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 joined by ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones to talk about some less common documents that employers might request from you when you apply for a legal job.

In this episode we discuss:

• Types of less common documents that might be requested during the application process
• Why do employers ask for this extra step for certain positions?
• How to craft your application documents to present yourself in the best way, and what common mistakes to avoid
• Should you expect to be asked for references?

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• Law School Toolbox Podcast: Careers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/careers/)
• Podcast Episode 111: Resumes and Cover Letters (with an ex-BigLaw Recruiter) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-111-resumes-cover-letters-ex-biglaw-recruiter/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-438-crafting-less-common-job-application-documents-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 sharing specific tips for students coping with ADHD, in relation to managing the law school workload, studying, and preparing for exams.

In this episode we discuss:

• Maintaining mental health in law school
• Applying for accommodations on exams
• Organization strategies to help you manage your workload
• How to track time effectively
• Streamlining your study resources
• Motivation and other issues to address if you're struggling to get started on doing the work
• Two popular methods for staying focused while studying

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• Clockify (https://clockify.me/lp/employee-scheduling-software)
• Quimbee (https://www.quimbee.com/)
• Emanuel Study Aid Series (https://aspenpublishing.com/collections/study-aids-emanuel-series)
• Pomodoro Technique (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique)
• Need to Get More Done in Law School? Try the Circles. (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/tips-time-management-awesomeness-with-the-circles/)
• Podcast Episode 123: Mental Health in Law School and the Legal Profession (with Sarah Weinstein) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-123-mental-health-law-school-legal-profession-sarah-weinstein/)
• Podcast Episode 134: Strategies for Maximum Personal Productivity (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-134-strategies-for-maximum-personal-productivity/)
• 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/)
• Exercising Your Focus and Attention Muscles (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/exercising-your-focus-and-attention-muscles/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-437-quick-tips-succeeding-in-law-school-with-adhd/)

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's episode is on the topic of executive functioning skills for law students and new lawyers, in relation to staying organized, managing time effectively, and also studying and working smart.

In this episode we discuss:

• What are executive functioning skills?
• Where do law students struggle when it comes to executive functioning?
• How to improve overall memory
• Managing distractions and staying focused when you need to
• Creating an effective to-do list for better time management

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• Thriving with Adult ADHD: Skills to Strengthen Executive Functioning, by Phil Boissiere (https://www.amazon.com/Thriving-Adult-ADHD-Strengthen-Functioning/dp/1641522720/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3A8XV50RB4M1F&)
• The Smart but Scattered Guide to Success: How to Use Your Brain's Executive Skills to Keep Up, Stay Calm, and Get Organized at Work and at Home, by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare (https://www.amazon.com/Smart-but-Scattered-Guide-Success/dp/1462516963/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BGW5VCB5TLFR&)
• Raising Hell, Living Well: Freedom from Influence in a World Where Everyone Wants Something from You, by Jessica Elefante (https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Hell-Living-Well-Influence/dp/0593500555/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1701776391&sr=1-1)
• Podcast Episode 71: Soft Skills You Need to Develop To Be a Successful Attorney (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-71-soft-skills-you-need-to-develop-to-be-a-successful-attorney/)
• Podcast Episode 219: Mastering People Skills for Success as an Attorney (w/Stephanie Hanna) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-219-mastering-people-skills-for-success-as-an-attorney-w-stephanie-hanna/)
• 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/)
• Working on Your Executive Functioning Skills (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/working-on-your-executive-functioning-skills/)
• 4 Steps to Managing Your Time Effectively (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/4-steps-to-managing-your-time-effectively/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-436-improving-executive-functioning-skills-as-a-law-student/)

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 "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure – more specifically Rule 15, which deals with the instances in which a party can amend their pleading.

