Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This is the final episode of a four-part series called "Legal Writing Makeover." In this complete series, we take a piece of legal writing that could use improvement and transform it into legal writing A+, one section of IRAC at a time. Previously we covered the issue statement, rule statement, and analysis section, and today we finish off with the conclusion. In this episode we discuss: A review of a sample exam answer How to write a good conclusion that earns you the maximum points on an exam Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Legal Writing in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-writing-in-law-school/) Three Cs of Legal Writing…And One T (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/three-cs-of-legal-writingand-one-t/) Five Tips for a Great Legal Writing Assignment (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/five-tips-for-a-great-legal-writing-assignment/) The Elusive Mini-IRAC (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-elusive-mini-irac/) Podcast Episode 489: A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 1 – The Issue Statement) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-489-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-1-the-issue-statement/) Podcast Episode 490: A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 2 – The Rule Statement) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-490-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-2-the-rule-statement/) Podcast Episode 491: A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 3 – The Analysis Section) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-491-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-3-the-analysis-section/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-493-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-4-the-conclusion/) 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 excited to welcome Rebecca Petrilli – Midwest Attorney Director at Themis Bar Review – back to the podcast to discuss IRAC and best practices for legal writing on exams, including the bar exam. Note: This episode is sponsored by Themis Bar Review – the gold standard in bar exam preparation. Save $900 on any July 2025 Themis Bar Review course by using the code LAWSCHOOLTB900 at checkout. (This offer is valid until May 19, 2025.) In this episode we discuss: Understanding the IRAC structure  Law school exam grading scale Is a longer essay always better? Handling unknown law on an exam Resources at Themis for law school and bar exam students  Resources: Themis Bar Review (https://www.themisbar.com/) Law School Essentials (https://www.themisbar.com/law-school-essentials) Examples & Explanations series (https://aspenpublishing.com/collections/examples-explanations) Podcast Episode 407: Start Law School Right – Exam Writing 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-407-start-law-school-right-exam-writing-101/) Legal Writing in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-writing-in-law-school/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-492-legal-writing-and-irac-w-rebecca-petrilli-from-themis-bar-review/) 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 is the third episode of a four-part series called "Legal Writing Makeover." In this complete series, we take a piece of legal writing that could use improvement and transform it into legal writing A+, one section of IRAC at a time. Previously we discussed the issue statement and rule statement, and today we continue with the analysis section. In this episode we discuss: An analysis section from a sample exam answer How to write a good analysis that earns you the maximum points on an exam Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Legal Writing in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-writing-in-law-school/) Three Cs of Legal Writing…And one T (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/three-cs-of-legal-writingand-one-t/) Five Tips for a Great Legal Writing Assignment (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/five-tips-for-a-great-legal-writing-assignment/) The Elusive Mini-IRAC (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-elusive-mini-irac/) If X, Y, and Z, Then A: Legal Analysis Is Simple (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/if-xy-and-z-then-a-legal-analysis-is-simple/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-491-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-3-the-analysis-section/) 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 is the second episode of a four-part series called "Legal Writing Makeover". In this complete series, we take a piece of legal writing that could use improvement and transform it into legal writing A+, one section of IRAC at a time. Last time we discussed the issue statement, and today we continue with the rule statement. In this episode we discuss: A rule statement from a sample exam answer How to write a good rule statement that earns you the maximum points on an exam  Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Legal Writing in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-writing-in-law-school/) Three Cs of Legal Writing…And one T (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/three-cs-of-legal-writingand-one-t/) Five Tips for a Great Legal Writing Assignment (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/five-tips-for-a-great-legal-writing-assignment/) The Elusive Mini-IRAC (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-elusive-mini-irac/) Prepare for Exams by Pre-Writing Rule Sections (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/prepare-for-exams-by-pre-writing-rule-sections/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-490-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-2-the-rule-statement/) 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 is the first episode of a four-part series called "Legal Writing Makeover." In this complete series, we take a piece of legal writing that could use improvement and transform it into legal writing A+, one section of IRAC at a time. We begin by discussing the issue statement. In this episode we discuss: An issue statement from a sample exam answer How to write a good issue statement that earns you the maximum points on an exam  Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Legal Writing in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-writing-in-law-school/) Three Cs of Legal Writing…And one T (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/three-cs-of-legal-writingand-one-t/) Five Tips for a Great Legal Writing Assignment (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/five-tips-for-a-great-legal-writing-assignment/) The Elusive Mini-IRAC (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/five-tips-for-a-great-legal-writing-assignment/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-489-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-1-the-issue-statement/) 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, we discuss job search strategies for 1L and 2L students in their second semester. We address key issues such as lack of interview responses or offers, and whether it's worth it to wait for your dream job. In this episode we discuss: How concerned should you be if you're a 1L or 2L and you don't have a summer job yet? What to work on at this point to secure a summer job? Key issues such as lack of interview responses, offers, and whether to wait for your "dream job" How important is LinkedIn in your job search? Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Law School Toolbox Podcast: Careers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/careers/) Podcast Episode 232: Finding a 1L Summer Job in the Spring (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-232-finding-a-1l-summer-job-in-the-spring-w-sadie-jones/) Spring Semester Sprint: SOS Suggestions for Snagging a 2L Summer Job (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/spring-semester-sprint-sos-suggestions-for-snagging-a-2l-summer-job/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-488-the-second-semester-job-hunt-w-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, in an episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing an important concept from Contract Law - consideration - which is one of the three requirements of contract formation. In this episode we discuss: The three requirements of contract formation What is consideration? The two ways in which consideration can be provided The situations in which there is never valid consideration Examples 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 2008 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202008%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2006 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202006%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2002 (https://juraxbar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/July-2002-CBX.pdf) Podcast Episode 245: Listen and Learn – Promissory Estoppel (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-245-listen-and-learn-promissory-estoppel/) Podcast Episode 344: Listen and Learn – Contract Formation (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-344-listen-and-learn-contract-formation/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-487-listen-and-learn-consideration-contract-law/) 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, we're continuing our conversation from last week on how to prepare for the bar exam as a 3L. Today we cover the differences between the UBE and state-specific exams, we emphasize the importance of adopting a growth mindset and avoiding burnout during bar prep, and we share practical advice on which law school classes are a "must" for the bar exam. In this episode we discuss: The Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) versus state-specific exams The role your mindset plays in being successful on the bar Choosing the right classes for bar prep How to practice essays and performance tests effectively Avoiding burnout during the bar study period Resources UBE (MEE + MPT) Writing of the Week (WOW) Course (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ube-mee-mpt-writing-of-the-week-wow-bar-exam-course/) The Brainy Bar Bank: Streamlining Bar Study (https://barexamtoolbox.com/brainy-bar-bank/) NCBE: National Conference of Bar Examiners (https://www.ncbex.org/) NextGen Bar Exam (https://nextgenbarexam.ncbex.org/) Podcast Episode 1: Mindset – The Key to Success in Law School? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-1-mindset-key-success-law-school/) Podcast Episode 63: Dealing with Self-Sabotaging Behavior in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-63-dealing-self-sabotaging-behavior-law-school/) Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 46: Should You Take Bar Classes in Law School, and When? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-46-should-you-take-bar-classes-in-law-school-and-when/) Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 52: Avoiding Burnout While Studying for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-52-avoiding-burnout-while-studying-for-the-bar-exam/) Writing Practice, From Week One Until the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/writing-practice-from-week-one-until-the-bar-exam/) Download the Transcript  (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-486-preparing-for-the-bar-exam-as-a-3l-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 we're diving into essential tips for 3Ls who are gearing up for the bar exam. We'll cover everything from choosing a bar exam review provider to early study prep, accommodations, and getting life in order before the madness begins. In this episode we discuss: When should 3Ls start thinking about bar prep seriously? Understanding your strengths and weaknesses How to decide where to sit for the bar exam Choosing the right bar review provider Budgeting for bar prep What to focus on if you're looking to start studying early How to prepare for the accommodations process Balancing life and bar prep Resources SmartBarPrep (https://smartbarprep.com/) UWorld (https://www.uworld.com/) AdaptiBar (https://www.adaptibar.com/) The California Bar Experiment (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqfpFVBezOU&t=2s) Podcast Episode 26: Thinking Ahead to Get Ready for the Bar Exam (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-26-thinking-ahead-get-ready-bar-exam/) Podcast Episode 72: Seeking Accommodations in Law School and on the Bar Exam (with Dr. Jared Maloff) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-72-seeking-accommodations-law-school-bar-exam/) Podcast Episode 369: Using Spaced Repetition for Your Law School and Bar Exam Studies (w/Gabriel Teninbaum) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-369-using-spaced-repetition-for-your-law-school-and-bar-exam-studies-w-gabriel-teninbaum/)  Podcast Episode 372: The NextGen Bar Exam (w/Doretta McGinnis) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-372-the-nextgen-bar-exam-w-doretta-mcginnis/) 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/) Podcast Episode 432: Creating New Habits and Optimizing Time Management (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-432-creating-new-habits-and-optimizing-time-management/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-485-preparing-for-the-bar-exam-as-a-3l-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 are celebrating the new year and talking about how you can create a plan for success for the upcoming semester of law school.  In this episode we discuss: What is the one thing every law student should do as they go back to school this month? Questions to ask your professors in office hours Self-evaluation and goal setting Tips for class preparation How to set up your schedule so you have time for deep work Making a plan for a better second semester if the first didn't go well Resources Second Semester 1L Reboot (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/second-semester-1l-reboot/) 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/) How to Stick to Your Goals in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-stick-to-your-goals-in-law-school/) Six Ways to Use Office Hours (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/six-ways-to-use-office-hours/) Notes? Case Briefs? Highlighting? How Do You Prepare for Class? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/notes-case-briefs-highlighting-how-do-you-prepare-for-class/) Are You Taking Good Law School Class Notes? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/taking-good-law-school-class-notes/) Five Techniques for Using Deep Work to Excel in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/five-techniques-for-using-deep-work-to-excel-in-law-school/) Law School Toolbox Experts Share: How Should Law Students Create a Study Schedule? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-experts-share-how-would-you-advise-law-students-to-create-a-study-schedule/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-484-new-year-new-you/) 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