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

Epizode

• 558: Law Every 1L Should Know -- Contract Formation 01.06.2026 22min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This episode is part of the series "Law Every 1L Should Know", and today we're tackling contracts. We cover the three essential elements of contract formation under common law -- offer, acceptance, and consideration -- and apply the rules to a practical fact pattern. Thanks to Juno for sponsoring this episode! If you're thinking about student loans for law school, head to JoinJuno.com to explore your options and see how Juno can help you find a better rate.    In this episode we discuss: Overview of contract law Contract formation checklist and rules A fact pattern illustrating contract formation Resources: JoinJuno.com (https://joinjuno.com/) Lucy v. Zehmer (https://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/contracts/contracts-keyed-to-murphy/the-bargain-relationship/lucy-v-zehmer-2/) Hamer v. Sidway (https://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/contracts/contracts-keyed-to-farnsworth/bases-for-enforcing-promises/hamer-v-sidway/) Podcast Episode 344: Listen and Learn – Contract Formation (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-344-listen-and-learn-contract-formation/) Podcast Episode 487: Listen and Learn – Consideration (Contract Law) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-487-listen-and-learn-consideration-contract-law/) Podcast Episode 245: Listen and Learn – Promissory Estoppel (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-245-listen-and-learn-promissory-estoppel/) Podcast Episode 267: Listen and Learn – UCC 2-207 ("The Battle of the Forms") (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-267-listen-and-learn-ucc-2-207-the-battle-of-the-forms/) Podcast Episode 341: Listen and Learn – Contract Defenses (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-341-listen-and-learn-contract-defenses/) Podcast Episode 354: Listen and Learn – Expectation and Consequential Damages (Contracts) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-354-listen-and-learn-expectation-and-consequential-damages-contracts/) Podcast Episode 497: Listen and Learn – Incidental, Reliance, and Restitution Damages (Contracts) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-497-listen-and-learn-incidental-reliance-and-restitution-damages-contracts/) Podcast Episode 521: Smarter Borrowing: How Juno Helps Lower Student Loans (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-521-smarter-borrowing-how-juno-helps-lower-student-loans/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-558-law-every-1l-should-know-contract-formation/) 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
• 557: This is How Your Brain Actually Learns (The Brain Science Behind Our RAMP Tool) 25.05.2026 29min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we explain the neuroscience behind our RAMP bar study tool -- which we introduced in a recent episode. We discuss the limitation of working memory, which makes it essential to move legal rules into long-term memory through spaced repetition and scaffolding.  In this episode we discuss: The research and science behind our RAMP bar study tool Scaffolding and why we use three learning tiers Studying through spaced repetition RAMP study mode features and confidence calibration How much information can our working memory hold? Resources: https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) 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 554: How We're Thinking About NextGen Prep Differently (Plus, Try Our New Tool for Free) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-554-how-were-thinking-about-nextgen-prep-differently-plus-try-our-new-tool-for-free/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-557-this-is-how-your-brain-actually-learns-the-brain-science-behind-our-ramp-tool/) 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
• 556: How Much Do Grades Matter for Different Career Paths? 18.05.2026 22min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about the legal jobs for which grades matter a lot, where they matter somewhat, and where they really don't matter much at all. We also share some tips for what you should do if your grades so far aren't what you had hoped for. Thanks to Juno for sponsoring this episode! If you're thinking about student loans for law school, head to JoinJuno.com to explore your options and see how Juno can help you find a better rate.    In this episode we discuss: Where grades matter a lot Where grades matter somewhat Where grades matter less than you think What if your grades are disappointing so far? Resources: Career Help with CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/career-help/) JoinJuno.com (https://joinjuno.com/) Podcast Episode 9: How To Raise Your Grades as a 2L or 3L (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-9-raise-grades-2l-3l/) Podcast Episode 28: Dealing With Bad Law School Grades (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-28-dealing-bad-law-school-grades/) Podcast Episode 44: How to Get a Judicial Clerkship (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-44-how-to-get-a-judicial-clerkship/) 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 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/) Podcast Episode 116: Life as a Small Firm Associate (With Jeremy Richter) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-116-life-as-a-small-law-firm-associate-with-jeremy-richter/) Podcast Episode 176: Talking About Judicial Clerkships with Kelsey Russell (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-176-talking-about-judicial-clerkships-with-kelsey-russell/) Podcast Episode 521: Smarter Borrowing: How Juno Helps Lower Student Loans (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-521-smarter-borrowing-how-juno-helps-lower-student-loans/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-556-how-much-do-grades-matter-for-different-career-paths/) 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
