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 using office hours in a productive way – this time, from your professor's perspective. We emphasize preparing specific questions, demonstrating prior effort, and engaging thoughtfully with the feedback your professor gives you. In this episode we discuss: Preparing your materials for office hours Effective communication during office hours Seeking feedback on written work What questions to ask and how to take notes Attitude and professionalism in office hours Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) 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/) Six Ways to Use Office Hours (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-106-go-office-hours-make-worth-time/) Tips for Making the Most of Your Professor's Office Hours (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/making-most-of-professors-office-hours/) Avoiding Office Hours? Go, and Get Something Out of It (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/avoiding-office-hours-go-and-get-something-out-of-it/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-533-quick-tips-how-to-engage-meaningfully-with-your-professors-in-office-hours/) 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! This episode continues the discussion on criminal identification procedures, focusing on potential due process violation issues. Through analyzing a hypothetical scenario, we illustrate how courts look at the totality of the circumstances and assess whether identification procedures are unnecessarily suggestive. The episode concludes with a step-by-step approach to tackling identification procedure questions on an exam. In this episode we discuss: A question from the October 2020 California bar exam The various types of identification procedures How to consider the totality of the circumstances when determining potential due process violations An exam strategy for answering identification procedure questions 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, October 2020 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/October-2020-Essay-Selected-Answers.pdf) Podcast Episode 290: Listen and Learn – Privilege Against Self-Incrimination and Miranda Rights (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-290-listen-and-learn-privilege-against-self-incrimination-and-miranda-rights/) Podcast Episode 295: Listen and Learn – Due Process and Equal Protection (Con Law) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-295-listen-and-learn-due-process-and-equal-protection-con-law/) Podcast Episode 330: Listen and Learn – The Sixth Amendment (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-330-listen-and-learn-the-sixth-amendment/) Podcast Episode 530: Listen and Learn – Criminal Procedure: Identifications (Part 1) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-530-listen-and-learn-criminal-procedure-identifications-part-1/) SpacedRepetition.com (https://spacedrepetition.com/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-532-listen-and-learn-criminal-procedure-identifications-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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, Alison and Gabe Teninbaum -- law professor and creator of SpacedRepetition.com -- discuss how technology is rapidly transforming the legal profession, emphasizing the importance for law students and lawyers to develop technological competence and adapt to new tools and roles in the legal profession. In this episode we discuss: Gabe's background and work in legal innovation and technology The evolution and future of legal work Important soft and tech skills for future lawyers Resources for keeping up with legal innovation Resources: SpacedRepetition.com (https://www.spacedrepetition.com/) LinkedIn: Gabriel Teninbaum (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-teninbaum-6a34676/) Suffolk University: Gabriel Teninbaum (https://www.suffolk.edu/academics/faculty/g/t/gteninbaum) Suffolk University Legal Innovation & Technology Lab (https://suffolklitlab.org/) QnA Markup (https://www.qnamarkup.org/) Docassemble (https://docassemble.org/) Gavel (https://www.gavel.io/) CoCounsel (https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/cocounsel) LinkedIn Learning (https://www.linkedin.com/learning/) LawSites (https://www.lawnext.com/) Artificial Lawyer (https://www.artificiallawyer.com/) Tomorrow's Lawyers: An Introduction to Your Future, by Richard Susskind (https://www.amazon.com/Tomorrows-Lawyers-Introduction-your-Future-dp-0192864726/dp/0192864726/ref=dp_ob_title_bk) 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 441: Exploring the Impact of AI on the Legal Profession (w/Gabe Teninbaum) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-441-exploring-the-impact-of-ai-on-the-legal-profession-w-gabe-teninbaum/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-531-what-law-students-should-know-about-new-legal-tech-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 about the rules and timing of the different types of criminal identification procedures. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode. In this episode we discuss: Types of criminal identifications procedures Timing of identifications procedures and right to counsel Due process in identifications procedures Analysis of a hypothetical scenario 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 2003 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/February%202003%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) Podcast Episode 290: Listen and Learn – Privilege Against Self-Incrimination and Miranda Rights (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-290-listen-and-learn-privilege-against-self-incrimination-and-miranda-rights/) Podcast Episode 295: Listen and Learn – Due Process and Equal Protection (Con Law) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-295-listen-and-learn-due-process-and-equal-protection-con-law/) Podcast Episode 330: Listen and Learn – The Sixth Amendment (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-330-listen-and-learn-the-sixth-amendment/) SpacedRepetition.com (https://spacedrepetition.com/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-530-listen-and-learn-criminal-procedure-identifications-part-1/) 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 you can regroup, triage, and get the most out of the final weeks before law school exams. In this episode we discuss: Preparing outlines and other study materials How to use study groups effectively Writing practice exams and getting feedback Optimizing study time and minimizing distractions The importance of sleep and wellbeing How to prepare for exam accommodations Using AI tools for exam prep Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Podcast Episode 112: Managing Distractions in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-112-managing-distractions-in-law-school/) Podcast Episode 230: Learning Through Making Mistakes in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-230-learning-through-making-mistakes-in-law-school/) Podcast Episode 480: Ethical Uses of AI in Law School (w/Professor Susan Tanner) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-480-ethical-uses-of-ai-in-law-school-w-professor-susan-tanner/) Podcast Episode 498: Tips for Better Rest with Sleep Expert Lindsay Scola (Part 1) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-498-tips-for-better-rest-with-sleep-expert-lindsay-scola-part-1/) Podcast Episode 499: Tips for Better Rest with Sleep Expert Lindsay Scola (Part 2) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-499-tips-for-better-rest-with-sleep-expert-lindsay-scola-part-2/) Surviving the October Freakout (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/surviving-the-october-freakout/) How to Move from Outline to Exam Answer (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-move-from-outline-to-exam-answer/) 5 Ways Study Groups Can Be Helpful (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-ways-study-groups-can-be-helpful/) Lessons from My 1L Year: You Don't Have to Live in the Law Library (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/lessons-from-my-1l-year-you-dont-have-to-live-in-the-law-library/) Leveling the Playing Field: Using Resources and Seeking Accommodations in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/leveling-playing-field-using-resource-seeking-accommodations-law-school/) Our Social Media Detox (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT5txTOjOHmS5cQa7_tvCaTs4xP-FFFAW) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-529-last-minute-law-school-exam-prep-triage-tips-for-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! This podcast episode explores the critical connection between sleep and productivity, especially for students and professionals. Guest Lindsay Scola shares her personal journey with sleep disorders and emphasizes that sleep is foundational for cognitive performance, memory, and overall well-being. The conversation offers practical tips for improving sleep habits and highlights the importance of being intentional about rest to support both academic and career success. In this episode we discuss: The science of sleep and its relation to productivity Building your sleep blueprint Balancing social life and sleep Managing middle-of-the-night-wakeups The "Snooze" button myth Sleep chronotypes and productivity Top 5 sleep tips for law students, and what you can find in Lindsay's sleep course Resources: Lindsay Scola (https://www.lindsayscola.com/) LinkedIn: Lindsay Scola (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-scola-a75b431/) Sleep Is the Power Move course (https://courses.lindsayscola.com/sleep-is-the-power-move) Podcast Episode 134: Strategies for Maximum Personal Productivity (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-134-strategies-for-maximum-personal-productivity/) Podcast Episode 498: Tips for Better Rest with Sleep Expert Lindsay Scola (Part 1) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-498-tips-for-better-rest-with-sleep-expert-lindsay-scola-part-1/) Podcast Episode 499: Tips for Better Rest with Sleep Expert Lindsay Scola (Part 2) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-499-tips-for-better-rest-with-sleep-expert-lindsay-scola-part-2/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-528-optimizing-sleep-and-productivity-in-law-school-w-lindsay-scola/) 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 this episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we're exploring the situations in which a party to a contract is claiming that their contractual obligations should be discharged as a result of supervening events that occurred after the formation of the contract. The three excuses for non-performance of a contract we'll look at are: impossibility, impracticability, and frustration of purpose. In this episode we discuss: The rules for the impossibility, impracticability, and frustration of purpose excuses for non-performance of a contract Two essay questions 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, February 2009 (https://juraxbar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/February-2009-CBX.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2006 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202006%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) Taylor v. Caldwell (https://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/commercial-law/commercial-law-keyed-to-lopucki/performance/taylor-v-caldwell-2/) Krell v. Henry (https://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/commercial-law/commercial-law-keyed-to-lopucki/performance/krell-v-henry-2/) Podcast Episode 341: Listen and Learn – Contract Defenses (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-341-listen-and-learn-contract-defenses/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-527-listen-and-learn-excuses-for-non-performance-of-a-contract/) 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! Much of Western legal tradition evolved from Roman law, and even when legal systems modernized, many principles and terms remained in Latin. Today, as part of our "Quick Tips" series, we provide you with the meaning of various Latin phrases that are commonly used in law school classes. In this episode we discuss: The meaning and uses of various Latin words and phrases used in the legal context Resources: Law School 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-101/) 15 Latin Legal Terms Every 1L Should Know (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/15-latin-legal-terms-every-1l-should-know/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-526-quick-tips-legal-latin-decoded/) 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 this episode, author and educator Julie Lythcott-Haims discusses with Lee the complexities of becoming an adult, emphasizing that adulthood is less about age and more about taking responsibility for oneself. We highlight the importance of developing independence, financial literacy, and the ability to have difficult conversations, while also stressing the value of vulnerability, community, and human connection in navigating adult life. Ultimately, the discussion encourages embracing the challenges of adulthood as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. In this episode we discuss: What does it mean to be an adult? Tests of adulthood: Handling life's challenges Managing helicopter parents and creating autonomy The power of vulnerability and connection Financial literacy and money management Being a helper in your community Technology, AI, and the future of the legal profession Resources: Julie Lythcott-Haims (https://www.julielythcotthaims.com/) Julie's Pod – Substack (https://jlythcotthaims.substack.com/) Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, by Julie Lythcott-Haims (https://www.julielythcotthaims.com/your-turn) How to Raise an Adult, by Julie Lythcott-Haims (https://www.julielythcotthaims.com/how-to-raise-an-adult) Podcast Episode 383: Talking About Money with Jesse Mecham, Founder of You Need A Budget (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-383-talking-about-money-with-jesse-mecham-founder-of-you-need-a-budget/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-525-being-an-adult-w-julie-lythcott-haims/) 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, Steve Schwartz from LSAT Unplugged shares the latest changes to the LSAT format. We also explore the evolving role of AI in test preparation and admissions and offer practical advice for effective LSAT study strategies. In this episode we discuss: The latest LSAT format, consisting of: logical reasoning tasks reading comprehension tasks writing sample The role of AI in test prep and admissions LSAT prep strategies and resources Resources: LSAT Unplugged (https://www.unpluggedprep.com/) LSAT Unplugged & Law School Admissions podcast (https://lsatunplugged.libsyn.com/) YouTube: LSAT Unplugged & Law School Admissions (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjZbY0gbWSt6i53hXWTJ0zw) LawHub (https://www.lawhub.org/) Podcast Episode 448: 10 Things to Consider When Applying to Law School (w/Steve Schwartz) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-448-10-things-to-consider-when-applying-to-law-school-w-steve-schwartz/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-524-lsat-changes-and-prep-strategies-with-ai-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