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 about LLM programs, focusing on foreign students who don't have a JD and are doing an LLM as their first exposure to the US legal system. In this episode we discuss: What are the characteristics of an LLM degree, and who is likely to do one? What challenges foreign students should consider when thinking about starting an LLM in the US The Socratic method of teaching, which is often used in US law schools How you can prepare to do well in the LLM and get the most out of the experience Planning ahead for the bar exam if you intend to sit for it The importance of getting feedback on your writing if English is not your first language Resources: Start Law School Right (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) Bar Exam Toolbox blog (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-blog/) Bar Exam Toolbox podcast (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast/) AdaptiBar (https://www.adaptibar.com/) Practice of the Week (POW) MBE Workshop (https://barexamtoolbox.com/practice-of-the-week-pow-mbe-workshop/) Strategies & Tactics for the MBE, by Steven Emanuel (https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B06XJFKBW5?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_0000_ft) Podcast Episode 198: Pre-1L Life Logistics (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-198-pre-1l-life-logistics/) Podcast Episode 78: Advice for First-Time Bar Exam Takers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-78-advice-first-time-bar-exam-takers/) Podcast Episode 80: Bar Exam 101 – An Introduction (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-80-bar-exam-101-introduction/) Law School Toolbox blog: Why Would You Want to Get an LLM? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/why-would-you-want-to-get-an-llm/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-204-advice-for-incoming-foreign-llm-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 talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter, Sadie Jones, about some of the most common issues and questions we see in the law student job search. In this episode we discuss: What to do if you aren't sure of your long-term goals yet How being proactive in your job can help you discover more opportunities Typos and other common mistakes to avoid when it comes to resumes and cover letters Tips for getting and successfully completing a summer job An overview of on-campus interviewing, and how you can make a great impression there The importance of preparing for each interview in advance  Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Podcast Episode 120: Preparing for the 1L Job Hunt (With Ex-BigLaw Recruiter Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-120-preparing-1l-job-hunt-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 127: Avoid These Resume No-Gos (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-127-avoid-resume-no-gos/) Podcast Episode 140: OCI Strategy (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-140-oci-strategy-w-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 152: Top OCI Mistakes To Avoid (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-152-top-oci-mistakes-to-avoid-w-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 164: No Offer After OCI? Here's What To Do (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-164-no-offer-after-oci-heres-what-to-do-w-sadie-jones/) 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/) Podcast Episode 183: Changing Course in the Job Hunt (w/Ex-BigLaw Recruiter Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-183-changing-course-in-the-job-hunt-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-203-job-search-qa-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-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

This discussion dives into Dan Siegel's enlightening book on personal transformation, linking neuroscience to the experiences of law students. It explores the balance between logic and emotion, emphasizing mental health's role in high-pressure situations. The concept of 'widening your window of tolerance' helps manage stress and emotions in the legal field. Unique challenges faced by those with ADHD are addressed, along with the impact of childhood experiences on adult life. Mindfulness techniques like the 'wheel of awareness' are spotlighted as pathways to personal growth.

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we are chatting with Douglas Hand -- an attorney, author, and podcast host -- about his book The Laws of Style, working as a fashion lawyer, and "what to wear" tips for men in the legal profession. In this episode we discuss: The four fundamental suits that should be the first purchased by a young lawyer Appropriate price points and brands for the first interview suit The idea of the "capsule wardrobe" What is good business casual attire, and what is just too casual? Tips for people who dislike shopping How to dress when working with clients from a different cultural background The importance of dressing according to rank and the firm's culture What it means to work in fashion law Resources: The Laws of Style: Sartorial Excellence for the Professional Gentleman, by Douglas Hand (https://www.amazon.com/Laws-Style-Sartorial-Excellence-Professional/dp/1634258967/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1556641885&refinements=p_27%3ADouglas+Hand&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Douglas+Hand) Douglas Hand at Hand Baldachin & Associates LLP (https://hballp.com/team/douglas-hand/) handofthelaw (Douglas Hand's Instagram account) (https://www.instagram.com/handofthelaw/?hl=en) The Laws of Style hosted by Douglas Hand (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL4dksGw2Iagf3F2jUPLorg) Suitsupply (https://us.suitsupply.com/en_US/home) Frank And Oak (https://www.frankandoak.com/) Nick Graham (https://nickgraham.com/) thredUP (https://www.thredup.com/) Goodwill (https://www.shopgoodwill.com/) Stitch Fix for Men (https://www.stitchfix.com/men) GQ (https://beststuffbox.gq.com/) WWD - Women's Wear Daily (https://wwd.com/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-201-fashion-law-mens-fashion-w-douglas-hand/) 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 special 200th episode, we are focusing on the importance of developing "soft skills" that seem like they wouldn't matter that much (in law school and in life), but turn out to be really critical for success and happiness. In this episode we discuss: What are some crucial soft skills that will help you get through law school successfully and achieve your goals later in life? Finding ways to deal with stress, anxiety, disappointments, and failure The importance of reaching out for help if you feel like you're stuck How to maintain your equilibrium when future clients share tough stories with you The neuroscience involved in training our brain Resources: Wisdom 2.0 Conference (https://www.wisdom2summit.com/) Mindsight, by Dan Siegel (https://www.drdansiegel.com/books/mindsight/) Leaving Litigation (and Leaving BigLaw) (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/leaving-litigation-and-leaving-biglaw/) The People’s Therapist blog (https://thepeoplestherapist.com/) Brené Brown (https://brenebrown.com/) The Places the Scare You, by Pema Chodron (https://www.amazon.com/Places-that-Scare-You-Fearlessness/dp/1570629218) Warrior One (https://warriorone.com/team/judi-cohen/) Mindset, by Carol Dweck (https://mindsetonline.com/) Martha Beck (https://marthabeck.com/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-200-the-most-surprising-thing-weve-learned-about-success/) 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 special guest Molly Bowen -- lawyer and author of the children’s book, Mommy Lawyer -- about the challenges involved in balancing parenthood and a career (and how to explain a demanding job to your kids). In this episode we discuss: Molly's story of being in law school and taking the bar exam while pregnant, and her advice for women in the same situation The inspiration behind the book Mommy Lawyer and some of the important messages in it What you should consider when making plans involving a career and parenthood The challenges kids of lawyers (and working parents in general) face, and how you can explain your job to them so they understand What you can do to contribute to your kids' school even as a working parent How to strike a work/life balance that both you and your children are happy with Resources: Mommy Lawyer, by Molly Bowen (https://mollybowen.com/product/mommy-lawyer/) Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg (https://leanin.org/book) Facebook Group Law Mamas (https://www.facebook.com/LawMamas/) MollyBowen.com (https://mollybowen.com/) Podcast Episode 182: Navigating Motherhood in the Legal Profession (w/ Jennifer Warren) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-182-navigating-motherhood-in-the-legal-profession-w-jennifer-warren/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-199-balancing-parenthood-and-a-demanding-job-w-molly-bowen/) 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 ways to minimize the hassle of moving and handling other life logistics as you get ready to start law school. In this episode we discuss: Different (safe) housing and transit options if you have to relocate Planning ahead for the move  How and when to notify a current job that you're leaving Setting up the utilities in your new home Cheaper food options that are still a great choice Why you don't have to give up things important to your lifestyle, such as exercise or a religious space  What do you need for a comfortable living space? Resources: CasebookConnect (https://www.casebookconnect.com/) Marie Kondo (https://konmari.com/) Becoming, by Michelle Obama (https://becomingmichelleobama.com/) ClassPass (https://classpass.com/) Community Supported Agriculture (https://www.localharvest.org/csa/) ButcherBox (https://www.butcherbox.com/) Podcast Episode 104: Law School Essentials - What to Buy (And Not to Buy) Beforehand (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-104-law-school-essentials-what-to-buy-and-not-to-buy-beforehand/) Podcast Episode 161: Should You Use a Laptop in Law School Classes? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-161-should-you-use-a-laptop-in-law-school-classes/) Start Law School Right course (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-198-pre-1l-life-logistics/) 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 Rachel Gezerseh about how to find a legal job you'll actually like, and how to break into BigLaw if that's what you're looking for. In this episode we discuss: Rachel's own journey from theater to law The importance of exploring different opportunities through informational interviews and networking Practical skills you should be developing while in law school to prepare for the job market The best ways to break into BigLaw and get a job that would be a great fit for you How to shake off the imposter syndrome for good and feel confident in your abilities What does it take to be a happy BigLaw lawyer Resources: The Law Career Playbook: A Guerrilla Guide to Getting a Legal Job You Actually Like, by Rachel Gezerseh (https://www.amazon.com/Law-Career-Playbook-Guerrilla-Actually/dp/1732637202) Liang Ly LLP (http://www.lianglyllp.com/rachel-gezerseh) BreakIntoBigLaw.com (http://breakintobiglaw.com/) Podcast Episode 82: The Happy Lawyer Project (with Okeoma Moronu) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-82-happy-lawyer-project/)  Podcast Episode 131: Thinking Ahead About the Future (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-131-thinking-ahead-about-the-future/) Podcast Episode 132: What's BigLaw Really Like (w/Sadie Jones)? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-132-whats-biglaw-really-like-w-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 142: Owning Your Career (w/Whittney Beard) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-142-owning-your-career-w-whittney-beard/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-197-career-advice-from-lawyer-writer-rachel-gezerseh/) 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 some creative, evidence-based ideas for remembering the material required for your law school exams. In this episode we discuss: Why you should memorize important information even for open book exams How learning the law properly plays into memorization How to immerse yourself in law concepts in your everyday life The value of acrostics in making studying lighter and more fun Using visualization to make remembering the details easier How to trigger your memory of a particular topic using narrative storylining The memorization value of good old handwriting Resources: Higher Levels of Immersion Improve Procedure Memorization Performance (https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/eed2/afc90442484b1bd2ef6ff9c089bd27bcfe7a.pdf) Memory and Study Strategies for Optimal Learning (https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED320347) Brain Basics, Part One: The Power of Visualization (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/gifted-ed-guru/201211/brain-basics-part-one-the-power-visualization) The Link and Story Methods (https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTIM_01.htm) Writing and Remembering: Why We Remember What We Write (https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/writing-and-remembering-why-we-remember-what-we-write.html) SketchyLaw (https://www.sketchylaw.com/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-196-memorization-techniques-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 talking about what to do (and what not to do) over the summer to prepare for your 1L year. In this episode we discuss: Sharing your thoughts and setting expectations with family, friends, and significant others, as well as asking them for help if necessary Whether you should take a law school prep class or read outlines before classes start How to get in the right frame of mind for the law school experience Why a short trip before school starts can be great for clearing your head and re-energizing your body Tips for setting up your home and study space efficiently, plus ways to streamline chores so they take up less of your time when school starts Why you need a budget before school starts Last but not least, finding job opportunities to make some extra cash during the school year or breaks from school Resources: Start Law School Right course (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) Podcast Episode 193: Books to Read Before Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-193-books-to-read-before-law-school/) Mindset, by Carol Dweck (https://mindsetonline.com/) Amazon Subscribe & Save (https://www.amazon.com/Subscribe-Save/b?ie=UTF8&node=5856181011) You Need a Budget (https://www.youneedabudget.com/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-195-what-to-do-the-summer-before-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