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

Welcome back. Today, we're talking about how to study smart in law school so you can stay on top of your workload and do as well as possible academically, without undue stress and strain.

We talk to a lot of incoming 1Ls, and one of the questions we hear over and over is how to handle the huge workload in law school. It can be incredibly intimidating to start law school, especially if you have never had a job that required you to work a lot of hours on an ongoing basis. So, what can you do to keep things under control?

In this episode we discuss:

• Challenges that undergrads can face if they go straight to law school
• How working prepares you for law school
• Lee and Alison share how coming from the workforce helped them in law school
• Managing the expectations of family and friends as you start law school
• How to structure your time and get rid of distractions
• How much time should certain tasks take (reading, class prep, deep thinking tasks, etc.)
• The importance of creating a study calendar
• Practical techniques for managing your time productively
• How to stay accountable in law school
• Managing your life outside of law school (kids, significant others, emergencies, etc.)

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 law school!

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/)
• How to Stick to Your Goals in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-stick-to-your-goals-in-law-school/)
• Start Law School Right Course (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/)

Today we're talking about BigLaw OCI, or on-campus interviewing. This is the annual rite of passage where thousands of law students try to secure BigLaw summer associate positions for the next summer. In this episode, we talk at a high level about all of the aspects of OCI, and you can listen to our earlier OCI episodes for a deeper dive into the specifics of callbacks and initial interviews.

In this episode we discuss:

• How does OCI work, in general?
• How different schools handle bidding
• How do you know what firms to bid on?
• How many interviews should you do?
• What are the interviewers looking for?
• The callback process
• How to decide which offer to accept
• Why you should understand the NALP rules

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 the job hunt.

Alison & Lee

Resources:

• Podcast: Mastering the OCI Process (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-3-mastering-campus-interviewing-oci-process/)
• Podcast: Callback Tips for BigLaw Summer Associate positions (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-4-callback-tips-biglaw-summer-associate-positions/)
• Podcast: Maintaining Authenticity in the Legal Profession (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-5-maintaining-authenticity-legal-profession/)

Welcome back! Today, we're talking about how to evaluate your summer legal job experience, and how to make sure you leave on good terms. As your summer law job is drawing to a close, here are some ways to ensure you learn as much as you can from the experience.

In this episode we discuss:

• What you need to be thinking about as your summer job comes to a close
• Handling summer evaluations
• Are there experiences you still want to have at this job?
• Lee and Alison share their summer job experiences
• Evaluating if this type of law or firm is right for you
• The importance of references from your summer job
• What type of feedback are you getting, if any?
• What can you take away from this job?
• Is it OK to reach out after you have left and gone back to school?
• How to leave gracefully and without burning any bridges

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 discussing the role of the oral arguments and Moot Court in legal education, with special guest Megan Canty. Megan is a law school tutor with the Law School Toolbox and she is also Director of Academic Success and Bar Exam Preparation at Wayne State University Law School.

In this episode we discuss:

• The role of legal arguments in a law school setting
• How oral arguments are useful for exams and practice
• The difference between thinking like a lawyer and communicating like one
• Lee and Megan's advice for students intimidated by oral arguments
• How to figure out what facts matter, and which don't
• The basics of Moot Court
• What will distinguish you from the rest of the class in oral arguments
• How Moot Court competitions work
• Why honing your oral argument skills are important, even if you never practice appellate law

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 Approach a Moot Court Argument (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-approach-a-law-school-moot-court-argument/)
• Surviving Law School Moot Court (podcast) http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-37/

Welcome back! Today we're talking about how to conquer the bar exam, specifically the MBE. Taking six hours of multiple choice questions is challenging for just about everyone. For some, however, it can be a major speed bump on the road to bar exam success.

Don't let the MBE prevent you from passing the bar exam. We've got some tips and strategies!

In this episode we discuss:

• An overview of the MBE
• How to find out exactly what's covered
• What to expect during the MBE on test day
• Why is the MBE so challenging?
• What is the best way to study for the MBE?
• Lee and Alison share their MBE experiences
• Why practice is so important
• The right way to practice
• How much should you worry about timing?
• What to do if you are really struggling with the MBE

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 check out our Bar Exam Toolbox website (http://barexamtoolbox.com) for more bar exam advice.

Thanks for listening! Best of luck on the bar exam!

Alison & Lee

Resources:

• General MBE Information (http://www.ncbex.org/exams/mbe/preparing/)
• Subject Matter Outlines (http://www.ncbex.org/pdfviewer/?file=%2Fdmsdocument%2F182)
• Can Taking a Break Save Your MBE Score (http://barexamtoolbox.com/can-taking-break-save-mbe-score/)
• Yikes I need to Improve My MBE Scores (http://barexamtoolbox.com/yikes-I-need-to-improve-my-mbe-scores/)
• A Slightly Counterintuitive Way to Study for the MBE (http://barexamtoolbox.com/a-slightly-counterintuitive-way-to-study-for-the-MBE/)
• Top 5 Study Tips for Conquering the MBE (http://barexamtoolbox.com/top-5-study-tips-for-conquering-the-MBE/)
• There is Just too Much MBE Law To Learn (http://barexamtoolbox.com/there-is-just-too-much-mbe-law-to-learn/)
• Bar Study Tips - Preparing for the MBE (http://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-study-tips-preparing-for-the-MBE/)

Welcome back! Today we've got an entertaining topic – the eccentric characters you'll meet in law school, along with some tips on law school etiquette (if you don't want to find yourself on this list in the future).

Now, you might be wondering what we're talking about. Isn't law school just a bunch of students studying the law? Haha, as if.

For whatever reason, law school tends to attract a rather eccentric cast of characters, some of whom you're likely to run into, for better or worse!

In this episode we discuss:

• What is the most notorious law school character type?
• Other personality types you will meet in law school and how to deal with them
• The characters Lee and Alison encountered in law school
• Basic rules of law school etiquette
• The importance of finding your people
• Avoiding relationship drama in law school
• How "not to behave" 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! Best of luck with law school.

Alison & Lee

Resources:

• Survive Law School: Find Your People (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/surviving-law-school-find-your-people/)
• The People You Will Meet in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-people-you-will-meet-in-law-school/)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we are focusing on the bar exam performance test. Joining Lee is guest Doretta McGinnis, one of our highly experienced bar exam and law school tutors.

The performance test portion of the bar exam can be challenging for people, but with these tips you can conquer it and score well. Good luck!

In this episode we discuss:

• Why is the performance test so hard?
• The importance of following directions closely
• Is practicing enough? How should you evaluate your work?
• Why do students put off practice or refuse to do it?
• Why you should have a performance test plan
• The link between legal writing and the performance test
• Lee and Doretta share common mistakes students make
• How to improve your time management
• How to make the grader's job easy

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-50-how-to-ace-the-bar-exam-performance-test-with-doretta-mcginnis/)

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 check out our bar exam site: Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com).

Thanks for listening! Best of luck with the bar exam.

