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! Preparing effectively for exams is critical to doing well in law school, so you should start early, create your own outlines, and take practice exams before you feel ready. But if - for whatever reason - you find yourself in the reading week nightmare scenario, we're here to help you make the most of the few days left before exams!

In this episode we discuss:

• What's the first thing you should do if you find yourself in reading week and feeling unprepared for exams?
• How to create a study schedule for the last few days before exams
• The study materials to gather for each of your classes
• How and why to prepare "skinny" outlines
• The importance of practicing exam questions under timed conditions
• Tips for getting through a law school exam after a few days of cramming

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• Gilbert Law Summaries (https://www.westacademic.com/series/Gilbert-Law-Summaries)
• Emanuel Study Aid Series (https://aspenpublishing.com/collections/study-aids-emanuel-series)
• Black Letter Outlines (https://www.westacademic.com/series/Black-Letter-Outlines)
• Examples & Explanations (https://aspenpublishing.com/collections/examples-explanations)
• Acing Series (https://www.westacademic.com/series/Acing-Series)
• Podcast Episode 20: The Exam Countdown – One Month and Counting! (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-20-exam-countdown-one-month-counting/)
• Podcast Episode 41: Avoiding Law School Exam Disasters (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-41-avoiding-law-school-exam-disasters/)
• Podcast Episode 221: Our Top 5 Last-Minute Exam Tips (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-221-our-top-5-last-minute-exam-tips/)
• Triage Tips for Final Exams (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/triage-tips-final-exams/)
• Don't Panic! Last Minute Tips for Final Exams (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/dont-panic-last-minute-tips-for-final-exams/)

Download the Transcript
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-424-quick-tips-exam-prep-triage/)

If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode!

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This is the second episode in a two-part series on getting ready for exams. Last time, we talked about outlining, creating study materials, and applying those study materials to a fact pattern. Today, we're focusing on how to actually write an exam answer.

In this episode we discuss:

• What professors look for in your exam answers, and what to make sure to avoid doing
• A sample Criminal Law hypo
• Planning and outlining before you start writing
• The elements of the IRAC/CRAC/CREAC structures
• Five key things related to a solid exam answer

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• Homicide Outline (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/homicide-outline/)
• Podcast Episode 312: Mid-Term Exam Prep Basics for Law Students (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-312-mid-term-exam-prep-basics-for-law-students/)
• Podcast Episode 403: Start Law School Right – Outlining 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-403-start-law-school-right-outlining-101/)
• Podcast Episode 407: Start Law School Right – Exam Writing 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-407-start-law-school-right-exam-writing-101/)
• Podcast Episode 422: Law School Exam Prep (Part 1) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-422-law-school-exam-prep-part-1/)
• Exam Prep Outline: A Practice in Reverse Engineering (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/exam-prep-outline-a-practice-in-reverse-engineering/)
• 5 New Exam Strategies to Try (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-new-exam-strategies-to-try/)

Download the Transcript
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-423-law-school-exam-prep-part-2/)

If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode!

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This is the first episode in a two-part series on getting ready for exams. Today, we're talking about what professors look for on law school exams, as well as strategies to make effective outlines and study aids. Next time, we'll focus on practicing exam-taking skills and creating a plan for exam prep.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why are law school exams generally so difficult?
• What professors are looking for on exams
• Analyzing a sample Criminal Law hypo
• How to create a useful outline

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• Homicide Outline (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/homicide-outline/)
• Podcast Episode 312: Mid-Term Exam Prep Basics for Law Students (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-312-mid-term-exam-prep-basics-for-law-students/)
• Podcast Episode 403: Start Law School Right – Outlining 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-403-start-law-school-right-outlining-101/)
• Podcast Episode 407: Start Law School Right – Exam Writing 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-407-start-law-school-right-exam-writing-101/)
• Exam Prep Outline: A Practice in Reverse Engineering (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/exam-prep-outline-a-practice-in-reverse-engineering/)
• 5 New Exam Strategies to Try (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-new-exam-strategies-to-try/)

Download the Transcript
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-422-law-school-exam-prep-part-1/)

If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode!

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, in an episode from our "Quick Tips" series, we're talking about a seemingly radical approach to note-taking: drawing your notes. This technique may especially appeal to you if you are a visual learner or like to draw or sketch concepts.

In this episode we discuss:

• How drawing helps with memorization
• Developing a "visual toolkit" for law school classes
• Summarizing the facts of a case with a series of images
• Specific shorthand symbols and drawings commonly used by law students

Resources:

• Drawing in Class: Rachel Smith at TEDx (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tJPeumHNLY)
• How to Draw to Remember More: Graham Shaw at TEDx (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj3ZnKlHqxI)
• Mike Rohde: The Sketchnote Books (https://rohdesign.com/)
• Notability app (https://notability.com/)
• Podcast Episode 30: Visual Learning for Law Students (Guest Kipp Mueller) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-30-visual-learning-law-students-guest-kipp-mueller/)
• Podcast Episode 146: Tips for Visual Learners (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-146-tips-for-visual-learners/)
• How Visual Learning Tools Can Help You in Law School: An Interview with SketchyLaw (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-visual-learning-tools-can-help-you-in-law-school-an-interview-with-sketchylaw/)

Download the Transcript
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-421-quick-tips-using-visual-drawings-for-note-taking-and-memorization/)

If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode!

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about being realistic about which jobs you'd be a good candidate for and choosing the right option, while neither selling yourself short nor aiming too high.

