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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, in an installment of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're tackling another Constitutional Law topic -- that is justiciability, or the issue of deciding whether a court can make a formal judgment on a legal matter. In this episode we discuss: What three requirements must a plaintiff meet in order to have standing? The special doctrines of taxpa...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, we share some tips that will help you be successful on your mid-term law school exams. Remember, this is a learning experience, so it's normal not to do things perfectly. But prepare for mid-terms well, and you'll be able to apply what you've learned later, when it matters more. In this episode we discuss: More and more professors...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! It's a good idea to start thinking about business development methods from the early days of law school, if you want to work in a law firm! Today we're chatting about this topic with our career expert, ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones. In this episode we discuss: How business development is relevant to law students and young associates When firms thin...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about adverse possession, which is a commonly-tested issue in Real Property questions on law school exams.  In this episode we discuss: The elements of adverse possession Issues affecting the statutory period analysis The case of Howard v. Kunto Analyzing two hypos involving adverse possession Resources: "Listen and Learn" series...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today's topic came from a listener question asking us to clarify how to find the black letter law in a case. Join us for this episode as we share tips for reading cases efficiently in preparation for class and exams. In this episode we discuss: What to keep in mind when reading cases for class How casebooks are organized A refresher on case briefing...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we discuss three hearsay exceptions (statements against interest, statements made for medical diagnosis or treatment, and statements of personal or family history), which all involve someone speaking or writing about him or herself. You can find more on the topic of hearsay exceptions in episodes 271 and 296. In this episode we discuss: A revi...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! It looks like the COVID pandemic will continue to be a factor at the beginning of this school year. What can you do to get into the mindset for starting law school, considering the ongoing issues due to COVID? Join us for this episode as we share some tips for a successful 1L year. In this episode we discuss: Getting pre-1L life logistics in order Se...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about defamation -- a topic you might see on a Torts essay along with other intentional torts. In this episode we discuss: The five elements of defamation When is a statement of opinion actionable? The difference between defamation claims brought by private figures and public figures The "slander per se" rule for damages Analyzin...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we are focusing on criminal law, specifically property crimes. These include robbery, larceny, embezzlement, extortion, burglary, receipt of stolen property, false pretenses, and arson. In this episode we discuss: How to approach open-ended questions and specific questions A summary of the rules for eight property crimes The merger doctrine Ana...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about getting comfortable with the Bluebook and writing citations. This is an important skill to develop if you're planning on doing legal writing or working on a law journal. In this episode we discuss: What is the Bluebook and why can it be intimidating to students? How the Bluebook is organized Paper version vs. online version...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have Steve Schwartz from LSAT Unplugged back with us to share the latest updates on the Law School Admission Test. In this episode we discuss: The idea behind Steve's project, LSAT Unplugged The benefits of studying old exams What changes to the LSAT are coming down the pipeline? Technical glitches with the online LSAT Getting into the mind...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have former BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones back with us to talk about the basics of lateraling, or what other industries might refer to as "finding a new job that's not your first job." In this episode we discuss: In-house legal positions What options exist for litigation and transactional work How to figure out if you have a shot at making p...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, in our "Listen and Learn" series, we take a look at the Confrontation Clause. Confrontation Clause issues are commonly tested in Evidence questions in both law school exams and bar exams, almost always alongside hearsay issues. In this episode we discuss: Reviewing the rules of the Confrontation Clause The relationship between Confrontation Cl...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In our milestone 300th episode today, we reflect on things that we've learned over the years from doing the podcast and working with students, and we answer some listener question on topics that commonly show up. In this episode we discuss: How to start off strong in law school How to deal with not being sure what you want for your future Demystifyin...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're excited to have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones with us to talk about what matters in law school, long term, for your career. In this episode we discuss: What activities to consider that will help your career over the long term Typically, which activities are employers most interested in? The importance of grades in law school   Does the...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we're focusing on the Dormant Commerce Clause, also known as the Negative Commerce Clause. We previously discussed the Commerce Clause in episode 215. In this episode we discuss: A brief review of the Commerce Clause When the Dormant Commerce Clause comes into play What constitutes an unduly burd...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing the ins and outs of the 3L job market with our guest Sadie Jones. We take a look at recruiting in BigLaw firms, as well as government and public interest organizations and in-house options at smaller firms. In this episode we discuss: Who might be looking for a job as a 3L? How easy is it to get a job in BigLaw as a 3L, as com...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, we cover two hearsay exceptions -- government/public records and business records. You can find more on the topic of hearsay and related exceptions in episodes 261 and 271. In this episode we discuss: A review of the definition of hearsay The elements of the business records exception Evidence that is admissible under the governme...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this week's episode, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're talking about an important area of Constitutional Law -- the Fourteenth Amendment. Specifically, we take a look at procedural due process, substantive due process, and equal protection.  In this episode we discuss: A review of the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause and Equ...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing a topic that almost everyone has to focus on at one point or another - money! Join us as we talk through debt, savings, investments, and retirement planning with our special guest Carrie Friedberg - a certified financial coach, financial behavior specialist, and founder of SF Money Coach. In this episode we discuss: Carrie's s...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones with us to talk about how virtual summer jobs went last year and what to think about if you're going to be working this summer. In this episode we discuss: Are summer jobs likely to be virtual or in-person this year? How did last year's virtual summer jobs work out? Things to consider before starting a j...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing an issue related to civil procedure -- the Erie Doctrine. We look at a step-by-step approach for answering questions in this area of the law when they show up on an essay or in a multiple choice question. In this episode we discuss: What is the Erie Doctrine? How and when the Erie Doctrine shows up on an exam question A two-st...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones about getting to know the people that will help you get your work done when you start a legal job. In this episode we discuss: The different kinds of support staff in a legal office Communicating with other departments in the office Should you approach office gossip? How you can show initiativ...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're focusing on criminal procedure, specifically two constitutional protections afforded to accused persons by the 5th Amendment – the privilege against self-incrimination, and Miranda rights. In this episode we discuss: Rules and scope of the privilege against self-incrimination The three ways in which the privilege against self-incriminati...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we are talking about getting ready to start law school this year, and specifically, how to frame it for yourself during a time affected by pandemic restrictions. In this episode we discuss: Creating new habits Things to focus on when you're trying anything new What you can do now if you're starting law school in the fall Tips for staying organ...