Alison & Lee

Resources:

• How Your Legal Writing Class Prepares You for the MPT (http://barexamtoolbox.com/how-your-legal-writing-class-prepares-you-for-the-mpt/)
• Read More of Doretta's Advice at Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/author/dorettamcginnis/)

Welcome back! Today, we're talking with Jeremy Blachman and Cameron Stracher, authors of "The Curve," a new novel set in a sinking ship of a law school. It addresses a number of critical issues in legal education today (and might make some people think twice about signing up to pay full tuition at a low-ranked law school offering limited job prospects!).

Join us for a wide-ranging discussion on the realities of law school today.

*This post contains an affiliate link

In this episode we discuss:

• Why law school isn't a panacea for not knowing what to do with your life
• Jeremy and Cameron's law school, and post-law school, stories
• Should you go to law school? What if you really want to be a writer?
• What should students be thinking about before they commit to law school?
• Why you should read this book before you go to law school
• Words of Wisdom for law students and young lawyers

Resources:

• The Curve (http://amzn.to/1U0cQv2)
• The Curve Novel Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/thecurvenovel)
• The Curve Novel Satirical Website (http://www.seemanhattanlawschool.com/)

Thanks for listening!

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).

Enjoy! And best of luck in law school (if you decide life as a novelist isn't for you).

Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we have one of our most experienced bar tutors, Ariel Salzer with us to talk about the essay portion of the bar exam. Many students dread (and even put off) practicing for the essays. We dig into why this is and give helpful tips on how to tackle those essays and find bar exam success.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why are the bar exam essays so challenging?
• The favorite strategy for preparing for the bar exam essays
• Why is practice so important?
• Why students refuse to practice
• Is re-writing worth your time?
• Why you need to do what makes you uncomfortable
• Preparing yourself mentally and emotionally
• Ariel and Lee share their bar essay experiences
• The importance of self-evaluation
• How to study the law to make your essays easier to write
• What the graders are really looking for
• How and why to take your timed practice tests
• How to make the bar exam graders' job easy and get maximum points

Resources:

• How to Pass the Bar Exam By Doing What Makes you Uncomfortable (http://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-pass-the-bar-by-doing-what-makes-you-the-most-uncomfortable/)
• Sketchy Law (http://barexamtoolbox.com/tools-bar-exam-success-sketchy-law/)
• Lean Sheets (http://barexamtoolbox.com/review-of-lean-sheets-bar-exam-outlines/)

Thanks for listening!

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 don't forget about our bar exam site: Bar Exam Toolbox! (http://barexamtoolbox.com)

Enjoy! And best of luck with the bar exam.

Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we're discussing the top five mistakes students consistently make when preparing for the bar exam, with special guest Ariel Salzer. Ariel is one of our most experienced bar exam tutors, so we're very excited to have her here today to give us a rundown of the biggest mistakes she sees students making – so you can avoid them!

We'd like to thank this episode's sponsor, one of our favorite MBE bar prep products, Adaptibar (www.adaptibar.com). With Adaptibar, you can practice with licensed questions released directly from the NCBE and used on past exams, and the program will automatically adjust to focus on your weakest areas. Students also tell us that they love studying on their mobile devices and laptops, and leaving the heavy MBE books at home. Interested? Use code C8UX at checkout for a $55 discount.

Let's get to the show!

In this episode we discuss:

• The single biggest mistake students make when preparing for the bar exam
• How to take a "training wheels" approach to bar study
• Why you should do what makes you most uncomfortable
• Why you need to outline your essay on scratch paper
• Whether you should practice in exam conditions
• What does "minimum competency" mean in relation to the bar exam?
• Fixing your problem areas
• How you should be tracking what you personally need to work on
• Why it's valuable to come up with your own attack plans
• Memorizing in broad strokes vs. finer detail
• The importance of mindfulness

Resources:

• Bar Exam Tutoring with the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/)
• Adaptibar (https://www.adaptibar.com)

Thanks for listening!

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 don't forget about our bar exam site: Bar Exam Toolbox! (http://barexamtoolbox.com)

Enjoy! And best of luck with the bar exam.

Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we're talking about some surprising LSAT myths with Nathan Fox, founder of Fox LSAT.

In this episode we discuss:

Nathan shares his top myths about the LSAT (some of which are pretty surprising!):

1. You should only take it once

2. You need to finish the sections to score well

3. You should closely monitor your time

4. The logic games are hard

In addition:

• Nathan shares his personal story about why he shouldn't have gone to law school
• How scholarships work in relationship to how well you do on the LSAT
• What do law school admissions people really care about?
• Alison shares her story about the LSAT and the mistakes she made
• How to build up endurance for the LSAT
• Why you need to practice the easy questions as much as the hard ones
• The importance of the practice exam
• When you should take the LSAT
• Why you shouldn't fear the logic games
• Tips to improve your LSAT score

Resources:

• Thinking LSAT Podcast (www.thinkinglsat.com)
• Fox LSAT (www.foxlsat.com)
• Nathan Fox on Twitter (https://twitter.com/nfox)
• Don't Go To Law School Just Because Your Good at the LSAT (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/07/dont-go-to-law-school-just-because-youre-good-at-the-lsat/)

Thanks for listening!

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).

Enjoy! And best of luck with the LSAT.

Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we are talking about writing effectively in a summer legal job. Joining us as a guest is Doretta McGinnis, who has taught Legal Writing for many years and is now a Law School Toolbox tutor.

If you are working this summer in a legal context, tune in for tips on how to shine!

In this episode we discuss:

• How does writing in a legal job context compare to writing in law school?
• What will you be writing (and what you probably won't be doing)
• Handling things you may be asked to do but haven't seen in law school
• Getting guidance on your assignment and clarifying what you need to produce
• The importance of maintaining a record of what you do for research assignments
• What is an employer looking for in a summer employee?
• What should you be able to do in your summer job?
• What should your writing look like?
• Objective writing vs. persuasive writing
• The importance of asking questions
• Deadlines and how to meet them!
• How to anticipate the needs of your supervisor and why it's important to check in
• What to bring to meetings
• Getting the backstory on a case
• Is it ever OK to turn in an incomplete first draft?
• Behaving like a professional

Thanks for listening!

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).

Enjoy! And best of luck at your summer jobs.

Alison & Lee

Resources:

How to Behave Like a Professional in the Legal Workplace (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-25-behave-like-professional-legal-workplace/)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we are talking with special guest, Fairuz Abdullah, Associate Director of Public Interest Programs and Judicial Clerkships in the office of career and professional development at UC Hastings, about how to get a judicial clerkship! As some of you may know, the clerkship process (at least for federal clerkships) has changed a lot in recent years and Fairuz has just returned from the NALP conference with some very useful information.

If you are contemplating a judicial clerkship, be sure to tune in!