In this episode we discuss:

• Determining where you would be a realistic candidate
• How to cast a wider net if you need to
• How the economy affects the legal landscape
• Taking a job you may not entirely want versus holding out
  for something better
• Getting other people to help with your job search

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• NALP: National Association for Law Placement (https://www.nalp.org/)
• The Wall Street Journal (https://www.wsj.com/)
• Above the Law (https://abovethelaw.com/)
• Podcast Episode 126: How to Get People to Help with Your Job Search (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-126-get-people-help-job-search/)
• Podcast Episode 132: What's BigLaw Really Like? (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-132-whats-biglaw-really-like-w-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 183: Changing Course in the Job Hunt (w/ex-BigLaw Recruiter Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-183-changing-course-in-the-job-hunt-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 316: Being Smart About Your Career Goals (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-316-being-smart-about-your-career-goals-w-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 385: Career Planning Resources for Law Students (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-385-career-planning-resources-for-law-students-w-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 393: The Legal Hiring Landscape in the Current Economy (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-393-the-legal-hiring-landscape-in-the-current-economy-w-sadie-jones/)

Download the Transcript
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-420-being-realistic-in-your-law-school-job-search-w-sadie-jones/)

If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode!

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about how to start putting together the material you've covered so far, and making sense of it, so you can apply it on an exam.

In this episode we discuss:

• The four fundamental steps in the law school learning process
• What to do if you have no idea how to start your mid-term prep
• How to build useful outlines and other study aids
• Why using somebody else's outlines is not the best idea
• Tips for utilizing AI to help you study

Resources:

• Claude.ai (https://claude.ai/login?returnTo=%2F)
• Palsgraf v. Long Island Railroad Co. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palsgraf_v._Long_Island_Railroad_Co.)
• Podcast Episode 65: How to Make a Useful Law School Outline (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-65-make-a-useful-law-school-outline/)
• Podcast Episode 67: Mid-Semester Law School To-Do List (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-67-mid-semester-to-do-draft/)
• Podcast Episode 213: Why Practice Is So Important in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-213-why-practice-is-so-important-in-law-school/)
• Podcast Episode 312: Mid-Term Exam Prep Basics for Law Students (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-312-mid-term-exam-prep-basics-for-law-students/)
• Wondering What an Attack Plan Is? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wondering-what-an-attack-plan-is/)
• Surviving the October Freakout (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/surviving-the-october-freakout/)

Download the Transcript
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-419-making-sense-of-the-law-at-mid-semester/)

If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode!

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we go through an attack plan for how you might approach a Miranda issue on an exam question, and look at specific rules you'll want to address in your answer.

In this episode we discuss:

• An attack plan for approaching questions involving Miranda issues
• The constitutional basis for Miranda warnings
• The definition of "custodial interrogation"
• How a suspect can invoke or waive their rights
• Analyzing two hypos illustrating how Miranda issues show up on an exam

Resources:

• “Listen and Learn” series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn)
• Miranda v. Arizona (https://www.oyez.org/cases/1965/759)
• Podcast Episode 290: Listen and Learn – Privilege Against Self-Incrimination and Miranda Rights (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-290-listen-and-learn-privilege-against-self-incrimination-and-miranda-rights/)
• Podcast Episode 323: Listen and Learn – The Exclusionary Rule (Criminal Law and Procedure) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-323-listen-and-learn-the-exclusionary-rule-criminal-law-and-procedure/)

Download the Transcript
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-418-listen-and-learn-criminal-procedure-miranda-warnings/)

If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode!

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing the rules around authentication of evidence, which comes into play when you're dealing with physical or documentary evidence.

In this episode we discuss:

• Physical vs. testimonial evidence
• How the different types of physical/documentary evidence are authenticated
• Items that are considered self-authenticating
• Analyzing four hypos from previous California bar exams

Resources:

• “Listen and Learn” series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn)
• California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2017 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/CBXFeb2017_Selected_EssayQuestions1-6_R.pdf)
• California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2018 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/Essay-Questions-and-Answers.pdf)
• California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2014 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/gbx/July2014CBX_SelectedAnswersEssays1-6_R.pdf)
• California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2012 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/CBXFeb2012_SelectedAnswers_R.pdf)

Download the Transcript
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-417-listen-and-learn-authentication-of-evidence/)

If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode!

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're talking about service of process – a subject that sometimes sneaks into Civil Procedure exam questions. We'll discuss the general service of process rules under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, as well as the California-specific rules.

In this episode we discuss:

• Serving a summons and complaint to individuals in the United States and in foreign countries under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
• Serving a corporation or other non-individual
• Substitute service of process under the California rules
• Two hypos illustrating service of process issues

Resources:

• “Listen and Learn” series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn)

Download the Transcript
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-416-listen-and-learn-service-of-process-civ-pro/)

If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode!

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking to ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones about job hunting practices that are typically not great ideas and aren't going to help you secure a job.

In this episode we discuss:

• What is the perfect length for a resume?
• How to cut down your writing sample for the purposes of job searching
• Should you include an addendum with your application documents to explain a bad grade?
• Deciding which of your previous jobs to include on your resume
• Are thank-you notes a good or bad idea?
• Is it acceptable to reach out to potential employers via cold calls or emails?

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• Getting a Legal Job (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/careers/#podcast-getting-job)
• Job Interview Strategies (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-career-tips/job-interview-strategies/)
• Podcast Episode 127: Avoid These Resume No-Gos (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-127-avoid-resume-no-gos/)
• Podcast Episode 255: The Dos and Don'ts of Writing Samples (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-255-the-dos-and-donts-of-writing-samples-w-sadie-jones/)
• Professional Metallurgy: Converting Informational Interviews into Gold (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/professional-metallurgy-converting-informational-interviews-into-gold/)

Download the Transcript
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-415-bad-ideas-for-job-hunting-w-sadie-jones/)

If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode!

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee