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 about choosing the right hardware and software tools to streamline your life and keep you organized in law school.

In this episode we discuss:

• Do you really need to upgrade your devices before starting law school?
• Is the iPad Pro a legitimate replacement for a laptop?
• Checking with your school and any stores you are buying from for possible student discounts offered
• Different types of software you can use to organize your life
• Ways to limit the use of your devices to minimize distractions

Resources:

• iPad Pro (https://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/)
• Zapier (https://zapier.com/)
• Trello (https://trello.com/en)
• Asana (https://asana.com/)
• Evernote (https://evernote.com/)
• OneNote (https://www.onenote.com/)
• Notability (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/notability/id360593530)
• Slack (https://slack.com/)
• Doodle (https://doodle.com/)
• Dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com/)
• SCOTUSblog (https://www.scotusblog.com/)
• Find Work-Life Focus: A Trello Insider's Guide to Personal Productivity (https://blog.trello.com/work-life-focus-trello-insider-guide-personal-productivity)
• Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport (http://www.calnewport.com/books/digital-minimalism/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-208-using-technology-effectively-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 with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones about networking nuts and bolts – what you need to know to feel comfortable mingling with strangers at cocktail parties, formal dinners, and more.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why lots of people find it intimidating to go to a networking cocktail party
• The best ways to enter and leave a group conversation gracefully
• How to handle your food/drink and still be able to shake hands or give out business cards
• How to find people to talk to if you're not naturally extroverted
• Good and bad topics to talk about
• Dinner table basics for the more formal events
• Following up with people you've met at the event

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• Zazzle (https://www.zazzle.com/)
• MOO (http://www.moo.com/)
• Podcast Episode 114: Law School Networking 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-114-law-school-networking-101/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Legal Networking 101: How Do You Know What to Talk About While Networking? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-networking-101-how-do-you-know-what-to-talk-about-while-networking/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: It's My Party, I'll Network If I Want To: Law School Networking for Wallflowers and Gunners Alike (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/its-my-party-ill-network-if-i-want-to-law-school-networking-for-wallflowers-and-gunners-alike/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: How to Follow-Up After Networking (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-follow-up-after-networking/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-207-navigating-networking-events-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 sharing some unexpected things we experienced when we started as 1Ls, so you can adjust to law school culture faster.

In this episode we discuss:

• How the volume of activities and the importance of grades can be overwhelming at first
• Why it could take some time to find people that you click with
• The reality of having to figure most stuff out on your own
• Schedules being less flexible than you might be used to
• The importance of thinking about summer jobs early
• Bringing out your inner entitled self and feeling confident you deserve your place in law school as much as anybody else

Resources:

• Start Law School Right (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/)
• Podcast Episode 8: Law School 101 For 1Ls (What Not to Do) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-8-law-school-101-1ls-not/)
• Podcast Episode 151: Our Top 10 Podcast Episodes for Incoming 1Ls (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-151-our-top-10-podcast-episodes-for-incoming-1ls/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Your Frequently Asked Questions When Starting Law School, Answered (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/your-frequently-asked-questions-when-starting-law-school-answered/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Ahead of the Curve: Time Management When Starting Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/time-management-when-starting-law-school/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Starting Off on the Right Foot: Survival Tips for the First Few Weeks (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/starting-off-right-foot-survival-tips-first-weeks/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: The Secrets More 1Ls Need to Know (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-secrets-more-1ls-need-to-know/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Law School Toolbox Experts Share: Non-Obvious Things That 1Ls Should Bring with Them and Why (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-experts-share-non-obvious-things-that-1ls-should-bring-with-them-and-why/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Law School Toolbox Experts Share: What I did Right When Starting Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-experts-share-what-i-did-right-when-starting-law-school/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Law School Toolbox Experts Share: Mistakes I Made When Starting Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-experts-share-mistakes-made-starting-law-school/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-206-the-most-surprising-things-about-1l-year/)

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 chatting with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones to get some interview tips for non-traditional law students who are trying to start a legal career.