In this episode we discuss:

• What the clerkship process looked like in the past vs. now
• How much have things really changed and what prompted the changes to the clerkship process?
• What do you need to do at various stages (1L, 2L, 3L, alum) to position yourself for a clerkship
• How your school can help you find a clerkship
• What the clerkship application numbers look like lately
• Who should be applying as early as possible
• What judges are looking for in their judicial clerks
• How to build relationships with professors (for letters of recommendation and phone calls on your behalf)
• What do clerkships pay?
• The questions you may be asked in your clerkship interview
• Alternatives to federal clerkships, like state and international courts
• Fairuz and Alison's advice for someone who really wants a clerkship

Resources:

Federal Courts

U.S. Courts (http://www.uscourts.gov/)

Online System for Application and Review (https://oscar.uscourts.gov/)

State Courts

National Center for State Courts (http://www.ncsc.org/)

Vermont Law School State Court Clerkship Guide (http://forms.vermontlaw.edu/career/guides/) (paid subscription by your law school)

California Supreme/Appellate Court info (http://www.courts.ca.gov/careers.htm)

Insight and Information for State Court Clerkships on NALP Connect (http://www.nalp.org/nalpconnect) (law school career office can access)

Federal ALJ Post Graduate Clerkships Guide on NALP Connect (http://www.nalp.org/nalpconnect) (law school career office can access)

International Courts

International Justice and Resource Center (http://www.ijrcenter.org)

Opportunities with International Tribunals and Foreign Courts (https://www.law.yale.edu/system/files/area/department/cdo/document/CDO_International_Tribunals_Public.pdf) (Yale Guide)

Thanks for listening!

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).

Enjoy! And best of luck securing a clerkship!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about how to get mentally prepared for the challenges of starting law school. These challenges might be academic in nature, or more personal. Luckily, there are techniques you can use on any type of challenge to ensure you're moving forward and keeping things under control.

Not sure what you really need to be worrying about this summer? Tune in and find out!

In this episode we discuss:

• Is law school really that challenging?
• Handling the volume of work you will see in law school
• The importance of time management
• How to plan your schedule
• Ariel's tip for finding self-motivation after a tough day
• Why mindset matters and failure is OK
• The importance of self-reflection
• Getting a support network in place before a crisis situation
• Planning ahead for difficult situations

Resources:

• The Rise of Gentleman's As and the GPA arms race (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-rise-of-the-gentlemans-a-and-the-gpa-arms-race/2016/03/28/05c9e966-f522-11e5-9804-537defcc3cf6_story.html)
• Mindset- The Key To Success in Law School Podcast (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-1-mindset-key-success-law-school/)
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown (http://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1461348008&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Gifts+of+Imperfection)
• Rising Strong by Brene Brown (http://www.amazon.com/Rising-Strong-Bren%C3%A9-Brown/dp/0812995821/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1461347962&sr=1-1&keywords=Rising+Strong)
• Mindset by Carol Dweck (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345472322/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0345472322&linkCode=as2&tag=lawschtoo-20&linkId=WWLQ67H3M3IHO4NT)
• What Grit Looks Like in the Classroom (http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/07/what-grit-lookslike-in-the-classroom/399197/)
• Take an Exam With Us Podcast (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-22-take-exam-us/)
• Start Law School Right Course (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/)
• Free Start Law School Right Workshop (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/join-the-free-start-law-school-right-workshop/)

Thanks for listening!

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).

Enjoy! And best of luck starting law school!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we are discussing the Law Review write-on competition and why you should (or shouldn't) participate. We've also got tips for success, should you decide you want to do it.

In this episode we discuss:

• The variety of "law reviews" of different types
• Who has to do the writing competition, typically
• Alison and Lee share their law review experiences
• Why you may want to do law review and why it can be important for your career (and why you might not want to!)
• The basics of the writing competition
• How to prepare for the writing competition
• Why you need a Bluebook (and need to be familiar with it)
• Why citations make a difference
• What the graders are looking for, and how you can make them happy
• What you should do when you get your law review writing competition packet
• The importance of backing up your work
• How to handle the diversity essay

Resources:

• How to Write a Law Review Note Worthy of Publication (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/how-to-write-a-law-review-note-worthy-of-publication/)
• Ms. JD partners with NYU Law Review (http://ms-jd.org/blog/article/ms.-jd-partners-with-nyu-law-review-to-re-launch-our-annual-law-review-dive)
• What You Need to Know About Getting Onto Law Review (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-getting-onto-law-review/)
• How to Get Answers From the Bluebook (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-answers-bluebook/)

Thanks for listening!

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).

Enjoy! And best of luck with the writing competition.

Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we're talking about avoiding exam disasters, even when you're not as prepared as you might want to be. It's not too late to pull things together, but there's no time to waste!

In this episode we discuss:

• What can you do if you just aren't ready for finals?
• How to catch up on your outlines and other study aids
• How to make the most of the time you have left (whether it's weeks or even days)
• How to triage and make the most of the time you have
• Making a study schedule
• Looking at your learning style and using it to make the most of your studying
• Evaluating what's most important to memorize
• How to be distraction-free
• Avoiding the drama
• Dealing with situations that could pop up during the exam
• How to regroup and reenergize after one exam to get ready for the next

Resources:

• Need to Get More Done in Law School? Try the Circles! (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/tips-time-management-awesomeness-with-the-circles/)
• Ancient and Proven Ways to Improve Memory (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/24/upshot/an-ancient-and-proven-way-to-improve-memory-go-ahead-and-try-it.html?smid=nytcore-ipad-share&smprod=nytcore-ipad&_r=1)

Thanks for listening!

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).

Enjoy! And best of luck on your exams.

Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we're talking about what incoming law school students should be doing or thinking about this summer to get ready for law school (if anything!).

Before you go overboard and pre-read supplements for every class, stop! Take a breath, and use our strategies to get ready for your first year of law school in style, without ruining your whole summer.

In this episode we discuss:

• Lee and Alison share their experiences getting ready for law school
• Finding housing that fits your lifestyle and needs
• Thinking about your creature comforts
• What do you really need to buy? (It's less than you think!)
• Why you may not want to run out and buy a new laptop right away
• Preparing the people in your life for your new law school life
• Setting boundaries for loved ones
• The right way to leave your current job
• What academic preparations do you need to make?
• What supplements should you read (and which ones not to)?
• Why it's important to start thinking about your legal career now, before school starts

Resources:

• How to Conduct Great Informational Interviews (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/how-to-conduct-great-informational-interviews/)
• Fast, Healthy, and Cheap Eating in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/fast-healthy-and-cheap-eating-in-law-school/)
• Law School Confidential (http://www.amazon.com/Law-School-Confidential-Complete-Experience/dp/0312605110)
• Start Law School Right Course (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/)
• Start Law School Right - Free Workshop Series (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/join-the-free-start-law-school-right-workshop/)

Thanks for listening!

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).

Enjoy! And best of luck in law school.

Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we’re talking about everyone’s favorite topic – Test Anxiety. Okay, not really anyone’s favorite topic, but a really important one because so many law students deal with test anxiety in law school and on the bar exam.

In this episode we discuss:

• Lee and Alison discuss their experience with exam anxiety
• Your physiological response during exam prep and exams
• Why stress isn't all bad
• The importance of taking care of yourself in law school
• The correlation between anxiety and lack of sleep
• How to calm your mind and focus
• Coping mechanisms when you're blanking on a test
• How meditation and mindfulness can help alleviate stress and test anxiety
• Why it's important to control how you talk to yourself in stressful situations
• When you may need to explore other options for alleviating anxiety with an expert
• Meditation is not just for hippies - snipers and other elite athletes, soldiers, and high profile people do it, too!

