The Law School Toolbox Podcast: Tools for Law Students from 1L to the Bar Exam, and Beyond

Alison Monahan and Lee Burgess - Law School Toolbox, LLC
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Jul 28, 2025 • 12min

514: Listen and Learn -- Discovery (Civ Pro)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing Civil Procedure – specifically, the following topics related to discovery: motions to compel, interrogatories, and physical/mental examinations. In this episode we discuss: An overview of discovery The specific rules related to motions to compel, interrogatories, and physical/mental examinations during discovery An analysis of two 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, July 2019 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/July-2019-Essay-Questions-and-Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2023 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/February2023CBXessayQsandAnswers.pdf) Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 204: Listen and Learn – Scope of Discovery and Work-Product Privilege (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-204-listen-and-learn-scope-of-discovery-and-the-work-product-privilege/) Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 237: Listen and Learn – Discovery (Civ Pro) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-237-listen-and-learn-discovery-civ-pro/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-514-listen-and-learn-discovery-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
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Jul 21, 2025 • 34min

513: Grappling with AI as a Law Student and Lawyer (1L Summer Series)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, in our 1L summer series, we're exploring whether law students should continue to study as hard if AI can already perform many tasks for us. We're highlighting AI's current capabilities and limitations, underscoring the enduring importance of human skills such as  judgment, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving.  In this episode we discuss: What aspects of legal work can AI currently handle, and what are its limitations? What legal skills will remain uniquely human even as AI advances? How might the legal profession transform with AI, and what new opportunities will emerge? What should you consider when deciding if law school is still worth it in the AI era? How is legal education adapting to incorporate AI tools? Resources Start Law School Right! (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) Podcast Episode 430: The Paxton AI Founders Talk About Their AI Legal Assistant (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-430-the-paxtonai-founders-talk-about-their-ai-legal-assistant/) Podcast Episode 449: Implications of AI for the Legal Profession (w/Kevin Surace) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-449-implications-of-ai-for-the-legal-profession-w-kevin-surace/) 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 500: The Next Generation of Legal Careers: How AI Is Reshaping Legal Education and Practice (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-500-the-next-generation-of-legal-careers-how-ai-is-reshaping-legal-education-and-practice/) Podcast Episode 505: Breaking ADHD Barriers with the Help of AI (w/Lindsay Scola) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-505-breaking-adhd-barriers-with-the-help-of-ai-w-lindsay-scola/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-513-grappling-with-ai-as-a-law-student-and-lawyer-1l-summer-series/) 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
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Jul 14, 2025 • 8min

512: Listen and Learn -- Landlord/Tenant Law (Part 2) - Assignments and Subletting

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This is the second part of our discussion on landlord/tenant law. In this episode, we focus on the differences between lease assignment and subletting. In this episode we discuss: Assignment of a lease Subletting a property A sample question illustrating the concept of lease assignment 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 2015 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/gbx/Feb2015_CBXSelectedAnswers_EssayQuestions1-6_R.pdf) Podcast Episode 511: Listen and Learn – Landlord/Tenant Law (Part 1) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-511-listen-and-learn-landlord-tenant-law-part-1/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-512-listen-and-learn-landlord-tenant-law-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
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Jul 7, 2025 • 21min

511: Listen and Learn -- Landlord/Tenant Law (Part 1)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we discuss the essentials of leaseholds in landlord/tenant law. We cover the different types of leasehold estates, as well as the obligations of tenants and landlords, and we analyze a sample question. Next week, we'll focus on assignment and subletting. In this episode we discuss: The four types of leasehold estates that can be created with a lease Duties of landlords and tenants Implied warranty of habitability Actual vs. constructive eviction A hypothetical scenario illustrating leaseholds 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 2023 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/February2023CBXessayQsandAnswers.pdf) Podcast Episode 265: Listen and Learn – Constructive Eviction (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-265-listen-and-learn-constructive-eviction/) Podcast Episode 319: Listen and Learn – Negligence: Duties of Landlords, Owners, and Possessors of Land (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-319-listen-and-learn-negligence-duties-of-landlords-owners-and-possessors-of-land/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-511-listen-and-learn-landlord-tenant-law-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
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5 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 34min

