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

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today, we're here with Law School Toolbox writer and 2L, Shirlene Armstrong, to talk about her experiences being a first-generation college and law student. From deciding to go to law school, to getting in, to becoming familiar with the culture and thriving, the process is challenging for everyone, but can be especially intimidating if you have no persona...

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today, we're talking about one of the keys to success in law school – managing distractions. We live in a world of ever-increasing distractions. From technology, to analysis paralysis, to life's ongoing drama, there are a million things you can turn your attention to at any given moment. Learn to master distractions in law school and you'll have greater s...

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today, we welcome back former BigLaw Recruiter, Sadie Jones, to give her insights on resumes and cover letters. She's reviewed thousands of legal resumes in her life and is here to answer some frequently asked questions on the dos and don'ts of resume and cover letter preparation. In this episode, we discuss: The purpose of a good resume or cover letter C...

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today, we're revisiting one of our favorite topics, mindset. Our very first podcast was on this topic, specifically discussing fixed mindset vs. growth mindset as explored by Carol Dweck in her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. New information seems to suggest that focusing too much on grit and mindset might actually be harmful for learning. S...

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today we have a special guest on the podcast, Meg Keene. Meg is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of A Practical Wedding , (the top independently-held wedding publication in the world), the author of two books (A Practical Wedding and A Practical Wedding Planner), and the creator of a new project, The Compact . Although Meg is not a lawyer, she is married t...

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox podcast. Today, we're talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter, Sadie Jones, about the processing of getting, or not getting, an offer at the end of your time as a summer associate. Tune in for some great information on how to end your summer successfully and navigate the offer process thoughtfully and respectfully. In this episode, we discuss: The basics of the offer pro...

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast! Today we're talking about building relationships in law school with everyone from professors to classmates and potential employers. Of course grades are important, but building relationships can not only make your law school experience more pleasant, it can open doors of opportunity in the future. In this episode, we discuss: Why relationships matter How...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today, we're talking about going to law professors' office hours and getting something out of it. Lots of law students say they're going to go to office hours regularly, but few actually do. Developing good relationships with your professors will not only have a positive effect on your law school success, but may prove to be valuable for years to fol...

Today, we're talking with a former law firm recruiter about the basics of OCI, or on-campus interviewing. OCI is the process by which most large law firms, and some medium-sized law firms and public interest organizations recruit their summer associates and hire full-time lawyers. There are many steps to the process, and it is time-consuming and can be energetically draining, so we're discussing w...

Welcome to The Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today we're talking about shopping for law school essentials, everything from backpacks to highlighters. Law school is expensive, so make sure you are being savvy with your purchases! In this episode, we discuss: How to carry all of your stuff Whether to buy a new computer immediately The law school locker situation Do you need a briefcase? The best noteb...

Welcome back! Today we're talking with Sara O'Connor, one of our law school tutors, about setting yourself up for success in your mock trial class and/or competition team. Mock trial is not required, but it can be very rewarding and provide great experience for your future legal career. In this episode, we discuss: How to earn a spot on a competitive mock trial course or team What you can expect t...

Welcome back! Today we are going to dive into one of the realities of day-to-day law school life -- reading cases and preparing for class. You'll end up spending much of your day reading and preparing for class. And, yes, there is a "right" way and a "wrong way" to prepare for law school classes. This podcast will give you some valuable tips to make sure you're getting the most out of your study t...

Welcome back! Today, we're talking with Ashley Matthews, Program Manager for Law School Engagement and Advocacy at Equal Justice Works, about preparing for a career in public interest work. Public interest is a competitive field to break into, and it comes with its own unique set of challenges. If you've decided you want to pursue a career in public interest law, this episode is a must-listen! In...

Welcome back! Today is a very special day for all of us here at the Law School Toolbox - we are celebrating our 100th podcast episode! When we first started publishing podcasts, we weren't sure how it would go, but now, we're so humbled by the number of downloads and listeners we have each month. So, our sincerest thanks to all of you! Join us for a look back at our most popular (and most underapp...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with Mark Cohen, founder and CEO of Legal Mosaic, about what law schools should be teaching but aren't. Mark's experience in the legal industry is vast and varied, and, in this podcast, he offers his unique perspective on the current state of the legal profession, as well as what may lie ahead in the future. In light of these cha...

Welcome back! Today we are sharing tips for the non-traditional law students out there. If you're getting ready for law school, this episode is going to be one you definitely want to flag! There is great stuff in here that even full-time, more traditional law students can learn from as well. In this episode, we discuss: People who might be considered "non-traditional" law students Balancing school...

Welcome back! Today, we're talking with Nathan Fox, founder of Fox LSAT, about the future of the LSAT. The test is, in large part, the same as it has always been and it has enjoyed a protracted monopoly in the law school admissions process, but could that be changing? Tune in for more! In this episode, we discuss: New "competition" for the LSAT: Harvard will begin accepting GRE scores in lieu of L...

Welcome back! Today, we're excited to have as our guest the founder of Financial Panther, a personal finance blog created for young professionals. Kevin paid off all his law school loans in a little over two years and has a lot of insight into how to stay financially grounded once you enter the legal profession. In this episode, we discuss: How Kevin paid off his law school loans so quickly The im...

Welcome back! Today we're talking about a perennial 1L problem area: organizing your time and your life so you can get everything done in law school and still be a somewhat normal human being. Law school requires a lot of time, but so do other important areas of your life. Find out how to fit everything in without having a breakdown! In this episode, we discuss: The law school obligations that nee...

Welcome back! Today, we're talking with Sara O'Connor, one of our law school and bar exam tutors, about setting yourself up for summer job success, regardless of the type of job you're going to be doing. Summer law jobs can come with a lot of pressure. There are many things to consider when trying to make a good impression; work product, work ethic, and interpersonal skills are key factors. Tune i...

Welcome back! Today, we're addressing some of the questions we've gotten from incoming 1Ls about law school academics. There are many things about law school that inherently make law school intimidating, unfamiliar territory. Tune in for some tips on preparing yourself mentally for what to expect so you go into your 1L year with a strategy for success. In this episode, we discuss: Elements of law...

Welcome back! Today, we're answering the top questions we get from incoming 1Ls and we're talking about the bottom line: money. For many people, talking about money is taboo, uncouth, or just uncomfortable, but if you're planning to go to law school, it better be a key factor in your decision-making process. You got into law school, but how are you going to pay for it? The financial decisions you...

Welcome back! Today, get ready to be inspired! We're talking with Rachel Hundley, an attorney who, after living the law firm life in New York City, eventually landed in the California Wine Country City of Sonoma. Not long after relocating there, she started to get involved in local politics, first getting elected to the City Council in 2014 and then unanimously being voted Mayor in 2016. She also...

Welcome back! Today, we're talking with Ariel Salzer, tutor for the Law School Toolbox and Bar Exam Toolbox, about the upcoming July 2017 bar exam season! Change is in the air, especially with the new California bar exam format and new MBE scoring rules, so your strategy might shift a bit. But one thing remains constant: you can't get through any bar exam without deliberate, focused, and practical...

Welcome back! Today, we're talking with Keri Clapp, professor and tutor for the Law School Toolbox and Bar Exam Toolbox, about important considerations to keep in mind as you make the transition from undergrad to law school. Keri, who teaches at both the undergraduate and law school level, offers her unique perspective to help us bring to light the key differences so you know what's in store. In t...