In this episode we discuss:

• Who is a non-traditional law student?
• What kinds of challenges non-traditional students may face when trying to start a career in law
• The importance of having a coherent story and explaining the value of your background
• How to handle inappropriate/illegal questions about family status, age, etc. that might be asked during an interview
• Understanding the expectations of the job and making clear you are eager to do them, even if you have to start with entry-level tasks
• The advantages of non-traditional students that employers see

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• Podcast Episode 27: Job Interview Basics (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-27-job-interview-basics/)
• Podcast Episode 98: Top 1L Questions: Non-Traditional Law Students (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-98-top-1l-questions-non-traditional-law-students/)
• 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/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Emerging Careers for Law Graduates: Hot Practice Areas (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/emerging-careers-for-law-graduates-hot-practice-areas/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-205-navigating-interviews-as-a-non-traditional-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 talking about LLM programs, focusing on foreign students who don't have a JD and are doing an LLM as their first exposure to the US legal system.

In this episode we discuss:

• What are the characteristics of an LLM degree, and who is likely to do one?
• What challenges foreign students should consider when thinking about starting an LLM in the US
• The Socratic method of teaching, which is often used in US law schools
• How you can prepare to do well in the LLM and get the most out of the experience
• Planning ahead for the bar exam if you intend to sit for it
• The importance of getting feedback on your writing if English is not your first language

Resources:

• Start Law School Right (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/)
• Bar Exam Toolbox blog (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-blog/)
• Bar Exam Toolbox podcast (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast/)
• AdaptiBar (https://www.adaptibar.com/)
• Practice of the Week (POW) MBE Workshop (https://barexamtoolbox.com/practice-of-the-week-pow-mbe-workshop/)
• Strategies & Tactics for the MBE, by Steven Emanuel (https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B06XJFKBW5?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_0000_ft)
• Podcast Episode 198: Pre-1L Life Logistics (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-198-pre-1l-life-logistics/)
• Podcast Episode 78: Advice for First-Time Bar Exam Takers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-78-advice-first-time-bar-exam-takers/)
• Podcast Episode 80: Bar Exam 101 – An Introduction (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-80-bar-exam-101-introduction/)
• Law School Toolbox blog: Why Would You Want to Get an LLM? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/why-would-you-want-to-get-an-llm/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-204-advice-for-incoming-foreign-llm-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 with ex-BigLaw recruiter, Sadie Jones, about some of the most common issues and questions we see in the law student job search.

In this episode we discuss:

• What to do if you aren't sure of your long-term goals yet
• How being proactive in your job can help you discover more opportunities
• Typos and other common mistakes to avoid when it comes to resumes and cover letters
• Tips for getting and successfully completing a summer job
• An overview of on-campus interviewing, and how you can make a great impression there
• The importance of preparing for each interview in advance

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• Podcast Episode 120: Preparing for the 1L Job Hunt (With Ex-BigLaw Recruiter Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-120-preparing-1l-job-hunt-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 127: Avoid These Resume No-Gos (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-127-avoid-resume-no-gos/)
• Podcast Episode 140: OCI Strategy (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-140-oci-strategy-w-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 152: Top OCI Mistakes To Avoid (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-152-top-oci-mistakes-to-avoid-w-sadie-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 164: No Offer After OCI? Here's What To Do (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-164-no-offer-after-oci-heres-what-to-do-w-sadie-jones/)
• 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 183: Changing Course in the Job Hunt (w/Ex-BigLaw Recruiter Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-183-changing-course-in-the-job-hunt-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-203-job-search-qa-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-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's episode is part of our Book Club series, and we're discussing some key takeaways from the book Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation, by Dan Siegel.

In this episode we discuss:

• How the book, Mindsight, can help you understand the brain science behind people's actions
• Why we think the book is relevant for law students and lawyers
• The idea of the river of integration, or successfully navigating between logic and emotion
• Proof that it's never too late for neuroplasticity
• Using the wheel of awareness to direct your thoughts, feelings, and perceptions

Resources:

• Mindsight, by Dan Siegel (https://m.drdansiegel.com/books/mindsight/)
• The Whole-Brain Child, by Dan Siegel (https://m.drdansiegel.com/books/the_whole_brain_child/)
• No-Drama Discipline, by Dan Siegel (https://m.drdansiegel.com/books/no_drama_discipline/)
• Wisdom 2.0 Conference (http://www.wisdom2summit.com)
• Will Meyerhofer (http://www.aquietroom.com/)
• Brené Brown – The Call to Courage (Netflix Original) (https://www.netflix.com/es-en/title/81010166)
• Wheel of Awareness (https://m.drdansiegel.com/resources/wheel_of_awareness)
• Life Will Be the Death of Me, by Chelsea Handler (https://www.amazon.com/Life-Will-Be-Death-Me/dp/0525511776)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-202-book-club-mindsight-the-new-science-of-personal-transformation/)

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 chatting with Douglas Hand -- an attorney, author, and podcast host -- about his book The Laws of Style, working as a fashion lawyer, and "what to wear" tips for men in the legal profession.

