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

Latest Episodes:

154: Building a Better Law Practice (w/Jeremy Richter) Jul 09, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're excited to welcome back Jeremy Richter, attorney and author of the new book, Building A Better Law Practice, recently published by the ABA. He has some practical tips for young lawyers, to help you build a successful and satisfying law practice.

In this episode, we discuss:

Mistakes young lawyers make in their early careers
Some tips for building and maintaining client relationships
Ways to develop skills as a young lawyer and manage your caseload
How to market yourself when you really hate traditional networking events
The vital importance of self-care and figuring out what that means for you

RESOURCES:

Building a Better Law Practice (https://shop.americanbar.org/eBus/Store/ProductDetails.aspx?productId=310444728&term=jeremy+richter)
Podcast Episode 116: Life as a Small Law Firm Associate (w/Jeremy Richter) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-116-life-as-a-small-law-firm-associate-with-jeremy-richter/#more-16912)
Jeremy W. Richter Blog (http://www.jeremywrichter.com)
Listen Like a Lawyer Blog (https://listenlikealawyer.com)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Episode-154-Building-A-Better-Law-Practice-w-Jeremy-Richter.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 to make sure you never miss an episode!

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

153: Real-Life Lawyers: Working for Gun Violence Prevention (w/Allison Anderman) Jul 02, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about public policy work and gun violence prevention with Allison Anderman, the managing attorney at the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

In this episode, we discuss:

What Allison does as a gun violence prevention public policy expert
How her career path lead her to her current position
The difference between litigation and policy work and how law school doesn't really prepare you for policy work
Public speaking and how Allison got comfortable with doing media, press, and government testimonies in her current position
Tips for students interested in public interest advocacy or policy

RESOURCES:

Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence: Managing Attorney Allison Anderman (http://lawcenter.giffords.org/about/our-team/)
Giffords Law Center Fact Sheet: Extreme Risk Protection Orders (http://lawcenter.giffords.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/18.05-FACT-ERPO-Updated-5.7.18.pdf)
Giffords Law Center Fact Sheet: Child Access Prevention (http://lawcenter.giffords.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/CAP-Laws-Factsheet-Giffords-Law-Center.pdf)
Podcast Episode 138: Top Ten Public Speaking Tips (w/Jennifer Warren) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-138-top-ten-public-speaking-tips-w-jennifer-warren/)
Moms Demand Action California Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/MomsDemandActionCA/)
Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (http://www.bradycampaign.org/about-brady)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/LST-Ep-153-Working-for-Gun-Violence-Prevention-Group-w-Allison-Anderman.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

152: Top OCI Mistakes to Avoid (w/Sadie Jones) Jun 25, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with Sadie Jones, an ex-BigLaw recruiter, about the top OCI mistakes to avoid – from the actual on-campus interviews through the callback process. This episode is chock full of good advice so you don't want to miss it!

In this episode, we discuss:

Sadie tells us some of the biggest mistakes she remembers from her BigLaw recruiter days
How to dress and how NOT to dress for BigLaw interviews
Cardinal rule #1: NEVER be late!
Interview tips for students who go straight from college to law school and for non-traditional students
What you should know about the firm and your interviewers BEFORE you interview
Advice on note taking during interviews, business cards, thank-you notes, and more!

RESOURCES:

Podcast Episode 3: Mastering the On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) Process (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-3-mastering-campus-interviewing-oci-process/)
Fashionably Lawyered: How to Dress for a Law Interview or Internship on a Budget (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/fashionably-lawyered-how-to-dress-for-a-law-interview-or-internship-on-a-budget/)
How to Prepare for OCI Interviews (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/prepare-oci-interviews/)
Podcast Episode 4: Callback Tips for BigLaw Summer Associate Positions (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-4-callback-tips-biglaw-summer-associate-positions/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/LST-Ep-152-Top-OCI-Mistakes-to-Avoid-w-Sadie.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

151: Our Top 10 Podcast Episodes for Incoming 1Ls Jun 18, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're counting down our top ten episodes for incoming 1Ls. This list is good listening for anyone, but especially for those getting ready to start law school in the fall. If law school's coming up soon, here are some episodes we recommend you check out!

In this episode, we discuss:

Money issues to think about before starting law school from negotiating scholarship offers (yes, you can do this!) and the realities of law school debt to creating a budget and what you should or should not buy before you start law school
Ways to prepare for the transition to law school mentally and emotionally, as well as academically
How to set yourself up for success BEFORE starting law school and how to survive your first month
Why is law school so hard?
Special concerns of non-traditional and first-generation law students

RESOURCES:

Podcast Episode 38: Can You Really Afford Law School? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-38-can-you-really-afford-law-school/)
Podcast Episode 92: Top 1L Questions: The Money Edition (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-92-top-1l-questions-money-edition/)
Podcast Episode 104: Law School Essentials – What to Buy (and Not to Buy) Beforehand (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-104-law-school-essentials-what-to-buy-and-not-to-buy-beforehand/)
Podcast Episode 43: Getting Mentally Prepared to Start Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-43-getting-mentally-prepared-to-start-law-school/)
Podcast Episode 89: The Leap from Undergrad to Law School (w/Keri Clapp) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-89-the-leap-from-undergrad-to-law-school-with-keri-clapp/)
Law School Toolbox Tutors (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/meet-law-school-toolbox-tutors/)
Podcast Episode 40: Preparing for Your First Semester of Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-40-preparing-for-your-first-semester-of-law-school/)
Podcast Episode 56: Getting off to a Smart Start in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-56-get-smart-start-law-school/)
Podcast Episode 2: Why is Law School Hard? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-2-law-school-hard/)
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 113: Life as a First-Generation College and Law Student (w/Shirlene Armstrong) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-113-life-first-generation-college-law-student-shirlene-armstrong/)
Podcast Episode 60: 5 Tips for Surviving the First Month of Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-60-5-tips-surviving-first-month-law-school/)
Start Law School Right Course (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/LST-Ep-151-Top-10-Podcast-Episodes-for-Incoming-1Ls.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

150: A Conversation with Visla Rudiger, a Transgender Attorney Jun 11, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with Visla Rudiger, a transgender attorney, about her experiences in the legal profession -- at work, in court, and more.

In this episode, we discuss:

Some of the key challenges and obstacles when coming out as a transgender professional
Advice for coming out as a transgender person to your boss, your family, and your friends
How and where people can learn the basics of respectful terminology
The protections, or lack thereof, for transgender individuals, particularly in the current political climate
Things to consider before coming out as a law student
What to think about when deciding where to take the bar exam
How to be a useful ally

RESOURCES:

GLAAD Media Reference Guide (https://www.glaad.org/reference/transgender)
National Center for Transgender Equality Know Your Rights – Employment (General) (https://transequality.org/know-your-rights/employment-general)
ACLU Know Your Rights - Transgender People and the Law (https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/transgender-people-and-law)
GLAAD Tips for Allies of Transgender People (https://www.glaad.org/transgender/allies)
GLAAD (https://www.glaad.org/)
Trans LifeLine (https://www.translifeline.org/)
Transgender Law Center (https://transgenderlawcenter.org/)
Equality California (https://www.eqca.org/)
Equality Virginia (https://www.equalityvirginia.org/)
Planned Parenthood Trans and Gender Nonconforming Health Services (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation-gender/trans-and-gender-nonconforming-identities/what-do-i-need-know-about-trans-health-care)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/LST-Ep-150-Conversation-w-Visla-Rudiger-Trans-Attorney.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

149: Saving Money in Law School Jun 04, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about getting your finances in order for (and during) law school, because this can be a very challenging aspect of the law school experience.

And thanks to Warby Parker, maker of extremely reasonably priced and convenient prescription glasses, for sponsoring this episode!

In this episode, we discuss:

Why is money stuff so challenging in law school?
Some tips on how to make smart financial decisions while in law school – from smaller things like taking advantage of free or discounted services at your school to big things like being a part-time student
Ways to save money on the necessities of life
Why to create a budget and resources that make it easier to make a realistic budget and stick to it
Some real talk on the realities of student loan repayment (HINT: this is NOT free money)

RESOURCES:

Podcast Episode 38: Can You Really Afford Law School? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-38-can-you-really-afford-law-school/)
Ahead of the Curve: How to Save Money When Starting Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/ahead-of-the-curve-how-to-save-money-when-starting-law-school/)
Everything You Need to Know About Law School Scholarships (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/everything-need-know-law-school-scholarships/)
Ahead of the Curve: Take the Money or Take the Gamble? Should a Scholarship Determine Which Law School You Attend? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/ahead-of-the-curve-take-the-money-or-take-a-gamble-should-a-scholarship-determine-which-law-school-i-attend/)
Meal Plan Services for the Hangry, Busy, and Thrifty Law Student (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/meal-plan-services-for-the-hangry-busy-and-thrifty-law-student/)
Warby Parker (https://www.warbyparker.com/lawschooltoolbox)
You Need a Budget Landing Page (https://www.youneedabudget.com/landing/law-school-toolbox/)
Boston University School of Law: Budgeting 101 During Law School (https://www.bu.edu/law/current-students/financial-aid/financial-planning/budgeting/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/LST-Ep-149-Saving-Money-in-Law-School.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

148: Handling Toxic Behavior in Law School May 28, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about handling toxicity in law school – whether it's bad behavior from your classmates or overbearing expectations from other people, including your parents, professors, friends, or even yourself.

In this episode, we discuss:

Common sources of toxic behavior in law school – your parents, professors, classmates, and sometimes your friends
Consequences of too much toxicity – burn out, depression, and even substance abuse
How to handle the toxic behavior and its consequences and some possible resources to help you
Why one of the biggest sources of toxicity can be your own self-sabotaging behavior. We talk about how to identify it and give you some tips to deal with it.

RESOURCES:

Podcast Episode 1: Mindset - The Key to Success in Law School? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-1-mindset-key-success-law-school/)
For Parents: Helping Your Law Student Get off to the Right Start (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/for-parents-helping-your-law-student-get-off-to-the-right-start/)
Podcast Episode 123: Mental Health in Law School and the Legal Profession (with Sarah Weinstein) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-123-mental-health-law-school-legal-profession-sarah-weinstein/)
Let's Talk about Sleep (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/lets-talk-about-sleep/)
Five Myths about the Law School Study Group (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/five-myths-about-the-law-school-study-group/)
Podcast Episode 63: Dealing with Self-Sabotaging Behavior in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-63-dealing-self-sabotaging-behavior-law-school/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/LST-Ep-148-Toxicity-in-Law-School.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

147: Top Summer Associate Mistakes and How to Fix Them (w/Sadie Jones) May 21, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter, Sadie Jones, about the top mistakes summer associates make -- so you can avoid making them, or fix them if you happen to make them.

In this episode, we discuss:

Some of the common mistakes summer associates make -- so you can avoid making them!
How to recover if you do make one of these common summer associate mistakes
The best mindset to avoid making mistakes
How a law firm mentor can help you navigate these issues and avoid making mistakes
How to handle a negative mid-summer review or other feedback and how to turn it around -- it is possible!

Resources:

Professionalism in the Legal Workplace (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/professionalism-in-the-legal-workplace/)
Podcast Episode 25: How to Behave Like a Professional in the Legal Workplace (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-25-behave-like-professional-legal-workplace/)
What to Wear to Professional Legal Events (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/what-to-wear-to-professional-legal-events-2/)
Podcast Episode 143: Understanding Work Assignments (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-143-understanding-work-assignments-w-sadie-jones/)
CareerDicta Career Coaching (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/career-help/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/LST-Ep-147-Summer-Associate-Mistakes-w-Sadie.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

146: Tips for Visual Learners in Law School May 14, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're back for the last episode in our series on different learning styles to talk about study tips for visual learners in law school.

In this episode, we discuss:

What is a visual learner and how do you know if you are one?
Specific visual learning techniques and tools anyone can use to study more effectively
Why a study group may NOT be the best use of your time
Things to avoid for visual learners

RESOURCES:

Learning Style Quiz (https://www.thoughtco.com/learning-style-quiz-4076781)
5 Study Tips for Visual Learners (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-study-tips-for-visual-learners/)
Podcast Episode 144: Tips for Auditory Learners (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-144-tips-for-auditory-learners/)
Podcast Episode 145: Tips for Kinesthetic Learners (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-145-tips-for-kinesthetic-learners/)
Tips and Resources for Visual Learners (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-resources-for-visual-learners/)
How Visual Learning Tools Can Help You in Law School: An Interview with SketchyLaw (
https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-visual-learning-tools-can-help-you-in-law-school-an-interview-with-sketchylaw/)
Can Visual Learning Help You Prepare for Exams? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/can-visual-learning-help-prepare-exams/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/LST-Ep-146-Tips-for-Visual-Learners.pdf)

Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee

145: Tips for Kinesthetic Learners in Law School May 07, 2018

Show notes

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This week, we're continuing our series on strategies for different learning styles, with tips for kinesthetic learners. Even if this isn't your preferred learning style, there's lots of advice you can use to mix things up a bit and make your studying even more effective!

In this episode, we discuss:

What is a kinesthetic learner and how do you know if you are one?
Why there is no one-size-fits-all method for learning different material
Several techniques anyone can try – including some things that may surprise you!
Ways to stay focused in class, if you tend to zone out
The reality that some things you've been told your entire academic career NOT to do may actually work for you
Things to avoid for kinesthetic learners

RESOURCES:

Learning Style Quiz (https://www.thoughtco.com/learning-style-quiz-4076781)
Podcast Episode 16: Study Strategies for Different Study Styles in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-16-study-strategies-different-learning-styles-law-school/)
Flashcards or Flowcharts: What's Best? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/flashcards-or-flowcharts-whats-best/)
How to Move from Outline to Exam Answer (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-move-from-outline-to-exam-answer/)
5 Study Tips for Kinesthetic Learners (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-study-tips-for-kinesthetic-learners/)
Active vs. Passive Learning in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/active-vs-passive-learning-law-school/)
More Reasons to Handwrite Law School Class Notes (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/more-reasons-to-handwrite-law-school-class-notes/)
Keeping Kinesthetic-Tactile Students on Target (http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/academic_support/2007/02/keeping_kinesth.html)