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 what to do if you're graduating (or have graduated) from law school, and you find yourself without a job, not wanting to practice law, and not sure how to figure out what to do next! In this episode we discuss: Why it's a good idea to sit for the bar, even if you're not sure you want to be a lawyer (and which exam to take) The advantages (besides just paying the bills) of working side jobs while you are figuring out what to do next The importance of meeting people through networking and conferences How going on a short retreat can help you clear your mind, refocus, and come up with new ideas Ways to hold yourself accountable and stay organized, so you can avoid procrastination The danger of some pitfalls you might fall into while thinking about what you want to be doing in the future Resources: The Start-up of You, by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha (http://www.thestartupofyou.com/) Calendly (https://calendly.com/) Trello (https://trello.com/en) Wisdom Conference (http://www.wisdom2summit.com/) Podcast Episode 177: Real Talk about Student Loan Debt (w/Financial Expert Travis Hornsby) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-177-real-talk-about-student-loan-debt-w-financial-expert-travis-hornsby/) Podcast Episode 184: Handling Law School Finances (w/Lyssa Thaden of Accessflex) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-184-handling-law-school-finances-w-lyssa-thaden-of-accesslex/) Podcast Episode 186: Book Club: Becoming, by Michelle Obama (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-186-book-club-becoming-by-michelle-obama/) How to Conduct Great Informational Interviews (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/how-to-conduct-great-informational-interviews/) Leaving Litigation (and Leaving BigLaw) (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/leaving-litigation-and-leaving-biglaw/) CareerDicta.com (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-194-you-dont-want-to-be-a-lawyer-what-now/) 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 books related to the legal system that you might want to read during the summer before starting law school. These books are interesting, and you might even learn something in the process! In this episode we discuss: Non-fiction stories about famous lawyers and judges Classics on the law school experience Recommended thrillers developed around legal issues Books that will help you get into a positive, productive mindset - not just for law school, but in general Legal-related authors whose body of work is worth exploring Why casebooks, hornbooks, commercial outlines, and the E&E series can be overwhelming and confusing to read in preparation for law school, so you can skip them for now Resources: My Beloved World, by Sonia Sotomayor (https://www.amazon.com/Sonia-Sotomayor-Beloved-World-Paperback/dp/B01FODGF1K) Becoming, by Michelle Obama (https://becomingmichelleobama.com/) My Own Words, by Ruth Bader Ginsburg (https://www.amazon.com/Own-Words-Ruth-Bader-Ginsburg/dp/150114524X) A Civil Action, by Jonathan Harr (https://www.amazon.com/Civil-Action-Jonathan-Harr/dp/0679772677) The Buffalo Creek Disaster, by Gerald Stern (https://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-Creek-Disaster-Survivors-Coal-Mining/dp/0307388492) Gideon's Trumpet, by Anthony Lewis (https://www.amazon.com/Gideons-Trumpet-Prisoner-Supreme-Court/dp/0679723129) Terminal Ambition, by Kate McGuinness (http://terminal-ambition.com/) The Firm, by John Grisham (http://www.jgrisham.com/the-firm/) One L, by Scott Turow (https://www.amazon.com/One-Turbulent-Story-Harvard-School/dp/0143119028) The Paper Chase, by John Jay Osborn Jr. (https://www.amazon.com/Paper-Chase-John-Jay-Osborn/dp/0983698007) Mindsight, by Dan Siegel (https://www.drdansiegel.com/books/mindsight/) Mindset, by Carol Dweck (https://mindsetonline.com/) Deep Work, by Cal Newport (http://calnewport.com/books/deep-work/) So Good They Can't Ignore You, by Cal Newport (http://calnewport.com/books/so-good/) The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brené Brown (https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-Think-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X) The End of Lawyers?, by Richard Susskind (https://www.amazon.com/End-Lawyers-Rethinking-nature-services-ebook/dp/B00AF6MZ4I) 24 Hours with 24 Lawyers, by Jasper Kim (https://www.amazon.com/24-Hours-Lawyers-Traditional-Non-Traditional/dp/0314276319) Swimming Lessons for Baby Sharks, by Grover Cleveland (https://lessonsforsharks.com/book/synopsis/) Getting to Maybe, by Richard Michael Fischl (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Maybe-Excel-School-Exams/dp/0890897603) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-193-books-to-read-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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we’re talking about some challenging scenarios you might encounter on law school exams. In this episode we discuss: What do to if your computer crashes during an exam How to handle perceived cheating Mitigating the damage if you realize your exam answer is totally wrong halfway through Why it’s important to outline on paper before typing your answer Tips for handling external issues or problems in the room What do to if you get the wrong exam (it happens!) Tricks to calm anxiety and stay focused during an exam Resources: Podcast Episode 172: Tackling Common Exam Prep scenarios (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-172-tackling-common-exam-prep-scenarios/) Podcast Episode 19: Conquering Different Types of Law School Exams (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-19-conquering-different-types-law-school-exams/) May: Surviving Law School Exams (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/may-surviving-law-school-exams/) Yikes My Computer Crashed: Moving on After a Disappointing Exam Experience (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/yikes-my-computer-crashed-moving-on-after-a-disappointing-exam-experience/) How to Organize Your Exam Answers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-organize-your-exam-answers/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Episode-192-On-Exam-Scenarios.