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! 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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're diving into a topic from Property Law -- Present and Future Estates. Specifically, we discuss the default property interest, the fee simple absolute and defeasible fees, along with the corresponding future interests. In this episode we discuss: The definition of present estates and future interests The fee simple absolute Types of defeasible fees Shifting and springing executory interests 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 2011 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202011%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2015 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/gbx/July2015_CBXSelectedAnswers_EssayQuestions1-6_R.pdf) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-501-listen-and-learn-present-and-future-estates-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

This milestone discussion dives into the transformative role of AI in legal education and practice. It highlights AI's potential as a supportive tool for enhancing productivity, particularly for students with ADHD. The conversation addresses the ethical implications of AI's use while emphasizing that it cannot replace the human elements of empathy and reasoning. Personal anecdotes demonstrate how lawyers adapt to complexities, and the importance of clear instruction for effective AI integration in the legal field is underscored. Celebrate the journey of evolution in legal tech!

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This is the second part of our conversation with sleep and productivity expert Lindsay Scola. In last week's episode, we discussed why sleep is important and what can mess it up, and today we look at some common (and less common) sleep disorders. If you're struggling to get the sleep you need to perform at your best, don't miss these episodes! In this episode we discuss: Understanding sleep disorders Common signs and symptoms of sleep disorders The relationship between sleep disorders and ADHD Advocating for your sleep health Practical tips for better sleep Resources LindsayScola.com (https://www.lindsayscola.com/) LinkedIn: Lindsay Scola (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-scola/) Instagram: Lindsay Scola (https://www.instagram.com/lindsay.scola/) Project Sleep (https://project-sleep.com/) Let's Talk About Sleep (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/lets-talk-about-sleep/) The Importance of Sleep in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-importance-of-sleep-in-law-school/) How to Maximize Your Sleep (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-maximize-your-sleep/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-499-tips-for-better-rest-with-sleep-expert-lindsay-scola-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 excited to talk to sleep and productivity expert Lindsay Scola. In this first part of a two-part conversation, we discuss why sleep is important and what can mess it up, and next week we'll look at some common (and less common) sleep disorders. If you're struggling to get the sleep you need to perform at your best, don't miss these episodes! In this episode we discuss: Lindsay's personal journey and what got her interested in sleep science Why is sleep so important? Consequences of not getting enough sleep Practical tips for better sleep Figuring out your sleep chronotype Finding a good work/life balance Resources LindsayScola.com (https://www.lindsayscola.com/) LinkedIn: Lindsay Scola (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-scola/) Instagram: Lindsay Scola (https://www.instagram.com/lindsay.scola/) Let's Talk About Sleep (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/lets-talk-about-sleep/) The Importance of Sleep in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-importance-of-sleep-in-law-school/) How to Maximize Your Sleep (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-maximize-your-sleep/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-498-tips-for-better-rest-with-sleep-expert-lindsay-scola-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