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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, we dive into some intriguing research on how we learn from failures and making mistakes. In this episode we discuss: Why failure (and even embarrassment) is a big learning opportunity How kids deal with their mistakes The idea of a growth mindset Active versus passive learning Quizzing yourself in order to retain information better The importance of deep diving into why you're getting certain questions wrong Resources: Article: Why Mistakes Matter in Creating a Path for Learning (https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/48770/how-making-mistakes-primes-kids-to-learn-better?fbclid=IwAR1FNFQrueSZ6GLTmYx9qj2R7YvCXBfKns_cRRJwgnZWd9SX-BYRK28xQGk) Mindset, by Carol Dweck (https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322) Examples & Explanations (E&E) series (https://www.wklegaledu.com/study-aids/examples-explanations) CALI Lessons (https://www.cali.org/lesson) Podcast Episode 1: Mindset – The Key to Success in Law School? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-1-mindset-key-success-law-school/) Law School Toolbox blog: Ahead of the Curve: It's All in Your Head: Cultivating Success and Overcoming Setbacks with a Growth Mindset (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/ahead-of-the-curve-its-all-in-your-head-cultivating-success-and-overcoming-setbacks-with-a-growth-mindset/) Law School Toolbox blog: Active vs. Passive Learning in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/active-vs-passive-learning-law-school/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-230-learning-through-making-mistakes-in-law-school/) 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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have special guest Steven Arango with us -- a Marine officer and lawyer -- to talk about how he combined his military career with the law, as well as offer some useful tips on getting a clerkship and being published. In this episode we discuss: Steven's diverse background and path to law school How you can find a mentor or be one yourself Tips on getting a clerkship even if you are not top of the class Steven's advice for people who are interested in publishing How to maintain good relationships within your network Learning to say "yes" to opportunities that will take you out of your comfort zone Resources: Steven Arango's website (https://www.stevenarango.com/) Service to School (https://service2school.org/) Westlaw (http://www.westlawinternational.com/) Federal Judicial Center (https://www.fjc.gov/) United States Senate (https://www.senate.gov/) OSCAR (https://oscar.uscourts.gov/) Article by Steven Arango: Average Law Student? Put in the Work and You Can Still Clerk (https://abaforlawstudents.com/2018/10/30/judicial-clerkships-and-the-average-law-student/) Article by Steven Arango: Publishing Articles as a Young Professional – How and Why (https://mca-marines.org/publishing-articles-as-a-young-professional-how-and-why/) Podcast Episode 176: Talking About Judicial Clerkships with Kelsey Russell (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-176-talking-about-judicial-clerkships-with-kelsey-russell/) Law School Toolbox blog: How to Get a Judicial Clerkship (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-get-a-judicial-clerkship/) Law School Toolbox blog: Expand Your Options: An Exploration of the Different Types of Federal Clerkship and State Clerkship Options (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/expand-your-options-an-exploration-of-the-different-types-of-federal-clerkship-and-state-clerkship-options/) Law School Toolbox blog: Writing to Get Published (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/writing-to-get-published/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-229-combining-law-school-and-military-service-w-guest-steven-arango/) 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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we are welcoming guest Kate McGuinness -- author of the book Confidence Lost / Confidence Found: How to Reclaim the Unstoppable You -- to talk about the importance of feeling confident in yourself and your abilities. In this episode we discuss: Kate's background and career path What exactly do we mean by "confidence"? Signs that you should work on boosting your confidence The science of training our brain to create positive or avoid negative patterns Thinking about your life story from the perspective of a winner What is a healthy level of perfectionism? The power of the word "yet" Resources: Confidence Lost / Confidence Found: How to Reclaim the Unstoppable You, by Kate McGuinness (https://katemcguinness.com/books/) Terminal Ambition: A Maggie Mahoney Novel, by Kate McGuinness (https://www.amazon.com/Terminal-Ambition-Maggie-Mahoney-Novel/dp/0984990178) Empowered Women Coaching (http://www.empoweredwomen.coach/) Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation, by Dan Siegel (https://www.drdansiegel.com/books/mindsight/) The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick), by Seth Godin (https://www.amazon.com/Dip-Little-Book-Teaches-Stick/dp/1591841666) Finding Your Own North Star, by Martha Beck (https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Your-Own-North-Star/dp/0812932188/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=) Brené Brown (https://brenebrown.com/) Podcast Episode 5: Maintaining Authenticity in the Legal Profession (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-5-maintaining-authenticity-legal-profession/) Podcast Episode 202: Book Club – Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-202-book-club-mindsight-the-new-science-of-personal-transformation/) Podcast Episode 210: Using Mindfulness Practices as a Law Student (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-210-using-mindfulness-practices-as-a-law-student/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-228-boosting-your-confidence-w-guest-kate-mcguinness/) 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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with Hafsa Mansoor -- one of the creators of FirstGenJD -- about thriving in law school as a first-generation law student. In this episode we discuss: Hafsa's background and the mission of FirstGenJD Challenges that first-gen law students can face How common is impostor syndrome? Balancing being authentic with the conservative nature of a law career Networking at events Can the stereotype of what a lawyer looks like be broken? The importance of diversity and inclusion in the law profession Resources: FirstGenJD (https://firstgenjd.com/) What Does a Lawyer Look Like? Reflections on Representation in the Law (https://firstgenjd.com/2019/02/11/what-does-a-lawyer-look-like/) Etiquette 101: Divisive Social Rules that Cause Anxiety, But Don't Have To (https://firstgenjd.com/2019/04/29/etiquette-101-divisive-social-rules-that-cause-anxiety/) Survive Law School: Find Your People (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/surviving-law-school-find-your-people/) Podcast Episode 113: Life as a First-Generation College and Law Student (with Shirlene Armstrong) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-113-life-first-generation-college-law-student-shirlene-armstrong/) Podcast Episode 207: Navigating Networking Events as a Law Student (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-207-navigating-networking-events-as-a-law-student/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-227-thriving-as-a-first-generation-law-student-w-hafsa-mansoor/) 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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about formulating a new action plan for the second semester if things didn't go your way in the first semester. In this episode we discuss: Examining your study habits to figure out what worked and what didn't Going through your exams, if possible How to set up trackable SMART goals Tools you can use to hold yourself accountable People you could turn to for additional help Types of accommodations available in law school Minimizing distractions to maximize focus Considering the big question: "Should I drop out?" Resources: Second Semester Reboot (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/join-second-semester-reboot-law-school-camp/) Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Harvest (https://www.getharvest.com/) Slack (https://slack.com/) Habitica (https://habitica.com/static/home) Examples & Explanations (E&E) series (https://www.wklegaledu.com/study-aids/examples-explanations) Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport (http://www.calnewport.com/books/digital-minimalism/) Podcast Episode 1: Mindset – The Key to Success in Law School? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-1-mindset-key-success-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 79: Making the Most of Your Second Semester in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-79-making-second-semester-law-school/) Podcast Episode 128: Regrouping and Dealing with Grades Second Semester (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-128-regrouping-dealing-grades-second-semester/) 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/) Law School Toolbox blog: Tips for Second Semester Success in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-second-semester-success-law-school/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-226-bouncing-back-second-semester-in-law-school/) 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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're chatting with special guest Friday Apaliski -- the Sustainability Concierge -- about things you can do that will put you in harmony with the environment, if you are wondering where to start on the road to living "greener." In this episode we discuss: What does it mean to live in a sustainable way? Friday's background and work as the Sustainability Concierge How can "green" living actually help you save money? Some of Lee's and Friday's favorite reusable items The harmful chemicals in everyday items we might not be aware of Why you should never throw anything cloth in the garbage Thinking about going as paperless as possible What should you have in your emergency kit? Things to keep at your desk if you're working downtown or in a tall building Resources: Sustainability Concierge (https://www.sustainabilityconcierge.com/) Friday Apaliski's Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/sustainability_concierge/?hl=en) Marley's Monsters (https://www.marleysmonsters.com/) Wisdom Supply Co. (https://www.wisdomsupplyco.com/) Food52 (https://food52.com/) Life Without Plastic (https://lifewithoutplastic.com/) Wild Minimalist (https://wildminimalist.com/) Craigslist (http://www.craigslist.org/) Facebook Marketplace (https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/) Buy Nothing Project (https://buynothingproject.org/) thredUP (https://www.thredup.com/) Casebook Connect (https://www.casebookconnect.com/) Podcast Episode 201: Fashion Law & Men's Fashion (w/Douglas Hand) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-201-fashion-law-mens-fashion-w-douglas-hand/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-225-sustainable-living-and-emergency-preparedness-w-friday-apaliski/) 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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, we are welcoming back ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones to discuss how much responsibility you should take for your future career -- starting as a law student -- and what resources are available to help. In this episode we discuss: Why you need to take ownership of your career goals as a law student Resources to help if you're not sure yet what you want Looking outside of the standard channels for work opportunities How does your mindset factor into your job search? The importance of asking for help rather than trying to do everything yourself Evaluating each job for clues about what job is right for you long term Why BigLaw didn't work for Alison's personality Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) The Washington Post – Andrew Yang article (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/10/28/andrew-yang-was-groomed-high-paying-job-an-elite-law-firm-he-lasted-five-months/) The Muse – 21 Books That'll Get You Ahead at Work, According to Top Career Coaches (https://www.themuse.com/advice/21-books-thatll-get-you-ahead-at-work-according-to-top-career-coaches) The Start-Up of You, by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha (https://www.thestartupofyou.com/) Brené Brown (https://brenebrown.com/) Seth Godin (https://www.sethgodin.com/) Without Fail podcast (https://gimletmedia.com/shows/without-fail) Podcast Episode 1: Mindset – The Key to Success in Law School? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-1-mindset-key-success-law-school/) Podcast Episode 114: Law School Networking 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-114-law-school-networking-101/) Podcast Episode 207: Navigating Networking Events as a Law Student (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-207-navigating-networking-events-as-a-law-student/) Podcast Episode 214: Handling an Extensive Job Search Outside of OCI (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-214-handling-an-extensive-job-search-outside-of-oci/) Podcast Episode 219: Mastering People Skills for Success as an Attorney (w/Stephanie Hanna) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-219-mastering-people-skills-for-success-as-an-attorney-w-stephanie-hanna/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-224-taking-ownership-of-your-career-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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we are welcoming guest Carla Luna -- currently a 2L at Harvard -- to discuss adjusting to law school as a 1L, and the different activities and programs available to Harvard Law students. In this episode we discuss: Carla's background and path to law school The types of activities law students can get involved in at Harvard Do you have to join a formal study group? Job hunting during 1L year Harvard's grading system What is more or less challenging about 2L year compared to 1L year The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity program Resources: Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (https://www.lcldnet.org/) Examples & Explanations (E&E) series (https://www.wklegaledu.com/study-aids/examples-explanations) Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Podcast Episode 151: Our Top 10 Podcast Episodes for Incoming 1Ls (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-151-our-top-10-podcast-episodes-for-incoming-1ls/) Law School Toolbox blog: Things I Wish I Had Known Before Starting Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/things-i-wish-i-had-known-before-starting-law-school/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-223-1l-year-at-harvard-law-w-guest-carla-luna/) 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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're welcoming back ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones to talk about how to use winter break productively to move your career forward, make new connections, take care of personal chores, and of course, get some rest. In this episode we discuss: How can attending holiday events help in advancing your career? Where else could you make new connections, besides holiday parties? Getting your elevator pitch ready Preparing everything you need for your summer job search Spending some time on writing a note for a law journal Making sure you have enough time to rest and recharge Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Podcast Episode 76: Making the Most of Your Law School Winter Break (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-76-making-law-school-winter-break/) Podcast Episode 162: Professional Development Strategies for Young Lawyers (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-162-professional-development-strategies-for-young-lawyers-w-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 165: What Is an Elevator Pitch and Do You Need One? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-165-what-is-an-elevator-pitch-and-do-you-need-one/) Podcast Episode 197: Career Advice from Lawyer & Author Rachel Gezerseh (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-197-career-advice-from-lawyer-author-rachel-gezerseh/) NALP Directory of Legal Employers (https://www.nalpdirectory.com/) Bumble (https://bumble.com/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-222-using-winter-break-to-advance-your-career/) 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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're sharing our top 5 last-minute exam tips that will help you see the big picture and fill in some of the details of law school exam prep. In this episode we discuss: The importance of practicing as much as you can Putting together the study materials for yourself Seeking additional help from your professors, classmates, a study group, or a tutor Getting a realistic understanding of how well you're doing Knowing the law in detail, not in broad strokes Having a big-picture plan and keeping yourself well enough to take the exam Do not give up if you feel you're behind, because a lot can be done even in a few days! Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Examples & Explanations (E&E) series (https://www.wklegaledu.com/study-aids/examples-explanations) Podcast Episode 41: Avoiding Law School Exam Disasters (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-41-avoiding-law-school-exam-disasters/) 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 167: Do You Have to Join a Study Group in Law School? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-167-do-you-have-to-join-a-study-group-in-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/) Law School Toolbox blog: Wondering What an Attack Plan Is? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wondering-what-an-attack-plan-is/) The Girl's Guide to Law School: Need to Get More Done in Law School? Try The Circles. (https://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/tips-time-management-awesomeness-with-the-circles/) Law School Toolbox blog: What Should You Bring with Your to a Law School Exam? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/what-should-you-bring-with-you-to-a-law-school-exam/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-221-our-top-5-last-minute-exam-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