Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with workplace mental health and well-being strategist Carolyn Thayer-Azoff about setting yourself up for sustainable workplace success. In this episode we discuss: Common workplace mental health themes Finding a supportive workplace and preparing for job-related challenges Balancing work with starting a family Addressing mental health stigma Dealing with a job that turns out to be a nightmare Resources Carolyn on...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, in our "Quick Tips" series, we provide a guide for law students to optimize their LinkedIn profile, which is an important part of professional networking. In this episode we discuss: Why using LinkedIn is important for law students Setting up your profile, with tips for best use of each section Building and engaging with your network Key best practices for LinkedIn Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have with us Dean Jackie Gardina of The Colleges of Law in Santa Barbara and Ventura here to talk about the history, current state, and future changes of the bar exam.  In this episode we discuss: Dean Gardina's law school and career path An overview of the history of the bar exam The effectiveness of the bar exam in assessing lawyer competence The future of the bar exam and possible alternative pathways to licensure...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ADHD and executive function coach Emily Haan with us to talk about some techniques students can use to be successful in law school.  In this episode we discuss: Emily's background and work as an ADHD and executive function coach ADHD and time management challenges in law school Managing overwhelm and procrastination Tackling big projects with backwards planning Dealing with boredom while studying Improving exam performance  ...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we break down strategies to help you anticipate what topics and question types are most likely to appear on your exams. Learn how to study smarter, not harder, and walk into your finals with confidence!  In this episode we discuss: Analyzing old exams What details to pay attention to in class Researching your professors Creating a study heat map The unpredictability factor Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ADHD coach Rawi Nanakul with us to talk about thriving in law school with ADHD. We cover identifying warning signs, strategies for managing executive function challenges, and the importance of self-care and professional support.  In this episode we discuss: Rawi's personal journey and ADHD diagnosis Identifying ADHD signs The difference between the help provided by a doctor, a therapist, and an ADHD coach A few specific...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones back with us to discuss how to be authentic in a job interview. In this episode we discuss: The pressure to be the perfect candidate Overcoming insecurities before going into interviews What you might be asked and how to answer in the following situations: You're at a lower-ranked school but have done really well You're at a top school but have a few low grades You're not the "typical" hire for...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're excited to have Anne Ditmeyer – the author of Override! What If There Was Another Way? – joining us to talk about creativity, goal setting, personal growth, and following your own path in life. In this episode we discuss: Anne's journey to becoming an author and creative coach How the book Override! What If There Was Another Way? was inspired A surprising creative exercise for reflection and personal growth  Building useful...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're speaking with Jim Brosnahan – a longtime Morrison Foerster trial lawyer and author of Justice at Trial – about life as a trial lawyer and the skills you'll need to succeed in this profession. In this episode we discuss: Introduction to our guest, Jim Brosnahan, and his latest book, Justice at Trial Challenges and rewards of life as a trial lawyer With trials being so limited these days, is this a viable career path for newer...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! We have two special guests today, talking about how neurodivergent students can reach their full potential in law school. We're speaking with Heather Varanini, Director of Academic Achievement and Adjunct Professor at Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, and Rebecca Petrilli, Director of Marketing Content Strategy at Themis Bar Review.  Note: This episode is sponsored by Themis Bar Review – the gold standard in bar exam...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we have fashion experts Alison Bruhn and Delia Folk – creators of The Style That Binds Us – here with us to talk about professional style for law students and lawyers.  In this episode we discuss: Professional style tips for new lawyers What looks to avoid if you're younger-looking or a more mature student Knowing your body type and the colors that work for you Building a versatile wardrobe on a budget Can't find anything to wear in...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're joined by Pam Sherman, who is a leadership consultant, actor, author, and recovering lawyer, to talk about playing the role of YOU in your career and in life. In this episode we discuss: An introduction to our guest, Pam Sherman The surprising parallels between lawyers and actors To what degree is every professional playing a role? Bridging the "believability gap" between ourselves and our audience How lawyers could benefit from...