Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing how to spend the summer before starting the demanding second year of law school.  In this episode we discuss: How to make the most of your summer job experience Developing your personal brand online Taking stock of your finances Making time for life tasks and having some fun Refining your interview skills and job application materials for next summer And more! Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, we're discussing our top 10 things to consider when getting ready for your first year of law school. In this episode we discuss: Organizing your schedule and study routine What to read the summer before law school? Thinking ahead to exam time Managing your finances effectively Planning time with friends and family during your first year of law school Preparing the technology you'll need for studying And more! Resources: ...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're excited to have the founder of Write Track Admissions, Hamada Zahawi, with us to talk about law school applications.  In this episode we discuss: Hamada's background and work in the law school applications space The importance of your LSAT score on your application How to figure out what story you want to tell the law schools, and how to make it credible The nitty-gritty of the different application pieces What skills are law...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're speaking with David Klieger, Manager of Testing and Psychometrics at Aspen Publishing, about equity in standardized testing. In this episode we discuss: David's background and work at Aspen Publishing, including on JD-Next Why is standardized testing an equity issue? How the JD-Next course prepares and assesses prospective law students and helps close the score gap in standardized tests which has traditionally been...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we have admissions consultant Anna Ivey back with us to talk about the law school admissions timeline. In this episode we discuss: Anna's background and work in the law school admissions space What is the ideal timeline for applying to law school? What are the advantages of starting the application process early, and why do people apply late in a lot of cases? Preparing for taking the LSAT Lining up recommendations, including if you've...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones with us to talk about law firms starting to open their direct hiring process early, often before students have finished their first year. In this episode we discuss: Why are law firms hiring outside the standard OCI process? How can you find out about these positions and apply? The timeframe for considering offers Weighing your options through direct interviewing and OCI  Pros and cons of the...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we have tech innovator and entrepreneur Kevin Surace with us to talk about how the legal profession is evolving in the age of AI.  In this episode we discuss: Kevin's background and work in the AI space Some of the most interesting legal questions and problems that AI technologies present Is AI going to take over some of the jobs traditionally done by lawyers? The biggest pros and cons of AI technologies moving forward Tips for people...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, together with Steve Schwartz from LSAT Unplugged, we're sharing our list of top 10 things to consider when you are applying to law school.  In this episode we discuss: Steve's background and work in the law school admissions space How early should you start preparing for taking the LSAT? The current structure of the LSAT and what changes are coming up The pros and cons of different prep options Researching law schools and...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones with us to talk about managing your schedule as a summer associate, intern, or extern. In this episode we discuss: What should be your goal as to the amount of work you take on at your summer job? How to figure out how long a task should/will take Structuring your work day to ensure you're working efficiently Under what circumstances should you just say "no," and how can that be done gracefully?...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing why doing the assigned reading for your law school classes is important, and we address some common questions we receive from students regarding reading cases for class. In this episode we discuss: Why it's important to spend the time to read cases, even when they seem difficult Fundamental skills developed through reading cases that will benefit you during the rest of law school How reading for class will positively...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're excited to welcome Haley Miller and Laura Derbonne, who are the co-presidents of the National Disabled Law Students Association, to talk about accommodations and advocating for yourself.  In this episode we discuss: Our guests' law school journey and how they got involved with the National Disabled Law Students Association The mission of NDLSA Different types of accommodations and how to go about getting them in law school How to...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, in an episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing property intentional torts and their specific defenses. In this episode we discuss: A brief review of intentional torts When is a defendant liable for trespass to land? The differences between trespass to chattels and conversion The necessity defense for property intentional torts The case Vincent v. Lake Erie Transportation Co. Two hypos from previous California bar...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing some bar exam basics to help ensure you pass on the first try. In this episode we discuss: Structure of the current bar exam and how it's going to change Important things to keep in mind for your bar prep What are some problem areas we see with people who don't pass the first time? How you can set yourself up for success on the exam Tools and resources to use for bar prep Resources: Bar Exam Toolbox podcast...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about how to get the most out of your summer job. In particular, we are going to cover tips for success in three key aspects of your summer work experience: professionalism, substantive work, and networking. In this episode we discuss: How to be the co-worker that people want on their team Tips for getting the most out of the substantive work you do at your summer job Networking at your work place Legal documents you might...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with Gabe Teninbaum -- law professor and creator of spacedrepetition.com -- about how the rapidly developing AI technology may impact the legal profession. In this episode we discuss: Gabe's background and how he got interested in technology for the legal industry How generative AI has been developing in recent years What are some ways that AI may create, or destroy, legal jobs? How can AI help people access legal...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones about making good decisions in law school to prepare for your legal career. In this episode we discuss: What's the most important thing you have to do in law school to set yourself up for legal career success? What options do you have if you don't get the exact job you wanted for the 1L/2L summer? Exploring academic activities in different areas of interest  How to frame prior job...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're excited to have Michele Cooley from Themis Bar Review joining us to talk about their Law School Essentials courses.  Note: This episode is brought to you by Themis Bar Review – the gold standard in bar exam preparation. Right now, Themis has a special offer for Law School Toolbox podcast listeners. If you sign up for their July 2024 bar review course, you can get a $500 discount using the promo code LAWSCHOOLTB500. (This offer is...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're joined by ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones to talk about some less common documents that employers might request from you when you apply for a legal job.  In this episode we discuss: Types of less common documents that might be requested during the application process Why do employers ask for this extra step for certain positions? How to craft your application documents to present yourself in the best way, and what common mistakes...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're sharing specific tips for students coping with ADHD, in relation to managing the law school workload, studying, and preparing for exams.  In this episode we discuss: Maintaining mental health in law school Applying for accommodations on exams Organization strategies to help you manage your workload How to track time effectively Streamlining your study resources Motivation and other issues to address if you're struggling to get...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today's episode is on the topic of executive functioning skills for law students and new lawyers, in relation to staying organized, managing time effectively, and also studying and working smart.  In this episode we discuss: What are executive functioning skills? Where do law students struggle when it comes to executive functioning? How to improve overall memory Managing distractions and staying focused when you need to Creating an effective...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, in our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure – more specifically Rule 15, which deals with the instances in which a party can amend their pleading. In this episode we discuss: A quick refresh on the statute of limitations The three major circumstances under which a party is likely to seek to amend their complaint Amending a party's pleading before the statute of limitations has run out How a...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones with us to discuss how to make sure you're showing an "appropriate" level of interest in a job position. In this episode we discuss: What are employers and interviewers generally looking for in terms of an applicant's interest? Should you spend time researching the interviewer (if you've been given a name), or focus more on the company/firm? Tips for showing an appropriate level of interest in...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're excited to be talking with Bryan Nese – a partner at Mayer Brown – about career tips for law students, from identifying your ideal employer and successfully making networking connections, to excelling at your job. In this episode we discuss: Bryan's background and his path to BigLaw The one-sentence version of what good legal writing is What two questions to ask yourself before you start the job search How can you identify and...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode we're talking about starting the new year with a focus on better time management. We discuss how working on small, attainable goals can produce some big changes in the long run.  In this episode we discuss: Is it really difficult to create a new habit? Taking a serious look at how you're spending your time The truth about multitasking Limiting common time-wasters Creating a schedule of practical things and fun things you...

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about bouncing back and resetting your law school trajectory after a disappointing semester. We discuss how to diagnose when and where things went off course last semester, and we suggest strategies for avoiding making the same mistakes again. We also talk briefly about how to take advantage of academic support resources at your law school and when to reach out for additional help.  In this episode we discuss: Steps for...