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! In today's episode, together with Steve Schwartz from LSAT Unplugged, we're sharing our list of top 10 things to consider when you are applying to law school.

In this episode we discuss:

• Steve's background and work in the law school admissions space
• How early should you start preparing for taking the LSAT?
• The current structure of the LSAT and what changes are coming up
• The pros and cons of different prep options
• Researching law schools and scholarships
• Writing your personal statement
• Asking for letters of recommendation
• Balancing studying with your other priorities

Resources:

• LSAT Unplugged (https://www.unpluggedprep.com/)
• YouTube: LSAT Unplugged & Law School Admissions Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjZbY0gbWSt6i53hXWTJ0zw)
• Law School Admission Council (https://www.lsac.org/)
• LawHub (https://app.lawhub.org/)
• Law School Transparency (https://www.lawschooltransparency.com/)
• YNAB: You Need A Budget (https://www.ynab.com/)
• Podcast Episode 46: 4 Myths About the LSAT from Expert Nathan Fox (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-46-4-myths-about-the-lsat-from-expert-nathan-fox/)
• Podcast Episode 119: Navigating the Law School Application Process (with Admission Logic) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-119-navigating-law-school-application-process-admission-logic/)
• Podcast Episode 246: Influence of the LSAT on the Law School Admission Process (with Shirag Shemmassian) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-246-influence-of-the-lsat-on-the-law-school-admission-process-with-shirag-shemmassian/)
• Podcast Episode 376: Changes to the Law School Admission Process (w/Steve Schwartz) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-376-changes-to-the-law-school-admission-process-w-steve-schwartz/)
• How Spaced Repetition Can Help You as a Law Student – Part 1 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-spaced-repetition-can-help-you-as-a-law-student-part-1/)
• How Spaced Repetition Can Help You as a Law Student – Part 2 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-spaced-repetition-can-help-you-as-a-law-student-part-2/)
• Using Blind Review to Effectively Review Your LSAT Practice Test Results (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/using-blind-review-to-effectively-review-your-lsat-practice-test-results/)
• Tips for Self-Studying for the LSAT (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-for-self-studying-for-the-lsat/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-448-10-things-to-consider-when-applying-to-law-school-w-steve-schwartz/)

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 with us to talk about managing your schedule as a summer associate, intern, or extern.

In this episode we discuss:

• What should be your goal as to the amount of work you take on at your summer job?
• How to figure out how long a task should/will take
• Structuring your work day to ensure you're working efficiently
• Under what circumstances should you just say "no," and how can that be done gracefully?
• Some common roadblocks to working efficiently for interns and young lawyers

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• Law School Toolbox Podcast: Careers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/careers/)
• Podcast Episode 85: Surviving as a Summer Associate and New Firm Lawyer (with Grover Cleveland) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-85-surviving-summer-associate-new-firm-lawyer-grover-cleveland/)
• Podcast Episode 94: How to Succeed at Your Summer Legal Job (with Sara O'Connor) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-94-succeed-summer-legal-job-sara-oconnor/)
• Podcast Episode 342: Real World Summer Job Situations (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-342-real-world-summer-job-situations-w-sadie-jones/)
• 5 Things You Should Do Throughout Your Summer Job or Internship (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-things-you-should-do-throughout-your-summer-job-or-internship/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-447-managing-the-workload-in-a-summer-law-job-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 discussing why doing the assigned reading for your law school classes is important, and we address some common questions we receive from students regarding reading cases for class.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why it's important to spend the time to read cases, even when they seem difficult
• Fundamental skills developed through reading cases that will benefit you during the rest of law school
• How reading for class will positively impact your future legal career
• Tips for gradually cutting down reading time and making the work more manageable

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• Quimbee (https://www.quimbee.com/)
• Westlaw (https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/westlaw)
• LexisNexis (https://www.lexisnexis.com/en-us/home.page)
• Podcast Episode 102: How to Read Cases and Prepare for Class in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/16176-2/)
• Podcast Episode 309: Tips for Reading a Case (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-309-tips-for-reading-a-case/)
• Podcast Episode 396: Start Law School Right – Class Prep 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-396-start-law-school-right-class-prep-101/)
• Preparing for Class as a 1L (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/preparing-for-class-as-a-1l/)
• Ahead of the Curve: Reading Cases: From Syllabus to Exam – Prepare the Case for Class (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/reading-cases-from-syllabus-to-exam-prepare-the-case-for-class/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-446-quick-tips-doing-the-reading-for-your-law-school-classes/)

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 welcome Haley Miller and Laura Derbonne, who are the co-presidents of the National Disabled Law Students Association, to talk about accommodations and advocating for yourself.

