevin paid off his law school loans so quickly The impact of scholarship offers on law school decisions Calculating how much debt you can really take on Living like a student after you've started making money How to work the side-hustle in and after law school Common financial mistakes students and young lawyers make Giving yourself some financial breathing room to prepare for the uncertainties of life Assessing competing financial priorities and decisions when you first enter the workforce Is law school really worth it, financially speaking? Resources: Esqyr (http://www.esqyr.com/) Esqyr Bar Exam Tool Box 10% off Coupon (http://www.esqyr.com/barexamtoolbox/) Financial Panther (http://www.financialpanther.co/) Everything You Need to Know about Law School Scholarships (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/everything-need-know-law-school-scholarships/) Podcast Episode 92: Top 1L Questions: The Money Edition (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-92-top-1l-questions-money-edition/) Ahead of the Curve: Take the Money or Take a Gamble? Should a Scholarship Determine Which Law School You Attend? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/ahead-of-the-curve-take-the-money-or-take-a-gamble-should-a-scholarship-determine-which-law-school-i-attend/) Podcast Episode 38: Can You Really Afford Law School? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-38-can-you-really-afford-law-school/) Boon and Gable (https://boonandgable.com/) Wag! (https://wagwalking.com/) DogVacay (https://dogvacay.com/) Postmates (https://postmates.com/) DoorDash (https://www.doordash.com/) Caviar (https://www.trycaviar.com/) The Reality of Law School Debt (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-reality-of-law-school-debt/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Episode_96_-_Financial_Panther2-2.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we're talking about a perennial 1L problem area: organizing your time and your life so you can get everything done in law school and still be a somewhat normal human being. Law school requires a lot of time, but so do other important areas of your life. Find out how to fit everything in without having a breakdown! In this episode, we discuss: The law school obligations that need to find a place in your schedule Non-academic activities that you might consider scheduling as well Time-saving strategies for handling mundane, but necessary, errands Making productive use of study breaks during off-peak hours of the day The importance of sleep and concentrated focus (vs. multitasking) Maintaining open, honest communication with the other people in your life about your law school time demands Various apps and tools to help you gain control over your time and stick to your schedule Resources: Start Law School Right Course (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) Podcast Episode 89: The Leap from Undergrad to Law School (with Keri Clapp) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-89-the-leap-from-undergrad-to-law-school-with-keri-clapp/) How to Calendar Your Way to Better Grades and More Free Time (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-calendar-your-way-to-better-grades-and-more-free-time/) 10 Reasons to Exercise in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/10-reasons-exercise-law-school/) 6 Ways to Make Time to Exercise in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/6-ways-make-time-exercise-law-school/) Amazon Subscribe and Save (https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=rcxsubs_details?ie=UTF8&node=15283820011) AmazonFresh (https://www.amazon.com/AmazonFresh/b?ie=UTF8&node=10329849011) Five Myths About the Law School Study Group (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/five-myths-about-the-law-school-study-group/) Podcast Episode 24: Job Search Basics for 1Ls (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-24-job-search-basics-1ls/) Let's Talk About Sleep (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/lets-talk-about-sleep/) Wired to Eat, by Robb Wolf (https://www.amazon.com/Wired-Eat-Cravings-Appetite-Determine/dp/0451498569) How to Maximize Your Sleep (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-maximize-your-sleep/) Is Tryptophan Plus Outlining a Recipe for Disaster? How to Decide Whether to Go Home for Thanksgiving in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/is-tryptophan-plus-outlining-a-recipe-for-disaster-how-to-decide-whether-to-go-home-for-thanksgiving-in-law-school/) Parenting in Law School: Surviving Your 1L Year While Raising a Family (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-kids-surviving-1l-year-raising-family/) The Battle of Commuting to Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-battle-of-commuting-to-law-school/) Podcast Episode 88: Self-Care Tips for Keeping Your Mojo in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-88-self-care-tips-for-keeping-your-mojo-in-law-school/) Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, by Cal Newport (https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/1455586692) One "Think" at a Time: Why Multitasking Doesn't Work (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/one-think-at-a-time-why-multitasking-doesnt-work/) Trello (https://trello.com/) Calendly (https://calendly.com/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Episode_95_-_Top_Incoming_1L_Questions_Time_Management-1.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, we're talking with Sara O'Connor, one of our law school and bar exam tutors, about setting yourself up for summer job success, regardless of the type of job you're going to be doing. Summer law jobs can come with a lot of pressure. There are many things to consider when trying to make a good impression; work product, work ethic, and interpersonal skills are key factors. Tune in for a preview of life as a summer associate or intern, along with tips for getting the most out of the experience (including a job offer). In this episode, we discuss: What makes someone a successful summer associate or legal intern How to approach your assignments Strategies for managing your workload Speaking up: asking for assignments and constructive feedback Successfully working with support staff Some of the factors on which you will be evaluated, and remembering that you, too, are evaluating the experience with the employer Resources: How to Make a Good Impression at Your Summer Law Job (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-make-a-good-impression-at-your-summer-law-job/) Getting Ready for Your BigLaw Summer Job (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/getting-ready-for-your-biglaw-summer-job/) Tips for Legal Writing at Your Summer Job (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-for-legal-writing-at-your-summer-job/) Four Tips for Summer Law Job Success (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/four-tips-for-summer-law-job-success/) Are You Emotionally Intelligent? 5 Soft Skills to Show Off in Your Summer Law Job (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/are-you-emotionally-intelligent-5-soft-skills-to-show-off-in-your-summer-law-job/) How to End Your Summer Internship on a Good Note (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/end-summer-internship-good-note/) Podcast Episode 45: Writing Effectively in Your Summer Legal Job (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-45-writing-effectively-summer-legal-job/) Podcast Episode 85: Surviving as a Summer Associate and New Firm Lawyer (with Grover Cleveland) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-85-surviving-summer-associate-new-firm-lawyer-grover-cleveland/) Podcast Episode 54: How to Evaluate Your Summer Legal Job Experience (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-54-evaluate-summer-legal-job-experience/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Episode-94-Summer-Job-Success-w-Sara-OConnor.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, we're addressing some of the questions we've gotten from incoming 1Ls about law school academics. There are many things about law school that inherently make law school intimidating, unfamiliar territory. Tune in for some tips on preparing yourself mentally for what to expect so you go into your 1L year with a strategy for success. In this episode, we discuss: Elements of law school that are challenging and different from what you've experienced in the past How to manage the heavy workload (hint: there's no shortcut) Tracking your time and evaluating your methods to course-correct along the way Tips for part-time students managing additional responsibilities Good confusion vs. bad confusion and how to know if you're prepared for class How to stand out – in a good way – in law school Resources: Start Law School Right Course (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) Podcast Episode 16: Study Strategies for Different Learning Styles in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-16-study-strategies-different-learning-styles-law-school/ Podcast Episode 19: Conquering Different Types of Law School Exams (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-19-conquering-different-types-law-school-exams/) Podcast Episode 21: What is your Professor Looking for on Exams (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-21-professor-looking-exams/) Podcast Episode 22: Take an Exam with Us (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-22-take-exam-us/) Podcast Episode 89: The Leap from Undergrad to Law School (with Keri Clapp) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-89-the-leap-from-undergrad-to-law-school-with-keri-clapp/) Time Management Tip: Think of Law School Like a Job (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/time-management-tip-think-of-law-school-like-a-law-job/) Balancing Life as a Night Student (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/balancing-life-as-a-night-student/) How to Brief a Case in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-brief-a-case-in-law-school/) 1L Tip of the Day: Good Confusion and Bad Confusion (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/10/law-school-tip-of-the-day-good-confusion-and-bad-confusion/) Why Class Participation Matters and How to Do It Right http://lawschooltoolbox.com/class-participation-matters-right/) A Student's Perspective: The First Week of Law School Classes (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/a-first-hand-perspective-on-your-first-week-of-classes/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Episode-93-Top-Incoming-1L-Questions_Academics.