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 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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're speaking with criminal defense attorney Hannah Seigel Proff. We discuss the challenges and rewards of running a solo law practice, the unique aspects of juvenile defense work, and finding a good work-life balance in a legal career. In this episode we discuss: Hannah's career journey and work in criminal defense Challenges and rewards of a private law practice Finding a good work-life balance The unique aspects of juvenile defense Building empathy and listening skills Reflections on law school and career advice for young lawyers Resources LinkedIn: Hannah Seigel Proff (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahseigelproff/) Proff Law (Juvenile & Criminal Defense) (https://www.profflaw.com/) LYRIC: Learn Your Rights in the Community (https://lyricommunity.org/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=idealist) Transformative Justice Project (https://tjpcolorado.org/) Podcast Episode 81: Building Emotional Intelligence (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-81-emotional-intelligence-lawyers/) Podcast Episode 219: Mastering People Skills for Success as an Attorney (w/Stephanie Hanna) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-219-mastering-people-skills-for-success-as-an-attorney-w-stephanie-hanna/) Podcast Episode 389: Running a Criminal Defense Law Firm (w/Givelle Lamano) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-389-running-a-criminal-defense-law-firm-w-givelle-lamano/) How to Fight Law School Imposter Syndrome (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-fight-law-school-imposter-syndrome/) Level Up Your Networking Game: Be a Helper (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/level-up-your-networking-game-be-a-helper/) Are You Considering a Career in Criminal Defense? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/are-you-considering-a-career-in-criminal-defense/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-483-life-as-a-private-criminal-defense-attorney-w-hannah-seigel-proff/) 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 substantive Criminal Law, specifically the crimes of assault and battery. We covered these topics as elements of Tort Law in Episode 288. In this episode we discuss: The definitions of assault and battery Two case studies illustrating assault and battery crimes Exam tips for answering Crim Law questions Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) Podcast Episode 248: Listen and Learn – Introduction to Homicide (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-248-listen-and-learn-introduction-to-homicide/) Podcast Episode 288: Listen and Learn – Assault and Battery (Torts) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-288-listen-and-learn-assault-and-battery-torts/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-482-listen-and-learn-assault-and-battery-crim-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! Today, as part of our "Quick Tips" series, we're speed dating with legal careers, discussing seven practice areas in seven minutes. In this episode we discuss: The roles and responsibilities of legal professionals in the following practice areas: Criminal Law Corporate Law Family Law Estate Planning and Probate Law Employment Law Intellectual Property Law Environmental Law Resources: Career Help with CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/career-help/) Law School Toolbox Podcast: Careers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/careers/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-481-quick-tips-speed-dating-with-legal-careers/) 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 speaking with Susan Tanner, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Louisville. We explore different practical uses of AI by law students, some of which are beneficial and some that might be problematic. In this episode we discuss: Susan's professional background How law students are currently using generative AI Applications of AI for legal practitioners and law professors Practical uses of generative AI for law students and related ethical considerations How to start utilizing AI if you're new to it Resources LinkedIn: Susan Tanner (https://www.linkedin.com/in/susantanner/) University of Louisville: Susan Tanner (https://louisville.edu/law/faculty-staff/faculty-directory/tanner-susan) Podcast Episode 425: Exploring the Legal Tech Ecosystem (w/Colin Levy) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-425-exploring-the-legal-tech-ecosystem-w-colin-levy/) 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 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/) 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/) Is Handwriting Notes a Good Thing or a Bad Thing? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/is-handwriting-notes-a-good-thing-or-a-bad-thing/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-480-ethical-uses-of-ai-in-law-school-w-susan-tanner/) 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 with workplace mental health and well-being strategist Carolyn Thayer-Azoff about setting yourself up for sustainable workplace success. In this episode we discuss: Common workplace mental health themes Finding a supportive workplace and preparing for job-related challenges Balancing work with starting a family Addressing mental health stigma Dealing with a job that turns out to be a nightmare Resources Carolyn on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynthayer-azoff/) Identify Core Values to Guide Decisions (https://positive.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/Core-Values-Worksheet.pdf) Draft a Personal Mission Statement (https://positive.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Writing-Your-Mission-Statement.pdf) InsightTimer (https://insighttimer.com/) UCLA Mindful (https://www.uclahealth.org/uclamindful) Mindfulness Coach (https://mobile.va.gov/app/mindfulness-coach) Healthy Minds Program (https://www.healthymindsprogram.com/) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/) Smarter, Saner Lawyering with a Little (Mindfulness) Practice (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/smarter-saner-lawyering-with-a-little-mindfulness-practice/) Advice from a Recovering Perfectionist: 5 Mindfulness Tips for Excellent Lawyering (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/advice-from-a-recovering-perfectionist-5-mindfulness-tips-for-excellent-lawyering/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-479-workplace-wellness-w-carolyn-thayer-azoff/) 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 our "Quick Tips" series, we provide a guide for law students to optimize their LinkedIn profile, which is an important part of professional networking. In this episode we discuss: Why using LinkedIn is important for law students Setting up your profile, with tips for best use of each section Building and engaging with your network Key best practices for LinkedIn Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Career Hep with CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/career-help/) 7 Ways to Use LinkedIn as a Law Student (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/7-ways-to-use-linkedin-as-a-law-student/) Online Legal Networking: LinkedIn (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/online-legal-networking-linkedin/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-478-quick-tips-linkedin-best-practices-for-law-students/) 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 thrilled to have with us Dean Jackie Gardina of The Colleges of Law in Santa Barbara and Ventura here to talk about the history, current state, and future changes of the bar exam.  In this episode we discuss: Dean Gardina's law school and career path An overview of the history of the bar exam The effectiveness of the bar exam in assessing lawyer competence The future of the bar exam and possible alternative pathways to licensure The California Bar Exam Experiment What should new law students keep in mind if they are concerned the bar exam may look very different in three years?  Resources LinkedIn: Jackie Gardina (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-gardina-78907b8/) NextGen Bar Exam (https://nextgenbarexam.ncbex.org/) California Bar Exam Experiment (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Examinations/California-Bar-Exam-Experiment) Kaplan (https://kaplan.com/) Meazure Learning (https://www.meazurelearning.com/) Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 277: California Is Outsourcing the Bar Exam to Kaplan?!? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-277-california-is-outsourcing-the-bar-exam-to-kaplan/) The Future of the Bar Exam: What to Expect with the NextGen Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/the-future-of-the-bar-exam-what-to-expect-with-the-nextgen-exam/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-477-history-and-future-of-the-bar-exam-w-dean-jackie-gardina/) 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 ADHD and executive function coach Emily Haan with us to talk about some techniques students can use to be successful in law school.  In this episode we discuss: Emily's background and work as an ADHD and executive function coach ADHD and time management challenges in law school Managing overwhelm and procrastination Tackling big projects with backwards planning Dealing with boredom while studying Improving exam performance  Resources Emily Haan Coaching (https://www.emilyhaan.com/) VIA Character Strengths (https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths-via?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmt24BhDPARIsAJFYKk3qU85W7Poobpn4VRRtpXokDrMxRS-AOxf6ESxpSacVbl37NKbiOhQaAtVWEALw_wcB) Podcast Episode 436: Improving Executive Functioning Skills as a Law Student (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-436-improving-executive-functioning-skills-as-a-law-student/) Podcast Episode 437: Quick Tips – Succeeding in Law School with ADHD (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-437-quick-tips-succeeding-in-law-school-with-adhd/) Podcast Episode 445: Best Practices for Getting Accommodations in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-445-best-practices-for-getting-accommodations-in-law-school/) Podcast Episode 470: Tips for Neurodivergent Law Students (w/Heather Varanini and Rebecca Petrilli) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-470-tips-for-neurodivergent-law-students-w-heather-varanini-and-rebecca-petrilli/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-476-executive-functioning-skills-for-law-students-with-adhd-w-emily-haan/) 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