• 555: Listen and Learn -- The Breach Element of a Negligence Claim (Torts) 11.05.2026 20min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing the different methods a plaintiff may use to establish the second element of a negligence claim -- breach. We also talk about the "res ipsa loquitur" doctrine, and we will walk through several hypotheticals involving breach of the standard of care.  In this episode we discuss: An overview of negligence claims The reasonable person standard The "res ipsa loquitur" doctrine Hypothetical scenarios involving breach of the standard of care Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2021 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/July-2021-CBX-Essay-Qs-and-Selected-Answers.pdf) Podcast Episode 244: Listen and Learn – Negligence Per Se (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-244-listen-and-learn-negligence-per-se/) Podcast Episode 257: Listen and Learn – The Reasonable Person Standard (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-257-listen-and-learn-the-reasonable-person-standard/) Podcast Episode 318: Listen and Learn – Negligence: Duties of Professionals and Children (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-318-listen-and-learn-negligence-duties-of-professionals-and-children/) Podcast Episode 319: Listen and Learn – Negligence: Duties of Landlords, Owners, and Possessors of Land (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-319-listen-and-learn-negligence-duties-of-landlords-owners-and-possessors-of-land/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-555-listen-and-learn-the-breach-element-of-a-negligence-claim-torts/) 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
• 554: How We're Thinking About NextGen Prep Differently (Plus, Try Our New Tool for Free!) 04.05.2026 36min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing how we're thinking about preparing for the NextGen bar exam differently -- and we're excited to introduce a new tool we've built to help you learn and retain the rules you need to know. In this episode we discuss: An overview of the NextGen UBE The big misconception: No memorization is required for the NextGen Why traditional study methods fall short Introducing our new RAMP (Rule Acquisition and Mastery Platform) tool and how it works Our recommendation on who should start using RAMP now Resources: https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) NextGen UBE Content Scope (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/NCBE%20NextGen%20UBE%20Content%20Scope-Aug%202025.pdf) Pomodoro Technique (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique) 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/) Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 223: Quick Tips – Balancing Passive and Active Studying for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-223-quick-tips-balancing-passive-and-active-studying-for-the-bar-exam/) Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 327: Facts and Fears Around the Integrated Question Sets (IQSs) on the NextGen Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-327-facts-and-fears-around-the-integrated-question-sets-iqss-on-the-nextgen-bar-exam/) 5 Simple and Effective Memorization Techniques for Law Students (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-simple-and-effective-memorization-techniques-for-law-students/) Using Peg System Mnemonics to Remember Rule Elements (https://barexamtoolbox.com/using-peg-system-mnemonics-to-remember-rule-elements/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-554-how-were-thinking-about-nextgen-prep-differently-plus-try-our-new-tool-for-free/) 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
• 553: NextGen Bar Exam: What Law Schools (and Students) Need to Do Differently (w/Quentin Huff) 27.04.2026 34min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, Alison is speaking with Quentin Huff -- Director of Bar Support at Purdue Global Law School -- about the NextGen bar exam, which shifts focus from memorization to practical legal skills. Find out what's actually changing, and what it means for how students and professors might approach law school classes.  In this episode we discuss: An introduction to our guest, Quentin Huff Setting the stage: Specifics of the NextGen bar exam Moving away from memorization Curriculum mapping in law school Legal research and writing focus on the NextGen Using class time to build NextGen-ready skills Resources: Purdue Global Law School (https://www.purduegloballawschool.edu/) Quentin Huff: quentin.huff@purdueglobal.edu NextGen UBE Content Scope (https://www.ncbex.org/exams/nextgen/content-scope) Podcast Episode 520: Preparing for the NextGen Bar Exam with Themis (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-520-preparing-for-the-nextgen-bar-exam-with-themis/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-553-nextgen-bar-exam-what-law-schools-and-students-need-to-do-differently-w-quentin-huff/) 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
• 552: Too Much Reading, Not Enough Time? Tips for Overloaded Weeks in Law School 20.04.2026 19min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This episode covers law school survival strategies for when you're overwhelmed and behind on the material. Lee outlines a triage framework -- prioritizing class attendance, case reading, and black-letter law understanding.  Thanks to Juno for sponsoring this episode! If you're thinking about student loans for law school, head to JoinJuno.com to explore your options and see how Juno can help you find a better rate. In this episode we discuss: What actually moves the needle on your exam prep, and what could you afford to cut? AI use without cognitive offloading Case reading priority cascade Supplements and tips for catching up on your reading   Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) JoinJuno.com (https://joinjuno.com/) Podcast Episode 309: Tips for Reading a Case (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-309-tips-for-reading-a-case/) Podcast Episode 521: Smarter Borrowing: How Juno Helps Lower Student Loans (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-521-smarter-borrowing-how-juno-helps-lower-student-loans/)   Podcast Episode 548: A Week in the Life of a Successful 1L – What You Actually Do Hour by Hour (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-548-a-week-in-the-life-of-a-successful-1l-what-you-actually-do-hour-by-hour/) Triage Tips for Final Exams (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/triage-tips-final-exams/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-552-too-much-reading-not-enough-time-tips-for-overloaded-weeks-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
• 551: Listen and Learn -- Warranties and Disclaimers Under the UCC (Contracts) 13.04.2026 25min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing contract law – specifically, warranties and the disclaimer of warranties under the UCC. We explain both express and implied warranties and how they can be disclaimed. We also go through several examples to illustrate these rules in practice. In this episode we discuss: Express and implied warranties under the UCC Disclaimer of warranties A hypothetical scenario from a previous California bar exam Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2016 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/sites/default/files/portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/February2016CBX_QuestionsSelectedAnswers_R.pdf) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-551-listen-and-learn-warranties-and-disclaimers-under-the-ucc-contracts/) 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
• 550: Financial Planning for Law Students and Young Lawyers (w/Alexandra Sandberg) 06.04.2026 37min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, Lee and financial advisor Alexandra Sandberg discuss financial planning for law school graduates and early-career attorneys. The conversation includes essential topics, including student loan repayment, budgeting, tax planning, and how to evaluate job offers by looking at total compensation, not just salary.  In this episode we discuss: The role of financial advisors Student loan repayment strategies Financial blueprint for the first decade after law school Decoding job offer packages Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) 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 525: Being an Adult (w/Julie Lythcott-Haims) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-525-being-an-adult-w-julie-lythcott-haims/) The Reality of Law School Debt and Planning for It (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-reality-of-law-school-debt-and-planning-for-it/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-550-financial-planning-for-law-students-and-young-lawyers-w-alexandra-sandberg/) 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
• 549: Acing the Law Review Write-on Competition (w/Professor Dawn Young) 30.03.2026 42min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This episode features a conversation with Professor Dawn Young from Loyola University Chicago School of Law about legal writing, bluebooking, and law review write-on competitions. Professor Young explains how the write-on competition works and what 1L students need to focus on if they decide to participate.   Note: We would like to thank Themis Bar Review for sponsoring this episode. Only until this Friday (April 3rd, 2026), you can save up to $1,100 on your 2027 or 2028 bar review course with just $25 down. Simply visit ThemisBar.com and select "Pay Partially" when opting for a 2027 or 2028 bar review course. The $1,100 discount will automatically apply at checkout. In this episode we discuss: An introduction to our guest and her path from legal practice to academia Why legal writing matters and how it's different from writing in undergrad Tips for preparing for the write-on competition How important is being on a law journal to potential employers? Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Themis Bar Review (https://www.themisbar.com/) ThemisBarSocial.com/lawschooltoolbox (https://www.themisbarsocial.com/lawschooltoolbox) Loyola University: Dawn Young (https://www.luc.edu/law/faculty/facultyandadministrationprofiles/young-dawn.shtml) SSRN: Dawn Young (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=6836378) LinkedIn: Dawn Young (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnkyoung/) Instagram: Dawn Young (https://www.instagram.com/dawnyoung000/) Podcast Episode 42: Acing the Law Review Write-on Competition (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-42-acing-law-review-write-competition/) Podcast Episode 379: Quick Tips – Bluebooking Like a Pro (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-379-quick-tips-bluebooking-like-a-pro/) The Question I've Never Been Asked About the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/question-ive-never-asked-bar-exam/) Use Upperclass Law Students as Resources: A List of Questions You Can Ask (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/use-upperclass-law-students-as-resources-a-list-of-questions-you-can-ask/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-549-acing-the-law-review-write-on-competition-w-professor-dawn-young/) 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
• 548: A Week in the Life of a Successful 1L – What You Actually Do Hour by Hour 23.03.2026 21min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we discuss time management strategies for first-year law students, walking through a detailed weekday schedule. We cover how to manage class and reading time with active study techniques, regular breaks, and actual downtime. Thanks to Juno for sponsoring this episode! If you're thinking about student loans for law school, head to JoinJuno.com to explore your options and see how Juno can help you find a better rate. In this episode we discuss: The 1L weekly framework The "Thousand Minute Rule" A 1L student's weekday schedule breakdown What derails study time Tactical tools to help manage your time Focus blocks and Pomodoro method Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) JoinJuno.com (https://joinjuno.com/) Podcast Episode 112: Managing Distractions in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-112-managing-distractions-in-law-school/) Podcast Episode 521: Smarter Borrowing: How Juno Helps Lower Student Loans (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-521-smarter-borrowing-how-juno-helps-lower-student-loans/) 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/) Making a Study Schedule for 1Ls (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/making-a-study-schedule-for-1ls/) Get Your Day Started Right! 5 Tips to Help You Establish a Good Morning Routine (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-your-day-started-right-5-tips-to-help-you-establish-a-good-morning-routine/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-548-a-week-in-the-life-of-a-successful-1l-what-you-actually-do-hour-by-hour/) 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