510: How Do I Organize My Time and Stay Focused? (1L Summer Series)

Discover essential strategies for effective time management in law school. Learn to craft a structured weekly routine and utilize powerful tools like the Pomodoro Technique to enhance focus. The hosts share personal anecdotes and tips for overcoming procrastination. Explore how to balance immediate deadlines with long-term projects while minimizing distractions. Get insights into the importance of deep work and the best calendars to keep your study sessions organized. Master your time for academic success and personal well-being!
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Jun 23, 2025 • 14min

509: Listen and Learn -- Third-Party Rights in Contracts (Part 2 - Beneficiaries)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This is the second episode of a two-part discussion of third-party rights in contracts. Last time we covered assignments and delegations, and today we focus on third-party beneficiaries. In this episode we discuss: A recap of assignment and delegation of contractual rights and obligations Intended and incidental third-party beneficiaries Illustrative examples of third-party beneficiaries Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) Podcast Episode 508: Listen and Learn – Third-Party Rights in Contracts (Part 1) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-508-listen-and-learn-third-party-rights-in-contracts-part-1-rules/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-509-listen-and-learn-third-party-rights-in-contracts-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
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Jun 16, 2025 • 10min

508: Listen and Learn -- Third-Party Rights in Contracts (Part 1 - Rules)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This is the first episode of a two-part discussion of third-party rights in contracts. Today we focus on assignments and delegations, starting with the basic definitions and the specific rules governing them, and then applying these concepts to some practical scenarios. Next week, we'll cover third-party beneficiaries. In this episode we discuss: Overview of assignment and delegation of contractual rights and obligations Key terminology used in third-party rights in contracts The rules governing assignment and delegation Illustrative examples of third-party rights Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-508-listen-and-learn-third-party-rights-in-contracts-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
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Jun 9, 2025 • 35min

507: What Do I Need to Do Before the First Day of Law School? (1L Summer Series)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This is the first episode in our new summer series in which we'll provide essential tips for incoming law students to prepare for starting school. Today we discuss recommended reading to build focus, setting up an efficient study space, and ensuring your technology is up-to-date. We also emphasize the importance of adopting a resilient mindset, creating a support system, and managing practical life arrangements like meal planning and budgeting.  In this episode we discuss: What should you read before starting law school? What supplies and technology you'll need How to set up an efficient study space for yourself What mindset you should adopt for starting law school Practical life arrangements to make before classes begin Resources Start Law School Right! (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol S. Dweck (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345472322/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0345472322&linkCode=as2&tag=lawschtoo-20&linkId=WWLQ67H3M3IHO4NT) Circa Notebook System (https://www.levenger.com/pages/circa?srsltid=AfmBOooc1Zcx3oRJgns4-iHaRGGR1dUtMXusyuHUShMOrAB2yjSiL-2I) You Need A Budget (https://www.ynab.com/) Podcast Episode 193: Books to Read Before Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-193-books-to-read-before-law-school/) Podcast Episode 198: Pre-1L Life Logistics (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-198-pre-1l-life-logistics/) 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/) Using Technology in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/using-technology-law-school/) Creating Your Best Study Environment (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/creating-your-best-study-environment/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-507-what-do-i-need-to-do-before-the-first-day-of-law-school-1l-summer-series/) 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
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Jun 2, 2025 • 35min