In this episode we discuss:

• A quick refresh on the statute of limitations
• The three major circumstances under which a party is likely to seek to amend their complaint
• Amending a party's pleading before the statute of limitations has run out
• How a plaintiff establishes that their amended complaint relates back to the original filing, if the statute of limitations has run out
• A look at the cases Krupski v. Costa Crociere and Singletary v. Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, in which the plaintiffs sought to amend their complaints
• Analyzing two 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, July 2011 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202011%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf)
• California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2013 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/gbx/February-2013-CBX%20Selected%20Answers%20Essays.pdf)
• Krupski v. Costa Crociere (https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/560/538/)
• Singletary v. Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/us-3rd-circuit/1039805.html)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-435-listen-and-learn-amendments-to-pleadings-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 have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones with us to discuss how to make sure you're showing an "appropriate" level of interest in a job position.

In this episode we discuss:

• What are employers and interviewers generally looking for in terms of an applicant's interest?
• Should you spend time researching the interviewer (if you've been given a name), or focus more on the company/firm?
• Tips for showing an appropriate level of interest in your cover letter, and during the networking and interviewing processes
• What are some good (and bad) ways to answer the question "Why does this position interest you?"
• Examples of questions to ask in an interview during question time

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• Law School Toolbox Podcast: Careers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/careers/)
• Job Interview Strategies (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-career-tips/job-interview-strategies/)
• Podcast Episode 70: How to Decide What Type of Law to Practice (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-70-how-to-decide-what-type-of-law-to-practice/)
• 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/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-434-how-to-show-interest-in-a-job-position-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 be talking with Bryan Nese – a partner at Mayer Brown – about career tips for law students, from identifying your ideal employer and successfully making networking connections, to excelling at your job.

In this episode we discuss:

• Bryan's background and his path to BigLaw
• The one-sentence version of what good legal writing is
• What two questions to ask yourself before you start the job search
• How can you identify and target your ideal employer when many places seem so similar?
• What are firms really looking for when they hire law students?
• Tips for successfully networking as a law student
• Bryan's advice for law students who are frustrated that they have not gotten their perfect first job
• Life as a BigLaw partner

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• Law School Toolbox Podcast: Careers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/careers/)
• LinkedIn – Bryan Nese (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryannese/)
• Adam Grant – Give and Take (https://adamgrant.net/book/give-and-take/)
• Above the Law (https://abovethelaw.com/)
• NALP: National Association for Law Placement (https://www.nalp.org/)
• 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 166: How to Frame Your Job Search Story (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-166-how-to-frame-your-job-search-story-w-sadie-jones/)
• Easy Networking Tips for Those of Us Who Hate It (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/easy-networking-tips-for-those-of-us-who-hate-it/)
• Could You Explain This Concept to a 5-Year-Old? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/could-you-explain-this-concept-to-a-5-year-old/)
• Legal Writing Tip: Imagine You're Talking to Your Grandma (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-writing-tip-imagine-youre-talking-to-your-grandma/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-433-career-tips-from-a-biglaw-partner-w-bryan-nese/)

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 today's episode we're talking about starting the new year with a focus on better time management. We discuss how working on small, attainable goals can produce some big changes in the long run.

In this episode we discuss:

• Is it really difficult to create a new habit?
• Taking a serious look at how you're spending your time
• The truth about multitasking
• Limiting common time-wasters
• Creating a schedule of practical things and fun things you want to spend time on
• How to hold yourself accountable for sticking to your schedule
• Setting up incremental, attainable goals

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• The Washington Post – How to help your brain form healthy habits and break the bad ones (https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/12/21/habit-formation-practice-tips-brain/)
• Glennon Doyle – We Can Do Hard Things podcast (https://wecandohardthingspodcast.com/)
• Implementing Changes – Building Sustainable Habits for a Successful 2024 in Law School and Beyond (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/implementing-changes-building-sustainable-habits-for-a-successful-2024-in-law-school-and-beyond/)
• Podcast Episode 7: Time and Life Management Basics (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-7-time-life-management-basics/)
• 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/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-432-creating-new-habits-and-optimizing-time-management/)

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 bouncing back and resetting your law school trajectory after a disappointing semester. We discuss how to diagnose when and where things went off course last semester, and we suggest strategies for avoiding making the same mistakes again. We also talk briefly about how to take advantage of academic support resources at your law school and when to reach out for additional help.

