

The Law School Toolbox Podcast: Tools for Law Students from 1L to the Bar Exam, and Beyond
Alison Monahan and Lee Burgess - Law School Toolbox, LLC
The Law School Toolbox podcast is an engaging show for law students about law school, the bar exam, legal careers, and life. Each week, we offer practical tips and advice on academic matters, careers, and more. The Law School Toolbox podcast is hosted by opinionated law school and bar exam experts Alison Monahan and Lee Burgess. You might not always agree with us, but we guarantee you won't be bored listening! Our goal is to impart useful, actionable advice in an entertaining manner. Join us! And, if you have an opinion on the show, please drop by and offer a review. We're here to help, and we'd love to hear from you!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 21, 2022 • 12min
330: Listen and Learn -- The Sixth Amendment
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're focusing on Criminal Procedure, specifically the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution and the rights and protections it provides to anyone accused of a criminal act. In this episode we discuss: The rights that the Sixth Amendment protects The general rule for competence When a judge may deny a defendant's right to represent himself/herself A criminal defendant's right to counsel The relationship between the right to counsel under the Sixth Amendment and Miranda warnings under the Fifth Amendment Analyzing a hypo involving the Sixth Amendment, based on 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 2006 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/February%202006%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2014 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/gbx/July2014CBX_SelectedAnswersEssays1-6_R.pdf) Podcast Episode 290: Listen and Learn – Privilege Against Self-Incrimination and Miranda Rights (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-290-listen-and-learn-privilege-against-self-incrimination-and-miranda-rights/) Podcast Episode 323: Listen and Learn – The Exclusionary Rule (Criminal Law and Procedure) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-323-listen-and-learn-the-exclusionary-rule-criminal-law-and-procedure/) Podcast Episode 325: Listen and Learn – The Fourth Amendment: Informer Tips (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-325-listen-and-learn-the-fourth-amendment-informer-tips/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-330-listen-and-learn-the-sixth-amendment/) 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

Feb 14, 2022 • 35min
329: Approaching Difficult Conversations at Work (w/Sadie Jones)
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones back with us to share tips for handling workplace situations that require a difficult conversation. In this episode we discuss: Common workplace situations that require a difficult conversation Tips for approaching hard conversations to make them less awkward Asking for something you need for working more productively How do you know it's time to cut your losses and move on? Best practices around quitting a job Handling exit interviews Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Law School Toolbox Podcast: Careers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/careers/) Podcast Episode 137: How to Handle Difficult Workplace Situations (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-137-how-to-handle-difficult-workplace-situations/) Five Tips for Excelling in a Professional Workplace as a Summer Law Clerk (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/five-tips-for-excelling-in-a-professional-workplace-as-a-summer-law-clerk/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-329-approaching-difficult-conversations-at-work-w-sadie-jones/) 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

Feb 7, 2022 • 13min
328: Listen and Learn -- Expert vs. Lay Witness Testimony (Evidence)
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, in our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing the standards for admitting witness testimony, which are found in the rules of Evidence. In this episode we discuss: Who can be a lay witness? The instances in which lay witnesses can offer opinion testimony When is expert witness testimony permitted at trial? Factors used to determine the reliability of an expert's testimony Analyzing two hypos 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 2012 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/CBXFeb2012_SelectedAnswers_R.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2019 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/Feb2019_CBX_SelectedAnswers.EssayQuestions_R.pdf) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-328-listen-and-learn-expert-vs-lay-witness-testimony-evidence/) 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

Jan 31, 2022 • 40min
327: Job Search Etiquette (w/Sadie Jones)
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones back with us to talk about the "dos" and "don'ts" of the job search process, including applying for jobs, interviewing, and following up. In this episode we discuss: The most common mistakes people make during on-campus interviewing Following the job application process outlined by a particular firm Things you should do to stand out and make it easier for the firm to hire you Preparing for the day of the interview How much follow-up is sufficient? Should you send "Thank you" notes? Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) NALP Directory of Legal Employers (https://www.nalpdirectory.com/) Law School Toolbox Podcast: Careers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/careers/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-327-job-search-etiquette-w-sadie-jones/) 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

Jan 24, 2022 • 14min
326: Listen and Learn -- Multiple Hearsay
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we go through a step-by-step approach for analyzing questions involving multiple levels of hearsay. In this episode we discuss: The rule for multiple hearsay A review of the general rule for hearsay and how to apply it properly Hearsay exceptions A step-by-step approach for analyzing questions containing hearsay within hearsay Analyzing two hypos that illustrate multiple hearsay 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 2014 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/gbx/July2014CBX_SelectedAnswersEssays1-6_R.pdf) Podcast Episode 261: Listen and Learn – The Basics of Hearsay (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-261-listen-and-learn-the-basics-of-hearsay/) Podcast Episode 271: Listen and Learn – Hearsay Exceptions: Present Sense Impression and State of Mind (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-271-listen-and-learn-hearsay-exceptions-present-sense-impression-and-state-of-mind/) Podcast Episode 296: Listen and Learn – Hearsay Exceptions: Government and Business Records (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-296-listen-and-learn-hearsay-exceptions-government-and-business-records/) Podcast Episode 308: Listen and Learn – More Hearsay Exceptions (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-308-listen-and-learn-more-hearsay-exceptions/) Podcast Episode 315: Listen and Learn – Non-Hearsay (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-315-listen-and-learn-non-hearsay/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-326-listen-and-learn-multiple-hearsay/) 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

Jan 17, 2022 • 12min
325: Listen and Learn -- The Fourth Amendment: Informer Tips
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're focusing on Criminal Procedure, specifically the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution and the limits it imposes on police actions based on tips from anonymous informants. In this episode we discuss: A review of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution Determining when probable cause arises for an arrest, search, or seizure How is a "totality of the circumstances" analysis performed? Going through two hypos, from the February 2004 and July 2021 California bar exams How to structure an answer to an essay question involving anonymous informant tips 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 2004 (https://juraxbar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/February-2004-CBX.pdf) Podcast Episode 323: Listen and Learn – The Exclusionary Rule (Criminal Law and Procedure) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-323-listen-and-learn-the-exclusionary-rule-criminal-law-and-procedure/) Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 141: Listen and Learn – The Fourth Amendment (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-141-listen-and-learn-the-fourth-amendment/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-325-listen-and-learn-the-fourth-amendment-informer-tips/) 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

Jan 10, 2022 • 34min
324: Editing Your Resume and Cover Letter (w/Sadie Jones)
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking with guest Sadie Jones about polishing the appearance of your resume and cover letter so they look as professional as possible, and customizing them for the job you're applying to. In this episode we discuss: Editing resumes and cover letters for content The positioning of education versus experience on your resume Editing for typos and appearance Where to find good templates you can use How long is too long for a resume/cover letter? Getting help proofreading your materials What should you do if you notice a problem after something has been submitted? Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Podcast Episode 12: Resume and Cover Letter Basics (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-12-resume-cover-letter-basics/) Podcast Episode 111: Resumes and Cover Letters (with an ex-BigLaw Recruiter) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-111-resumes-cover-letters-ex-biglaw-recruiter/) Podcast Episode 127: Avoid These Resume No-Gos (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-127-avoid-resume-no-gos/) Podcast Episode 173: Frequently Asked Questions About Resumes and Cover Letters (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-173-frequently-asked-questions-about-resumes-and-cover-letters-w-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 237: Handling Resume and Cover Letter Difficulties (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-237-handling-resume-and-cover-letter-difficulties-w-sadie-jones/) Six Essential Cover Letter Tips for Law Students (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/six-essential-cover-letter-tips-for-law-students/) Building a Resume in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/building-a-resume-in-law-school/) Advice from a Law Recruiter, Part One: Top Tips for a Perfect Resume (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/advice-law-recruiter-part-one-resumes/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-324-editing-your-resume-and-cover-letter-w-sadie-jones/) 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

Jan 3, 2022 • 19min
323: Listen and Learn -- The Exclusionary Rule (Criminal Law and Procedure)
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing a topic from Criminal Law and Procedure. Join us as we look at the exclusionary rule and Miranda warnings, grounded in the Fourth Amendment. In this episode we discuss: A brief review of the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments The exclusionary rule and its related exceptions Statements made after a suspect has been given Miranda warnings Going through a hypo from the February 2018 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 2018 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/Feb2018_CBXSelectedAnswers_EssayQuestions.pdf) Podcast Episode 290: Listen and Learn – Privilege Against Self-Incrimination and Miranda Rights (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-290-listen-and-learn-privilege-against-self-incrimination-and-miranda-rights/) Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 141: Listen and Learn – The Fourth Amendment (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-141-listen-and-learn-the-fourth-amendment/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-323-listen-and-learn-the-exclusionary-rule-criminal-law-and-procedure/) 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

Dec 20, 2021 • 33min
322: Keeping Motivation Strong Throughout Your 3L Year
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today's episode is based on a listener's question on how to deal with the unique challenges of 3L year, such as finding the motivation to study, balancing different responsibilities, and dealing with anxieties over bar exam prep and student loans. In this episode we discuss: What are some of the challenges and opportunities that show up in the final year of law school? Classes that make sense to take in 3L year Handling the job hunt or career transition process Starting to think about bar exam prep Loans and finance considerations Fun stuff you can do while still a student And finally, where to turn if you find you're really struggling? Resources: Podcast Episode 61: Making the Most of Your 2L and 3L Years of Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-61-making-the-most-of-your-2l-and-3l-years-of-law-school/) Podcast Episode 72: Seeking Accommodations in Law School and on the Bar Exam (with Dr. Jared Maloff) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-72-seeking-accommodations-law-school-bar-exam/) Podcast Episode 220: More on Accommodations in Law School (w/Elizabeth Knox) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-220-more-on-accommodations-in-law-school-w-elizabeth-knox/) Podcast Episode 294: Money Talk (w/Carrie Friedberg) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-294-money-talk-w-carrie-friedberg/) Podcast Episode 297: The 3L Job Hunt Process (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-297-the-3l-job-hunt-process-w-sadie-jones/) Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 61: Making the Most of Your Commercial Bar Review Course (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-61-making-the-most-of-your-commercial-bar-review-course/) How to Choose Courses for 2L and 3L Year (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-choose-courses-for-2l-and-3l-year/) Why Slacking Off During 3L Year Won't Pay Off (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/why-slacking-off-during-3l-year-wont-pay-off/) Seven Ways to Make the Most of Your 3L Year (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/seven-ways-make-3l-year/) Halfway Done with My Last Year – 3L Perspective (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/halfway-done-with-my-last-year-3l-perspective/) YNAB: You Need A Budget (https://www.youneedabudget.com/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-322-keeping-motivation-strong-throughout-your-3l-year/) 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

Dec 13, 2021 • 19min
321: Listen and Learn -- Intervention, Impleader, and Class Action Lawsuits (Civ Pro)
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're focusing more on Joinder, or who can and who must be party to a civil lawsuit. In particular, we look at intervention, impleader (or third-party action), and class actions. We previously covered permissive and required joinder in Bar Exam Toolbox podcast episode 145. In this episode we discuss: The five types of joinder Intervention as a right and permissive intervention When impleader (or third-party action) comes up What is a class action? Examples illustrating the different types of joinder we cover in the episode Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) Podcast Episode 218: Listen and Learn – Supplemental Jurisdiction (Civ Pro) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-218-listen-and-learn-supplemental-jurisdiction-civ-pro/) Podcast Episode 263: Listen and Learn – Subject Matter Jurisdiction (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-263-listen-and-learn-subject-matter-jurisdiction/) Podcast Episode 292: Listen and Learn – The Erie Doctrine (Civ Pro) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-292-listen-and-learn-the-erie-doctrine-civ-pro/) Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 145: Listen and Learn – Permissive Joinder and Required Joinder (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-145-listen-and-learn-permissive-joinder-and-required-joinder/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-321-listen-and-learn-intervention-impleader-and-class-action-lawsuits-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