506: Exploring the Increase in Law School Applications (w/Anna Ivey)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing the recent increase in the volume of law school applications with admissions consultant Anna Ivey. We explore economic and political motivations, the role of the LSAT/GRE, and potential changes in student loan regulations. In this episode we discuss: Anna's background and work in admissions consulting Why there is an increase in the volume of law school applications The role of the LSAT/GRE in law school admissions Financial considerations for law school Advice for students applying to law school in a competitive cycle Resources AnnaIvey.com (https://www.annaivey.com/) The Ivey Guide to Law School Admissions, by Anna Ivey (https://www.amazon.com/Ivey-Guide-Law-School-Admissions/dp/0156029790) BigLaw Confidential: The Comprehensive Guide to the Large Law Firm Work Experience in the U.S., by D.W. Randolph (https://www.amazon.com/Big-Law-Confidential-Comprehensive-Experience/dp/B0BKN5XHT8) Republicans plan to overhaul the federal student loan system (https://www.npr.org/2025/04/30/nx-s1-5381149/trump-republicans-student-loan-repayment) 'Trump bump,' iffy economy cited for huge law school application spike (https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-bump-iffy-economy-cited-huge-law-school/story?id=120126667) Podcast Episode 256: Tips for Applying to Law School (w/Anna Ivey) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-256-tips-for-applying-to-law-school-w-anna-ivey/) Podcast Episode 451: From Application to Acceptance: The Law School Admissions Timeline (w/Anna Ivey) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-451-from-application-to-acceptance-the-law-school-admissions-timeline-w-anna-ivey/) Podcast Episode 433: Career Tips from a BigLaw Partner (w/Bryan Nese) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-433-career-tips-from-a-biglaw-partner-w-bryan-nese/) Above the Law (https://abovethelaw.com/) Working on Your Executive Functioning Skills (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/working-on-your-executive-functioning-skills/) Law School Myth #1: Lawyers Make a Lot of Money (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/09/law-school-myth-1-lawyers-make-a-lot-of-money/) The Reality of Law School Debt and Planning for It (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-reality-of-law-school-debt-and-planning-for-it/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-506-exploring-the-increase-in-law-school-applications-w-anna-ivey/) 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
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May 26, 2025 • 33min

505: Breaking ADHD Barriers with the Help of AI (w/Lindsay Scola)

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have sleep and productivity expert Lindsay Scola back on the podcast to talk about her new book, AI for ADHD. Lindsay recounts her experiences with undiagnosed ADHD and narcolepsy, and shares how AI tools like ChatGPT help her manage ADHD symptoms and boost productivity.  In this episode we discuss: An introduction to our guest and her book, AI for ADHD Understanding the ADHD brain AI as a tool for ADHD and in everyday life The importance of using AI as a co-pilot Resources LindsayScola.com (https://www.lindsayscola.com/) AI for ADHD: A Practical Guide to Starting (and Actually Finishing) What Matters, by Lindsay Scola (https://www.amazon.com/AI-ADHD-Practical-Starting-Finishing-ebook/dp/B0F5T9QKMH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22SS1M8UKFB28&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qnT3TdCAoy5WPx6cs92DYe0HqZZPr69P-gk-YDZlSZeWDn5uACnmox11KOKN5C_tG_Nyvo7837IABUCx6EUIPJmGvDmmewQ5RHIlDLr6Rit_mKru8hoRZVMDuMWJKkV7fI90CkI5OY6eWiJhR4djMkdHYuQKmsO4xVI6vL8Ee_6LQN-qQ3N2likTNAUUqe4U8Nx48eZowSUVRpIFb3lz0pPkXdHnU5H4jTDmKBfbG-I.-yZXJzL5AZm4suaXpbgiXMOpYJJv0fn1nGTVoFOLfeU&dib_tag=se&keywords=ai+for+adhd&qid=1747731414&s=digital-text&sprefix=ai+for+adhd%2Cdigital-text%2C288&sr=1-1) Podcast Episode 476: Executive Functioning Skills for Law Students with ADHD (w/Emily Haan) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-476-executive-functioning-skills-for-law-students-with-adhd-w-emily-haan/) 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-505-breaking-adhd-barriers-with-the-help-of-ai-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

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