The Law School Toolbox Podcast: Tools for Law Students from 1L to the Bar Exam, and Beyond

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox podcast. Today, we're talking about how to maintain a professional profile in the digital age where so much of your life is online, for better or worse. Technology is omnipresent; we are connected now more than ever, and in ways we don’t even know about. If you want to maintain a professional image, it is important to be mindful of what you’re posting, where you’re posting it, who can see it (intentionally or unintentionally), and other activities that might put you at risk. In this episode, we discuss: The common-sense factor: you don’t live in a bubble, so respect your own privacy Data being collected by a variety of tech companies, which you may not even know about Creating separate personal/professional profiles, adjusting privacy settings, and other things to think about when protecting your professional image Proactive steps you can take to develop a positive professional profile Google stalk yourself: make sure you know what’s out there about you, and take remedial measures if necessary Quitting the Internet! (No, really!) Resources: Gizmodo, “How Facebook Figures Out Everyone You've Ever Met.” (https://gizmodo.com/how-facebook-figures-out-everyone-youve-ever-met-1819822691/amp) Medium (https://medium.com/) Ms. JD (https://ms-jd.org/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript  (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Episode-125-Maintaining-a-Professional-Profile-in-the-Digital-Age.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes  (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today, we're talking about how not to be a jerk in your legal office environment with our special guest, Sadie Jones, who's a former BigLaw recruiter. True or not, lawyers have a terrible reputation when it comes to being nice and considerate in the office. Lawyers often have reputations of being jerks to other lawyers. Why is that? How true is it? How do you avoid being “that” person? Tune in to find out! In this episode, we discuss: Is there something unique about being a lawyer that leads to this negative reputation? Behaviors to avoid in the interview process so you don’t come across as a jerk What you can do as a summer associate or junior associate to develop a pleasant reputation Appropriately monitoring your social media presence and activity as relates to coworkers and work matters The reality of sexism and sexual harassment in the workplace Being mindful of topics discussed on work email Resources: Alison Monahan, “What No One Tells You Before You Go to Law School: You’re Entering a Sexist Profession.” (https://ms-jd.org/blog/article/what-no-one-tells-you-you-go-law-school-youre-entering-sexist-profession) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript  (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Episode-124-Dont-be-a-Jerk-at-Work-with-Sadie-Jones.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes  (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, we are talking about a very serious and important topic: mental health in the legal profession. The staggering statistics and heartbreaking stories of depression, substance abuse, and even suicide in law schools and in our legal profession have raised our concerns and the concerns of others. Because of this, we have reached out to attorney-turned-executive consultant and licensed psychotherapist, Sarah Weinstein, to talk about this topic. In this episode, we discuss: The sobering statistics on depression and substance abuse among law students and lawyers Is there something inherent to law school and the legal profession that leads to such mental health concerns? Effects of competition, debt, and a down job market on law students Effects of stress, conflict, and high-stakes matters on lawyers Signs that you or someone you know might need to seek professional help What can be done to change this mental health climate? Resources: sarahweinsteintherapy.com (http://www.sarahweinsteintherapy.com/) Lawyers & Depression (Dave Nee Foundation) (http://www.daveneefoundation.org/scholarship/lawyers-and-depression/) WellnessCast (https://law.stanford.edu/directory/joseph-bankman/wellness-project/#slsnav-the-wellnesscast) Warrior One (https://warriorone.com/) Above the Law, “Did Law School Bullying Contribute to a Recent Graduate’s Suicide?” (https://abovethelaw.com/2017/09/law-school-bullying-leads-to-recent-graduates-suicide/) Above the Law, “Bar Exam Suicides Are Disturbingly Common Among Recent Law School Graduates.” (https://abovethelaw.com/2016/12/bar-exam-suicides-are-disturbingly-common-among-recent-law-school-graduates/) New York Times, “The Lawyer, the Addict: A high-powered Silicon Valley attorney dies. His ex-wife investigates, and finds a web of drug abuse in his profession.” (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/15/business/lawyers-addiction-mental-health.html?_r=0) Business Insider, “We Need to Start Talking to Law Students About Depression and Suicide.” (http://www.businessinsider.com/we-need-to-start-talking-to-law-students-about-depression-and-suicide-2014-4) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Episode-123-Mental-Health-and-the-Legal-Profession.