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, we're answering the top questions we get from incoming 1Ls and we're talking about the bottom line: money. For many people, talking about money is taboo, uncouth, or just uncomfortable, but if you're planning to go to law school, it better be a key factor in your decision-making process. You got into law school, but how are you going to pay for it? The financial decisions you make now can have rippling effects long after graduation. In this episode, we discuss: When you should take scholarship money over a more prestigious, but more expensive, school When and how to negotiate your scholarship offers The reality of student loans: how much should you take out, disbursement, repayment, and the impact of interest Alternative sources of loans and scholarships, and getting support from your "village" How to budget as a law student Thrifty life hacks and side hustles to save money and get paid in law school What's reasonable and necessary with respect to bar expenses and bar loans Resources: Start Law School Right Course (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) You Need a Budget (https://www.youneedabudget.com/) How Are You Managing Your Household Finances? (Article about You Need a Budget app) (https://apracticalwedding.com/ynab-marriage-finances/) Ahead of the Curve: Take the Money or Take a Gamble? Should a Scholarship Determine Which School You Attend? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/ahead-of-the-curve-take-the-money-or-take-a-gamble-should-a-scholarship-determine-which-law-school-i-attend/) Ahead of the Curve: The Power of Negotiation: When Should I Negotiate My Law School Scholarship Offer? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/ahead-of-the-curve-the-power-of-negotiation-when-should-i-negotiate-my-law-school-scholarship-offer/) 5 Money Saving Apps for Law Students (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-money-saving-apps-for-law-students/) Everything You Need to Know about Law School Scholarships (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/everything-need-know-law-school-scholarships/) Podcast Episode 87: Affordable Bar Prep & Social Entrepreneurship with Chris Henjum of Esqyr.com (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-87-affordable-bar-prep-social-entrepreneurship-w-chris-henjum-esqyr-com/) Podcast Episode 38: Can You Really Afford Law School? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-38-can-you-really-afford-law-school/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Episode_92_-_Top_Incoming_1L_Questions_Money-1.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, get ready to be inspired! We're talking with Rachel Hundley, an attorney who, after living the law firm life in New York City, eventually landed in the California Wine Country City of Sonoma. Not long after relocating there, she started to get involved in local politics, first getting elected to the City Council in 2014 and then unanimously being voted Mayor in 2016. She also co-owns a food truck called Drums and Crumbs. Rachel offers not just some great practical tips for being active in your local community, she also provides an inspiring example of someone who felt a calling and pursued it—more than once, undeterred by various obstacles—where there's a will, there's a way! In this episode, we discuss: The unexpected trajectory of Rachel's post-law school journey Her campaign, and how to run for local office What it's really like in the day-to-day, behind-the-scenes life of a local elected official Skills you learn in law school and cultivate as lawyers that are huge assets in politics, entrepreneurship, and beyond How to take the most from every experience, and how to get experience and connections that count The recent call to public service many are feeling nationwide, and different ways to get involved Being an informed citizen and making your voice heard, especially for young people Resources: Itkowitz, Colby. "She wanted to make a difference. Now this millennial is the mayor of her new town." Washington Post, Jan. 24, 2017. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2017/01/24/she-moved-across-the-country-to-start-a-new-life-then-the-town-made-her-mayor/?utm_term=.f2aabd10822c) Gowland, Lelia. "She Should Run: This Nonprofit Incubator Is Launching Thousands Of Women's Political Careers," Forbes, Dec. 1, 2016. (https://www.forbes.com/sites/leliagowland/2016/12/01/how-this-nonprofit-inspires-women-run-for-office/#617645e77bc53) She Should Run (http://www.sheshouldrun.org) EMILY's List (https://www.emilyslist.org/pages/entry/run-for-office) Emerge America (http://www.emergeamerica.org) Podcast Episode 83: Lawyers in Action: The Airport Immigration Crisis (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-83-lawyers-in-action-the-immigration-crisis/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Episode-91-Rachel-Hundley.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, we're talking with Ariel Salzer, tutor for the Law School Toolbox and Bar Exam Toolbox, about the upcoming July 2017 bar exam season! Change is in the air, especially with the new California bar exam format and new MBE scoring rules, so your strategy might shift a bit. But one thing remains constant: you can't get through any bar exam without deliberate, focused, and practical studying—and a lot of it. In this episode, we discuss: Changes to the California bar exam format from 3 days to 2 days Potential winners and losers with the new format The impact of reducing the California performance test to one 90-minute segment Chatter about the exam changes and the debate over lowering the passing score in California—and why you should ignore all of it during your bar exam prep Practicing active learning for the MBE and recognizing legally significant facts The benefits of, and strategies for, starting your bar prep early Resources: • Esqyr (http://www.esqyr.com/) • Esqyr 10% Off Coupon (http://www.esqyr.com/barexamtoolbox/) • SmartBarPrep.com (http://www.smartbarprep.com/) • State Bar of California Notice re: Modification to Format and Grading of the California Bar Examination Effective with July 2017 Administration (http://admissions.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/4/documents/Examinations/NoticeTwoDay0815_R.pdf) • "California bar exam's passing score should be lowered, critics say." (http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/California-bar-exam-s-passing-score-should-be-10999240.php) • Sample 90-Minute Performance Test Instructions and File (http://admissions.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/4/documents/specialNotices/2017_Sample_90-MinutePT_File_R.pdf) • Podcast Episode 78: Advice for First-Time Bar Exam Takers (http://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-78-advice-first-time-bar-exam-takers/) • Podcast Episode 52: Bar Exam Tips for Mastering the MBE (http://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-52-bar-exam-tips-mastering-mbe/) • Please Do Not Spend All of Your Time Studying the Law! (http://barexamtoolbox.com/please-do-not-spend-all-of-your-time-studying-the-law/) • Can Studying Early Help You Pass the Bar Exam? (http://barexamtoolbox.com/can-studying-early-help-you-pass-the-bar-exam/) • How to Become Great at Taking the Bar Exam with Deliberate Practice (http://barexamtoolbox.com/become-great-taking-bar-exam/) • Why I Hired a Bar Exam Tutor (http://barexamtoolbox.com/hired-bar-exam-tutor) Bar Exam Workshops and Courses at BarExamToolbox.com: • Writing of the Week (WOW) Bar Essay Workshop (http://barexamtoolbox.com/writing-of-the-week-wow-bar-essay-workshop/) • California Bar Exam Tutoring (http://barexamtoolbox.com/california-bar-exam-tutoring/) • Florida Bar Exam Tutoring (http://barexamtoolbox.com/florida-bar-exam-tutoring/) • Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), MEE, and MPT Tutoring (http://barexamtoolbox.com/uniform-bar-exam-ube-mee-and-mpt-tutoring/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Episode-90-2017-Bar-Exam-with-Ariel-Salzer.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're prepping for the bar exam, be sure to check out our Bar Exam Toolbox website (http://barexamtoolbox.com), too. Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, we're talking with Keri Clapp, professor and tutor for the Law School Toolbox and Bar Exam Toolbox, about important considerations to keep in mind as you make the transition from undergrad to law school. Keri, who teaches at both the undergraduate and law school level, offers her unique perspective to help us bring to light the key differences so you know what's in store. In this episode, we discuss: Differences between undergrad and law school teaching methods, course materials, and study habits How struggling with the material is normal and part of the learning process What it means to "think like a lawyer" Overcoming the initial resistance to, and awkwardness of, legal writing Understanding social and lifestyle differences Informational interviews and other ways to get a taste for what it's really like to be a law student and a lawyer before you take the plunge The importance of knowing yourself and your learning style Resources: Podcast Episode 1: Mindset – The Key to Success in Law School? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-1-mindset-key-success-law-school/) Podcast Episode 43: Getting Mentally Prepared to Start Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-43-getting-mentally-prepared-to-start-law-school/) Podcast Episode 7: Time and Life Management Basics (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-7-time-life-management-basics/) Podcast Episode 17: Where to Get Help in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-17-get-help-law-school/) Podcast Episode 2: Why Is Law School Hard? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-2-law-school-hard/) Ginsberg, Ruth Bader. My Own Words. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2016. (https://www.amazon.com/Own-Words-Ruth-Bader-Ginsburg/dp/150114524X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489105437&sr=8-1&keywords=ruth+bader+ginsburg) Toobin, Jeffrey. The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court. New York: Anchor Books, 2008. (https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Inside-Secret-World-Supreme/dp/1400096790/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1400096790&pd_rd_r=ZCXNXN9MR4ZHAJH5PW0X&pd_rd_w=WnS6D&pd_rd_wg=Z1Jcw&psc=1&refRID=ZCXNXN9MR4ZHAJH5PW0X) Vance, J.D. Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2016. (https://www.amazon.com/Hillbilly-Elegy-Memoir-Family-Culture/dp/0062300547/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1489027830&sr=1-1&keywords=hillbilly+elegy) Woodward, Bob. The Brethren: Inside the Supreme Court. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2005. (https://www.amazon.com/Brethren-Inside-Supreme-Court/dp/0743274024) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, let's take a break, and talk about self-care strategies to keep your mojo strong as a law student. Law school is stressful enough on a good day, and, with everything going on in the world, global anxiety is at an all-time high. This combo is leading to a lot of stressed out, anxious law students! If this is you, we've got some strategies and advice to keep things from spinning out of control. In this episode, we discuss: - Simple self-care and why it's so important! - Scheduling time to "check in" with yourself - How to unplug from technology and reboot - Understanding your "Sphere of Control" - Balancing law school and maintaining focus in a tumultuous political environment - Remembering the big picture and finding perspective Resources: • Podcast Episode 1: Mindset – The Key to Success in Law School? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-1-mindset-key-success-law-school/) • Podcast Episode 43: Getting Mentally Prepared to Start Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-43-getting-mentally-prepared-to-start-law-school/) • Podcast Episode 15: The October Freakout (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-15-october-freakout/) • Podcast Episode 7: Time and Life Management Basics (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-7-time-life-management-basics/) • Podcast Episode 17: Where to Get Help in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-17-get-help-law-school/) • Podcast Episode 2: Why Is Law School Hard? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-2-law-school-hard/) • Jain, Renee. "Teach your Child this Crucial Life Lesson (Challenge #2: Sphere of Control)." Huffington Post, Feb 21, 2017. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/teach-your-child-this-crucial-life-lesson-challenge_us_5898a6fde4b0985224db578e) • Ginsberg, Ruth Bader. My Own Words. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2016. (https://www.amazon.com/Own-Words-Ruth-Bader-Ginsburg/dp/150114524X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489105437&sr=8-1&keywords=ruth+bader+ginsburg) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). And if you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back. Today, we're talking with Chris J. Henjum, an attorney and social entrepreneur. Chris is the co-founder of Esqyr.com, a public benefit corporation devoted to providing credible, affordable test prep (starting with the bar exam). Chris is also an attorney and analyst with Flaherty & Hood in St. Paul, Minnesota. If you're looking for bar prep options, or want to learn more about social entrepreneurship, tune in! In this episode we discuss: Why Chris took three bar exams, and then founded a bar prep company! Why are most bar prep courses so expensive? The challenges of balancing a side hustle with a full-time job and a new child What's it like to be a social entrepreneur, and what causes is Esqyr.com working to support? Chris and Lee discuss their favorite tools for organizing their lives and businesses Tips for success in law school and on the bar exam Why flash cards are terrible for learning the law How to handle failure and react to criticism Resources Esqyr (http://www.esqyr.com/) Trello (https://trello.com/) Xero (http://xero.com) Critical Pass Review (http://barexamtoolbox.com/tools-for-bar-exam-success-critical-pass-flashcards/) The Question I Have Never Been Asked About the Bar Exam (http://barexamtoolbox.com/question-ive-never-asked-bar-exam/) Special Discount for Podcast Listeners - 10% off Esqyr (Esqyr.com/barexamtoolbox) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Best of luck on the bar exam! Alison & Lee

Welcome back. Today, we're taking a little bit of a detour to talk about entrepreneurship. Or, maybe it's not such a detour, given the number of lawyers who end up creating solo practices or small firms, or who leave the law entirely to start new businesses! If you are looking to start your own business or create a side hustle, tune in! In this episode we discuss: Why everyone should think of themselves as an entrepreneur, even if they have a steady paycheck Why every BigLaw lawyer should read The 4-Hour Workweek Lee and Alison discuss their paths to entrepreneurship Why it might be a terrible idea to build a business around what you love to do Strategies for getting your business or side hustle off the ground How technology can make it easier to start a new business Books that we found helpful on the entrepreneurial path When it makes sense to work with a business or life coach Resources for raising funding for your new endeavor Why community matters if you want to be an entrepreneur (and how to build your community) Resources: Books The Startup of You by Reid Hoffman (https://www.amazon.com/Start-up-You-Future-Yourself-Transform-ebook/dp/B0050DIWHU/) The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss (https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Expanded-Updated-Cutting-Edge-ebook/dp/B002WE46UW/) Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini (https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Business-Essentials-ebook/dp/B002BD2UUC/) Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck-ebook/dp/B000FCKPHG/) Brene Brown books (https://www.amazon.com/Bren%C3%A9-Brown/e/B001JP45BA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1487290640&sr=8-1) Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck (https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Your-Own-North-Star/dp/0812932188/) $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau (https://www.amazon.com/100-Startup-Reinvent-Living-Create-ebook/dp/B0067TGSOK/) Birthing the Elephant: The Woman's Go-For-It Guide to Overcoming the Big Challenges of Launching a Business (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D5BDK9E/) Pour Your Heart Into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time by Harold Schultz (https://www.amazon.com/Pour-Your-Heart-Into-Starbucks-ebook/dp/B007MB5UIW/) Steve Jobs Biography (https://www.amazon.com/Steve-Jobs-Walter-Isaacson-ebook/dp/B004W2UBYW/) People to Follow Rachel Rogers, The Small Business Bodyguard (http://smallbusinessbodyguard.com/) Chris Guillebeau (https://chrisguillebeau.com/) Ramit Sethi, I Will Teach You To Be Rich (http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/) Marie Forleo (https://www.marieforleo.com/) Pat Flynn, Smart Passive Income (https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/) Meg Keene (http://www.megkeene.com/) Seth Godin (http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/) Tim Ferris (http://www.timothyferris.com/) Copyblogger (http://www.copyblogger.com/) Software Clio (http://www.clio.com/) Zapier (https://zapier.com/) Resources for Raising Capital Elizabeth Yin (http://blog.elizabethyin.com/) Mark Suster, Both Sides of the Table (https://bothsidesofthetable.com/) Other Resources Podcast: Seth Godin Tells Lawyers How to Make Art and Start a Ruckus (https://www.countertax.ca/bnlpodcast/s01e10-seth-godin) CodeX FutureLaw Conference at Stanford University (https://law.stanford.edu/event/codex-futurelaw-conference-2017/) Upwork (for outsourcing) (https://www.upwork.com/) Harvard Business Review Emails (https://hbr.org/email-newsletters) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Good luck with your path to entrepreneurship! Alison & Lee

Welcome back. Today, we're talking with Grover Cleveland, a Seattle lawyer and speaker and the author of the bestselling career advice book for new lawyers, Swimming Lessons for Baby Sharks: The Essential Guide to Thriving as a New Lawyer. If you're in law school or are starting your legal career in a law firm, tune in! In this episode we discuss: Grover tells us about the origin of his bestselling book, Swimming Lessons for Baby Sharks Lee and Grover share their experiences as new associates The most common mistakes summer associates and new full-time associates make What lawyers should wear to the office The soft skills law students need to succeed in their legal careers The realities of work/life balance, and how to ask about the topic in interviews How to set boundaries Getting feedback on your performance Resources Grover's Website (http://www.swimminglessonsforbabysharks.com/) Swimming Lessons for Baby Sharks (https://www.amazon.com/Swimming-Lessons-Sharks-Career-Guides/dp/1634606868/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, we're talking with Law School Toolbox tutor (and former law professor) Jason Jones about a very important aspect of law school exam success – using legal rules. Some of you might be thinking, "Duh, of course, I know how to use legal rules. It's all we talk about in class and I have them all in my outline." But, we see A LOT of exam answers – where students swear they knew the rules going in – that really don't include rules at all. If you want to set yourself up for legal rule success, tune in! In this episode we discuss: What's the rule supposed to accomplish in legal writing? Why it's important to have accurate, complete rule statements Common issues students have with using legal rules effectively What a bad rule statement looks like Do you need to memorize your rule statements exactly? How do you know if the rules in your outline are correct and easy to use? Is it okay to just look up the rules in a commercial outline? Alison and Jason share examples of what do to (and not to do) with rules in legal writing Resources A Formula For Rule Analysis Success (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/formula-rule-analysis-success/) 3 Steps to Using Cases to Explain the Law (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/3-steps-using-cases-explain-law/) How and Why: Deepening Your Legal Reasoning (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-and-why-deepening-your-legal-reasoning/) Legal Writing 101 podcast (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-11-legal-writing-101/) Getting to Maybe: How To Excel at Law School Exams (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Maybe-Excel-School-Exams/dp/0890897603) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Good luck with those rule statements! Alison & Lee

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we've got a special episode for you. We are honored to be talking with several volunteer lawyers who sprung into action at airports around the country, helping people caught up in the chaos that ensued after President Trump issued his executive order on immigration. This executive order, issued at the close of business on Friday, January 27th, 2017 resulted in a slew of deportations and detentions of travelers who were traveling with what they thought were valid visas. It's also generated a number of emergency injunctions in federal courts around the country. Tune in to hear what the situation was like on the ground, and how lawyers and law students can get involved to help. In this episode we discuss: Interviews with lawyers on the front lines: Sarah Sherman Stokes, Professor at Boston University School of Law volunteering with students in Boston, and Cindy Grossman, law firm tax partner volunteering at Newark Airport What was really going on at the airports and in the courts How lawyers got involved and self-organized a response How lawyers can, and did, help, even if they have other areas of substantive expertise The challenges of getting information to travelers who might need help What information, if any, lawyers were able to get about people being detained Classes to can take if you are interested in immigration law, and activities to participate in The value of law school clinics for building confidence and legal skills Issues that immigrants face, beyond just immigration How law students and lawyers can get involved and help The importance of lawyers brushing up on their general civil rights skills What it's like to fight the good fight in difficult situations Resources Lawyers for Good Government Website (http://www.lawyersforgoodgovernment.org/) Lawyers for Good Government Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/lawyersforgoodgovernment/) No Ban USA (https://nobanusa.com/) No Ban USA (for JFK) (https://nobanusa.com/jfk/) No Ban USA (for Newark) (https://nobanusa.com/ewr) Help the Lawyers Twitter (https://twitter.com/helpthelawyers) Free Law Project - Airport Cases (https://free.law/featured-cases/airport-cases/) How Lawyers are Using Tech to Fight for Justice in US Airports (https://www.clio.com/blog/help-the-lawyers-tech/) These are the Attorneys Fighting Trump's Immigration Ban at Airports Around the Country (http://nymag.com/thecut/2017/01/the-women-fighting-trumps-immigration-ban.html) Twitter Accounts: @DullesJustice (http://twitter.com/DullesJustice) @EWR_Lawyers (http://twitter.com/EWR_Lawyers) @nobanjfk (http://twitter.com/nobanjfk) @DFWDetained (http://twitter.com/DFWDetained) @OneJusticeOrg (http://twitter.com/OneJusticeOrg) @centrolegal (http://twitter.com/centrolegal) @LAXLawyers (http://twitter.com/LAXLawyers) @OpenBoston (https://twitter.com/openboston) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we're talking with Okeoma Moronu, a BigLaw mid-level associate and creator of The Happy Lawyer Project. Are you a law student wondering if you can be happy as a lawyer? Are you a lawyer looking for happiness? It's really not impossible. Tune in for fresh ideas! In this episode we discuss: Can lawyers really be happy? Advice for young associates deciding what type of law to focus on Corporate or litigation? What are the pros and cons? How to make BigLaw work for you How to know if you should leave the law profession entirely How to find happiness as a lawyer or law student What to do in law school to prepare for a happy career How to connect with the Happy Lawyer Project Resources The Happy Lawyer Project (www.thehappylawyerproject.com) Why Are Lawyers So Unhappy (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-10-lawyers-unhappy/) Episode Transcript: Download a copy of the transcript If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we're talking about something that's not discussed all that often in law school, which is emotional intelligence. This is an important piece of the puzzle for happiness and success in your law career and in life. Want to know how to develop these skills? Tune in! In this episode we discuss: What is emotional intelligence? Why is emotional intelligence important in legal work? Can better emotional intelligence make you a better lawyer (or will it just make you soft)? How to handle the stress of navigating rough waters for your clients Why there's persistent conflict in the legal profession and how to handle it Lee and Alison give examples of conflict from their legal work Personality types and how they affect your lawyering The importance of empathy and compassion in lawyers Exercises and resources for developing emotional intelligence Resources How to Be a Success at Everything (https://www.fastcompany.com/3042330/how-to-be-a-success-at-everything/how-one-simple-change-can-make-you-a-better-listener) 4 Rituals That Make You Happy, According to Neuroscience (http://time.com/4042834/neuroscience-happy-rituals/?xid=fbshare) Jeena Cho (http://jeenacho.com/) Judi Cohen, Warrior One (http://warriorone.com/) When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron (https://www.amazon.com/When-Things-Fall-Apart-Anniversary/dp/1611803438/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484089071&sr=1-4&keywords=things+fall+apart) Books by Brene Brown (https://www.amazon.com/Bren%C3%A9-Brown/e/B001JP45BA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1484926896&sr=1-1) Books by the Dalai Lama (https://www.amazon.com/Dalai-Lama/e/B000AQ027U/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1484927209&sr=1-1) The Places That Scare You by Pema Chodron (https://www.amazon.com/Places-That-Scare-You-Fearlessness-ebook/dp/B00BBXJH7W/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1484927287&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Places+that+scare+you) Episode Transcript: Download a copy of the transcript If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, we're talking about the basics of the bar exam. This episode might send shudders down your spine if you're a 3L looking to take the bar exam next summer, or perhaps you're thinking, "Hey, I'm a 1L. Why should I be worrying about this so early?" Well, the reality is the bar exam is a pretty big deal and is one of the final hurdles to becoming a lawyer. So whether you're taking the next bar exam or taking it a few years from now, you need to understand the basics, to ensure you prepare effectively and only have to take it once! (We're pleased to announce our episodes now contain a transcript, which you'll find below. Enjoy!) In this episode we discuss: Bar exam basics, especially California and the UBE states What the UBE consists of (MPT, MBE, MEE) What the performance test covers and how to prepare What to expect on the MBE and how to prepare Being strategic and matching your bar exam planning to your career objectives Questions to ask yourself as you decide which bar exam to take The changes coming to the California bar exam Should you wait to take the CA bar exam? Will CA be harder or easier after the changes? Planning ahead for the bar exam as a 1L and 2L Other state bar exams you may encounter Choosing the right bar review provider and whether you need to buy immediately as a law student What are accommodations and how can you get them for the bar exam? Should you take bar electives in law school? The future of the bar exam Resources National Conference of Bar Examiners (http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube/) Thinking Ahead to Get Ready for the Bar Exam (podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-26-thinking-ahead-get-ready-bar-exam/) The Top 5 Bar Exam Mistakes Podcast (sponsored by Adaptibar - with $55 discount) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-47-the-top-five-bar-exam-study-mistakes-with-ariel/) Adaptibar (http://barexamtoolbox.com/vendors/adaptibar/) Themis Bar Review (http://barexamtoolbox.com/vendors/themis-bar-review/) Lean Sheets (http://barexamtoolbox.com/vendors/lean-sheets/) Sketchy Law (http://barexamtoolbox.com/tools-bar-exam-success-sketchy-law/) Can You Pass the Bar Exam Without Taking Barbri (http://barexamtoolbox.com/can-you-pass-the-bar-exam-without-taking-barbri/) Bar Exam Tips: Mastering the MBE (podcast) (http://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-52-bar-exam-tips-mastering-mbe/) Seeking Accommodations in Law School and the Bar Exam (http://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-72-seeking-accommodations-law-school-bar-exam-dr-jared-maloff/) All our Bar Exam Related Podcasts (http://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast/) Episode Transcript: Download a copy of the transcript If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Good luck on the bar exam. Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, we're talking about making the most of your second semester of law school. By now, you probably have some or all of your grades back, so this is a good time to take stock of where you are and make any changes necessary to get the most out of your second semester. In this episode we discuss: Dealing with your first semester grades, whether they're good, bad, or in the middle What do your 1L first semester grades really indicate? Calibrating your expectations Evaluating what went well and what you need to improve on How your grades can affect your 1L summer job search What should you be focusing on in the second semester? What you can be doing to advance your future legal career, even as a 1L Preparing for the law journal write-on process Thinking about Moot Court Extra-curricular activities to consider getting involved with second semester Taking care of yourself Handling burnout The Law School Toolbox Second Semester ReBoot course, if your grades need to improve Resources Law School Toolbox Second Semester ReBoot (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/join-second-semester-reboot-law-school-camp/) Dealing with Bad Law School Grades (podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-28-dealing-bad-law-school-grades/) Job Search Basics for 1Ls (podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-24-job-search-basics-1ls/) Acing Oral Arguments in Law School (podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-53-acing-oral-arguments-law-school/) Surviving Law School Moot Court (podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-37/) Acing the Law Review Write-On Competition (podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-42-acing-law-review-write-competition/) Where to Get Help in Law School (podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-17-get-help-law-school/) How to Conduct Great Informational Interviews (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/how-to-conduct-great-informational-interviews/) The Binge Breaker (http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/11/the-binge-breaker/501122/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Good luck second semester. Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we're sharing advice for first-time bar exam takers, to ensure you can take the test once and pass. Even if you're still in law school, and the bar exam is years away, it's never too early to get informed and chart a course for success, so tune in. In this episode we discuss: Mistakes first-time bar takers commonly make How to evaluate what type of bar prep is for you Do you need to take a commercial bar prep course? The importance of knowing your strengths and weaknesses when studying Alison and Lee share their experience as first-time bar exam takers Avoiding burnout while studying for the bar What to do if you sense that your bar prep course isn't working for you What role minimum competency should play in your bar exam strategy Ways to prepare for the MBE efficiently Preparing for the day of the bar exam How to prepare for emergencies that may arise as you're studying or on test day The importance of targeted practice Accommodations and how to get them Resources Exam Day Tips (http://barexamtoolbox.com/exam-day-tips/) Warning Signs You May Need Help as a First-Time Bar Taker (http://barexamtoolbox.com/warning-signs-you-may-need-extra-help-as-a-first-time-bar-exam-taker/) Can You Pass the Bar Exam without BARBRI (http://barexamtoolbox.com/can-you-pass-the-bar-exam-without-taking-barbri/) Thinking Ahead to Get Ready for the Bar Exam (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-26-thinking-ahead-get-ready-bar-exam/) Seeking Accommodations for Law School and the Bar Exam (http://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-72-seeking-accommodations-law-school-bar-exam-dr-jared-maloff/) Tools for Bar Exam Success: AdaptiBar (http://barexamtoolbox.com/tools-for-bar-exam-success-adaptibar/) Bar Tutoring for First-Time Takers (UBE) http://barexamtoolbox.com/ube-bar-tutoring-first-time-takers/ Bar Tutoring for First-Time Takers (CA) http://barexamtoolbox.com/california-bar-tutoring-first-time-takers/ Download a copy of this transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Episode-79-Making-the-most-of-second-semester.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). And we have lots of bar exam advice on our Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com) site. Thanks for listening! Good luck on the bar exam. Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we're talking about how to get great letters of recommendation, whether you need them to apply to law school, get a job or clerkship, or for some other purpose as a law student. Fundamentally, there are two issues at play here. First, who should you ask to write your letters? How can you ensure they're actually enthusiastic? And, two, what information do your letter writers need to do the best possible job for you? After this episode, you'll be able to pinpoint the best people to help you, and ensure they write you stellar letters of recommendation! So let's get started. In this episode we discuss: Who should you ask for a letter of recommendation? What makes someone a good recommender? How can you tell if they're the right person for your needs? What you're looking for in a good letter of recommendation Lee and Alison share their letter of recommendation experiences, as students and as recommenders What types of letters of recommendation should you get for law school, legal employment, clerkships, internships, etc.? How to ask someone for a letter of recommendation How to ensure the recommendation actually gets done What do you need to give someone so they can complete the letter? What should you do if the recommender asks you to write the letter yourself? Resources Craft a Law School Application That Gets You In: Letters of Recommendation (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/how-to-create-your-best-law-school-application-letters-of-recommendation/) Make Your Clerkship Application Shine: Letters of Recommendation http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/make-your-clerkship-application-letters-of-recommendation-shine/ If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Good luck with getting those recommendations! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, as finals wind down, we're talking about what you can do over winter break to improve your law school (and legal career) experience. Don't worry, a lot of it is fun! Not just more work - you've done enough for now. Winter break is a time to recuperate, but we do have a few suggestions! In this episode we discuss: Alison and Lee share their winter break experiences The importance of relaxation after finals Why you may need to reconnect with loved ones The value of investing in your community and doing volunteer work Reinvigorating your passion for law school Things you can do to work on your soft skills while you are off from school Getting ahead on your job search How to handle less than desirable final grades Resources Podcast: Soft Skills You Need to Develop to Be A Successful Attorney (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-71-soft-skills-you-need-to-develop-to-be-a-successful-attorney/) Conducting Great Informational Interviews (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/how-to-conduct-great-informational-interviews/) 5 Ways to Make Your Winter Break Productive (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-ways-make-winter-break-productive/) Did You Work on Your Resume During Winter Break? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/did-you-work-on-your-resume-during-law-school-winter-break/) Advice From a Law Recruiter: Top Tips For a Perfect Resume (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/advice-law-recruiter-part-one-resumes/) Podcast: Resume and Cover Letter Basics (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-12-resume-cover-letter-basics/) Podcast: Seeking Accommodations in Law School and on the Bar Exam: (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-72-seeking-accommodations-law-school-bar-exam/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Have a nice, relaxing break! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, we're excited to have attorney and author Lainey Feingold here with us. She is a long-time disability rights lawyer and developed a technique called Structured Negotiation that is the subject of her book, "Structured Negotiation: A Winning Alternative to Lawsuits," which was recently published by the ABA. Structure Negotiation has been used with well-known organizations including major banks, Walmart, the city of San Francisco, and Major League Baseball to address accessibility issues in physical and virtual environments, outside of court. If you're interested in learning more this new alternative dispute resolution approach or want to craft a non-traditional legal path, tune in. In this episode we discuss: What is Structured Negotiation? How is it different from other alternative dispute resolution techniques? Personality traits and skills that are useful in Structured Negotiation Lainey's path to becoming a disability rights attorney The importance of resilience in a legal career Advice for law students interested in an alternative legal practice Advice on starting a small firm or solo practice Resources that can help when pursuing this type of career How you can learn more about Structured Negotiation Resources Lainey's website (http://www.lflegal.com) More information about her book, "Structured Negotiation: A Winning Alternative to Lawsuits" (http://shop.americanbar.org/ebus/store/productdetails.aspx?productId=253331125) Contact Lainey: [email protected] Episode Transcript: Click to download If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we are talking about a very important topic -- who should go to law school? People have a variety of reasons for going to law school, but the real question is -- should YOU go? We'll help you figure that out. In this episode we discuss: What do lawyers really do? What is law school like? Questions to ask yourself before you apply to law school Ways to learn about the legal profession Ways to test out a legal career The people you should talk to before making the big decision Being realistic about money, time, the bar exam, and employment The importance of figuring out what you're good at and what you like Should you go to law school just because you think you'd be "good at it"? Why you shouldn't go to law school because you don't know what else to do Drawbacks to consider when going to law school Will you be happy as a lawyer? What to do if you're on the fence about law school The importance of examining your values and how they would line up with law school and a legal career Running the numbers -- is law school worth it? Resources Why are Lawyers So Unhappy (Podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-10-lawyers-unhappy/) Maintaining Authenticity in the Legal Profession (Podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-5-maintaining-authenticity-legal-profession/) How to Conduct Great Informational Interviews (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/how-to-conduct-great-informational-interviews/) How to Decide What Type of Law to Practice (Podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-70-how-to-decide-what-type-of-law-to-practice/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we're talking about a difficult reality – what happens when you don't pass the bar exam. Ariel Salzer, one of our bar exam tutors, is here with Lee to share some advice. If you got disappointing bar exam news, we have helpful tips in this podcast to help you regroup and get ready to pass next time. If you're in law school now, you can also find some useful information on how to be as prepared as possible so, hopefully, you only have to take the bar exam once. In this episode we discuss: What should you do when you get bad news? Does anyone really care if you failed (other than you)? How to analyze what went wrong Strategies for self-reflection Why it's important to feel bad and take some time and space to be upset Creating your bar prep mission statement How to make sure you aren't setting yourself up for the same mistakes on your next attempt How to hold yourself accountable during the bar study period Avoiding self-sabotage How to tell people you failed Do you need accommodations and how to seek them? Should you take the next bar exam or wait? How to take a more active role in the correction, review, and rewrite process Resources Seeking Accommodations in Law School and on the Bar Exam (podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-72-seeking-accommodations-law-school-bar-exam/) How to Apply for Bar Exam Accommodations When Finances are a Concern (http://barexamtoolbox.com/apply-bar-exam-accommodations-finances-concern/) Should You Apply for Accommodations for the Bar Exam (http://barexamtoolbox.com/apply-bar-exam-testing-accommodations/) Nine Elements to Review if You Failed the Bar Exam (http://barexamtoolbox.com/nine-elements-review-failed-bar-exam/) Failed the Bar Exam? How to Be the Ultimate Sore Loser the Next Time Around (http://barexamtoolbox.com/failed-the-bar-exam-how-to-be-the-ultimate-sore-loser-to-pass-the-bar-exam-next-time/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! And good luck on the bar exam. Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we're talking with Dr. Jared Maloff, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Beverly Hills, California, about helping students get testing accommodations for tests such as the LSAT, law school exams, and the California Bar Exam (to name a few). If you're struggling in law school or with the bar exam or know that you have a learning disorder, listen in to find out what accommodations are available, and now to request them. In this episode we discuss: The different accommodations available for different tests (LSAT, Bar Exam, Law School Exams) The types of tests used for diagnosing learning disorders and disabilities How are these tests evaluated? What are the common diagnoses that lead to accommodations? What type of accommodations are available to students to level the playing field? Reasons why students don't want to get tested How to identify if you are struggling with a learning disorder The biggest mistakes students make in the accommodations process Where do you need to go to get evaluated? The costs associated with accommodations Coping mechanisms for common problems The importance of being proactive about seeking accommodations Resources Leveling the Playing Field - Testing Accommodations on the Bar Exam (http://barexamtoolbox.com/leveling-the-playing-field-testing-accommodations-on-the-bar-exam/) Should You Apply for Bar Exam Testing Accommodations (http://barexamtoolbox.com/apply-bar-exam-testing-accommodations/) How to Apply for Bar Exam Accommodations When Finances are a Concern (http://barexamtoolbox.com/apply-bar-exam-accommodations-finances-concern/) State Dependent Learning and the Bar Exam (http://barexamtoolbox.com/state-dependent-learning-and-the-bar-exam/) Using Resources and Seeking Accommodations in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/leveling-playing-field-using-resource-seeking-accommodations-law-school/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back. Today we're talking about the soft skills you need to develop to be a successful attorney. It shouldn't be shocking to learn that law school doesn't totally prepare you to be a successful lawyer. Sure, you learn useful skills like legal writing and legal analysis, but building a practice (and a book of business) requires other skills. Some law schools are getting better at offering opportunities for students to gain these skills, but ultimately it's up to you to make sure you're fully ready to practice. Tune in to find out which soft skills are important and how to develop them. In this episode we discuss: The types of soft skills that tend to make you a successful attorney, regardless of your practice area Why lawyers need to understand how business works (even in public interest organizations) How to work on your business skills How to deal with clients Developing an elevator pitch Tips for public speaking How to communicate effectively with others in the legal workplace Using law school to build these skills Why technological literacy matters to attorneys The value of knowing another language Why you should work on your leadership skills Should you include these soft skills on your resume? Resources Are you emotionally Intelligent? 5 Soft Skills to Show Off in Your Summer Law Job (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/are-you-emotionally-intelligent-5-soft-skills-to-show-off-in-your-summer-law-job/) You Are a Lawyer Already: Practice Management (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/lawyer-already-practice-management/) Building the 21st Century Lawyer (podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-69/) How to Behave like a Professional in the Legal Workplace (podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-25-behave-like-professional-legal-workplace/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about how to figure out what type of law to practice. There are more options than most people realize, and your career happiness and success can ride on these decisions, so it's important to think beyond "litigation or corporate." Ideally, you'll find something that uses your unique skills, interests, and background to set yourself apart from the pack. Tune in for ideas on how to decide what's the best fit for you! In this episode we discuss: The different types of law that exist beyond just litigation and corporate work How you can learn what each type of lawyer does Alison and Lee share their experience with different practice areas Should you specialize? Why internships and externships can help you decide what type of law to practice Questions you can ask yourself to decide which type of law is the best fit for you How to test the waters and find out if a certain type of law is a good fit The importance of thinking about your career options early How to use your own unique skills, traits, and background to your advantage Resources Podcast Episode 5: Maintaining Authenticity in the Legal Profession (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-5-maintaining-authenticity-legal-profession/) Podcast Episode 58: Non-Profit Law and Social Entrepreneurship (with Guest Adrian Tirtanadi of Bayview Hunters Point Community Legal) (http://lawschooltoolbox.libsyn.com/058-non-profit-law-and-social-entrepreneurship-with-guest-adrian-tirtanadi-of-bayview-hunters-point-community-legal) Do You Want a BigLaw Job? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/do-you-want-a-biglaw-job/) Podcast Episode 66 - Tips for a Successful Law School Internship or Externship (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-66-tips-successful-law-school-internship-externship/) Thinking of Becoming a Solo Practitioner (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/thinking-of-becoming-a-solo-practitioner/) What Does Your Personality Test Say About Your Career (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/what-does-your-personality-test-really-say-about-your-career/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today Lee is leading a panel discussion about what it takes to succeed as a 21st-Century lawyer. In this discussion, we dive into the characteristics of successful lawyers in today's legal workplace and talk about how to gain those skills and traits while still in law school. Many thanks to Thomson Reuters, the sponsor for this episode. You likely interact with their products every day when you're using useful tools such as WestLaw, TWEN, and Practical Law. Thomson Reuters brings you tools and insights to help you perform your best now and when you go pro as a practicing attorney. You can visit them at lawschool.westlaw.com. We appreciate their support! We would also like to thank the following panelists for participating in the discussion: Katie Walter, Marketing Director for Law School Business, Thomson Reuters Chris Mammen, Lecturer, UC Hastings College of Law; Partner, Hogan Lovells Diane Downs, Director of Attorney Recruiting at Morrison and Foerster LLP Dave Maurer, Managing Director/Office Leader for San Francisco, Major, Lindsay & Africa In this episode we discuss: What do law firms want in a candidate? How to present yourself in a hiring situation 4 characteristics that are important in a 21st-Century lawyer Curiosity and why it's important as a law student and young lawyer Mastering a class vs. getting a good grade How to distinguish yourself from other candidates The importance of mastering your craft Why you need to be a good legal writer How to improve as a writer Mentorship in the legal and law school setting Taking advantage of the resources available to you in law school The importance of feedback Ways law students who came directly from undergrad can gain valuable workplace experience The importance of building a network as a law student If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! And thanks again to Thomson Reuters for sponsoring this episode! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Almost every 1L in the country will take some sort of legal research and writing class. Today, we're discussing the top ten LRW disasters we see again and again, so you can avoid them! Many thanks to Thomson Reuters, the sponsor for this episode. You likely interact with their products every day when you're using useful tools such as WestLaw, TWEN, and Practical Law. Thomson Reuters brings you tools and insights to help you perform your best now and when you go pro as a practicing attorney. You can visit them at lawschool.westlaw.com. We appreciate their support! In this episode we discuss: The top ten legal research and writing problems you're likely to face as a law student The importance of planning for the worst Why and how to back up your computer How to manage your LRW time effectively Why you should have a plan and a schedule for every LRW assignment How to be sure you're clear on what you're being asked to do for each LRW assignment Tools for outlining and organizing information The importance of citations and how to be sure you're doing them correctly Finding help when you need it If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Good luck on your LRW assignments! And thanks again to Thomson Reuters for sponsoring this episode. Alison & Lee Resources: Legal Writing 101 Podcast (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-11-legal-writing-101/) Writing Effectively in Your Summer Legal Job (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-45-writing-effectively-summer-legal-job/) Approaching Your Legal Writing Assignment like a Jazz Solo (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/approaching-your-legal-writing-assignment-like-a-jazz-solo/) Four Legal Writing Tips from the Theater (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/four-legal-writing-tips-theatre/) The Link Between Legal Writing and Final Exams (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/link-legal-writing-final-exams/) Tips for Conquering Legal Writing (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-experts-share-tips-for-conquering-legal-writing/) Dos and Don'ts to for Using Sample Documents in Legal Writing (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/dos-donts-using-sample-documents-legal-writing/) From Objective to Persuasive Writing: The Law (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/10818-2/) From Objective to Persuasive Writing: The Facts (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/objective-to-persuasive-writing-part-two/) Trello (www.trello.com)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast. Today we're running through your mid-semester to-do list to ensure you're where you need to be before it's too late. Mid-semester is the time when reality sets in for most law students. Whatever is going on - midterms, sniffles, boredom - it's time to focus on the end goal and get serious about preparation. Here's what you need to be doing, now. In this episode we discuss: How you should handle the next 7-8 weeks The importance of deep work in the second half of the semester Setting up your study calendar Getting ready for finals Ways of tracking your time if you're not sure how it's slipping away Searching for a summer job as a 1L (you can start Dec. 1) Avoiding distractions and battling procrastination How to do a self check-in Where to go for help Stress management techniques and staying healthy How to manage your personal relationships, especially around the holidays and exams If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Good luck the rest of the semester! Alison & Lee Resources: Having an October Freakout? Of Course You Are! (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/having-an-october-freakout-of-course-you-are/) The October Freakout (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/having-an-october-freakout-of-course-you-are/) Your Mid-Semester Reality Check (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-36/) How to Make a Useful Law School Outline (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-65-make-a-useful-law-school-outline/) Dealing With Self-Sabotaging Behavior in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-63-dealing-self-sabotaging-behavior-law-school/) Fast, Healthy and Cheap Meals in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/fast-healthy-and-cheap-eating-in-law-school/) Toggl (https://toggl.com/)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast. Today we're talking about how to have a successful law school internship or externship experience. For most law students, these jobs are their first experiences in the legal workplace (or maybe in any professional workplace). Be sure you're behaving like a responsible professional, and you'll set yourself up for success in any internship or externship! In this episode we discuss: What's the difference between an internship and an externship? Different types of internships or externships, and how the expectations vary What should you do (and not do) in a legal workplace? How to be a professional What do people really expect of you? Practical tips for day-to-day scenarios (meetings, phone calls, email, etc.) How to get along with others in the workplace Defining your goals for this experience Traits you should develop to succeed as a lawyer If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Good luck in your internships and externships! Alison & Lee Resources: How to Behave Like a Professional in the Legal Workplace Podcast (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-25-behave-like-professional-legal-workplace/) Tips for Legal Writing at Your Summer Job (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-for-legal-writing-at-your-summer-job/) Being a Professional in a Generation Gap Workplace (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/getting-an-offer-being-professional-in-a-generation-gap-workplace/) Writing Effectively in Your Summer Legal Job (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-45-writing-effectively-summer-legal-job/) How to End a Summer Internship on a Good Note (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/end-summer-internship-good-note/)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast. Today we're talking about making outlines and other study aids, which are important in helping you make sense of everything you're learning in law school. This episode is based on a question we got from a 1L listener, so don't be shy about reaching out with your own questions! Contact details are below. In this episode we discuss: What is an outline and what is its purpose? Do you really have to make an outline, or are there other viable options? How should you start outlining? What materials you need to start outlining What you should include in your outline The importance of testing your outline How you can get help if you are having problems outlining Common outlining issues we see repeatedly How to handle cases in your study aids If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Good luck with those outlines. Alison & Lee Resources: Using Supplements Effectively in Law School Podcast (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-18-using-supplements-effectively-law-school/) Avoiding Law School Exam Disasters Podcast (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-41-avoiding-law-school-exam-disasters/) Conquering Different Types of Law Exams Podcast (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-19-conquering-different-types-law-school-exams/) Study Strategies for Different Learning Styles in Law School Podcast (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-16-study-strategies-different-learning-styles-law-school/) Doing What Makes You Uncomfortable (http://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-pass-the-bar-by-doing-what-makes-you-the-most-uncomfortable/) Law School Toolbox Tutoring (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Flashcards or Flowcharts: What's Best? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/flashcards-or-flowcharts-whats-best/)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast. Today we're talking about grit - that quality that lets you get back up and carry on after you've been knocked down. And, every law student is probably going to get knocked down a time or two! In this episode we discuss: Why is grit important in law school? The harsh realities of law school Why just being "smart" isn't enough any longer Situations where you will need grit in law school How will you handle the bumps in the road when they come? Do you have a plan? Alison and Lee share stories of needing grit in law school How mindfulness can be helpful in tough situations Whether grit can be cultivated Activities that can help build your "grit" The five characteristics of grit If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee Resources: Angela Lee Duckworth's Grit: The Power of Passion and Perserverance - TED Talk (http://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance) The Places that Scare You (Pema Chodron on tonglen practice) (https://www.amazon.com/Places-that-Scare-You-Fearlessness/dp/1570629218) Parenting in Law School: Surviving Your 1L Year (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-kids-surviving-1l-year-raising-family/) Avoiding Disasters in Law School podcast (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-14-avoiding-disasters-law-school/) Maintaining Authenticity in the Legal Profession (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-5-maintaining-authenticity-legal-profession/)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we are talking about something lots of law students deal with - self-sabotaging behavior. If you start your day with the best of intentions, but get nothing done by the time it's over, tune in! You're definitely not alone. In this episode we discuss: Why is this such an important topic in law school? What do we mean by self-sabotage? Common ways to self-sabotage as a law student How to balance life and law school Ways to fight procrastination What are you really responsible for in law school? How to create a study schedule and stick to it Other methods to create accountability and manage your time Do you need an accountability partner? How to spot self-sabotaging behavior in yourself and redirect it If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee Resources: Need to Get More Done in Law School? Try the Circles (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/tips-time-management-awesomeness-with-the-circles/) Do You Need a Sponsor to Stay Productive in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/do-you-need-a-sponsor-to-stay-productive-in-law-school/) How to Calendar Your Way to Better Grades and More Free Time (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-calendar-your-way-to-better-grades-and-more-free-time/) How to Stick to Your Goals in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-stick-to-your-goals-in-law-school/)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we are talking about the Socratic Method and law school classes more generally. If you're intimidated by class, tune in for tips on surviving (even if you're unprepared). In this episode we discuss: What is the Socratic Method? Why do law professors use the Socratic Method? Why you shouldn't be afraid of law school class discussions The importance of doing your reading and being prepared for class What should you do if you didn't do the reading? What you can do to make class more bearable What you should and shouldn't be writing down in class How to avoid being called on If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Good luck in class! Alison & Lee Resources: Do I Really Have to Read the Cases? http://lawschooltoolbox.com/1l-question-of-the-day-do-i-really-have-to-read-the-cases/ Top 5 Mistakes Students Make When Prepping for Class (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/top-5-mistakes-students-make-preparing-for-class/) 5 Things to Include in Your Law School Class Notes (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-things-to-include-in-your-law-school-class-notes/)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about what 2Ls and 3Ls need to be thinking about as they get into the swing of the later years of law school. If you want to make the most of your final years of law school, stay tuned. In this episode we discuss: How to figure out where you went wrong your first year of school Tips on how to raise your GPA The importance of getting feedback Should you be taking bar electives? Which ones? When? Do you know your graduation requirements? Understanding your career goals and how to work toward them in law school How to network in law school How much should you worry about the bar exam now? Setting yourself up for success in your legal career If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee Resources: How to Raise Your Grades as a 2L or 3L (podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-9-raise-grades-2l-3l/) How to Get a Judicial Clerkship (podcast) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-44-how-to-get-a-judicial-clerkship/) Thinking Ahead to Get Ready for the Bar Exam (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-26-thinking-ahead-get-ready-bar-exam/) How to Raise Your Grades as a 2L (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/are-you-a-2l-and-wondering-how-you-can-get-better-grades-this-year/) Thinking Ahead: Don't Let the Bar Exam Catch You By Surprise http://barexamtoolbox.com/thinking-ahead-dont-let-bar-exam-catch-surprise/

Welcome back. Today, we're talking about 5 things to focus on academically in the first month of law school, to set yourself up for success later on. If you're just starting law school, this episode is for you! In this episode we discuss: Why you should learn to read cases well in the beginning of law school The importance of keeping up with your reading Methods for avoiding distractions and paying attention in class Different methods of note taking Should you handwrite or type your class notes? Why it's important to take advantage of office hours Should you join a study group? Do you need an accountability partner? Evaluating your schedule and staying accountable How to take legal writing and research seriously without letting it take over your life If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee Resources: Mindset: The Key to Success in Law School? (podcast) http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-1-mindset-key-success-law-school/ Are You Taking Good Law School Class Notes (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/taking-good-law-school-class-notes/) Is Handwriting Notes a Good Thing or Bad Thing (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/is-handwriting-notes-a-good-thing-or-a-bad-thing/) 5 Things to Include in Your Law School Class Notes http://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-things-to-include-in-your-law-school-class-notes/ How to Stick to Your Goals in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-stick-to-your-goals-in-law-school/) Do You Need a Sponsor to Stay Productive in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/do-you-need-a-sponsor-to-stay-productive-in-law-school/)

Welcome back! Today we're talking about something that comes up for a lot of new and seasoned law students - being lonely or feeling isolated in law school. Your law school campus is filled with people, so how could anyone feel lonely? You may be surprised that it's a common feeling in law school. These feelings can be problematic, because they can affect your happiness and productivity and can lead you down the path to more serious mental health issues. In this episode we discuss: Lee and Alison talk about their own experiences with loneliness in law school Ways to handle the move to a new city Getting along with varied personalities in law school How to meet people if you are an introvert Strategies for finding a community outside of law school What can you do to feel less isolated and alone? How to stay connected to your support network Handling the inevitable ups and downs of law school The importance of getting help when you need it If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee Resources: How to Survive a Move to a New City for Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/survive-move-law-school/) Start Law School Right Course (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/)

Welcome back! Today we're talking about doing good works with Adrian Tirtanadi, founder of Bayview Hunters Point Community Legal, a non-profit legal startup in San Francisco. This is a great episode for anyone who is interested in how access to legal services can change a community and for everyone interested in entrepreneurial non-profit or public interest law. In this episode we discuss: How Adrian started Bayview Hunters Point Community Legal A day in the life of a non-profit Advice for those seeking a path of social entrepreneurship How to get involved in non-profit What NOT to do in your cover letter and resume if you are seeking a job or internship at a non-profit organization The skills you need to succeed as a social entrepreneur What Adrian would have done differently in law school If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Thanks for listening! And give some money to Bayview Hunters Point Community Legal, because they're a great organization. Alison & Lee Resources: Bayview Hunters Point Community Legal (https://bhpcommunitylegal.org/)