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, we're talking about the importance of doing practice questions and getting feedback on your writing in preparation for exams. In this episode we discuss: The disconnect between class and exams Where to find study materials and academic support to get started Reviewing your work and getting feedback How early in the semester should you start pr...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about how to bounce back after making a significant mistake -- one of those school, career, or personal screw ups that sometimes can be a major headache -- and what steps to take to ensure it doesn't happen again. In this episode we discuss: Assessing whether the mistake really is as big a deal as it appears at first Looking at h...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about the idea of a capsule wardrobe, or how to choose staple pieces that will give you the versatility to easily create different outfits. In this episode we discuss: The characteristics of a capsule wardrobe What to look for when shopping for a suit Balancing professionalism and your own personal style Online stores and subscri...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing how mindfulness practices can positively influence your brain and help you perform at your best by combating procrastination, worry, anxiety, anger, and sleep issues. In this episode we discuss: How Alison and Lee were introduced to mindfulness practices How paying attention to the good things that happen to you, instead of th...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're here with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones to discuss the ins and outs of job searches involving moving to another city from where you attend (or attended) law school. In this episode we discuss: Why is it a challenge to get a job in a different city, even if you attended a school that claims to be national? Thinking about the questions r...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about choosing the right hardware and software tools to streamline your life and keep you organized in law school. In this episode we discuss: Do you really need to upgrade your devices before starting law school? Is the iPad Pro a legitimate replacement for a laptop? Checking with your school and any stores you are buying from f...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones about networking nuts and bolts – what you need to know to feel comfortable mingling with strangers at cocktail parties, formal dinners, and more. In this episode we discuss: Why lots of people find it intimidating to go to a networking cocktail party The best ways to enter and leave a group c...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're sharing some unexpected things we experienced when we started as 1Ls, so you can adjust to law school culture faster. In this episode we discuss: How the volume of activities and the importance of grades can be overwhelming at first Why it could take some time to find people that you click with The reality of having to figure most stuff...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're chatting with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones to get some interview tips for non-traditional law students who are trying to start a legal career. In this episode we discuss: Who is a non-traditional law student? What kinds of challenges non-traditional students may face when trying to start a career in law The importance of having a cohe...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about LLM programs, focusing on foreign students who don't have a JD and are doing an LLM as their first exposure to the US legal system. In this episode we discuss: What are the characteristics of an LLM degree, and who is likely to do one? What challenges foreign students should consider when thinking about starting an LLM in t...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter, Sadie Jones, about some of the most common issues and questions we see in the law student job search. In this episode we discuss: What to do if you aren't sure of your long-term goals yet How being proactive in your job can help you discover more opportunities Typos and other common mistakes to avoid whe...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today's episode is part of our Book Club series, and we're discussing some key takeaways from the book Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation , by Dan Siegel. In this episode we discuss: How the book,  Mindsight , can help you understand the brain science behind people's actions Why we think the book is relevant for law students and la...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we are chatting with Douglas Hand -- an attorney, author, and podcast host -- about his book The Laws of Style , working as a fashion lawyer, and "what to wear" tips for men in the legal profession. In this episode we discuss: The four fundamental suits that should be the first purchased by a young lawyer Appropriate price points and brands fo...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, in our special 200th episode, we are focusing on the importance of developing "soft skills" that seem like they wouldn't matter that much (in law school and in life), but turn out to be really critical for success and happiness. In this episode we discuss: What are some crucial soft skills that will help you get through law school successfully...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're chatting with special guest Molly Bowen -- lawyer and author of the children's book, Mommy Lawyer -- about the challenges involved in balancing parenthood and a career (and how to explain a demanding job to your kids). In this episode we discuss: Molly's story of being in law school and taking the bar exam while pregnant, and her advice...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about ways to minimize the hassle of moving and handling other life logistics as you get ready to start law school. In this episode we discuss: Different (safe) housing and transit options if you have to relocate Planning ahead for the move  How and when to notify a current job that you're leaving Setting up the utilities in your...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with Rachel Gezerseh about how to find a legal job you'll actually like, and how to break into BigLaw if that's what you're looking for. In this episode we discuss: Rachel's own journey from theater to law The importance of exploring different opportunities through informational interviews and networking Practical skills you shou...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about some creative, evidence-based ideas for remembering the material required for your law school exams. In this episode we discuss: Why you should memorize important information even for open book exams How learning the law properly plays into memorization How to immerse yourself in law concepts in your everyday life The value...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about what to do (and what not to do) over the summer to prepare for your 1L year. In this episode we discuss: Sharing your thoughts and setting expectations with family, friends, and significant others, as well as asking them for help if necessary Whether you should take a law school prep class or read outlines before classes st...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about what to do if you're graduating (or have graduated) from law school, and you find yourself without a job, not wanting to practice law, and not sure how to figure out what to do next! In this episode we discuss: Why it's a good idea to sit for the bar, even if you're not sure you want to be a lawyer (and which exam to take)...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about books related to the legal system that you might want to read during the summer before starting law school. These books are interesting, and you might even learn something in the process! In this episode we discuss: Non-fiction stories about famous lawyers and judges Classics on the law school experience Recommended thrille...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about some challenging scenarios you might encounter on law school exams. In this episode we discuss: What do to if your computer crashes during an exam How to handle perceived cheating Mitigating the damage if you realize your exam answer is totally wrong halfway through Why it's important to outline on paper before typing your a...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about what we learned about relationships at the Wisdom 2.0 conference we recently attended. In this episode we discuss: Relationships in the workplace and how they can foster growth Why learning to cope with emotionally-challenging work can make you better at your job How lawyers tend to neglect their emotional brain and how thi...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones about how to pass the dreaded interview "happy hour test." In this episode we discuss: What the "happy hour test" is Why you can't forget to prepare for the social aspects of interviewing Red flag behaviors and conversation topics to avoid Why having and showing personality and healthy confide...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about what to focus on in class so that you can get the most out of the experience. In this episode we discuss: What going to class teaches you that books, outlines, and supplements cannot Why paying attention to what your professor thinks is important is very important Why in-class hypotheticals are so important to your understa...