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 with workplace mental health and well-being strategist Carolyn Thayer-Azoff about setting yourself up for sustainable workplace success.

In this episode we discuss:

• Common workplace mental health themes
• Finding a supportive workplace and preparing for job-related challenges
• Balancing work with starting a family
• Addressing mental health stigma
• Dealing with a job that turns out to be a nightmare

Resources

• Carolyn on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynthayer-azoff/)
• Identify Core Values to Guide Decisions (https://positive.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/Core-Values-Worksheet.pdf)
• Draft a Personal Mission Statement (https://positive.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Writing-Your-Mission-Statement.pdf)
• InsightTimer (https://insighttimer.com/)
• UCLA Mindful (https://www.uclahealth.org/uclamindful)
• Mindfulness Coach (https://mobile.va.gov/app/mindfulness-coach)
• Healthy Minds Program (https://www.healthymindsprogram.com/)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/)
• Smarter, Saner Lawyering with a Little (Mindfulness) Practice (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/smarter-saner-lawyering-with-a-little-mindfulness-practice/)
• Advice from a Recovering Perfectionist: 5 Mindfulness Tips for Excellent Lawyering (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/advice-from-a-recovering-perfectionist-5-mindfulness-tips-for-excellent-lawyering/)

Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-479-workplace-wellness-w-carolyn-thayer-azoff/)

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 our "Quick Tips" series, we provide a guide for law students to optimize their LinkedIn profile, which is an important part of professional networking.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why using LinkedIn is important for law students
• Setting up your profile, with tips for best use of each section
• Building and engaging with your network
• Key best practices for LinkedIn

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• Career Hep with CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/career-help/)
• 7 Ways to Use LinkedIn as a Law Student (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/7-ways-to-use-linkedin-as-a-law-student/)
• Online Legal Networking: LinkedIn (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/online-legal-networking-linkedin/)

Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-478-quick-tips-linkedin-best-practices-for-law-students/)

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 thrilled to have with us Dean Jackie Gardina of The Colleges of Law in Santa Barbara and Ventura here to talk about the history, current state, and future changes of the bar exam. 

In this episode we discuss:

• Dean Gardina's law school and career path
• An overview of the history of the bar exam
• The effectiveness of the bar exam in assessing lawyer competence
• The future of the bar exam and possible alternative pathways to licensure
• The California Bar Exam Experiment
• What should new law students keep in mind if they are concerned the bar exam may look very different in three years? 

Resources

• LinkedIn: Jackie Gardina (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-gardina-78907b8/)
• NextGen Bar Exam (https://nextgenbarexam.ncbex.org/)
• California Bar Exam Experiment (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Examinations/California-Bar-Exam-Experiment)
• Kaplan (https://kaplan.com/)
• Meazure Learning (https://www.meazurelearning.com/)
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 277: California Is Outsourcing the Bar Exam to Kaplan?!? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-277-california-is-outsourcing-the-bar-exam-to-kaplan/)
• The Future of the Bar Exam: What to Expect with the NextGen Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/the-future-of-the-bar-exam-what-to-expect-with-the-nextgen-exam/)

Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-477-history-and-future-of-the-bar-exam-w-dean-jackie-gardina/)

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 have ADHD and executive function coach Emily Haan with us to talk about some techniques students can use to be successful in law school. 

In this episode we discuss:

• Emily's background and work as an ADHD and executive function coach
• ADHD and time management challenges in law school
• Managing overwhelm and procrastination
• Tackling big projects with backwards planning
• Dealing with boredom while studying
• Improving exam performance 

Resources

• Emily Haan Coaching (https://www.emilyhaan.com/)
• VIA Character Strengths (https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths-via?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmt24BhDPARIsAJFYKk3qU85W7Poobpn4VRRtpXokDrMxRS-AOxf6ESxpSacVbl37NKbiOhQaAtVWEALw_wcB)
• Podcast Episode 436: Improving Executive Functioning Skills as a Law Student (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-436-improving-executive-functioning-skills-as-a-law-student/)
• Podcast Episode 437: Quick Tips – Succeeding in Law School with ADHD (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-437-quick-tips-succeeding-in-law-school-with-adhd/)
• Podcast Episode 445: Best Practices for Getting Accommodations in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-445-best-practices-for-getting-accommodations-in-law-school/)
• Podcast Episode 470: Tips for Neurodivergent Law Students (w/Heather Varanini and Rebecca Petrilli) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-470-tips-for-neurodivergent-law-students-w-heather-varanini-and-rebecca-petrilli/)

Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-476-executive-functioning-skills-for-law-students-with-adhd-w-emily-haan/)

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 break down strategies to help you anticipate what topics and question types are most likely to appear on your exams. Learn how to study smarter, not harder, and walk into your finals with confidence! 

