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 talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones about how to find a job if you struck out at OCI, or never tried it to begin with. In this episode we discuss: The job search framework from The Girl's Guide to Law School series by Katie Slater Developing a big-picture view about your skills and strengths Creating a list of all your contacts and keeping track of your communication with them Trying a tiered approach, starting with your ideal jobs Listing out the steps you need to take in the job search process and keeping track of your progress Tips for mental and emotional well-being while handling an extensive search Getting outside help, from coaches, mentors, family, or friends if you've hit a dead end Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) The Girl's Guide to Law School – Job Hunting Series (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/04/unemployed-3l-or-recent-law-grad-this-job-hunting-series-is-for-you/) The Girl's Guide to Law School – Leaving Litigation (and Leaving BigLaw) (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/leaving-litigation-and-leaving-biglaw/) The Girl's Guide to Law School – How to Conduct Great Information Interviews (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/how-to-conduct-great-informational-interviews/) Podcast Episode 126: How to Get People to Help with Your Job Search (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-126-get-people-help-job-search/) Podcast Episode 165: What is an Elevator Pitch and Do You Need One? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-165-what-is-an-elevator-pitch-and-do-you-need-one/) Podcast Episode 166: How to Frame Your Job Search Story (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-166-how-to-frame-your-job-search-story-w-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 203: Job Search Q&A (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-203-job-search-qa-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-214-handling-an-extensive-job-search-outside-of-oci/) 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 about the importance of doing practice questions and getting feedback on your writing in preparation for exams. In this episode we discuss: The disconnect between class and exams Where to find study materials and academic support to get started Reviewing your work and getting feedback How early in the semester should you start practicing, and when is it too late to be worth it? What if you find that doing practice questions on your own is not going so well? Practicing for multiple choice exams Resources: The Brainy Bar Bank: Streamlining Bar Study (https://barexamtoolbox.com/brainy-bar-bank/) Examples & Explanations (E&E) series (https://www.wklegaledu.com/study-aids/examples-explanations) The State Bar of California, Past Exams (http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Examinations/California-Bar-Examination/Past-Exams) CALI Lessons (https://www.cali.org/lesson) Strategies and Tactics for the MBE, by Stephen Emanuel (https://www.amazon.com/Strategies-Tactics-MBE-Book-ebook/dp/B01G0Y38W6) Podcast Episode 106: How to Go to Office Hours and Make It Worth Your Time (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-106-go-office-hours-make-worth-time/) Podcast Episode 163: Common Legal Essay Analysis Problems and How to Solve Them (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-163-common-legal-essay-analysis-problems-and-how-to-solve-them/) Law School Toolbox blog: A Handy Template for Answering "Hard" Law School Exam Questions (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/a-handy-template-for-answering-hard-law-school-exam-questions/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-213-why-practice-is-so-important-in-law-school/) 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 about how to bounce back after making a significant mistake -- one of those school, career, or personal screw ups that sometimes can be a major headache -- and what steps to take to ensure it doesn't happen again. In this episode we discuss: Assessing whether the mistake really is as big a deal as it appears at first Looking at how famous people, such as politicians, deal with their own faux pas Common scenarios where something can go wrong at school or work How owning up and taking responsibility will go a long way to repairing the damage Taking specific steps to make sure the mistake doesn't happen again Where to look for help if you feel like you've made a mistake in your personal life Resources: Podcast Episode 25: How to Behave Like a Professional in the Legal Workplace (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-25-behave-like-professional-legal-workplace/) Podcast Episode 147: Top Summer Associate Mistakes and How to Fix Them (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-147-top-summer-associate-mistakes-and-how-to-fix-them-w-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 210: Using Mindfulness Practices as a Law Student (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-210-using-mindfulness-practices-as-a-law-student/) Brené Brown (https://brenebrown.com/) Lee Rosen: My Most Embarrassing Moment (https://roseninstitute.com/embarrassing-moment/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-212-bouncing-back-from-a-major-mistake/) 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 about the idea of a capsule wardrobe, or how to choose staple pieces that will give you the versatility to easily create different outfits. In this episode we discuss: The characteristics of a capsule wardrobe What to look for when shopping for a suit Balancing professionalism and your own personal style Online stores and subscription service options for people who don't like shopping for clothes Moving clothes out of the closet if you never wear them Reaching out to personal shoppers and tailors to help you find the best fit  Resources: Beyond Beautiful, by Anuschka Rees (https://anuschkarees.com/beyond-beautiful) threadUp (https://www.thredup.com/) The RealReal (https://www.therealreal.com/) Amazon Prime Wardrobe (https://www.amazon.com/l/16122413011) Stitch Fix (https://www.stitchfix.com/) M.M.LaFleur (https://mmlafleur.com/) Rent the Runway (https://www.renttherunway.com/) Marie Kondo (https://konmari.com/) Wardrobe Oxygen blog: My Closet Cleanout Left Me Without Clothes! (https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/my-closet-cleanout-left-me-without-clothes/) Podcast Episode 158: What to Wear (And Not to Wear) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-158-what-to-wear-and-not-to-wear/) Podcast Episode 201: Fashion Law & Men’s Fashion (w/Douglas Hand) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-201-fashion-law-mens-fashion-w-douglas-hand/) Law School Toolbox blog: Fashionably Lawyered: How to Dress the Part as a New Attorney (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/fashionably-lawyered-how-to-dress-the-part-as-a-new-attorney/) Law School Toolbox blog: Fashionably Lawyered: How to Dress for a Law Interview or Internship on a Budget (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/fashionably-lawyered-how-to-dress-for-a-law-interview-or-internship-on-a-budget/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-211-putting-together-a-capsule-wardrobe-as-a-law-student/) 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 how mindfulness practices can positively influence your brain and help you perform at your best by combating procrastination, worry, anxiety, anger, and sleep issues. In this episode we discuss: How Alison and Lee were introduced to mindfulness practices How paying attention to the good things that happen to you, instead of the bad ones, can really turn your day around Some of the different types of meditation you could try Using body scans to release stress How yoga could contribute to your well-being Why tactical breathing is used in the military and how it could benefit you The fact that mindfulness doesn't have to be a huge commitment, but could make a big difference in how you feel Resources: Warrior One (https://warriorone.com/) The Places That Scare You, by Pema Chodron (https://www.amazon.com/Places-that-Scare-You-Fearlessness/dp/1570629218) Finding Your Own North Star, by Martha Beck (https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Your-Own-North-Star-ebook/dp/B0019O6IXE) Mindsight, by Dan Siegel (https://www.drdansiegel.com/books/mindsight/) Podcast Episode 202: Book Club – Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-202-book-club-mindsight-the-new-science-of-personal-transformation/) Headspace (https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app) Calm (https://www.calm.com/) Law School Toolbox blog: Mindfulness in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/cultivating-mindset-success-law-school/mindfulness-in-law-school/) Law School Toolbox blog: Mindfulness for Law Students (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/mindfulness-law-students/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Episode-210-Using-Mindfulness-Practices-as-a-Law-Student.pdf) 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 here with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones to discuss the ins and outs of job searches involving moving to another city from where you attend (or attended) law school. In this episode we discuss: Why is it a challenge to get a job in a different city, even if you attended a school that claims to be national? Thinking about the questions recruiters will ask, and having a plausible explanation for wanting to move Trying to get a summer job in the place where you want to end up, starting after 1L year How to make the most out of your summer job position Taking the local bar exam in the new place as soon as possible Sadie's answers to some additional questions we've gotten on this topic, which you might have as well Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Podcast Episode 166: How to Frame Your Job Search Story (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-166-how-to-frame-your-job-search-story-w-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 183: Changing Course in the Job Hunt (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-183-changing-course-in-the-job-hunt-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/) Law School Toolbox blog: Advice for a Long-Distance Job Search (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/advice-for-a-long-distance-job-search/) Law School Toolbox blog: Expand Your Options: An Exploration of the Different Types of Federal Clerkship and State Clerkship Options (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/expand-your-options-an-exploration-of-the-different-types-of-federal-clerkship-and-state-clerkship-options/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-209-job-hunting-in-a-city-where-youre-not-in-law-school/) 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 about choosing the right hardware and software tools to streamline your life and keep you organized in law school. In this episode we discuss: Do you really need to upgrade your devices before starting law school? Is the iPad Pro a legitimate replacement for a laptop? Checking with your school and any stores you are buying from for possible student discounts offered Different types of software you can use to organize your life Ways to limit the use of your devices to minimize distractions Resources: iPad Pro (https://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/) Zapier (https://zapier.com/) Trello (https://trello.com/en) Asana (https://asana.com/) Evernote (https://evernote.com/) OneNote (https://www.onenote.com/) Notability (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/notability/id360593530) Slack (https://slack.com/) Doodle (https://doodle.com/) Dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com/) SCOTUSblog (https://www.scotusblog.com/) Find Work-Life Focus: A Trello Insider’s Guide to Personal Productivity (https://blog.trello.com/work-life-focus-trello-insider-guide-personal-productivity) Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport (http://www.calnewport.com/books/digital-minimalism/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-208-using-technology-effectively-in-law-school/) 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 ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones about networking nuts and bolts – what you need to know to feel comfortable mingling with strangers at cocktail parties, formal dinners, and more. In this episode we discuss: Why lots of people find it intimidating to go to a networking cocktail party The best ways to enter and leave a group conversation gracefully How to handle your food/drink and still be able to shake hands or give out business cards How to find people to talk to if you're not naturally extroverted Good and bad topics to talk about Dinner table basics for the more formal events Following up with people you've met at the event Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Zazzle (https://www.zazzle.com/) MOO (http://www.moo.com/) Podcast Episode 114: Law School Networking 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-114-law-school-networking-101/) Law School Toolbox blog: Legal Networking 101: How Do You Know What to Talk About While Networking? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-networking-101-how-do-you-know-what-to-talk-about-while-networking/) Law School Toolbox blog: It's My Party, I'll Network If I Want To: Law School Networking for Wallflowers and Gunners Alike (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/its-my-party-ill-network-if-i-want-to-law-school-networking-for-wallflowers-and-gunners-alike/) Law School Toolbox blog: How to Follow-Up After Networking (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-follow-up-after-networking/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-207-navigating-networking-events-as-a-law-student/) 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 sharing some unexpected things we experienced when we started as 1Ls, so you can adjust to law school culture faster. In this episode we discuss: How the volume of activities and the importance of grades can be overwhelming at first Why it could take some time to find people that you click with The reality of having to figure most stuff out on your own Schedules being less flexible than you might be used to The importance of thinking about summer jobs early Bringing out your inner entitled self and feeling confident you deserve your place in law school as much as anybody else Resources: Start Law School Right (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) Podcast Episode 8: Law School 101 For 1Ls (What Not to Do) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-8-law-school-101-1ls-not/) Podcast Episode 151: Our Top 10 Podcast Episodes for Incoming 1Ls (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-151-our-top-10-podcast-episodes-for-incoming-1ls/) Law School Toolbox blog: Your Frequently Asked Questions When Starting Law School, Answered (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/your-frequently-asked-questions-when-starting-law-school-answered/) Law School Toolbox blog: Ahead of the Curve: Time Management When Starting Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/time-management-when-starting-law-school/) Law School Toolbox blog: Starting Off on the Right Foot: Survival Tips for the First Few Weeks (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/starting-off-right-foot-survival-tips-first-weeks/) Law School Toolbox blog: The Secrets More 1Ls Need to Know (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-secrets-more-1ls-need-to-know/) Law School Toolbox blog: Law School Toolbox Experts Share: Non-Obvious Things That 1Ls Should Bring with Them and Why (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-experts-share-non-obvious-things-that-1ls-should-bring-with-them-and-why/) Law School Toolbox blog: Law School Toolbox Experts Share: What I did Right When Starting Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-experts-share-what-i-did-right-when-starting-law-school/) Law School Toolbox blog: Law School Toolbox Experts Share: Mistakes I Made When Starting Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-experts-share-mistakes-made-starting-law-school/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-206-the-most-surprising-things-about-1l-year/) 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 chatting with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones to get some interview tips for non-traditional law students who are trying to start a legal career. In this episode we discuss: Who is a non-traditional law student? What kinds of challenges non-traditional students may face when trying to start a career in law The importance of having a coherent story and explaining the value of your background  How to handle inappropriate/illegal questions about family status, age, etc. that might be asked during an interview Understanding the expectations of the job and making clear you are eager to do them, even if you have to start with entry-level tasks The advantages of non-traditional students that employers see Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Podcast Episode 27: Job Interview Basics (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-27-job-interview-basics/) Podcast Episode 98: Top 1L Questions: Non-Traditional Law Students (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-98-top-1l-questions-non-traditional-law-students/) Podcast Episode 175: Top Interview Questions with Ex-BigLaw Recruiter Sadie Jones (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-175-top-interview-questions-with-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/) Law School Toolbox blog: Emerging Careers for Law Graduates: Hot Practice Areas (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/emerging-careers-for-law-graduates-hot-practice-areas/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-205-navigating-interviews-as-a-non-traditional-law-student/) 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