The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode is part of the series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Today Lee walks through four questions on constitutional law -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. Practice applying the right level of scrutiny, the right test, and the right doctrine with questions on free speech, equ...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode is part of the series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Today Lee walks through four questions on civil procedure -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. Wondering how to keep straight two doctrines that sound alike: personal jurisdiction and subject matter jurisdiction? Find...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode is part of the series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Today Lee walks through four questions on negligence -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. What differences can you expect between the two exam versions? Find out now! In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Negligence...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This is the first episode of a series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Join Lee as she walks through four contract formation questions -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. How are they similar? How do they differ? Find out now! In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Firm offer rule (...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we explain the neuroscience behind our RAMP study tool -- which we introduced in our last episode . We discuss the limitation of working memory, which makes it essential to move legal rules into long-term memory through spaced repetition and scaffolding.  In this episode, we discuss: The research and science behind our RAMP study tool Scaffoldin...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing how we're thinking about preparing for the NextGen bar exam differently -- and we're excited to introduce a new tool we've built to help you learn and retain the rules you need to know. In this episode, we discuss: An overview of the NextGen UBE The big misconception: No memorization is required for the NextGen Why traditional st...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing one of the most tested subtopics of professional responsibility -- the duty of a lawyer to maintain the confidentiality of all information relating to the representation of a client, a former client, or a potential client. In this episode, we discuss: Overview of confidentiality Core exceptions to the duty of confidentiality How...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing  Rule 4.1 of both the ABA and the California Rules of Professional Conduct -- what it prohibits and allows lawyers to do when communicating with opposing parties. In this episode, we discuss: Rule 4.1 of the ABA and California Rules of Professional Conduct Communication with represented and unrepresented parties A California bar...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're speaking with Themis Bar Review experts Zach Lindesmith and Michele Cooley. The conversation centers around the importance of realistic study planning for the groups of students who need to start their bar prep early.  Note:  This episode is sponsored by  Themis Bar Review  – the gold standard in bar exam preparation.  With this...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! If you're planning to take the bar exam in July 2026 or February 2027, your exam will look quite different from the current one. The Uniform Bar Exam overhaul includes changes in the structure, the question types, the timing, the grading – basically everything except the stakes. Today we're walking you through 11 things that every bar taker needs to kn...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing ABA's Model Rule of Professional Conduct 3.3, which governs truth telling to the tribunal (a court, arbitrator, administrative agency, or any other body acting in an adjudicative capacity). We break down all of the rule's nuances and parts, and analyze a few hypothetical scenarios. In this episode, we discuss: An overview of ABA'...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing contract law – specifically, warranties and the disclaimer of warranties under the UCC. We explain both express and implied warranties and how they can be disclaimed. We also go through several examples to illustrate these rules in practice. In this episode, we discuss: Express and implied warranties under the UCC Disclaimer of w...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we explain the legal requirements for marriage formation in the United States. We also cover common law marriage as an exception to the procedural requirements and use hypothetical scenarios to illustrate how these rules apply in practice. In this episode, we discuss: Defining marriage and legal precedents Procedural and substantive re...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode of our "Listen and Learn" series explains the fundamentals of trust formation and administration, covering the requirements for creating both private and charitable trusts.   In this episode, we discuss: The different types of trusts Requirements for creating an express private trust Charitable trusts Duties owed by the trustee Two hypothe...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're going through the most common ways students waste time while studying for the bar, including relying on passive learning, overfocusing on one section, using too many resources, and neglecting feedback. We emphasize the importance of active study methods, balanced preparation, and honest self-reflection to maximize your chances of...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! W e've made it to another holiday season, which means joy, good food, family, and friends. However, for those studying for the bar exam, it can also bring a lot of stre ss as you try to manage bar prep and family commitments. Today, we're sharing some ways to think about bar study during the holiday season. In this episode, we discuss: Creating a study...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we explain the ways in which a validly executed will can be revoked ( by a subsequent document, by a physical act, and by operation of law), and analyze examples illustrating these concepts.   In this episode, we discuss: The requirements for a valid will Revocation by a subsequent document Revocation by a physical act Revocation by op...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we explain the five requirements for a valid will, and analyze two hypotheticals to illustrate how courts determine validity.   In this episode, we discuss: The basics of will formation The five elements of a valid will What is a holographic will? The "harmless error" rule Two hypotheticals from previous California bar exams Resources:...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing how the rollout of the NextGen UBE in July 2026 will also bring significant changes to the Legacy UBE, including the removal of certain subjects from the MEE and a shift in focus for the MPT.   In this episode, we discuss: Timeline for the NextGen UBE and Legacy UBE  Major changes in the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) Prepari...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This is Part 2 of a two-part series on strict liability as it relates to animals (both wild and domestic), as well as certain super dangerous activities.  In this episode, we discuss: Strict liability for abnormally dangerous activities Strict liability for keeping wild and domestic animals Two hypothetical scenarios illustrating the above concepts Res...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This is Part 1 of a two-part series on strict liability as it relates to animals (both wild and domestic), as well as certain super dangerous activities. Join us next week for the second episode on this topic.   In this episode, we discuss: Overview of strict liability in torts What activities are considered abnormally dangerous? Strict liability as it...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're speaking with Chris Fromm - National Director of Curriculum and Assessment at Themis Bar Review - about strategies for tackling multiple-choice questions on the bar exam, including the upcoming NextGen format. We discuss how to manage your time effectively, leverage practice tools, and seek support during the challenging bar prep period. N...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we explore whether law students should take the current Legacy UBE or wait for the upcoming NextGen UBE. We take a look at the timing and the strategic considerations, and help you figure out which path makes sense for your specific situation. In this episode, we discuss: Timeline of jurisdictions adopting the NextGen UBE Who should ta...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In t his episode, we're continuing our discussion of the NextGen UBE. We've created an integrated question set (IQS) similar to the ones that will appear on the NextGen bar exam, using a sample scenario involving a shoplifting incident and subsequent legal analysis. We discuss the structure of these new question sets, review relevant statutes, and work...

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode explains the concept of negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED) in tort law, outlining the four specific situations in which a plaintiff can recover for emotional harm caused by another's negligence.   In this episode, we discuss: A review of the elements of negligence The four situations in which NIED claims are valid Negligent...