
The Law School Toolbox Podcast: Tools for Law Students from 1L to the Bar Exam, and Beyond
The Law School Toolbox podcast is an engaging show for law students about law school, the bar exam, legal careers, and life. Each week, we offer practical tips and advice on academic matters, careers, and more. The Law School Toolbox podcast is hosted by opinionated law school and bar exam experts Alison Monahan and Lee Burgess. You might not always agree with us, but we guarantee you won’t be bored listening! Our goal is to impart useful, actionable advice in an entertaining manner. Join us! And, if you have an opinion on the show, please drop by and offer a review. We’re here to help, and we’d love to hear from you!
Latest episodes

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

May 19, 2025 • 16min
504: Listen and Learn -- Motions for Judgment as a Matter of Law and Motions for New Trial (Civ Pro)
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this week's episode, we're focusing on a topic from Civil Procedure -- specifically, motions for judgment as a matter of law and motions for new trial, where the moving party is asking the court to take certain issues away from the jury. In this episode we discuss: The two types of motions for judgment as a matter of law The standard for granting a motion for judgment as a matter of law Filing and granting motions for new trial Analyzing a hypo encompassing the above concepts Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) Podcast Episode 412: Listen and Learn – Motions for Summary Judgment (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-412-listen-and-learn-motions-for-summary-judgment/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-504-listen-and-learn-motions-for-judgment-as-a-matter-of-law-and-motions-for-new-trial-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

May 12, 2025 • 19min
503: Listen and Learn -- Present and Future Estates (Part 2)
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're diving into the second part of our discussion on present estates and future interests. Previously, we reviewed the default property interest, the fee simple absolute, and defeasible fees. In this episode we're covering life estates, reversions, and remainders. In this episode we discuss: A review of the fee simple absolute Life estates Reversions and remainders Taxes and mortgage payments for a life estate Examples illustrating the above concepts 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 2008 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202008%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2003 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/February%202003%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) Podcast Episode 501: Listen and Learn – Present and Future Estates (Part 1) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-501-listen-and-learn-present-and-future-estates-part-1/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-503-listen-and-learn-present-and-future-estates-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

May 5, 2025 • 28min
502: Protecting Your Mental Health in Law School (w/Angela Corbett)
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're speaking to guest Angela Corbett -- a licensed clinical social worker and a certified addictions professional -- about maintaining mental health in law school. We discuss the impact of chronic stress, the importance of support systems and self-care, and recognizing when to seek professional help. In this episode we discuss: Introduction to our guest and her work The long-term effects of a stressful lifestyle Specific struggles in a high-stakes educational environment How to stay mentally healthy in law school When it might be time to seek professional help Resources TrueCandor (https://truecandor.com/) LinkedIn: Angela Corbett (https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-corbett-lcsw-qs-cap-59b082a5/) Recovery Dharma (https://recoverydharma.org/) Podcast Episode 123: Mental Health in Law School and the Legal Profession (with Sarah Weinstein) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-123-mental-health-law-school-legal-profession-sarah-weinstein/) How to Take Care of Your Mental Health in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-and-mental-health/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-502-protecting-your-mental-health-in-law-school-w-angela-corbett/) 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