In this episode we discuss:

• Steps for diagnosing the problem(s) with the way that you studied last term
• How to approach your professors and TAs about disappointing grades
• Developing and sticking to a weekly study schedule
• Helpful resources available at your law school
• When and where to look for additional help

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• Emanuel Study Aid Series (https://aspenpublishing.com/collections/study-aids-emanuel-series)
• Examples & Explanations (https://aspenpublishing.com/collections/examples-explanations)
• Improve Your Second Semester Law School Grades! (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/join-second-semester-reboot-law-school-camp/)
• Tips for Second Semester Success in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-second-semester-success-law-school/)
• How to Bounce Back If Your Grades Were Disappointing (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-bounce-back-if-your-grades-were-disappointing/)
• Podcast Episode 79: Making the Most of Your Second Semester in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-79-making-second-semester-law-school/)
• Podcast Episode 226: Bouncing Back Second Semester in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-226-bouncing-back-second-semester-in-law-school/)
• Podcast Episode 373: Not Happy with Your First Semester Law School Grades? How to Do Better in the Second Semester (w/Nicola Rossi) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-373-not-happy-with-your-first-semester-law-school-grades-how-to-do-better-in-the-second-semester-w-nicola-rossi/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-431-quick-tips-improving-your-grades-after-a-disappointing-first-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! Today we're excited to be talking with Mike Ulin and Tanguy Chau -- creators of Paxton AI -- about the AI legal assistant they've developed.

In this episode we discuss:

• Our guests' backgrounds and why they became interested in the legal AI space
• Some of the best use cases for legal AI tools
• How Paxton is different than other AI platforms
• The main advantages that AI has over classic legal research tools
• What concerns attorneys have about using AI in their legal practice
• How Paxton AI can help law school students
• The future developments that are in the works for Paxton

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• Paxton Legal AI (https://www.paxton.ai/)
• Ironclad (https://ironcladapp.com/product/ai-based-contract-management/)
• Casetext (https://casetext.com/)
• 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/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-430-the-paxton-ai-founders-talk-about-their-ai-legal-assistant/)

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 are going to continue the conversation from our last episode with a discussion about persuasive writing in the workplace and some thoughts on the future of legal writing in the age of AI.

In this episode we discuss:

• Differences between objective and persuasive legal writing
• Common legal writing assignments for summer associates and new lawyers
• Tips for effective persuasive writing in the workplace
• How AI is influencing legal writing

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• Casetext (https://casetext.com/)
• Podcast Episode 45: Writing Effectively in Your Summer Legal Job (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-45-writing-effectively-summer-legal-job/)
• Podcast Episode 68: Top 10 Legal Research and Writing Disasters to Avoid (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-68-legal-writing-disasters/)
• Podcast Episode 428: Legal Research and Writing in the Workplace (Part 1) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-428-legal-research-and-writing-in-the-workplace-part-1/)
• Using Legal Writing in the Workplace (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/using-legal-writing-in-the-workplace/)
• Three Cs of Legal Writing…And One T (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/three-cs-of-legal-writingand-one-t/)
• Tips for Legal Writing at Your Summer Job (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-for-legal-writing-at-your-summer-job/)
• Five Secrets of Effective Legal Writing (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/five-secrets-of-effective-legal-writing/)
• From Objective to Persuasive Writing, Part 1: Law (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/10818-2/)
• From Objective to Persuasive Writing, Part 2: Facts (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/objective-to-persuasive-writing-part-two/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-429-legal-research-and-writing-in-the-workplace-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