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! This is the second episode in our "Listen and Learn" series, where we review legal concepts and apply them to fact patterns. Today, we're talking about civil procedure -- in particular, supplemental jurisdiction.

In this episode we discuss:

• What is supplemental jurisdiction?
• The rules of supplemental jurisdiction and some related examples
• Going through an essay question from the July 2012 California Bar Exam
• Identifying the original basis of jurisdiction
• How to apply the rules of supplemental jurisdiction to diversity of citizenship and federal cases

Resources:

• Start Law School Right course (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/)
• California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2012 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/CBXJuly2012_Selected_Answers_Essays_R.pdf)
• United Mine Workers of America v. Gibbs, 383 U.S. 715 (1966) (https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/383/715/)
• Podcast Episode 215: Listen and Learn – The Commerce Clause (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-215-listen-and-learn-the-commerce-clause/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: 1L Tip Sheets – Civil Procedure Terms (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/civil-procedure-terms/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: First-Hand Guide to 1L Courses – Civil Procedure (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/first-hand-guide-to-1l-courses-civil-procedure/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-218-listen-and-learn-supplemental-jurisdiction-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 with Dr. Shirag Shemmassian -- a law school admissions expert who has been featured on The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, and NBC -- about the process of deciding which law schools to apply to, and choosing the one to attend.

In this episode we discuss:

• Dr. Shemmassian's background and his work in admissions counseling
• Factors to consider when choosing which schools to apply to
• How many schools should be on the average applicant's list?
• Going straight through to law school versus taking some time off
• What to think about when deciding which school to choose if you've gotten into a few places
• Presenting your story in terms of what's going to make you a great alumnus
• Financial aid and the importance of scholarships

Resources:

• Shemmassian Academic Consulting (https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/)
• Law School Personal Statement: The Ultimate Guide (https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/law-school-personal-statement)
• The Ultimate Guide to Law School Admissions (https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/law-school-admissions)
• How to Write an Amazing Law School Diversity Statement (https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/diversity-statement-law-school)
• 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/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Choosing the Best Location for Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/choosing-the-best-location-for-law-school/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Using ABA Employment Stats to Help You Choose a Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/using-aba-employment-stats-to-help-you-choose-a-law-school/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: 6 Factors for Choosing the Right Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/factors-for-choosing-the-right-law-school/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-217-choosing-a-law-school-with-dr-shirag-shemmassian/)

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 warning signs suggesting you might need extra help in law school, and talk about why seeking help is a sign of strength and not a weakness.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why sometimes even good students start to struggle in law school
• "Good confusion" versus "bad confusion"
• Tracking your hours and allocating time to deep work
• Why midterms are a blessing, not a curse
• The importance of testing yourself in the same format as your final exam
• Signs that you are probably doing fine
• Red flags indicating you might need extra help
• Getting special accommodations due to any learning differences
• Why reaching out for help is a great idea

Resources:

• Law School Toolbox: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• Quimbee (https://www.quimbee.com/)
• Podcast Episode 15: The October Freakout (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-15-october-freakout/)
• Podcast Episode 67: Mid-Semester Law School To-Do List (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-67-mid-semester-to-do-draft/)
• Podcast Episode 106: How to Go to Office Hours and Make It Worth Your Time (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-106-go-office-hours-make-worth-time/)
• 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/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Common Mid-Semester Struggles and What to Do About Them (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/common-mid-semester-struggles-and-what-to-do-about-them/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-216-how-do-you-know-when-you-need-extra-help-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, we're introducing a new series of podcast episodes called "Listen and Learn," where we're going to review substantive areas of the law and apply some of that law to facts. In this episode, we're talking about the Commerce Clause.

In this episode we discuss:

• The basic structure of first-year Constitution Law classes
• How the Commerce Clause is typically taught in class
• Building a case-based rule for the Commerce Clause
• A fact pattern involving a fictional product called Lickable Wallpaper
• Creating an analytical framework and applying it to the fact pattern

Resources:

• Start Law School Right course (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/)
• Podcast Episode 102: How to Read Cases and Prepare for Class in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/16176-2/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: First-Hand Guide to 1L Courses – Constitutional Law (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/first-hand-guide-to-1l-courses-constitutional-law/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Favorite Con Law Supplement: Chemerinsky's Constitution Law: Principles and Policies (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/favorite-con-law-supplement-chemerinskys-constitutional-law-principles-and-policies/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-215-listen-and-learn-the-commerce-clause/)

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 how to find a job if you struck out at OCI, or never tried it to begin with.

In this episode we discuss:

• The job search framework from The Girl's Guide to Law School series by Katie Slater
• Developing a big-picture view about your skills and strengths
• Creating a list of all your contacts and keeping track of your communication with them
• Trying a tiered approach, starting with your ideal jobs
• Listing out the steps you need to take in the job search process and keeping track of your progress
• Tips for mental and emotional well-being while handling an extensive search
• Getting outside help, from coaches, mentors, family, or friends if you've hit a dead end

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• The Girl's Guide to Law School – Job Hunting Series (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/04/unemployed-3l-or-recent-law-grad-this-job-hunting-series-is-for-you/)
• The Girl's Guide to Law School – Leaving Litigation (and Leaving BigLaw) (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/leaving-litigation-and-leaving-biglaw/)
• The Girl's Guide to Law School – How to Conduct Great Information Interviews (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/how-to-conduct-great-informational-interviews/)
• 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 165: What is an Elevator Pitch and Do You Need One? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-165-what-is-an-elevator-pitch-and-do-you-need-one/)
• 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/)
• Podcast Episode 203: Job Search Q&A (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-203-job-search-qa-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-214-handling-an-extensive-job-search-outside-of-oci/)

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 the importance of doing practice questions and getting feedback on your writing in preparation for exams.

In this episode we discuss:

• The disconnect between class and exams
• Where to find study materials and academic support to get started
• Reviewing your work and getting feedback
• How early in the semester should you start practicing, and when is it too late to be worth it?
• What if you find that doing practice questions on your own is not going so well?
• Practicing for multiple choice exams

Resources:

• The Brainy Bar Bank: Streamlining Bar Study (https://barexamtoolbox.com/brainy-bar-bank/)
• Examples & Explanations (E&E) series (https://www.wklegaledu.com/study-aids/examples-explanations)
• The State Bar of California, Past Exams (http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Examinations/California-Bar-Examination/Past-Exams)
• CALI Lessons (https://www.cali.org/lesson)
• Strategies and Tactics for the MBE, by Stephen Emanuel (https://www.amazon.com/Strategies-Tactics-MBE-Book-ebook/dp/B01G0Y38W6)
• Podcast Episode 106: How to Go to Office Hours and Make It Worth Your Time (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-106-go-office-hours-make-worth-time/)
• Podcast Episode 163: Common Legal Essay Analysis Problems and How to Solve Them (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-163-common-legal-essay-analysis-problems-and-how-to-solve-them/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: A Handy Template for Answering "Hard" Law School Exam Questions (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/a-handy-template-for-answering-hard-law-school-exam-questions/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-213-why-practice-is-so-important-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, we're talking about how to bounce back after making a significant mistake -- one of those school, career, or personal screw ups that sometimes can be a major headache -- and what steps to take to ensure it doesn't happen again.

In this episode we discuss:

• Assessing whether the mistake really is as big a deal as it appears at first
• Looking at how famous people, such as politicians, deal with their own faux pas
• Common scenarios where something can go wrong at school or work
• How owning up and taking responsibility will go a long way to repairing the damage
• Taking specific steps to make sure the mistake doesn't happen again
• Where to look for help if you feel like you've made a mistake in your personal life

Resources:

• Podcast Episode 25: How to Behave Like a Professional in the Legal Workplace (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-25-behave-like-professional-legal-workplace/)
• Podcast Episode 147: Top Summer Associate Mistakes and How to Fix Them (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-147-top-summer-associate-mistakes-and-how-to-fix-them-w-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 210: Using Mindfulness Practices as a Law Student (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-210-using-mindfulness-practices-as-a-law-student/)
• Brené Brown (https://brenebrown.com/)
• Lee Rosen: My Most Embarrassing Moment (https://roseninstitute.com/embarrassing-moment/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-212-bouncing-back-from-a-major-mistake/)

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 the idea of a capsule wardrobe, or how to choose staple pieces that will give you the versatility to easily create different outfits.