Resources:

• Performing Under Pressure Before and After the Exam (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/performing-under-pressure-before-after-exam/)
• Caution Law Student Pressure Ahead (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/caution-law-student-pressure-handling-law-school-stress/)
• Defending Law School Pressure - Leading Up to the Exam (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/defending-law-school-pressure-leading-exam/)
• Law School Pressure - The Night Before and Morning of the Exam (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-pressure-night-before-morning-of/)
• Podcast: Handling Pressure in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-29-handling-pressure-law-school-guest-dr-hank-weisinger/)
• Tips for Surviving Exam Anxiety (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-surviving-exam-anxiety/)
• Law School and Mental Health http://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-and-mental-health
• Pema Chodron – The Places that Scare You (http://www.amazon.com/The-Places-that-Scare-You/dp/1570629218)
• HeadSpace App for Meditation (https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app)
• Warrior One (http://warriorone.com/)

Thanks for listening!

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).

Enjoy!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today's episode is about a very important topic: financial considerations before, during, and after law school. If you're thinking about taking out law school loans, or you already have, this one is for you!

In this episode we discuss:

• Why is law school debt such a huge issue for so many people?
• What is the average law student debt?
• The causes of this staggering debt load
• Pros and cons of the alternative approaches to pay off your loans
• Downsides of IBR and LRAP that might not be obvious
• How to make sure you understand what you are in for and what the payoff will be for loans before you accept them
• Whether schools are lying about your job prospects
• Types of student loans and how they work
• Scholarship options, and why you need to be clear about how likely you are to keep a scholarship after the first year (hint - it might be a lot harder than you expect!)
• Alison shares her experience negotiating financial aid with her school
• Tips to save money as a law student
• Potential side hustles for law students

Resources:

• Federal Financial Aid Options (LSAC) (http://www.lsac.org/jd/financing-law-school/financial-aid-options#federal)
• Financial Aid Overview (LSAC) (http://www.lsac.org/jd/financing-law-school/financial-aid-overview)
• Ask Heather Jarvis (http://askheatherjarvis.com)
• Law School Transparency Project (http://www.lawschooltransparency.com/)
• Law School Myth: Lawyers Make A Lot of Money (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/09/law-school-myth-1-lawyers-make-a-lot-of-money/)
• Law School Survey of Student Engagement (http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/academic_support/2016/02/lssse-upcoming-report-.html)
• Defusing the Student Loan Interest Tax (https://lawyerist.com/83690/defusing-student-loan-interest-tax-bomb/)
• Loan Payment Calculator (http://www.finaid.org/calculators/loanpayments.phtml)

Thanks for listening!

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).

Enjoy!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we are talking about how to find success during law school Moot Court. This can be a stressful experience for any law student, especially those with a fear of public speaking.

Using these strategies to rock Moot Court and ace your oral arguments.

In this episode we discuss:

• What is Moot Court?
• How different law schools structure Moot Court
• Why is Moot Court so challenging?
• Writing a successful Moot Court brief
• Creative ways to prepare for your oral argument
• Keeping your cool during oral arguments
• What to do if your Moot Court is pass/fail
• How to dress for success
• Other ways you can partake in oral arguments

Resources:

• How to Prepare for Oral Argument (https://lawyerist.com/40693/how-to-prepare-for-oral-argument/)
• How to Approach a Moot Court Argument (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-approach-a-law-school-moot-court-argument/)

Thanks for listening!

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).

Enjoy!

Alison & Lee

Time for a mid-semester reality check! Second semester is interesting in law school because you're in a different position than you were last semester. You have a set of final exams under your belt and you may feel a little more prepared than last semester. Conversely, you may also have more obligations outside of the classroom, like job hunting, extracurricular activities, and moot court -- which can lead to misconceptions about where you should be academically mid-semester.

It's time to get real. But don't stress! Here is your (helpful) mid-semester reality check.

In this episode we discuss:

• How often should you be outlining?
• The importance of practice
• Steps to writing legal analysis
• Making the most of your professors' office hours
• Handling all the extra things you may face in your second semester (job hunting, moot court, etc.)
• Time management tips for the rest of the semester
• Why self-care is so important
• Free resources in law school that are available to you and why you should use them!

Thanks for listening!

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).

Enjoy!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we are discussing extracurricular activities in law school. You may be tempted to focus exclusively on studying and maintaining your grades, but extracurricular activities can help break up the monotony of law school and bolster your resume for the future. Do too many, however, and you might flunk out! As with many things, balance is key for a successful law school experience. This episode explores what's available, and offers suggestion on where to most productively spend your time.

In this episode we discuss:

• The most common law school extracurricular activities which might be worth your time
• Ways to make less than stellar grades look more impressive
• Whether you should join Law Review or a different law journal
• The ins and outs of moot court
• Different types of competitions that might be of interest
• Clubs, Community Involvement, and Other School-Related and non-School-Related Activities
• Lee and Alison share their thinking about which extracurriculars they opted to do in law school

Thanks for listening!

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).

Enjoy!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we are going to be talking about one of the most important decisions you will make as a lawyer - which law school to go to. If you are a pre-law struggling with your decision, we've got tips on how to critically evaluate your choices to make the best decision for you.

In this episode we discuss:

• How to dig into the law school data to make an informed decision on which law school to attend
• What do law school rankings really mean?
• Being thoughtful about the opportunities you want and location you want to be in
• Why Lee and Alison chose the schools they did
• The importance of spending time on campus, meeting professors, and questioning students and recent graduates
• Managing the cost of law school and scholarship tips
• Should you attend an alternative law school (online, part-time)?
• Why maybe you should just be a barista!

Resources:

• Law School Transparency Project (http://www.lawschooltransparency.com/)

Thanks for listening!

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).

Enjoy!

Alison & Lee

Happy 4th birthday to the Law School Toolbox! After reflecting on what we've learned from working with hundreds of law students over the past four years, we've compiled our top 10 tips to help you be a successful and happy law student. Enjoy!

In this episode we discuss:

• Lee and Alison's favorite posts and advice from the past four years
• Why mindset matters so much in law school
• How to receive and use feedback to grow as a law student
• Why law school is a "learned" skill
• Why you should think about your law career from day one
• Why being able (and willing) to hustle is so important
• The biggest stress point for law students
• Why practice is so important
• How to prepare for the bar exam through law school, instead of at the last minute
• How, where, and when to get help in law school
• Why you might want to create your own definition of success
• Tips on how to take care of yourself in law school and why it's so important

Thanks for listening, and we're looking forward to many more great years ahead!

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).

Enjoy!

Alison & Lee

Today we're celebrating the 4th Birthday of the Law School Toolbox!!! What started as a chance meeting on Twitter has matured into what we like to call a "real business." What have we learned along the way? Tune in to find out!

In this episode we discuss:

• Why Alison and Lee prefer entrepreneurship to a law setting
• What was the biggest surprise about starting our own business?
• How Alison and Lee met and how the Law School Toolbox came about
• How to connect with others and build a community when starting a business
• How to keep your investment to a minimum
• How Alison slicing her finger open was (ultimately) good for the business!
• Finding tasks to delegate
• What you should and shouldn't outsource
• Benefits and challenges of being a woman-owned business
• Lessons learned over the last 4 years

Resources:

• Influence by Robert Cialdini (http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Revised-Edition/dp/006124189X)

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 for four great years!