In this episode we discuss:

• The four fundamental suits that should be the first purchased by a young lawyer
• Appropriate price points and brands for the first interview suit
• The idea of the "capsule wardrobe"
• What is good business casual attire, and what is just too casual?
• Tips for people who dislike shopping
• How to dress when working with clients from a different cultural background
• The importance of dressing according to rank and the firm's culture
• What it means to work in fashion law

Resources:

• The Laws of Style: Sartorial Excellence for the Professional Gentleman, by Douglas Hand (https://www.amazon.com/Laws-Style-Sartorial-Excellence-Professional/dp/1634258967/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1556641885&refinements=p_27%3ADouglas+Hand&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Douglas+Hand)
• Douglas Hand at Hand Baldachin & Associates LLP (https://hballp.com/team/douglas-hand/)
• handofthelaw (Douglas Hand's Instagram account) (https://www.instagram.com/handofthelaw/?hl=en)
• The Laws of Style hosted by Douglas Hand (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL4dksGw2Iagf3F2jUPLorg)
• Suitsupply (https://us.suitsupply.com/en_US/home)
• Frank And Oak (https://www.frankandoak.com/)
• Nick Graham (https://nickgraham.com/)
• thredUP (https://www.thredup.com/)
• Goodwill (https://www.shopgoodwill.com/)
• Stitch Fix for Men (https://www.stitchfix.com/men)
• GQ (https://beststuffbox.gq.com/)
• WWD - Women's Wear Daily (https://wwd.com/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-201-fashion-law-mens-fashion-w-douglas-hand/)

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 special 200th episode, we are focusing on the importance of developing "soft skills" that seem like they wouldn't matter that much (in law school and in life), but turn out to be really critical for success and happiness.

In this episode we discuss:

• What are some crucial soft skills that will help you get through law school successfully and achieve your goals later in life?
• Finding ways to deal with stress, anxiety, disappointments, and failure
• The importance of reaching out for help if you feel like you're stuck
• How to maintain your equilibrium when future clients share tough stories with you
• The neuroscience involved in training our brain

Resources:

• Wisdom 2.0 Conference (https://www.wisdom2summit.com/)
• Mindsight, by Dan Siegel (https://www.drdansiegel.com/books/mindsight/)
• Leaving Litigation (and Leaving BigLaw) (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/leaving-litigation-and-leaving-biglaw/)
• The People's Therapist blog (https://thepeoplestherapist.com/)
• Brené Brown (https://brenebrown.com/)
• The Places the Scare You, by Pema Chodron (https://www.amazon.com/Places-that-Scare-You-Fearlessness/dp/1570629218)
• Warrior One (https://warriorone.com/team/judi-cohen/)
• Mindset, by Carol Dweck (https://mindsetonline.com/)
• Martha Beck (https://marthabeck.com/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-200-the-most-surprising-thing-weve-learned-about-success/)

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 chatting with special guest Molly Bowen -- lawyer and author of the children's book, Mommy Lawyer -- about the challenges involved in balancing parenthood and a career (and how to explain a demanding job to your kids).

In this episode we discuss:

• Molly's story of being in law school and taking the bar exam while pregnant, and her advice for women in the same situation
• The inspiration behind the book Mommy Lawyer and some of the important messages in it
• What you should consider when making plans involving a career and parenthood
• The challenges kids of lawyers (and working parents in general) face, and how you can explain your job to them so they understand
• What you can do to contribute to your kids' school even as a working parent
• How to strike a work/life balance that both you and your children are happy with

Resources:

• Mommy Lawyer, by Molly Bowen (https://mollybowen.com/product/mommy-lawyer/)
• Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg (https://leanin.org/book)
• Facebook Group Law Mamas (https://www.facebook.com/LawMamas/)
• MollyBowen.com (https://mollybowen.com/)
• Podcast Episode 182: Navigating Motherhood in the Legal Profession (w/ Jennifer Warren) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-182-navigating-motherhood-in-the-legal-profession-w-jennifer-warren/)

Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-199-balancing-parenthood-and-a-demanding-job-w-molly-bowen/)

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