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 talking about what we learned about relationships at the Wisdom 2.0 conference we recently attended. In this episode we discuss: Relationships in the workplace and how they can foster growth Why learning to cope with emotionally-challenging work can make you better at your job How lawyers tend to neglect their emotional brain and how this can impact your work life Why it’s important to be a better communicator and steps to do so How to advocate to a superior about why your skills are better used elsewhere (not on boring document review) The importance of paying attention to what and how you are emailing  Resources: Wisdom 2.0 Summit (http://www.wisdom2summit.com) Marriage Minute (http://www.gottman.com/marriage-minute/) Brené Brown (https://brenebrown.com/) Podcast Episode 107: How to Build Positive Relationships in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-107-how-to-build-positive-relationships-in-law-school/) Relationships and Law School: Can They Coexist? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/relationships-law-school-can-coexist/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Episode-191-Wisdom-2.0-What-We-Learned-About-Relationships-1.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 talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones about how to pass the dreaded interview "happy hour test." In this episode we discuss: What the "happy hour test" is Why you can’t forget to prepare for the social aspects of interviewing Red flag behaviors and conversation topics to avoid Why having and showing personality and healthy confidence is a good thing How to walk the line between arrogance and confidence Small things to do to start the interview off on a good note How to hold up your end of the conversation Why it is so important to be nice to everyone, not just your interviewer Resources: Is the Secret to Acing a Job Interview Passing the Happy Hour Test? (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/02/is-the-secret-to-acing-a-job-interview-passing-the-happy-hour-test/) Podcast Episode 27: Job Interview Basics (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-27-job-interview-basics/) Podcast Episode 173: FAQ’s About Resumes and Cover Letters (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-173-frequently-asked-questions-about-resumes-and-cover-letters-w-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 175: Top Interview Questions (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-175-top-interview-questions-with-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 5: Maintaining Authenticity in the Legal Profession (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-5-maintaining-authenticity-legal-profession/) How to Prepare for OCI Interviews (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/prepare-oci-interviews/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-190-interview-happy-hour-test/) 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 focus on in class so that you can get the most out of the experience. In this episode we discuss: What going to class teaches you that books, outlines, and supplements cannot Why paying attention to what your professor thinks is important is very important Why in-class hypotheticals are so important to your understanding of the law, and to preparing for the exam How class can help you learn to live with ambiguity and think like a lawyer How learning the policy behind the laws can help you piece together what you learn into a coherent whole Ways to enhance your listening and note-taking to set you up for success later Why you should strongly consider handwriting your class notes How to handle distractions and why you should really unplug in class Resources: Podcast Episode 62: Surviving the Socratic Method in Law School Classes (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-62-surviving-the-socratic-method-in-law-school-classes/) A Novel Listening Technique for Law Students: “Professor Says” (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/10/a-novel-listening-technique-for-law-students-professor-says/) Are You Taking Good Law School Class Notes? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/taking-good-law-school-class-notes/) Is Handwriting Notes a Good Thing or a Bad Thing? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/is-handwriting-notes-a-good-thing-or-a-bad-thing/) The Cornell Note-taking Method (http://lsc.cornell.edu/notes.html) Evernote (https://evernote.com/) Cal Newport: Digital Minimalism (https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Minimalism-Choosing-Focused-Noisy/dp/0525536515) Start Law School Right (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-189-why-you-should-go-to-class-and-how-to-make-it-productive/) 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 how to make people hate you at work, so that, basically, you can avoid doing these things. In this episode we discuss: Things to avoid, such as being late on your first day of work! How to make a good impression at social events (and how to make a bad one) Why there is almost no excuse for not showing up or notifying a host that you can’t make an event Why treating everyone with respect, always, is so important Why you need to treat summer jobs as the start of your professional reputation Why first drafts aren’t really drafts That it’s your job to make your boss look good Why you need to do your homework, and then ask good questions, to avoid surprises How important communication is to success at work What to do if you do mess up at work Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta) Networking Strategies (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/networking-strategies/) Getting a Law Job, What to Wear, and How to Behave (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/getting-law-job-wear-behave/) Getting an Offer: Being Professional in a Generation-Gap Workplace (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/getting-an-offer-being-professional-in-a-generation-gap-workplace/) Podcast Episode 25: How to Behave Like a Professional in the Legal Workplace (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-25-behave-like-professional-legal-workplace/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-188-making-people-hate-you-at-work/) 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 thinking on your feet when you're on the spot. In this episode we discuss: How practicing mindfulness when you aren’t stressed can help you cope when you’re on the spot Why it is not just okay, but important, to take a breath, pause, and think before answering questions The benefits of asking clarifying questions Why paying close attention and using active listening techniques is useful How to handle interruptions and other moments when you have to go “off-script” Why speaking in class is a skill set that you can (and should) practice How to project confidence even when you’re not feeling it Resources: Podcast Episode 29: Self-Care During Bar Exam Prep (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-129-self-care-during-bar-exam-prep/) Podcast Episode 37: Surviving Law school Moot Court (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-37/) Podcast Episode 62: Surviving the Socratic Method in Law School Classes (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-62-surviving-the-socratic-method-in-law-school-classes/) Podcast Episode 138: Top Ten Public Speaking Tips (w/Jennifer Warren) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-138-top-ten-public-speaking-tips-w-jennifer-warren/) Toastmasters (http://www.toastmasters.org/) What Did Improv Classes Teach Me About Public Speaking (https://magneticspeaking.com/what-did-improv-classes-in-san-francisco-teach-me-about-public-speaking/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-187-thinking-on-your-feet/)    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 kicking off a new series: The Law School Toolbox Book Club. This is a chance for us to chat with you about the books we're reading and why you might want to check them out. Today we're talking about Becoming, by Michelle Obama. In this episode we discuss: The new autobiography, Becoming, by Michelle Obama Some key takeaways about gender and race in the legal profession Embracing a growth mindset and asking for you want That even someone as accomplished as Michelle Obama can fail the bar! Resources: Becoming, by Michelle Obama (https://becomingmichelleobama.com/) We Were Eight Years in Power, by Ta-Nehisi Coates (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/550170/we-were-eight-years-in-power-by-ta-nehisi-coates/9780399590573/) The Final Year (https://www.finalyearfilm.com/) The World as It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House, by Ben Rhodes (https://www.amazon.com/World-Memoir-Obama-White-House/dp/0525509356/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=_) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-186-book-club-becoming-by-michelle-obama/) 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 how to start thinking about your 2L job search when you're still a 1L. In this episode we discuss: What your priority should be at this point in your 1L year How to get organized and set yourself up for success Why you should engage with your Career Services office sooner rather than later How to maximize your 1L summer experience in your 2L job search Why networking both on and off campus can pay off How to stand out by being prepared and polished from the start of your job search Resources: Podcast Episode 7: Time & Life Management Basics (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-7-time-life-management-basics/) Podcast Episode 55: An Overview of BigLaw OCI (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-55-overview-biglaw-campus-interviewing-oci/) Podcast Episode 140: OCI Strategy (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-140-oci-strategy-w-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 179: What to Do If You Still Don’t Have a Summer Job (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-179-what-to-do-if-you-still-dont-have-a-summer-job-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/) CareerDicta: Strategies & Resources for Your Legal Career (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-185-thinking-about-the-2l-job-search-as-a-1l-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