In this episode we discuss:

• Analyzing old exams
• What details to pay attention to in class
• Researching your professors
• Creating a study heat map
• The unpredictability factor

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• Podcast Episode 365: Top 10 Tips for Studying for Final Exam (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-365-top-10-tips-for-studying-for-final-exams/)
• Getting into Exam Prep Mode (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/getting-into-exam-prep-mode/)
• Preparing for Exams with Takeaways, Connections, and Policy (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/preparing-for-exams-with-takeaways-connections-and-policy/)
• 5 New Exam Strategies to Try (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-new-exam-strategies-to-try/)

Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-475-quick-tips-how-to-predict-whats-on-your-law-school-exams/)

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 have ADHD coach Rawi Nanakul with us to talk about thriving in law school with ADHD. We cover identifying warning signs, strategies for managing executive function challenges, and the importance of self-care and professional support. 

In this episode we discuss:

• Rawi's personal journey and ADHD diagnosis
• Identifying ADHD signs
• The difference between the help provided by a doctor, a therapist, and an ADHD coach
• A few specific scenarios that might play out for students struggling with ADHD
• The importance of self-care and professional help

Resources:

• Tech Atypically (https://www.techatypically.com/)
• Tech Atypically newsletter (https://adhdpm.substack.com/)
• Podcast Episode 436: Improving Executive Functioning Skills as a Law Student (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-436-improving-executive-functioning-skills-as-a-law-student/)
• Podcast Episode 437: Quick Tips – Succeeding in Law School with ADHD (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-437-quick-tips-succeeding-in-law-school-with-adhd/)
• Podcast Episode 445: Best Practices for Getting Accommodations in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-445-best-practices-for-getting-accommodations-in-law-school/)
• Podcast Episode 470: Tips for Neurodivergent Law Students (w/Heather Varanini and Rebecca Petrilli) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-470-tips-for-neurodivergent-law-students-w-heather-varanini-and-rebecca-petrilli/)

Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-474-thriving-in-law-school-with-adhd-w-rawi-nanakul/)

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 have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones back with us to discuss how to be authentic in a job interview.

In this episode we discuss:

• The pressure to be the perfect candidate
• Overcoming insecurities before going into interviews
• What you might be asked and how to answer in the following situations:
  • You're at a lower-ranked school but have done really well
  • You're at a top school but have a few low grades
  • You're not the "typical" hire for a particular organization
• Emphasizing relevant skills and interests

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• Law School Toolbox Podcast: Careers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/careers/)
• Podcast Episode 175: Top Interview Questions with ex-BigLaw Recruiter Sadie Jones (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-175-top-interview-questions-with-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 247: Mastering Behavioral Interviews (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-epiosode-247-mastering-behavioral-interviews-w-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 278: Questions to Ask (And Avoid Asking) in Legal Job Interviews (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-278-questions-to-ask-and-avoid-asking-in-legal-job-interviews-w-sadie-jones/)
• Preparing for 1L Interviews: How to Craft Your Story (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/preparing-for-1l-interviews-how-to-craft-your-story/)

Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-473-being-yourself-in-a-job-interview-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 excited to have Anne Ditmeyer – the author of Override! What If There Was Another Way? – joining us to talk about creativity, goal setting, personal growth, and following your own path in life.

In this episode we discuss:

• Anne's journey to becoming an author and creative coach
• How the book Override! What If There Was Another Way? was inspired
• A surprising creative exercise for reflection and personal growth 
• Building useful habits to help you be more organized and productive
• Making new connections! You never know which one will lead to an interesting opportunity or turn into a close friend

Resources:

• Anne Stark Ditmeyer (https://www.anneditmeyer.com/)
• Instagram: pretavoyager (https://www.instagram.com/pretavoyager/?img_index=1)
• Override! What If There Was Another Way?, by Anne Ditmeyer (https://www.anneditmeyer.com/override-book)
• Podcast Episode 381: Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World (w/Eve Rodsky) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-381-find-your-unicorn-space-reclaim-your-creative-life-in-a-too-busy-world-w-eve-rodsky/)
• Podcast Episode 427: A Discussion with Author Jessica Elefante on the Power of Influence in the Digital Age (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-427-a-discussion-with-author-jessica-elefante-on-the-power-of-influence-in-the-digital-age/)
• Podcast Episode 432: Creating New Habits and Optimizing Time Management (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-432-creating-new-habits-and-optimizing-time-management/)
• Podcast Episode 458: The Lost Art of Connecting (w/Susan McPherson) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-458-the-lost-art-of-connecting-w-susan-mcpherson/)

Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-472-creativity-goal-setting-and-personal-growth-w-anne-ditmeyer/)

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 speaking with Jim Brosnahan – a longtime Morrison Foerster trial lawyer and author of Justice at Trial – about life as a trial lawyer and the skills you'll need to succeed in this profession.

In this episode we discuss:

• Introduction to our guest, Jim Brosnahan, and his latest book, Justice at Trial
• Challenges and rewards of life as a trial lawyer
• With trials being so limited these days, is this a viable career path for newer lawyers?
• The process of developing public speaking skills
• BigLaw interview tips for aspiring lawyers

Resources:

• JimJBrosnahan.com (https://www.jimjbrosnahan.com/)
• LinkedIn: Jim Brosnahan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-brosnahan/)
• Justice at Trial: Courtroom Battles and Groundbreaking Cases, by James J. Brosnahan (https://www.amazon.com/Justice-Trial-Courtroom-Battles-Groundbreaking/dp/153817443X/ref=sr_1_1)
• Podcast Episode 13: What Do Lawyers Argue About? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-13-lawyers-argue/)
• Podcast Episode 53: Acing Oral Arguments in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-53-acing-oral-arguments-law-school/)
• Podcast Episode 103: Setting Yourself Up to Be a Mock Trial Rockstar (with Sara O'Connor) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/16182-2/)
• Debate and the Law: 3 Lessons from Competing in and Judging Debate (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/debate-and-the-law-3-lessons-from-competing-in-and-judging-debate/)
• Learning Your Courthouse (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/learning-your-courthouse/)
• Surviving Your First Oral Argument (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/surviving-your-first-oral-argument/)
• Why You Should Attend a Court Hearing (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/why-you-should-attend-a-court-hearing/)
• How to "Drop the Mic" on Your First Moot Court Argument (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-drop-the-mic-on-your-first-moot-court-argument/)

Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-471-life-as-a-trial-lawyer-w-jim-brosnahan/)

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! We have two special guests today, talking about how neurodivergent students can reach their full potential in law school. We're speaking with Heather Varanini, Director of Academic Achievement and Adjunct Professor at Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, and Rebecca Petrilli, Director of Marketing Content Strategy at Themis Bar Review. 

Note: This episode is sponsored by Themis Bar Review – the gold standard in bar exam preparation. Right now, Themis has a special offer for Law School Toolbox podcast listeners. Any Themis course, whether you're sitting for the bar in 2025, 2026, or 2027, is at the cost of $1,695 with the promo code LAWSCHOOLTB1200. (This offer is valid until December 1, 2024.)

In this episode we discuss:

• An introduction to our guests and why the topic of neurodiversity is important to them
• Common challenges for neurodivergent students in law school
• How to stay focused during long lectures
• Handling the stress of being cold called in class
• The debate on laptop bans in the classroom
• Resources and support for neurodivergent law students

Resources:

• Themis Bar Review (https://www.themisbar.com/)
• The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt (https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036)
• Examples & Explanations series (https://aspenpublishing.com/collections/examples-explanations)
• Podcast Episode 112: Managing Distractions in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-112-managing-distractions-in-law-school/)
• Podcast Episode 427: A Discussion with Author Jessica Elefante on the Power of Influence in the Digital Age (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-427-a-discussion-with-author-jessica-elefante-on-the-power-of-influence-in-the-digital-age/)
• Podcast Episode 437: Quick Tips – Succeeding in Law School with ADHD (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-437-quick-tips-succeeding-in-law-school-with-adhd/)
• Podcast Episode 439: Keys to Law School Success with Themis (w/Michele Cooley) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-439-keys-to-law-school-success-with-themis-w-michele-cooley/)
• Podcast Episode 445: Best Practices for Getting Accommodations in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-445-best-practices-for-getting-accommodations-in-law-school/)

Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-470-tips-for-neurodivergent-law-students-w-heather-varanini-and-rebecca-petrilli/)

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