Alison & Lee

Today, we are talking about a topic near and dear to our hearts, being a woman in the legal profession. It's 2016, are we really still having this same tired conversation about women in the workplace? Yes, yes we are.

In this episode we discuss:

• What is it really like to be a woman in the legal workforce?
• Why is it so hard to be a woman in the legal profession?
• Lee and Alison share their experience as lawyers, and from other jobs
• What is the "Martha Stewart" complex and why is it dangerous for women?
• Dealing with the lack of sponsorship for female lawyers
• How motherhood fits into your career as a lawyer
• Why are we not openly discussing the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood in the legal profession?
• Where can we go from here?

Resources

• Helping Moms Lean In, But Not Too Far - NY Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/03/fashion/helping-moms-lean-in-but-not-too-far.html)
• One Reason Why the Legal Profession is so Screwed Up (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/05/one-reason-the-legal-profession-is-so-screwed-up/)
• My Beloved World by Justice Sotomayor (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00957T7CQ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1)
• Ms JD Law Review Diversity Survey (http://ms-jd.org/blog/article/ms.-jd-partners-with-nyu-law-review-to-re-launch-our-annual-law-review-dive)
• What No One Tells You Before You Go To Law School: You're Entering a Sexist Profession (http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/having-daughters-rather-than-sons-makes/)
• Mentors or Sponsors: Which Do You Need? (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/06/mentors-or-sponsors-which-do-you-need/)
• Having Daughters Rather Than Sons Makes You More Liberal (http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/having-daughters-rather-than-sons-makes/)
• BigLaw Partner Begs Associates Not to Leave Because of Their Kids (http://abovethelaw.com/2014/05/biglaw-partner-begs-associates-not-to-quit-because-of-their-kids/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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 out there, ladies!

Alison & Lee

Today we are joined by Kipp Mueller, Columbia Law grad and the co-founder and CEO of SketchyLaw, an online education company which teaches legal rules using visual learning. He and Lee talk about how visual learning can help law students and the science behind it.

In this episode we discuss:

• What is visual learning?
• How visual learning tools can benefit you in law school
• The science behind visual learning
• How SketchyLaw works
• What memory palaces are and how you can use them as a memorization tool
• Can everyone benefit from visual learning?
• The importance of trying different study aids and tools
• How SketchyLaw came about and the benefits for law students
• Lessons learned by Kip's law school experience and his entrepreneurial path

Resources:

• SketchyLaw (https://www.sketchylaw.com)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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

One of the biggest challenges law students face is how to handle pressure. Whether it's day-to day-stress or test anxiety, pressure and stress can be overwhelming, especially in law school. Today we have the New York Times bestselling author of "Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When it Matters Most" and renowned pressure expert, Dr. Hank Weisinger, here to talk about handling the pressure of law school.

In this episode we discuss:

• Dr Weisinger talks about how he became an expert on pressure
• Why pressure is such an issue for law student
• Why thinking about grades can be to blame for your stress
• "Worry thoughts" and how you can ignore them
• How to stop "catastrophizing"
• What is the difference between pressure and stress?
• Strategies for handling pressure and thriving under pressure
• What happens in law school to make students lose their coping skills
• Solutions for easing the pressure
• Tips for handling test anxiety
• Dr Weisinger's book and other resources for handling pressure
• Whether students who experience a lot of stress and anxiety should just skip law school and find a different career

Resources:

• "Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When it Matters Most" (http://www.amazon.com/Performing-Under-Pressure-Science-Matters/dp/0804136726)
• Dr Weisinger's Website (http://www.drhendrieweisinger.com/)
• Performing Under Pressure eWorkshop Experience (http://pressure.hendrieweisingerphd.com/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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

Chances are, you've received at least some of your first semester law school grades by now. We hope you're jumping for joy, but the reality is that most students didn't do as well as they hoped. Don't panic - this isn't the end of your legal career. You have plenty of time to turn things around. The important thing is to stay focused, learn from your mistakes, and put a plan in place for success next time around. It is possible!

In this episode we discuss:

• Lee and Alison's personal experience with first semester grades
• What you need to understand about the curve
• Why do people get so stressed out about law school grades?
• Steps to take after you get your grades
• Why it's OK to be disappointed
• How to evaluate your study process
• Why outlining is an important tool in studying for exams
• The importance of getting feedback
• Time management tips
• How to explain bad grades during interviews

Good luck! If you'd like our help figuring out how to improve your grades second semester, just let us know on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact).

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-28-dealing-with-bad-law-school-grades/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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:

Law School Tutoring: http://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/

Are you interviewing for a legal job? Whether you are interviewing for your first summer job, or one that will (hopefully) be more permanent, we have tips for many different types of interviews and situations.

In this episode we discuss:

• What universal traits are most interviewers looking for?
• What traits are red flags for interviewers?
• How to dress for your interview
• Tailoring your approach for different work settings
• What you should bring, and not bring, with you to the interview
• What not to do during your interview
• The importance of asking questions during the interview
• Tips for specific types of jobs (clerkships, law firms, government, etc.)

Good luck with your interview!

Resources:

• Stitch Fix (https://www.stitchfix.com/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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

The fact that you are a 1L or 2L doesn't mean that you can't be thinking ahead to bar exam preparation. And if you're a 3L, you definitely need to be planning for the bar! It's important to keep bar prep on your radar throughout law school, so you will be ready when the big day arrives. Here are some tips for preparing successfully, whatever year you are!

In this episode we discuss:

• The biggest mistake that law students make when thinking about bar exam preparation
• Handling the bar exam "culture of fear"
• Preparing for the bar exam as a 3L
• Getting the most for your money with bar prep
• Tips for selecting a bar review provider
• Understanding what bar prep options are offered at your school
• The courses we took and didn't take that could have helped with the bar exam
• What you need to do ahead of time (bar admission paperwork, accommodations, saving money)
• Bar preparation for 1Ls: What you should and should not do your first year
• Taking the MPRE
• How to work on your study skills now so you will be prepared for the bar exam

Good luck on the bar!

Resources:

• Should You Apply for Bar Exam Testing Accommodations? (http://barexamtoolbox.com/apply-bar-exam-testing-accommodations/)
• Can You Pass the Bar Exam Without Taking Barbri? http://barexamtoolbox.com/can-you-pass-the-bar-exam-without-taking-barbri/
• Mind Over Bar (http://mindoverbar.com/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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

Although it seems like it should be common sense, you'd be surprised by how many law students struggle with professionalism when they arrive at their first law job. This may be because many law students have limited work experience or have only been exposed to more casual work environments in the past. Now is the time to make a good first impression at your legal job and we have some advice to help you out!

In this episode we discuss:

• What does being a professional even mean?
• What your job really is as a new lawyer or legal intern
• Why to check any sense of entitlement
• What it's like to work in different settings
• How and why to dress professionally
• Professional communication (in-person and email)
• Perception and why it's important
• Alison and Lee's stories from the trenches!