In this episode we discuss:

• Our guests' law school journey and how they got involved with the National Disabled Law Students Association
• The mission of NDLSA
• Different types of accommodations and how to go about getting them in law school
• How to internalize needing classroom or exam accommodations
• Common mistakes that law students make when it comes to applying for accommodations

Resources:

• NDLSA: National Disabled Law Students Association (https://ndlsa.org/)
• Podcast Episode 72: Seeking Accommodations in Law School and on the Bar Exam (with Dr. Jared Maloff) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-72-seeking-accommodations-law-school-bar-exam/)
• Podcast Episode 220: More on Accommodations in Law School (w/Elizabeth Knox) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-220-more-on-accommodations-in-law-school-w-elizabeth-knox/)
• Why It's Important to Ask for Disability Accommodations Early (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/why-its-important-to-ask-for-disability-accommodations-early/)
• Leveling the Playing Field: Using Resources and Seeking Accommodations in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/leveling-playing-field-using-resource-seeking-accommodations-law-school/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-445-best-practices-for-getting-accommodations-in-law-school/)

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 "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing property intentional torts and their specific defenses.

In this episode we discuss:

• A brief review of intentional torts
• When is a defendant liable for trespass to land?
• The differences between trespass to chattels and conversion
• The necessity defense for property intentional torts
• The case Vincent v. Lake Erie Transportation Co.
• Two hypos from previous California bar exams involving property intentional torts

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 2016 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/February2016CBX_QuestionsSelectedAnswers_R.pdf)
• California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2022 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/February-2022-CBX-Essay-Qs-and-Selected-Answers.pdf)
• Vincent v. Lake Erie Transportation Co. (https://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/torts/torts-keyed-to-epstein/intentionally-inflicted-harm-the-prima-facie-case-and-defenses/vincent-v-lake-erie-transportation-co-2/)
• First-Hand Guide to 1L Courses – Property (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/first-hand-guide-to-1l-courses-property/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-444-listen-and-learn-property-based-intentional-torts/)

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 discussing some bar exam basics to help ensure you pass on the first try.

In this episode we discuss:

• Structure of the current bar exam and how it's going to change
• Important things to keep in mind for your bar prep
• What are some problem areas we see with people who don't pass the first time?
• How you can set yourself up for success on the exam
• Tools and resources to use for bar prep

Resources:

• Bar Exam Toolbox podcast (https://barexamtoolbox.com/)
• Writing of the Week (WOW) Bar Essay Workshop (https://barexamtoolbox.com/writing-of-the-week-wow-bar-essay-workshop/)
• NCBE: National Conference of Bar Examiners (https://www.ncbex.org/)
• AdaptiBar (https://www.adaptibar.com/)
• UWorld (https://www.uworld.com/)
• SmartBarPrep (https://smartbarprep.com/)
• Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, by Adam Grant (https://adamgrant.net/book/hidden-potential/)
• Podcast Episode 26: Thinking Ahead to Get Ready for the Bar Exam (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-26-thinking-ahead-get-ready-bar-exam/)
• Podcast Episode 369: Using Spaced Repetition for Your Law School and Bar Exam Studies (w/Gabriel Teninbaum) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-369-using-spaced-repetition-for-your-law-school-and-bar-exam-studies-w-gabriel-teninbaum/)
• Podcast Episode 372: The NextGen Bar Exam (w/Doretta McGinnis) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-372-the-nextgen-bar-exam-w-doretta-mcginnis/)
• Podcast Episode 413: Preparing for the Bar Exam with Themis and UWorld (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-413-preparing-for-the-bar-exam-with-themis-and-uworld/)
• Tips for Selecting Core Course Requirements That May Improve Bar Exam Results (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-for-selecting-core-course-requirements-that-may-improve-bar-exam-results/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-443-bar-exam-basics-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 talking about how to get the most out of your summer job. In particular, we are going to cover tips for success in three key aspects of your summer work experience: professionalism, substantive work, and networking.