• 547: Listen and Learn -- Duties to the Tribunal (Professional Responsibility) 16.03.2026 19min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing ABA's Model Rule of Professional Conduct 3.3, which governs truth telling to the tribunal (a court, arbitrator, administrative agency, or any other body acting in an adjudicative capacity). We break down all of the rule's nuances and parts, and analyze a few hypothetical scenarios. In this episode we discuss: An overview of ABA's Model Rules of Professional Conduct The elements of Rule 3.3 "Candor Toward the Tribunal" A few hypothetical scenarios that show how this topic appears on an exam Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct (https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/model_rules_of_professional_conduct_table_of_contents/) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2024 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/sites/default/files/portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/February2024CBXessayQsandAnswer.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2018 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/sites/default/files/portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/Feb2018_CBXSelectedAnswers_EssayQuestions.pdf) Talmage v. Smith (https://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/torts/torts-keyed-to-prosser/intentional-interference-with-person-or-property/talmage-v-smith/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-547-listen-and-learn-duties-to-the-tribunal-professional-responsibility/) 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
• 546: 5 Tips for Keeping Your Legal Writing Organized (Part 2) 09.03.2026 33min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In a two-part episode, we discuss how organization is what makes legal writing usable and trustworthy -- allowing judges, supervisors, and clients to follow your reasoning and accept your conclusions. Together with Legal Writing professor and Law School Toolbox tutor Mary Fran Richardson, we cover five essential tips for keeping your legal writing clean and well organized.     In this episode we discuss: Planning and outlining before you write Avoiding conclusory analysis Utilizing headers as signposts for your reader Organizing your paragraphs logically Writing simple, focused, and purposeful sentences How to write strong topic sentences Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Podcast Episode 489: A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 1 – The Issue Statement) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-489-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-1-the-issue-statement/) Podcast Episode 490: A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 2 – The Rule Statement) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-490-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-2-the-rule-statement/) Podcast Episode 491: A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 3 – The Analysis Section) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-491-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-3-the-analysis-section/) Podcast Episode 493: A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 4 – The Conclusion) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-493-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-4-the-conclusion/) Mastering Legal Writing (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/mastering-legal-writing/) Three Cs of Legal Writing…And One T (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/three-cs-of-legal-writingand-one-t/) Keys to Outlining in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/keys-to-outlining-in-law-school/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-546-5-tips-for-keeping-your-legal-writing-organized-part-2/) 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
• 545: 5 Tips for Keeping Your Legal Writing Organized (Part 1) 02.03.2026 26min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In a two-part episode, we discuss how organization is what makes legal writing usable and trustworthy -- allowing judges, supervisors, and clients to follow your reasoning and accept your conclusions. Together with Legal Writing professor and Law School Toolbox tutor Mary Fran Richardson, we cover five essential tips for keeping your legal writing clean and well organized.     In this episode we discuss: How thinking like a reader helps your writing The starting point: Audience and purpose The characteristics of the most effective legal writing AI and legal writing: Why you still need your own voice Macro and micro organization of legal writing Remember to follow the directions! Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Podcast Episode 489: A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 1 – The Issue Statement) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-489-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-1-the-issue-statement/) Podcast Episode 490: A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 2 – The Rule Statement) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-490-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-2-the-rule-statement/) Podcast Episode 491: A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 3 – The Analysis Section) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-491-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-3-the-analysis-section/) Podcast Episode 493: A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 4 – The Conclusion) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-493-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-4-the-conclusion/) Mastering Legal Writing (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/mastering-legal-writing/) Three Cs of Legal Writing…And One T (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/three-cs-of-legal-writingand-one-t/) Demoralizing Feedback? Look at What You Did Right (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/demoralizing-feedback-look-at-what-you-did-right/) Using IRAC on Law School Exams (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/using-irac-on-law-school-exams/) Legal Writing Tip: Imagine You're Talking to Your Grandma (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-writing-tip-imagine-youre-talking-to-your-grandma/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-545-5-tips-for-keeping-your-legal-writing-organized-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
• 544: Quick Tips -- Rapid-Fire Legal Ethics Scenarios 23.02.2026 7min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're going through three rapid-fire legal ethics scenarios and asking you, the listener, "What would you do?" We then provide you with the answers based on the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. In this episode we discuss: Scenario 1: Conflict of interest Scenario 2: Client plans to lie on the stand Scenario 3: Pro bono when you're overworked Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct (https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/model_rules_of_professional_conduct_table_of_contents/) Professional Responsibility 101 – A Quick Look at Upperclassmen Courses (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/professional-responsibility-101-a-quick-look-at-upperclassmen-courses/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-544-quick-tips-rapid-fire-legal-ethics-scenarios/) 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
• 543: The CROWN Act – Fighting Discrimination in the Workplace (w/Karis Stephen) 16.02.2026 43min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, Lee is talking with Karis Stephen -- a plaintiff-side employment attorney and Law School Toolbox tutor -- about her career journey, law school success, and the CROWN Act.  In this episode we discuss: An introduction to our guest and her professional journey Exploring different career and life interests Working in the employment discrimination field Why it's advisable to find a professional mentor What is the CROWN Act and how it fights discrimination Women and workplace discrimination Three important pieces of advice for law students Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) The CROWN Act (https://www.thecrownact.com/) In-N-Out former employee files $3-million lawsuit, saying he was fired over his hairstyle (https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-16/in-n-out-former-employee-files-3-million-lawsuit-saying-he-was-fired-over-his-hair-style) Podcast Episode 358: Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession (w/Alexis Yee-Garcia) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-358-diversity-and-inclusion-in-the-legal-profession-w-alexis-yee-garcia/) Podcast Episode 387: Breaking Diversity Barriers (w/Jason Parker from Canamac Productions) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-387-breaking-diversity-barriers-w-jason-parker-from-canamac-productions/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-543-the-crown-act-fighting-discrimination-in-the-workplace-w-karis-stephen/) 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
• 542: Listen and Learn -- Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (Torts) 09.02.2026 17min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This episode explains the concept of negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED) in tort law, outlining the four specific situations in which a plaintiff can recover for emotional harm caused by another's negligence. In this episode we discuss: A review of the elements of negligence The four situations in which NIED claims are valid Negligent versus intentional infliction of emotional distress Hypotheticals and examples illustrating NIED Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2010 (https://juraxbar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/July-2010-CBX.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2011 (https://juraxbar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/February-2011-CBX.pdf) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-542-listen-and-learn-negligent-infliction-of-emotional-distress-torts/) 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
• 541: Listen and Learn -- Injunctions and Restraining Orders (Civ Pro) 02.02.2026 21min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing  the concept of injunctive relief (Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 65). We introduce three types of injunctions – temporary restraining orders (TROs), preliminary injunctions, and permanent injunctions, and the elements necessary for obtaining each of them. In this episode we discuss: Overview of injunctive relief Temporary restraining orders (TROs) Preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions Sample questions from previous California bar exams Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2019 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/July-2019-Essay-Questions-and-Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2008 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202008%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-541-listen-and-learn-injunctions-and-restraining-orders-civ-pro/) 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
• 540: Listen and Learn -- Self-Defense and Defense of Others 26.01.2026 15min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode we explain the legal concepts of self-defense and defense of others, focusing on their importance in criminal law and in law school exams.   In this episode we discuss: Self-defense: rules and elements Imperfect self-defense Defense of others: rules and elements Two hypothetical scenarios from previous California bar exams Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2008 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/February%202008%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2006 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/February%202006%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-540-listen-and-learn-self-defense-and-defense-of-others/) 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
• 539: Listen and Learn -- Impeachment (Part 1) 19.01.2026 20min

  Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're diving into part one of a two-part series on the topic of impeachment. Specifically, we're focusing on character impeachment – that is, discrediting the credibility of a witness. In this episode we discuss: What is witness impeachment? Demonstration of bias Examining a witness's character for truthfulness Evidence of prior bad acts and convictions Analyzing two questions from previous bar exams Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2016 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/February2016CBX_QuestionsSelectedAnswers_R.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2020 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/February-2020-Essay-Selected-Answers.pdf) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-539-listen-and-learn-impeachment-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