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-25-how-to-behave-like-a-professional-in-the-legal-workplace/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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

Although it's only December, today we're looking ahead to the summer. If you're a 1L, you're probably thinking about how (and where) you are going to find a summer job. We know a lot of you may be stressing out about this so we've got some useful tips and information about the basics of a 1L job search.

In this episode we discuss:

• Does it matter what you do after your 1L year of law school?
• What kind of job can you realistically expect to get?
• The importance of getting a job doing something "legal"
• Different types of summer jobs you can apply to (judicial externships, firm jobs, government, academia, international work)
• Using your personal or family network to find opportunities
• How to find opportunities through your school
• What you can expect to earn
• Most important factors when deciding on a summer job
• How to find out what an organization is looking for
• What to do if you don't find a paid job
• How to secure funding for summer jobs
• The importance of Job Fairs

Good luck in your job hunt!

Resources:

• National Association for Law Placement (http://www.nalp.org/)
• How to Conduct Great Informational Interviews (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/how-to-conduct-great-informational-interviews/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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

Are exams looming on the horizon? In today's episode, we're dishing out some law school exam day tips. You probably have been preparing intensively for the last few weeks for exams, but have you prepared for the day of the exam? Athletes prepare for the day of the big game and so should you! Check out our tips for exam day success.

In this episode we discuss:

• Getting ready for the day of the exam in law school
• The importance of self-care during exam prep
• How to tell if you are burnt out
• Sorting out any testing accommodations
• How to be at your best on game day
• Being prepared for obstacles you may face on the big day
• What you should bring with you to the exam (Alison and Lee have very different ideas on this one!)
• Time management during the exam
• How to handle anxiety during the exam
• How to adjust your strategy for take home exams
• Decompressing between exams

Resources:

• What Should You Bring With You to a Law School Exam? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/what-should-you-bring-with-you-to-a-law-school-exam/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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!

Best of luck on your exams!

Alison & Lee

In today's episode, we're doing things a bit differently. We've talked about how to study for a law exam, but today we are going to take an exam with you. Well, not actually TAKE it with you, but we're going over a real question to show you exactly how we'd approach an exam hypo, from start to finish.

Before listening to this episode, be sure to download the documents in the resources so you can follow along.

In this episode we discuss:

• Our step-by-step attack plan
• How we organize the information in the hypo
• What we're looking for when we read the question
• How to figure out the key legal issues and critical facts
• How to generally approach exam hypos
• Tying the facts to the law
• Creating a scratch paper outline
• Putting it all together and writing your exam answer

Resources:

Here are the materials you'll need, if you want to follow along:

• Adverse Possession Hypo (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Adverse-possession-hypo.pdf)
• Adverse Possession Attack Plan (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Adverse-possession-attack-plan.pdf)
• Adverse Possession Sample Answer (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Adverse-possession-Sample-answer.pdf)
• Marked Up Answer Alison (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Marked-Up-Question-Alison.pdf)
• Marked Up Answer Lee (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Marked-Up-Question-Lee.pdf)
• Scratch Paper Outline Alison (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Scratch-Paper-Outline-Alison.pdf)
• Scratch Paper Outline Lee (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Scratch-Paper-Outline-Lee.pdf)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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!

Best of luck on your exams!

Alison & Lee

In law school, you spend a lot of time preparing for exams. What most students don't spend time much on is putting yourself in your professor's shoes and focusing on what he or she is looking for in an exam answer. That's what this episode is about! Your goal should be to write a clean, well-organized, and thoughtful exam to give yourself an edge over your frazzled, disorganized classmates. We'll show you how.

In this episode we discuss:

• What grading exams is really like for your professor
• What your professor is looking for in an exam answer and how you use this information to present them with the best possible answer
• The importance of mastering not only the law but being also able to apply it
• What your professor is NOT looking for
• Ways to frustrate and annoy your professor

Remember, when you're writing your exam answers, don't forget to put yourself in the professor's shoes. After all, that's who's giving you a grade.

Best of luck on your exams!

Resources:

• 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/)
• Should Your Law School Essay Be Wearing Sweatpants or a Suit? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/should-your-law-school-essay-be-wearing-sweatpants-or-a-suit/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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

When you're counting the time to your first exam in weeks, rather than months, lots of law students start to panic. While we don’t suggest panicking, some concern is warranted! Time is going to go quickly, and you want to be sure you’re using it wisely in the last month or so until exams start.

If you've got law school exams coming up, tune in!

In this episode we discuss:

• Time management during law school exam prep
• Why you need to make a study calendar NOW!
• How should you handle Thanksgiving?
• How to effectively use feedback you have received
• Triage methods when you have too much to do
• Ways to reduce stress and stay healthy
• Evaluating your current study methods so you know what's working (and making changes when you need to)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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 your exams!

Alison & Lee

Not all law school exams are created equal. Different schools will use different types of exams and your professors can do whatever they want!

In order to succeed, whether you're facing open-book, closed-book, multiple-choice, or take-home exams, it's critical to practice, to be resourceful, and to use tools and resources that are geared to your specific type of exam.

Don't stress out about what type of exams you're facing! Tune in for our advice on the best strategy for every type of law school exam.

In this episode we talk about:

• The different types of law school exams - open book, closed book, multiple choice, and take homes
• What is the easiest type of law school exam? The hardest?
• Our personal experience with the different exam types
• The most common type of exams you will see in law school
• What resources are most helpful for the different exam types
• Study strategies for each type of exam
• The unique challenges you may face with each type of exam
• Is it okay to ask your professor for help?
• The importance of planning before you write!

Remember - practice makes perfect! Prepare early for your exams and you will be successful.

Best of luck on your exams! Whatever type they happen to be...

Resources:

• Surviving Law School Exams (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/may-surviving-law-school-exams/)
• All You Need to Prepare for Law School Exams (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/all-you-need-to-know-to-prepare-for-law-school-exams/)
• Tips for Studying for an Open Book Exam (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-for-studying-for-an-open-book-exam/)
• How to Prepare for a Closed Book Exam (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/11/how-to-prepare-for-a-closed-book-exam/)
• How to Prepare for an Open Book Exam (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/12/how-to-prepare-for-an-open-book-exam/)
• 1L Exams Start in a Week - What Should Be Doing? (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/12/1l-exams-start-this-week/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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

Whether you are in your first or final year of law school, you should be using supplements. Although they can't do the work for you, commercial supplements can provide valuable insight and help fill the gaps in your understanding. Supplements can provide a roadmap for the topic you're studying, fill in missing details, and - in some cases - provide a more direct explanation of what you're discussing in class.

Want to find out more about what supplements can do for you and how can you use them effectively? Listen in!

In this episode we discuss:

• What supplements are
• How supplements can help
• Different types of law school supplements you can use
• Lee and Alison's favorite supplements
• How to know what information in the supplement you should use (and shouldn't)
• Should you read a supplement before class or after class?
• How to avoid information overload
• How supplements can work with your outlining
• Using supplements with practice exams
• Finding the right supplements for your course

Supplements can be a valuable tool for law school success. The key is to use them to complement your reading, lectures and study - and not in place of those methods.

Best of luck!

Resources:

• Chirelstein on Contracts: (http://amzn.to/1Mnp9K4)
• Torts - Examples and Explanations: (http://amzn.to/1G1sfXz)
• Civ Pro - Examples and Explanations: (http://amzn.to/1G1slOQ)
• Chemerinsky on Con Law: (http://amzn.to/1G1sstF)
• Chemerinsky - Federal Jurisdiction (Fed Courts) (http://amzn.to/1MN5vr9)

Multiple Choice:

• Glannon Guide To Civil Procedure: Learning Civil Procedure Through Multiple-Choice Questions and Analysis (http://amzn.to/1MN5vr9)
• Q&A Series (http://www.lexisnexis.com/store/catalog/catalog.jsp?id=cat80144)

CrunchTime:

• Civil Procedure (http://amzn.to/1MN5vr9)
• Contracts (http://amzn.to/1GqXRGe)
• Torts (http://amzn.to/1MN67Nq)
• Crim Law (http://amzn.to/1LVBhWp)
• Property (http://amzn.to/1MN6dEC)
• Con Law (http://amzn.to/1LVBt84)

(These are affiliate links)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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

Are you struggling with certain things in law school? We have all been there. When you need help, it's critical to find the "right" resources to help you (and won't make you need even more help!). If you're not sure who to turn to for help, or what resources are available, tune in.

In this episode we discuss:

• Is it okay to ask for help in law school?
• How to approach professors so that they're willing to help you
• Should you go to your TA for help?
• How to use academic support services
• Why you should proceed with caution when asking for help from peers
• What books and substantive materials are useful
• What type of help is out there for students with learning disabilities
• Valuable resources on the internet
• How private tutors can get you prepared for success and help you with problems you encounter

Don't be afraid to ask for help in law school! The key is to try to solve the problem yourself first and formulate specific questions to ask. The better your questions, the better the help you will receive. Most of all, don't give up!

Best of luck!

Resources: (contains some affiliate links)

• Chirelstein on Contracts: (http://amzn.to/1Mnp9K4)
• Torts: (http://amzn.to/1G1sfXz)
• Civ Pro: (http://amzn.to/1G1slOQ)
• Chemerinsky on Con Law: (http://amzn.to/1G1sstF)

• Five Myths About the Law School Study Group (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/five-myths-about-the-law-school-study-group/)
• Lessons From My 1L Year - Be Careful With Study Groups: (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/lessons-from-my-1l-year-be-careful-with-study-groups/)
• How to Make the Most Out of Academic Guidance in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-make-the-most-out-of-academic-guidance-in-law-school/)
• Making the Most of Professor's Office Hours (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/making-most-of-professors-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/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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

Studying in law school is not one-size fits all. Each student learns in a different way. The key is to recognize the type of learner you are and use that information to optimize your study style - for YOU.

In this episode we talk bout:

• The three main types of learning styles - Auditory, Visual and Kinesthetic
• Whether learning styles even exist
• How to figure out your learning preferences you are
• Specific techniques for each learning style in law school
• How to outline and what type of learner should (and shouldn't) utilize outlining
• Why you should probably handwrite your outlines
• The basics of attack plans, and why they're important (for everyone!)
• Using checklists vs. roadmaps for your attack plans
• Flowcharts, Flashcards, and Mnemonics and who can benefit from them

Resources:

• Learner Type Quiz - (http://homeworktips.about.com/od/homeworkhelp/a/lstyleqz.htm)
• Flash Cards or Flowcharts - What's Best? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/flashcards-or-flowcharts-whats-best/)
• 5 Study Tips for Visual Learners (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-study-tips-for-visual-learners/)
• 5 Study Tips for Kinesthetic Learners (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-study-tips-for-kinesthetic-learners/)
• 5 Tips for Auditory Learners (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-study-tips-for-auditory-learners/)
• 4 Evidence Backed Law School Study Tips (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/4-evidence-backed-law-school-study-tipos/)
• 3 More Law School Study Tips (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/3-more-law-school-study-tips/)
• Secrets to Starting Law School Right - Hey Do You Know How to Memorize Stuff (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/secrets-to-starting-law-school-right-hey-do-you-know-how-to-memorize-stuff/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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

October is the time in law school where reality begins to set in. Whether you had a tough exam or are struggling with outlining, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed and defeated. You may be exhausted, burnt out, and wondering how you are going to prepare for exams or even what you're doing in law school in the first place. The good news is most law students go through this.

Don't flip out! Take our advice to get through the October Freakout so you can have a productive rest of the semester.

In this episode we discuss:

• Taking stock of where you are and where you should be
• How and where to get help if you are struggling
• What happens if you still feel completely lost in class?
• How long you should be spending on deep thinking tasks (outlining, reviewing concepts and practicing) versus other work
• How to know if your outlines are working for you
• Balancing extra-curricular activities and class work
• How to avoid having Legal Writing take over your life
• Getting things in order to set yourself up for success
• How to set goals that work

Don't let the October Freakout destroy your law school motivation. Stay strong, and you will get through it!

Best of luck!

Resources:

• Are You Having an October Freakout? Of Course You Are! (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/having-an-october-freakout-of-course-you-are/)
• Surviving the 1L October Freakout (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/10/surviving-the-october-1l-freakout/)
• It’s Time for a Mid-Semester Reality Check (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/time-for-a-mid-semester-reality-check/)
• Are You in Law School Crisis Mode? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/are-you-in-law-school-crisis-mode-heres-how-to-get-out/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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

We will be honest with you, disasters in law school are inevitable. It's not a question of "if" disasters will happen, but "when." That's why it's crucial to be as prepared as possible to avoid total chaos when bad things happen. Law school is stressful enough without suffering through a total academic or life meltdown!

Alison and Lee share some of their own personal disasters in law school and other situations that you may encounter.

In this episode you will learn:

• What is the #1 problem that affects law school students?
• How and why to backup your computer files (seriously, just do it!)
• Ways to prevent and handle exam disasters
• How to prepare for the inevitable life meltdowns
• How to prepare your computer for exams
• How to overcome test anxiety
• How to rebound from a law school disaster
• Why it's important to build community

Resources:

• Dropbox - (http://dropbox.com/)
• One Password - (https://agilebits.com/onepassword)
• Last Pass - (https://lastpass.com/)
• Mind Over Bar - (http://mindoverbar.com/)
• Build a Survival Kit (Red Cross) - (http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit)
• Why You Need Renters Insurance (https://www.balancepro.net/education/publications/rentersinsurance.html)
• Why You Should Backup Your Files (https://www.backblaze.com/data-backup/backup-your-computer.html)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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

Today we are talking about one important facet of your law school experience - learning to argue like a lawyer. From class to court, it's all basically the same.

So, what do Lawyers argue about? Some combination of:

1. The Facts
2. The Law
3. Policy

In this episode we discuss:

• Examples of the types of arguments you will find in law school
• How to argue like a lawyer
• Why law students struggle with the concept of ambiguity
• The importance of reading cases carefully
• Why law students struggle when trying to argue about the law
• Policy arguments and why they can be the most confusing type of argument
• How professors handle policy arguments
• What types of arguments will you see on exams and strategies for mastering them

If you liked this episode, please let us know!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 law school.

Alison & Lee

Are your resume and cover letter ready to send out? Many law students wait until they're under the gun to craft their job application materials. The truth is you should write your resume now to avoid having to rush and create one when an opportunity presents itself.

Not all resumes and cover letters are created equal. Find out what makes a law student resume and cover letter stand out in a sea of applicants!

In this episode we talk about:

• Why you should do your resume and cover letter early in law school
• What your resume needs to convey
• How long the average hiring manager looks at your resume
• Learning to look at your resume from different perspectives
• How to make your resume stand out in a crowded field
• Common resume problems
• How to elaborate on a short resume
• How to explain experience that isn’t obviously related
• How you can get more experience for your resume
• Crafting different resumes for different types of jobs
• Where to get help writing your resume and cover letter
• The importance of consistency on LinkedIn and other social media profiles

Good luck in the job hunt!

Resources:

• The One Thing That Needs to Be On Your Résumé to Ace a Callback Interview (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/07/summer-associate-callback-law-firm-interview-tips/)
• The One Question That Will Improve Any Résumé (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/09/the-one-question-that-will-improve-any-resume/)
• Looking for Work? 7 Tips for a Remarkable Résumé (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/02/looking-for-a-legal-job-resume-tips/)
• Want a Job? Clean Up Your Online Paper Trail (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/06/want-a-job-clean-up-your-online-paper-trail/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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

What is it about the term Legal Writing that makes law students cringe? If you are a first-year law student, you're most likely enrolled in a Legal Research and Writing Class (LRW). This is a class that can strike fear into the heart of some law students. Others approach it with an "I got this" attitude only to be shocked when they realize they actually don't. The same writing skills that scored you a spot in law school do not always transfer when it comes to legal writing. It's just another class - what is everyone so afraid of?

1. You have to get comfortable with writing in a different way.
2. The exams and papers can be incredibly time-consuming and challenging.
3. It's hard to "unlearn" a style of writing you became comfortable with in your prior education.

In this episode we talk about:

• What makes legal writing so difficult?
• The different types of legal writing
• How your academic background can affect your success in your legal writing class
• Improving your legal writing skills
• How to handle legal writing if English isn't your first language
• Tools and tricks to stay organized
• Why legal writing is important to your future career (and passing the bar exam)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know!

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:

• Trello (http://www.trello.com) - Our favorite organizational tool!!!
• 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/)
• It is Important to Be Realistic About Assignments (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/it-is-important-to-be-realistic-about-assignments/)
• Legal Writing Tip: Imagine You're Talking to Your Grandmother (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-writing-tip-imagine-youre-talking-to-your-grandma/)

Are lawyers actually more unhappy than your average professionals, or do they just like to complain a lot?

Studies have shown that 52% of practicing lawyers are dissatisfied in their careers. They suffer from depression rates 3.6 times higher than other professions. The divorce rate is higher among lawyers and especially among female lawyers.

Are you doomed to misery as a lawyer?

In this episode, we discuss why the profession is so messed up, and what you can do to shield yourself against the worst aspects of the legal profession. We talk about:

• Why lawyers are so unhappy
• Whether there's a link between pay and job satisfaction
• What intrinsic factors in the profession contribute to the widespread misery?
• "Phantom Blackberry syndrome" after leaving BigLaw
• Has technology made these problems worse?
• Perfectionism in the legal profession
• Is this all law schools' fault?
• What can you do to avoid or respond to these problems?
• How can you make your life better as a law student or lawyer?

The good news - not all lawyers are unhappy. The trick is to find a happy medium that works for you.

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know! 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 Mentioned:

1. Why Are Lawyers So Unhappy? (http://www.lawyerswithdepression.com/articles/why-are-lawyers-so-unhappy/)
2. Lawyers With Lower Pay Report More Happiness (http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/05/12/lawyers-with-lowest-pay-report-more-happiness/)
3. Law School Quadruples the Chance of Depression: Some Changes That May Help (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kate-mayer-mangan/law-school-quadruples-dep_b_5713337.html)
4. The Lawyer Who Became a Clown (http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/08/20/abandoning-the-work-i-hated/)
5. Dave Nee Foundation (http://www.daveneefoundation.org/scholarship/lawyers-and-depression/)
6. Warrior One - Mindfulness for Lawyers (http://warriorone.com/)

Welcome back! If you are a 2L or 3L who's stuggled in law school, this episode is for you. Today we're talking about how to overcome a 1L year that was less than stellar and raise your grades for the rest of your tenure in law school.

Your GPA as a 1L is important because it's used for on-campus interviews and Law Review, but don't forget that clerkships, internships, and future employers look at the big picture and you still have a long way to go. It's too early to get discouraged!

We discuss strategies to raise your GPA which include:

• Evaluating the problem
• Developing more effective pre-exam preparation strategies
• Secrets to eliminating distractions in class
• Managing your time effectively and getting more practice in
• Working on your exam writing skills
• Scheduling classes the smart way
• Taking advantage of electives and clinics
• Improving your GPA as a 3L - Is it even worth bothering?
• Getting in the right mindset for success

The most important things is to not get discouraged and give up. Continuously try to improve and change the way you prepare and study, and you'll see results!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know! 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/).

Good luck!

Alison & Lee

Resources:

• Demoralizing Feedback? Look at What You Did Right! (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/demoralizing-feedback-look-at-what-you-did-right/)

Welcome back! If you’re a 1L, this is the episode for you. We’re going to talk about the top five things law students consistently screw up their first year, so you can avoid doing any of them.

In a nutshell, here they are (and we talk about each one in detail in this episode):

1. Bad time and life management

2. Misunderstanding what’s expected on the final exam

3. Lack of practice

4. Lack of feedback (or not learning from feedback)

5. Simply not doing the work, or not fully committing to the experience

Are you falling behind in law school, or just checking the boxes and missing the point? Find out what you need to be doing to succeed as a 1L - and what NOT to do!

Resources:

• The Circles method for time management (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/tips-time-management-awesomeness-with-the-circles/)
• 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/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know! 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

Today, we're doing a deep dive into a critically important topic -- time and life management! If you're an overstressed law student or young lawyer, this is a can't miss episode.

Here's some of what we cover:

• Why is work-life balance so hard in today's legal profession?
• Has technology made things even more difficult?
• How to focus and get the right things done
• Why multitasking is a bad idea
• Why it's important to make time for breaks
• Overcoming self-sabotaging behavior in law school
• Effectively using a calendar to manage your time
• How to figure out what you should be spending your time on in law school
• When should you start outlining in law school?
• Strategies for prioritizing and executing effectively in law school
• Common ways to waste time in law school
• How much time should you spend reading cases?
• Using systems to make life easier for yourself
• What can you outsource to create more time for yourself?
• How much time are people really studying in law school?

Resources:

• The Circles Technique for time management (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/tips-time-management-awesomeness-with-the-circles/)
• 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/)

If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know! 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