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're excited to have lawyer, anthropologist, and author Petra Molnar with us to talk about her new book, The Walls Have Eyes: Surviving Migration in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. In this episode we discuss: Petra's background, work, and the idea behind her book, The Walls Have Eyes An overview of how the asylum process works What is "crimmigration"? The technology incorporated at immigration detention camps and around...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're talking about concurrent ownership of property. For a discussion on the related topic of present and future estates, you can check out episodes 250 and 251 of the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast. In this episode we discuss: Concurrent estates versus present and future estates The three major forms of concurrent ownership: Tenancy in Common Joint Tenancy Tenancy by the Entirety Sample...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, together with Luiz Arroyo - one of our law school and bar exam tutors - we highlight the critical role of legal writing in a lawyer's career and provide tips for improving your legal writing skills. In this episode we discuss: Luiz's background and experience in legal writing What constitutes "good legal writing"? How to approach the two different types of legal writing Practical tips for pre-writing (planning and...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we cover the formation and characteristics of three types of partnerships – general partnership, limited partnership, and limited liability partnership. To illustrate these concepts, we also analyze two questions from previous California bar exams. In this episode we discuss: Formation and characteristics of: General partnerships Limited partnerships Limited liability partnerships ...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing the importance and challenges of first-year Legal Research and Writing projects in law school. We share tips on how to break down LRW projects into manageable subparts, revise drafts, and proofread to ensure successful completion of the assignment. In this episode we discuss: Time-management schedule for your LRW assignment Starting with understanding the instructions Tips for researching, writing, and editing your...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're excited to have lawyer, strategist, and entrepreneur Candice Cook Simmons with us to talk about the evolving legal industry and how to position yourself for success in an increasingly dynamic environment. In this episode we discuss: Candice's background and work in the legal field Changes happening in the legal industry at the moment The impact of AI on law firm work and hiring Being competitive in a dynamic job environment ...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're joined by Markus Funk – partner at Perkins Coie, professor, and author - to talk about being an adjunct law professor.    In this episode we discuss: Markus Funk's background and teaching experience The role of adjunct professors in law schools, as well as the opportunity cost and challenges associated with it  Institutional hierarchy in law schools Proposals for improving adjuncts' experience The benefits of taking classes with...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have attorney and podcaster Ingrid Busson-Hall joining us to talk about networking, building community, and navigating legal workplaces.   In this episode we discuss: Ingrid's background and career journey The power of connection and community Taking an approach to networking that will make it more bearable Dress codes in corporate environments Balancing personal and professional commitments Resources: Pierrepont Solutions...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, together with Sadie Jones, we're discussing some of the big questions that law students need to be thinking about to figure out what they want to do in their future career. In this episode we discuss: Key career-related questions for law students Different career options in the legal field Researching the day-to-day activities of your planned job Optimizing job-related activities and classes at your law school Resources: CareerDicta...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're excited to have social impact expert and serial connector Susan McPherson with us to talk about the lost art of connecting and how to build meaningful professional relationships. In this episode we discuss: Susan McPherson's background and experience in business connections Key concepts in Susan's book, The Lost Art of Connecting Creating meaningful professional relationships Common networking concerns for law students ...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're excited to have style expert and founder of Style Space Jenny Eversole with us to talk about what to wear as a law student and lawyer. In this episode we discuss: Jenny Eversole's background and work at Style Space The distinction between fashion and style Finding your personal style and dressing for your body type How to dress in conservative legal workplaces Building a capsule wardrobe Resources for professional clothing ...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we share 10 things to consider in preparation for your final year of law school and taking the bar exam.  In this episode we discuss: Preparing for the bar exam and the MPRE Evaluating your academic performance and graduation requirements Networking and professional development Updating your job application materials and exploring career options Creating a law school bucket list And more! Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success...