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! As AI is becoming part of our everyday life, we're discussing the good practices and the questionable uses of AI in law school. In this episode we discuss: How law students are currently using AI How law schools and professors are responding to AI usage The upside: When AI genuinely helps you learn and practice  Risks, pitfalls, and ethical landmines...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast!  In the first week of January, we're talking about the second semester – how to make a study plan, get feedback on your first-semester exams, and even use AI to help you out with organization and studying. In this episode we discuss: Dealing with disappointing first-semester grades Engaging with professors and seeking feedback Creating and sticking t...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we're talking about the expectation damages of sellers and buyers of goods under Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). In this episode we discuss: Sellers' expectation damages Buyers' expectation damages Hypothetical scenarios dealing with remedies for breaches of contract Resources: "List...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have another episode in our "Listen and Learn" series. This time, we're talking about nuisances (public and private).   In this episode we discuss: How does nuisance show up on an exam? The similarities and differences between public and private nuisance Defenses to nuisance claims Analyzing a hypo from the California First-Year Law Student...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're speaking with ADHD and executive function coach Emily Haan about the unique challenges attorneys with ADHD face in the workplace, such as time management, task switching, and email overload. We share practical coping strategies -- including using physical timers, planning ahead, and body doubling -- to help manage these difficu...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about using office hours in a productive way – this time, from your professor's perspective. We emphasize preparing specific questions, demonstrating prior effort, and engaging thoughtfully with the feedback your professor gives you.   In this episode we discuss: Preparing your materials for office hours Effective communication du...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This episode continues the discussion on criminal identification procedures, focusing on potential due process violation issues. Through analyzing a hypothetical scenario, we illustrate how courts look at the totality of the circumstances and assess whether identification procedures are unnecessarily suggestive. The episode concludes with a step-by-s...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, Alison and Gabe Teninbaum -- law professor and creator of SpacedRepetition.com -- discuss how technology is rapidly transforming the legal profession, emphasizing the importance for law students and lawyers to develop technological competence and adapt to new tools and roles in the legal profession.    In this episode we discuss: Gabe's backgr...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about the rules and timing of the different types of criminal identification procedures. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode.   In this episode we discuss: Types of criminal identifications procedures Timing of identifications procedures and right to counsel Due process in identifications procedures Analysis of a hypothetical sce...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing how you can regroup, triage, and get the most out of the final weeks before law school exams.   In this episode we discuss: Preparing outlines and other study materials How to use study groups effectively Writing practice exams and getting feedback Optimizing study time and minimizing distractions The importance of sleep and we...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This podcast episode explores the critical connection between sleep and productivity, especially for students and professionals. Guest Lindsay Scola shares her personal journey with sleep disorders and emphasizes that sleep is foundational for cognitive performance, memory, and overall well-being . The conversation offers practical tips for improving...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we're exploring the situations in which a party to a contract is claiming that their contractual obligations should be discharged as a result of supervening events that occurred after the formation of the contract. The three excuses for non-performance of a contract we'll look at are: impossibility,...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Much of Western legal tradition evolved from Roman law, and even when legal systems modernized, many principles and terms remained in Latin. Today, as part of our "Quick Tips" series,  we provide you with the meaning of various Latin phrases that are commonly used in law school classes. In this episode we discuss: The meaning and uses of various Lati...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, author and educator Julie Lythcott-Haims discusses with Lee the complexities of becoming an adult, emphasizing that adulthood is less about age and more about taking responsibility for oneself . We highlight the importance of developing independence, financial literacy, and the ability to have difficult conversations, while also stre...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, Steve Schwartz from LSAT Unplugged shares the latest changes to the LSAT format. We also explore the evolving role of AI in test preparation and admissions and offer practical advice for effective LSAT study strategies.   In this episode we discuss: The latest LSAT format, consisting of: logical reasoning tasks reading comprehensi...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, we're focusing on one of the most highly-tested topics on law school exams: Negligence. In particular, we're talking about the different ways in which factual causation can be demonstrated. In this episode we discuss: Review of the elements of negligence What is factual causation and the five tests that are used to prove it Analyz...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about a topic we've been thinking about a lot recently – whether social media is destroying our ability to focus. We reflect on how our daily routines were impacted by a week-long break from social media, and how we used the freed up time. In this episode we discuss: Pain points that led to our social media break Effects of a soci...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're speaking with Nikhil Agarwal from Juno about how law students can make smarter choices about student loans. We focus on the benefits of group negotiation for better interest rates and the differences between federal and private loans. Thanks to Juno for their support in sponsoring this episode! In this episode we discuss: An introduction...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This episode features a discussion with Dan Smith from Themis Bar Review about the upcoming NextGen Bar Exam, highlighting its new computer-based format and integrated question sets, as well as the importance of memorization and practical skills. The conversation also covers how Themis is adapting its prep materials for the new exam format.  Note:  T...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, we're discussing torts – specifically, the intentional tort of false imprisonment and the associated defense, shopkeeper's privilege. We also go through several sample questions and apply the law to the fact patterns. In this episode we discuss: An overview of intentional torts The elements of false imprisonment Hypothetical scena...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today Alison is speaking with Susan Stone and Kristina Supler from KJK's Student & Athlete Defense Group about ways poor decisions in the past might (or might not) derail your law school and bar exam journey. In this episode we discuss: The work our guests do to save futures Life decisions that might derail your journey When it's time to get help How...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today Alison is speaking with USF law professors Megan Hutchinson and Nicole Phillips about how they are teaching law students to use AI responsibly -- emphasizing ethical, professional, and practical applications. In this episode we discuss: How AI is taught at USF School of Law Student and faculty reactions to AI The human side of lawyering Potenti...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're focusing on the basics of Criminal Law – that is, the elements of a crime. Specifically, we're going to spend some time diving into the two most important elements: causation and mens rea. In this episode we discuss: The four elements necessary to prove a crime The defendant's state of mind and criminal intent when they commit a crime Ac...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode we offer practical advice for law students on preparing for class, handling the Socratic method, and managing anxiety about being called on. We emphasize that mistakes are normal and that efficient reading and note-taking are key. We encourage law students to approach class participation as a learning opportunity and to focus on devel...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing Civil Procedure – specifically, the following topics related to discovery: motions to compel, interrogatories, and physical/mental examinations. In this episode we discuss: An overview of discovery The specific rules related to motions to compel, interrogatories, and physical/mental ex...