In this episode we discuss:

• The characteristics of a capsule wardrobe
• What to look for when shopping for a suit
• Balancing professionalism and your own personal style
• Online stores and subscription service options for people who don't like shopping for clothes
• Moving clothes out of the closet if you never wear them
• Reaching out to personal shoppers and tailors to help you find the best fit

Resources:

• Beyond Beautiful, by Anuschka Rees (https://anuschkarees.com/beyond-beautiful)
• threadUp (https://www.thredup.com/)
• The RealReal (https://www.therealreal.com/)
• Amazon Prime Wardrobe (https://www.amazon.com/l/16122413011)
• Stitch Fix (https://www.stitchfix.com/)
• M.M.LaFleur (https://mmlafleur.com/)
• Rent the Runway (https://www.renttherunway.com/)
• Marie Kondo (https://konmari.com/)
• Wardrobe Oxygen blog: My Closet Cleanout Left Me Without Clothes! (https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/my-closet-cleanout-left-me-without-clothes/)
• Podcast Episode 158: What to Wear (And Not to Wear) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-158-what-to-wear-and-not-to-wear/)
• Podcast Episode 201: Fashion Law & Men's Fashion (w/Douglas Hand) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-201-fashion-law-mens-fashion-w-douglas-hand/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Fashionably Lawyered: How to Dress the Part as a New Attorney (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/fashionably-lawyered-how-to-dress-the-part-as-a-new-attorney/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Fashionably Lawyered: How to Dress for a Law Interview or Internship on a Budget (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/fashionably-lawyered-how-to-dress-for-a-law-interview-or-internship-on-a-budget/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-211-putting-together-a-capsule-wardrobe-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, we're discussing how mindfulness practices can positively influence your brain and help you perform at your best by combating procrastination, worry, anxiety, anger, and sleep issues.

In this episode we discuss:

• How Alison and Lee were introduced to mindfulness practices
• How paying attention to the good things that happen to you, instead of the bad ones, can really turn your day around
• Some of the different types of meditation you could try
• Using body scans to release stress
• How yoga could contribute to your well-being
• Why tactical breathing is used in the military and how it could benefit you
• The fact that mindfulness doesn't have to be a huge commitment, but could make a big difference in how you feel

Resources:

• Warrior One (https://warriorone.com/)
• The Places That Scare You, by Pema Chodron (https://www.amazon.com/Places-that-Scare-You-Fearlessness/dp/1570629218)
• Finding Your Own North Star, by Martha Beck (https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Your-Own-North-Star-ebook/dp/B0019O6IXE)
• Mindsight, by Dan Siegel (https://www.drdansiegel.com/books/mindsight/)
• Podcast Episode 202: Book Club – Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-202-book-club-mindsight-the-new-science-of-personal-transformation/)
• Headspace (https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app)
• Calm (https://www.calm.com/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Mindfulness in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/cultivating-mindset-success-law-school/mindfulness-in-law-school/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Mindfulness for Law Students (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/mindfulness-law-students/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Episode-210-Using-Mindfulness-Practices-as-a-Law-Student.pdf)

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 here with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones to discuss the ins and outs of job searches involving moving to another city from where you attend (or attended) law school.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why is it a challenge to get a job in a different city, even if you attended a school that claims to be national?
• Thinking about the questions recruiters will ask, and having a plausible explanation for wanting to move
• Trying to get a summer job in the place where you want to end up, starting after 1L year
• How to make the most out of your summer job position
• Taking the local bar exam in the new place as soon as possible
• Sadie's answers to some additional questions we've gotten on this topic, which you might have as well

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• 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/)
• Podcast Episode 183: Changing Course in the Job Hunt (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-183-changing-course-in-the-job-hunt-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Advice for a Long-Distance Job Search (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/advice-for-a-long-distance-job-search/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Expand Your Options: An Exploration of the Different Types of Federal Clerkship and State Clerkship Options (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/expand-your-options-an-exploration-of-the-different-types-of-federal-clerkship-and-state-clerkship-options/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-209-job-hunting-in-a-city-where-youre-not-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