In this episode we discuss:

• How to be the co-worker that people want on their team
• Tips for getting the most out of the substantive work you do at your summer job
• Networking at your work place
• Legal documents you might be asked to draft during your summer job, and how they relate to your writing sample

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• Law School Toolbox Podcast: Careers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/careers/)
• 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/)
• Podcast Episode 287: Learning From a Non-Ideal Summer Job Experience (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-287-learning-from-a-non-ideal-summer-job-experience-w-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 291: People You Should Get to Know at Any Legal Job (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-291-people-you-should-get-to-know-at-any-legal-job-w-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 320: Goals for Your 1L Summer Job (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-320-goals-for-your-1l-summer-job-w-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 342: Real World Summer Job Situations (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-342-real-world-summer-job-situations-w-sadie-jones/)
• 5 Things You Should Do Throughout Your Summer Job or Internship (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-things-you-should-do-throughout-your-summer-job-or-internship/)
• Professionalism in the Legal Workplace (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/professionalism-in-the-legal-workplace/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-442-quick-tips-how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-summer-legal-job/)

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 with Gabe Teninbaum -- law professor and creator of spacedrepetition.com -- about how the rapidly developing AI technology may impact the legal profession.

In this episode we discuss:

• Gabe's background and how he got interested in technology for the legal industry
• How generative AI has been developing in recent years
• What are some ways that AI may create, or destroy, legal jobs?
• How can AI help people access legal assistance or information in a low-cost way?
• What are the biggest concerns and opportunities for the legal profession as AI technology develops?
• What to do if you're a law student interested in developing technologies

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• spacedrepetition.com (https://spacedrepetition.com/)
• lawtomatic.com (https://www.lawtomatic.com/)
• Suffolk University: Gabe Teninbaum (https://www.suffolk.edu/academics/faculty/g/t/gteninbaum)
• LinkedIn: Gabe Teninbaum (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-teninbaum-6a34676/)
• LawNext podcast (https://lawnext.libsyn.com/)
• Casetext (https://casetext.com/)
• Claude (https://claude.ai/login?returnTo=%2F)
• JustFix: Technology for Housing Justice (https://www.justfix.org/en/)
• LegalZoom (https://www.legalzoom.com/)
• American Bar Association (https://www.americanbar.org/)
• The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich, by Timothy Ferriss (https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307465357)
• Productizing Legal Work: Providing Legal Expertise at Scale, by Gabriel H. Teninbaum (https://www.amazon.com/Productizing-Legal-Work-Providing-Expertise-ebook/dp/B09GRCNRPX/ref=sr_1_4?)
• Podcast Episode 425: Exploring the Legal Tech Ecosystem (w/Colin Levy) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-425-exploring-the-legal-tech-ecosystem-w-colin-levy/)
• Podcast Episode 430: The PaxtonAI Founders Talk About Their AI Legal Assistant (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-430-the-paxtonai-founders-talk-about-their-ai-legal-assistant/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-441-exploring-the-impact-of-ai-on-the-legal-profession-w-gabe-teninbaum/)

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 with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones about making good decisions in law school to prepare for your legal career.

In this episode we discuss:

• What's the most important thing you have to do in law school to set yourself up for legal career success?
• What options do you have if you don't get the exact job you wanted for the 1L/2L summer?
• Exploring academic activities in different areas of interest
• How to frame prior job experiences in interviews
• Finding networking opportunities in your job placements

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• Law School Toolbox Podcast: Careers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/careers/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-440-making-good-career-decisions-in-law-school-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 Michele Cooley from Themis Bar Review joining us to talk about their Law School Essentials courses.

Note: This episode is brought to you by Themis Bar Review – the gold standard in bar exam preparation. Right now, Themis has a special offer for Law School Toolbox podcast listeners. If you sign up for their July 2024 bar review course, you can get a $500 discount using the promo code LAWSCHOOLTB500. (This offer is valid until midnight Central Standard Time on May 20th, 2024.)

In this episode we discuss:

• Michele's professional background and her work at Themis Bar Review
• Common struggles for first-year law students
• Content of the Law School Essentials courses offered by Themis
• Implementing practice questions in a study group
• Using the resources available at your law school

Resources:

• Themis Bar Review (https://www.themisbar.com/)
• Law School Essentials courses (https://www.themisbar.com/law-school-essentials)
• Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, by Adam Grant (https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Potential-Science-Achieving-Greater/dp/0593676734)
• 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 413: Preparing for the Bar Exam with Themis and UWorld (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-413-preparing-for-the-bar-exam-with-themis-and-uworld/)
• Flashcards or Flowcharts: What's Best? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/flashcards-or-flowcharts-whats-best/)
• MPRE Study – Don't Wait Until the Last Minute! (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/mpre-study-dont-wait-until-the-last-minute/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-439-keys-to-law-school-success-with-themis-w-michele-cooley/)

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