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes  (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox Podcast! Today we're talking about transferring law schools after your 1L year. There are many different reasons why a law student might apply for a transfer, but in any case, you’ll have to go through the application process – again – and that takes thought and effort. Our special guest is Mihal Ansik, who graduated from Harvard Law School as a transfer student, and currently works to provide legal services and education tools to women working to reunify with their children and families after incarceration. She has great insight into the transfer process, so if you are considering transferring, tune in! In this episode, we discuss: Mihal’s decision to transfer to Harvard Law School What to focus on as a 1L if you intend to apply for a transfer Elements of a law school transfer application Timing for working on and submitting your application? How many schools should you apply to? Factors to consider when deciding whether to accept a transfer if you are accepted Adjusting to your new school Resources: Ahead of the Curve: So You Want to Transfer Law Schools… (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/ahead-of-the-curve-so-you-want-to-transfer-law-schools/) Transferring Law Schools: How I Jumped Ship (Part 1) (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/10/transferring-law-schools-jumped-ship/) Transferring Law Schools: How I Jumped Ship (Part 2) (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/11/transferring-law-schools-jumped-ship-2/) Applying to Law School: Personal Statement or Essay (from LSAC) (https://lsac.org/jd/applying-to-law-school/whom-to-admit/personal-statement) Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire: Transfer Students in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/out-of-the-frying-pan-into-the-fire-transfer-students-in-law-school/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript  (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Episode-122-How-to-Transfer-Law-Schools-with-Mihal-Ansik.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes  (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today we're  talking about alternative bar prep options outside of the big commercial programs. Turns out, not everyone learns the same way, so you want to make sure your bar prep will work for you! Historically, most people studied for the bar exam the same way, taking a large commercial course such as BARBRI. Now, bar takers are fortunate to be able to explore different prep options, try them out, and put together a personalized bar program that is going to give them the best chance at passing. In this episode, we discuss: Key elements necessary for any effective bar prep program The importance of feedback, and making sure you understand the level of feedback your program offers Is tutoring right for you? Creating an effective and reasonable study schedule for you and your life The pros and cons of a wide variety of bar prep resources How to self-study and pass the bar exam Resources: Themis Bar Review (https://www.themisbar.com/) BarMax (https://testmaxprep.com/bar-exam) Lean Sheets (http://www.leansheets.com/) SmartBarPrep (https://www.smartbarprep.com/) NCBE Subject Matter Outlines (http://ncbex.org/exams/mbe/preparing/) Brainy Bar Bank (https://barexamtoolbox.com/brainy-bar-bank/) State Bar of California Past Exams (http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Examinations/California-Bar-Examination/Past-Exams) BarEssays.com (http://baressays.com/) BET Review of BarEssays.com and Discount Code (https://barexamtoolbox.com/tools-for-bar-exam-success-baressays-com/) Writing of the Week Course (https://barexamtoolbox.com/writing-of-the-week-wow-bar-essay-workshop/) Critical Pass (https://criticalpass.com/) Sketchy Law (https://www.sketchylaw.com/) AdaptiBar (https://www.adaptibar.com/) BET Review of AdaptiBar and Discount Code (https://barexamtoolbox.com/tools-for-bar-exam-success-adaptibar/) Emanuel’s Strategies & Tactics for the MBE 2, Second Edition (https://www.amazon.com/Strategies-Tactics-Second-Emanuel-Review/dp/1454809930) Bar Exam Toolbox Bar Exam Self-Study Program (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-self-study-program/) Bar Exam Toolbox (https://barexamtoolbox.com/) Bar Exam Toolbox Private Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript  (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Episode-121-Alternative-Bar-Prep-Options.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes  (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Today, we're talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter, Sadie Jones, about preparing for the 1L job hunt. We'll also talk about the impact your 1L job might, or might not, have on your future job prospects. There are many rules and restrictions on the 1L job application process and a lot of things to consider when deciding what you want to do with your 1L summer, so tune in for some great information and advice. In this episode, we discuss: When should you start applying for 1L summer jobs? Resources for finding job openings What employers are looking for What you should look for in a job How does your 1L summer job impact future job prospects? Resources: NALP General Standards for the Timing of Offers and Decisions (http://www.nalp.org/fulltextofnalpprinciplesandstandards#Part_V._General_Standards) NALP Principles & Standards Interpretations: 1L Student Employer Contact Prior to December 1 (http://www.nalp.org/interpretations#1Ls) NALP Directory (http://www.nalpdirectory.com/) Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair (http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/law-school/conference-and-careerfair) PSJD Public Interest Career Fair and Events Calendar (http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/law-school/conference-and-careerfair) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript  (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Episode-120-Preparing-for-the-1L-Job-Hunt.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes  (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox Podcast! Today we're discussing tips for applying to law school with two application experts: Doretta McGinnis, who is also a tutor for us at the Law School Toolbox and the Bar Exam Toolbox, and Ned Luce. Doretta and Ned are independent educational consultants with a focus on undergrad and law school admissions. Together, they founded Admission Logic. In this episode, we discuss: Should you apply to law school? And where? Admissions trends in the aftermath of the financial crash in 2008 ABA law school disclosures and how to best use them in your application process Latest information on law school admissions criteria How to approach the writing components in law school admissions vs. undergrad The function of the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) and Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Tips for applying to an LLM program Resources: Admission Logic (https://www.admission-logic.com/) Podcast Episode 74: Should You Go to Law School? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/074-go-law-school/) How to Conduct Great Informational Interviews (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/how-to-conduct-great-informational-interviews/) Washington Post, “From Her Dad’s Killing During the Crack Epidemic to a Supreme Court Clerkship.” (https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/from-her-dads-killing-during-the-crack-epidemic-to-a-supreme-court-clerkship/2017/09/27/e631eb7c-8de0-11e7-8df5-c2e5cf46c1e2_story.html?utm_term=.63bdb6fbd3e3) Resources for Deciding Where to Apply for Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/resources-for-deciding-where-to-apply-for-law-school/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript  (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Episode-119-law-school-applications2.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes  (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast! Today, we're talking with Pamela Hart, Director of the Animal Law Program at the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Animal law is a growing practice area, and we’re excited to find out more about the work that is being done for animal rights and animal owners. Pamela also has some great general insights for people interested in pursuing public interest careers. In this episode, we discuss: How Pamela got involved with animal law What is animal law? What does it cover? How students can get involved with animal law in law school How do you prepare for a career in animal law? Pamela’s advice for students pursuing public interest careers generally Resources: Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims (http://www.saavprogram.org/) What’s Your Alternative? Uncovering Alternative Career Paths for the Law Firm Skeptic - How Do I Become a Public Interest Attorney? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/whats-alternative-uncovering-alternative-career-paths-law-firm-skeptic-become-public-interest-attorney/) Podcast Episode 101: Preparing for a Career in Public Interest Law (with Ashley Matthews of Equal Justice Works) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-101-preparing-career-public-interest-law-ashley-matthews-equal-justice-works/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Episode-118-Animal-Law.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes  (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (https://barexamtoolbox.com/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast! Today, we’re talking about a subject no one likes to think about: midterms. Law school midterms are becoming more and more common, especially for 1Ls. If you’re a 1L, this will be the first time you stare down the barrel of a law school exam – and get a grade, which can be intimidating! Tune in while Lee and Alison discuss what you need to know about law school midterms. In this episode, we discuss: The value of midterm exams for students How seriously should you take midterms? Types of midterm exams you might see How to prepare, and resources you can turn to for help The significance of a midterm grade, whether you did really well, or not so well Resources: Podcast Episode 22: Take an Exam with Us (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-22-take-exam-us/) What Your Law School Midterms Can Tell You (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-midterms-can-tell/) Help! Midterms are Coming! (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/help-midterms-are-coming/) The 3 Stages of a 1L Midterm (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-3-stages-of-a-1l-midterm/) How to Prepare for Midterm Season in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-prepare-for-midterm-season-in-law-school/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript  (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Episode-117-Surviving-Midterms.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes  (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox Podcast! Today, we’re talking with Jeremy W. Richter, an attorney with Webster, Henry, Bradwell, Cohan, Speagle & DeShazo, in Birmingham, Alabama. Jeremy practices civil defense litigation and focuses on commercial auto/trucking litigation, premises liability, general business liability, and various other aspects of insurance defense litigation. He also writes an interesting blog, spanning a variety of topics, which you’ll find at jeremywrichter.com. In this episode, we discuss: Jeremy’s background, why he decided to go to law school and how his career developed Life as a small law firm associate The impact that the people you work with have on your experience Tracking your time: basics of time keeping and the billable hour debate Blogging as a lawyer What young lawyers and law students should know about the business of law Networking as an introvert How to develop skills as a trial lawyer as a young associate What law firms are looking for when hiring associates Resources: Jeremy's Website (http://www.jeremywrichter.com/) Jeremy on Twitter @richterjw (https://twitter.com/richterjw) Three Steps to Becoming a Better Associate Attorney (http://www.jeremywrichter.com/2017/01/09/becoming-better-associate/) “Efficient Lawyers Starve to Death” (http://www.jeremywrichter.com/2017/07/27/efficient-lawyers-starve-to-death/) (Why) Should a Lawyer Have a Blog? An Interview with Keith Lee or, What's on an Associate's Mind? (http://www.jeremywrichter.com/2017/02/09/associates-mind-keith-lee/) Networking for a Job as an Introvert (Law School Edition) (http://www.jeremywrichter.com/2017/07/13/networking-job-introvert-law-school/) Knowing When to Stop Arguing Your Point (http://www.jeremywrichter.com/2017/08/23/stop-arguing-point/) How to Voir Dire a Jury: Goals, Tactics, & Effectiveness (Part 1) (http://www.jeremywrichter.com/2017/04/24/voir-dire-jury/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Episode-116-young-law-associate.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes  (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee