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

Latest Episodes:

164: No Offer after OCI? Here's What To Do (w/Sadie Jones) Sep 17, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter, Sadie Jones, about what to do if OCI didn't go as planned, and you didn't end up with a summer associate offer for your 2L summer. All is not lost!

In this episode, we discuss:

Whether you can get a BigLaw summer associate position if you don't get one through OCI
Can you ask for feedback from the firm – officially or even unofficially – as to why you didn't get an offer?
Taking a long hard look at the potential deficiencies in your application – is it your grades? Your interview skills? Fix them and try again!
Is this a blessing in disguise? How to use this as a growth opportunity or as a second chance to really evaluate if BigLaw is where you want to be
Talking to career services – they often get a bad rap but they're the first one firms go to if they need to hire more summer associates
Hustle – if you really want this, you're going to have to work for it – network, make coffee dates, get creative
At the end of the day – find some kind of legal job even if it's unpaid

RESOURCES:

Podcast Episode 132: What's BigLaw Really Like? (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-132-whats-biglaw-really-like-w-sadie-jones/)
Podcast Episode 147: Top Summer Associate Mistakes and How to Fix Them (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-147-top-summer-associate-mistakes-and-how-to-fix-them-w-sadie-jones/)
CareerDicta Career Coaching (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
Podcast Episode 126: How to Get People to Help with Your Job Search (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-126-get-people-help-job-search/)
Trello (https://trello.com/home)
Hey, Law Students: Here's How You Network (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/hey-law-students-heres-how-you-network/)
Say "Yes!" (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/say-yes/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/LST-Ep-164-Post-OCI-No-Offer-w-Sadie.pdf)

If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode!

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

163: Common Legal Essay Analysis Problems and How to Solve Them Sep 10, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about some common problems that we see in the analysis section of legal essays, whether from 1Ls or all the way to the bar exam. Conveniently, we have some suggestions for solving these problems!

In this episode, we discuss:

Common mistake number 1: Not systematically laying out the elements
Attack plans – what are they and how can they help you improve your essay analysis
Don't forget about terms of art – don't write two paragraphs when two words will do
Another common and big mistake – missing issues – remember the FACTS are there for a reason
The best way to learn to identify issues from facts – PRACTICE
Two big DON'Ts – don't ignore counterarguments and don't forget the conclusion BECAUSE you might lose big points
How to better organize your essay to make it easier for the grader to read

RESOURCES:

Wondering What an Attack Plan is? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wondering-what-an-attack-plan-is/)
Podcast Episode 139: How to Issue Spot an Exam Question (w/Live Example) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-139-how-to-issue-spot-an-exam-question-w-live-example/)
Tips for Using Facts on Final Exams (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-for-using-facts-final-exams/)
The Value of Issue Spotting and Strategies to Improve Your Skills (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/value-issue-spotting-strategies-improve-skills/)
It's Almost Finals! Are You Getting the Most out of Your Study Time? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/its-almost-finals-are-you-getting-the-most-out-of-your-study-time/)
Where Can You Find Sample Law School Essay Exams? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/where-can-you-find-sample-law-school-essay-exams/)
How to Write a Law School Exam: Deal with the Ambiguity (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-write-a-law-school-exam-deal-with-the-ambiguity/)
The Single Most Important Word in a Law School Exam Answer (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-single-most-important-word-in-a-law-school-exam-answer/)
How to Organize Your Exam Answers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-organize-your-exam-answers/)
From Bare Bones to Meaty Analysis: How to Skeleton Outline Your Essay (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/from-bare-bones-to-meaty-analysis-how-to-skeleton-outline-your-essay/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/LST-Ep-163-Legal-Analysis-Issues-and-How-to-Solve-Them.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

162: Professional Development Strategies for Young Lawyers (w/Sadie Jones) Sep 03, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about professional development for new lawyers with former BigLaw recruiter, Sadie Jones. Tune in and find out how to take control of your career development, from the earliest days of your career.

In this episode, we discuss:

CLE requirements and the different ways you can fulfill them
The importance of tracking, documenting, and staying ahead of your CLE requirements
What is professional development, why is it important, and how do you know where to start?
Outside the box ways to build your legal skills
Common professional development mistakes new lawyers make

RESOURCES:

CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
The State Bar of California – CLE Requirements (http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Attorneys/MCLE-CLE/Requirements)
Practicing Law Institute (https://www.pli.edu)
What I Wish Someone Had Told Me as a Young Lawyer (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wish-someone-told-young-lawyer/)
The Girl's Guide to Law School: How to Conduct Great Informational Interviews (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/how-to-conduct-great-informational-interviews/)
Make Your Performance Review Useful with These Three Things! (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-three-things-you-should-do-to-make-your-performance-review-useful/)
CareerDicta: Networking Strategies for a New World (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/networking-strategies/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LST-Ep-162-Professional-Development-for-New-Lawyers.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

161: Should You Use a Laptop in Law School Classes? Aug 27, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about using laptops and other technology in law school – when to use them and when to leave them at home – because this is not as straightforward as it might seem.

In this episode, we discuss:

Some of the "Pros" associated with note-taking on a laptop and why these don't actually lead to increased retention or learning
Why using laptops can be so distracting – and how that affects more than just the student taking notes on her laptop
Whether or not it's fair for professors to ban laptops in the classroom
Are there any students for whom laptop use may do more good than harm?
How to back up your hand-written notes
Some recommendations for handwriting your class notes

RESOURCES:

Is Handwriting Notes a Good Thing or a Bad Thing? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/is-handwriting-notes-a-good-thing-or-a-bad-thing/)
The Pen is Mightier Than the Keyboard: The Advantages of Longhand over Laptop Notetaking by Pam A. Mueller and Daniel M. Oppenheimer (http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797614524581)
Scientific American: A Learning Secret: Don't Take Notes with a Laptop (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-learning-secret-don-t-take-notes-with-a-laptop/)
The New York Times: Laptops are Great. But Not During a Lecture or Meeting. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/22/business/laptops-not-during-lecture-or-meeting.html?_r=0)
Deep Work by Cal Newport (http://calnewport.com/books/deep-work/)
Tips for Using the Cornell Note-taking Method (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-for-using-the-cornell-note-taking-method/)
All the Supplies You Need to Start Law School Right (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/supplies-need-start-law-school-right/)
Laptop Multitasking Hinders Classroom Learning for Both Users and Nearby Peers by Faria Sana, Tina Weston, and Nicholas J. Cepeda (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360131512002254?via%3Dihub)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LST-Ep-161-Should-You-Use-Laptop-in-Law-School.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

160: Top 10 Podcast Episodes for Surviving Law School Aug 20, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're doing a recap of our top 10 law school survival episodes. Not necessarily the most popular ones on these topics, but the ones we think are the most useful!

In this episode, we discuss:

The best episodes for time and life management skills and strategies for productivity
Tips for avoiding disasters in law school – both in the classroom and in your personal life
The importance of mindset and how you can use it to succeed in law school
How to build positive relationships with classmates, professors, and other mentors
How to handle challenges in law school – from seeking accommodations when warranted to addressing mental health issues, including anxiety and substance abuse

RESOURCES:

Podcast Episode 7: Time and Life Management Basics (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-7-time-life-management-basics/)
Podcast Episode 134: Strategies for Maximum Personal Productivity (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-134-strategies-for-maximum-personal-productivity/)
Podcast Episode 14: Avoiding Disasters in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-14-avoiding-disasters-law-school/)
Podcast Episode 1: Mindset – The Key to Success in Law School? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-1-mindset-key-success-law-school/)
Podcast Episode 110: Revisiting Mindset (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-110-revisiting-mindset/)
Podcast Episode 130: How to Make Difficult Decisions in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-130-how-to-make-difficult-decisions-in-law-school/)
Podcast Episode 107: How to Build Positive Relationships in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-107-how-to-build-positive-relationships-in-law-school/)
Podcast Episode 59: Conquering Loneliness in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-49-conquering-loneliness-in-law-school/)
Podcast Episode 72: Seeking Accommodations in Law School and on the Bar Exam (w/Dr. Jared Maloff) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-72-seeking-accommodations-law-school-bar-exam/)
Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 2: Accommodations for the Bar Exam (w/Dr. Jared Maloff) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-2-accommodations-for-the-bar-exam-w-dr-jared-maloff/)
Podcast Episode 123: Mental Health in Law School and the Legal Profession (w/Sarah Weinstein) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-123-mental-health-law-school-legal-profession-sarah-weinstein/)
Podcast Episode 88: Self-care Tips for Keeping Your Mojo in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-88-self-care-tips-for-keeping-your-mojo-in-law-school/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LST-Ep-160-Top-10-Surviving-Law-School-Podcast-Eps.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

159: The Secret Life of Law Firms (w/Sadie Jones) Aug 13, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones about the secret life of large law firms. If you think you want to work in a large law firm someday, don't miss this episode as we dive into the unique culture of BigLaw.

In this episode, we discuss:

The unique work culture of large law firms and the myriad personalities the of people who work there (aka, why BigLaw is so weird)
Things not to do, if you don't want to look like a jerk
How to really get on the partnership track – if that's what you want – and the reality of the pyramid structure at large law firms
The truth about partnership at large firms – it's not the golden ticket it once was
Dress codes – are all firms the same and does it really matter what you wear?
Tips for fleshing out the unspoken expectations and rules that often exist in BigLaw around billable hours, travel time and expenses, and office face time
What unlimited vacation REALLY means

RESOURCES:

Using Reply-All to Show Your BigLaw Firm You're a Jerk (https://abovethelaw.com/2018/05/read-the-nasty-mass-email-sent-at-a-biglaw-firm-over-a-departing-associate/)
CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
Podcast Episode 142: Owning Your Career (w/Whittney Beard) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-142-owning-your-career-w-whittney-beard/)
Podcast Episode 135: Leaving the Law (wCasey Berman) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-135-leaving-law-casey-berman/)
Fashionably Lawyered: How to Dress the Part as a New Attorney (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/fashionably-lawyered-how-to-dress-the-part-as-a-new-attorney/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LST-Ep-159-Secret-Life-of-Law-Firms-w-Sadie.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

158: What to Wear (and What Not to Wear) as a Law Student Aug 06, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about law school fashion. What to wear (and maybe what not to wear) to law school classes, job interviews, and other law school events.

In this episode, we discuss:

Do you need to even worry about what to wear to class?
Balancing your professional self and your authentic self
Why it's fine not to get creative with your fashion choices
Some solid rules of thumb – like ALWAYS wear a suit to an interview
Dressing the part for the role you want and building confidence in the process
Easy ways to build a professional wardrobe and the benefits of keeping it simple

RESOURCES:

A Law Student's 3-Tiered Guide to Dressing the Part (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/a-law-students-3-tiered-guide-to-dressing-the-part/)
Business Insider: Successful People Like Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg Wear the Same Thing Everyday and It's Not a Coincidence (http://www.businessinsider.com/successful-people-like-barack-obama-wear-the-same-thing-every-day-2018-2)
Medium: I Wore the Same Dress Everyday for a Year (https://medium.com/@katerosebee/i-wore-the-same-dress-every-day-for-a-year-9fabf6bdd715)
The Washington Post: Life is Easier with a Capsule Wardrobe (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/life-is-easier-with-a-capsule-wardrobe/2018/05/07/708d5b14-4d74-11e8-b725-92c89fe3ca4c_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.faf993e8009d)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LST-Ep-158-What-to-wear-and-not-to-wear.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

157: Handling OCI Offers (w/ Sadie Jones) Jul 30, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about OCI offers and how to handle them with ex-BigLaw recruiter, Sadie Jones. If you're hoping to be a summer associate, tune in!

In this episode, we discuss:

A full breakdown of the offer process and what you can expect
Your responsibilities in the offer process – for example, how many offers you're supposed to have open at any time – and where to find that information
What to consider when deciding which offer to accept
Some reminders if you're accepting an offer in another location. Guess what? You need to figure out where you're going to live - the firm won't do that for you!
How and when to decline an offer

RESOURCES:

CareerDicta (http://careerdicta.com)
NALP – National Association for Law Placement, Inc. (https://www.nalp.org)
NALP Principles and Standards (https://www.nalp.org/fulltextofnalpprinciplesandstandards)
Vault (http://www.vault.com)
American Lawyer (https://www.law.com/americanlawyer/?slreturn=20180626003951)
Chambers (http://www.chambers-associate.com/home)
Podcast Episode 140: OCI Strategy (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-140-oci-strategy-w-sadie-jones/)
Podcast Episode 152: Top OCI Mistakes to Avoid (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-152-top-oci-mistakes-to-avoid-w-sadie-jones/)
Podcast Episode 155: Top Callback Mistakes to Avoid (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-155-top-callback-mistakes-to-avoid-w-sadie-jones/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/LST-157-Handling-OCI-Offers-w-Sadie.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

156: Our Top 10 Academic Podcast Episodes Jul 23, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're doing a recap of our top 10 academic episodes, plus a few bonus ones. These aren't necessarily the most popular episodes, but the ones we think are the most useful!

In this episode, we discuss:

Top podcasts for understanding the law school process
How law school differs from other disciplines you may have studied before
How to get through law school classes – including how to read cases, how to survive the dreaded Socratic Method, and the nitty gritty on supplements
Our top podcasts for helping you prepare to take exams
Bonus episodes on test anxiety, dealing with bad grades, and where to go for help in law school – it's there, sometimes you just have to ASK!

RESOURCES:

Law School Toolbox Podcast Archives (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast/)
Podcast Episode 13: What do Lawyers Argue about? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-13-lawyers-argue/)
Podcast Episode 102: How to Read Cases and Prepare for Class in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/16176-2/)
Podcast Episode 62: Surviving the Socratic Method in Law School Classes (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-62-surviving-the-socratic-method-in-law-school-classes/)
Podcast Episode 106: How to Go to Office Hours and Make it Worth Your Time (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-106-go-office-hours-make-worth-time/)
Podcast Episode 18: Using Supplements Effectively in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-18-using-supplements-effectively-law-school/)
Podcast Episode 65: How to Make a Useful Law School Outline (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-65-make-a-useful-law-school-outline/)
Podcast Episode 139: How to Issue Spot an Exam Question (w/Live Example) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-139-how-to-issue-spot-an-exam-question-w-live-example/)
Podcast Episode 22: Take an Exam with Us (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-22-take-exam-us/)
Podcast Episode 136: How to Attack Multiple Choice Questions on Law School Exams (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-136-how-to-attack-multiple-choice-questions-on-law-school-exams/)
Podcast Episode 11: Legal Writing 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-11-legal-writing-101/)
Podcast Episode 39: Battling Test Anxiety in Law School and on the Bar Exam (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-39-battling-test-anxiety-in-law-school-and-on-the-bar-exam/)
Podcast Episode 17: Where to Get Help in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-17-get-help-law-school/)
Podcast Episode 28: Dealing with Bad Law School Grades (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-28-dealing-bad-law-school-grades/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/LST-EP-156-Top-10-Academic-Podcasts.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

155: Top Callback Mistakes to Avoid (w/Sadie Jones) Jul 16, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're continuing our series of "What not to do" episodes with ex-BigLaw recruiter, Sadie Jones, and we're talking about Callback Interviews.

In this episode, we discuss:

Tips for handling the "lunch" interview including what NOT to do
Key things to prepare for in callback interviews that are different from the initial interview
What firms are really looking for in callback interviews
Important resume tips that apply to any job search
Special considerations when the firm is paying for you to travel to the interview

RESOURCES:

Ahead of the Curve: What are Big Law Recruiters Really Looking for? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/ahead-of-the-curve-what-are-big-law-recruiters-really-looking-for/#more-16081)
Podcast Episode 4: Callback Tips for BigLaw Summer Associate Positions (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-4-callback-tips-biglaw-summer-associate-positions/)
NALP Principles and Standards for Law Placement and Recruitment Activities (https://www.nalp.org/fulltextofnalpprinciplesandstandards)
NALP Printable Travel Expense Form (https://www.nalp.org/uploads/TravelExpenseReimbursementForm2018.pdf)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/LST-EP-155-Top-Callback-Mistakes-to-Avoid-w-Sadie.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee