

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

Aug 26, 2019 • 33min
210: Using Mindfulness Practices as a Law Student
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing how mindfulness practices can positively influence your brain and help you perform at your best by combating procrastination, worry, anxiety, anger, and sleep issues. In this episode we discuss: How Alison and Lee were introduced to mindfulness practices How paying attention to the good things that happen to you, instead of the bad ones, can really turn your day around Some of the different types of meditation you could try Using body scans to release stress How yoga could contribute to your well-being Why tactical breathing is used in the military and how it could benefit you The fact that mindfulness doesn't have to be a huge commitment, but could make a big difference in how you feel Resources: Warrior One (https://warriorone.com/) The Places That Scare You, by Pema Chodron (https://www.amazon.com/Places-that-Scare-You-Fearlessness/dp/1570629218) Finding Your Own North Star, by Martha Beck (https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Your-Own-North-Star-ebook/dp/B0019O6IXE) Mindsight, by Dan Siegel (https://www.drdansiegel.com/books/mindsight/) 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/) Headspace (https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app) Calm (https://www.calm.com/) Law School Toolbox blog: Mindfulness in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/cultivating-mindset-success-law-school/mindfulness-in-law-school/) Law School Toolbox blog: Mindfulness for Law Students (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/mindfulness-law-students/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Episode-210-Using-Mindfulness-Practices-as-a-Law-Student.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

Aug 19, 2019 • 32min
209: Job Hunting in a City Where You're Not in Law School
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're here with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones to discuss the ins and outs of job searches involving moving to another city from where you attend (or attended) law school. In this episode we discuss: Why is it a challenge to get a job in a different city, even if you attended a school that claims to be national? Thinking about the questions recruiters will ask, and having a plausible explanation for wanting to move Trying to get a summer job in the place where you want to end up, starting after 1L year How to make the most out of your summer job position Taking the local bar exam in the new place as soon as possible Sadie's answers to some additional questions we've gotten on this topic, which you might have as well Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Podcast Episode 166: How to Frame Your Job Search Story (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-166-how-to-frame-your-job-search-story-w-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 183: Changing Course in the Job Hunt (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-183-changing-course-in-the-job-hunt-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/) Law School Toolbox blog: Advice for a Long-Distance Job Search (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/advice-for-a-long-distance-job-search/) 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/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-209-job-hunting-in-a-city-where-youre-not-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

Aug 12, 2019 • 31min
208: Using Technology Effectively in Law School
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about choosing the right hardware and software tools to streamline your life and keep you organized in law school. In this episode we discuss: Do you really need to upgrade your devices before starting law school? Is the iPad Pro a legitimate replacement for a laptop? Checking with your school and any stores you are buying from for possible student discounts offered Different types of software you can use to organize your life Ways to limit the use of your devices to minimize distractions Resources: iPad Pro (https://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/) Zapier (https://zapier.com/) Trello (https://trello.com/en) Asana (https://asana.com/) Evernote (https://evernote.com/) OneNote (https://www.onenote.com/) Notability (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/notability/id360593530) Slack (https://slack.com/) Doodle (https://doodle.com/) Dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com/) SCOTUSblog (https://www.scotusblog.com/) Find Work-Life Focus: A Trello Insider's Guide to Personal Productivity (https://blog.trello.com/work-life-focus-trello-insider-guide-personal-productivity) Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport (http://www.calnewport.com/books/digital-minimalism/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-208-using-technology-effectively-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

Aug 5, 2019 • 33min
207: Navigating Networking Events as a Law Student
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones about networking nuts and bolts – what you need to know to feel comfortable mingling with strangers at cocktail parties, formal dinners, and more. In this episode we discuss: Why lots of people find it intimidating to go to a networking cocktail party The best ways to enter and leave a group conversation gracefully How to handle your food/drink and still be able to shake hands or give out business cards How to find people to talk to if you're not naturally extroverted Good and bad topics to talk about Dinner table basics for the more formal events Following up with people you've met at the event Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Zazzle (https://www.zazzle.com/) MOO (http://www.moo.com/) Podcast Episode 114: Law School Networking 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-114-law-school-networking-101/) Law School Toolbox blog: Legal Networking 101: How Do You Know What to Talk About While Networking? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-networking-101-how-do-you-know-what-to-talk-about-while-networking/) Law School Toolbox blog: It's My Party, I'll Network If I Want To: Law School Networking for Wallflowers and Gunners Alike (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/its-my-party-ill-network-if-i-want-to-law-school-networking-for-wallflowers-and-gunners-alike/) Law School Toolbox blog: How to Follow-Up After Networking (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-follow-up-after-networking/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-207-navigating-networking-events-as-a-law-student/) 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

Jul 29, 2019 • 28min
206: The Most Surprising Things About 1L Year
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're sharing some unexpected things we experienced when we started as 1Ls, so you can adjust to law school culture faster. In this episode we discuss: How the volume of activities and the importance of grades can be overwhelming at first Why it could take some time to find people that you click with The reality of having to figure most stuff out on your own Schedules being less flexible than you might be used to The importance of thinking about summer jobs early Bringing out your inner entitled self and feeling confident you deserve your place in law school as much as anybody else Resources: Start Law School Right (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) Podcast Episode 8: Law School 101 For 1Ls (What Not to Do) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-8-law-school-101-1ls-not/) 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: Your Frequently Asked Questions When Starting Law School, Answered (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/your-frequently-asked-questions-when-starting-law-school-answered/) Law School Toolbox blog: Ahead of the Curve: Time Management When Starting Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/time-management-when-starting-law-school/) Law School Toolbox blog: Starting Off on the Right Foot: Survival Tips for the First Few Weeks (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/starting-off-right-foot-survival-tips-first-weeks/) Law School Toolbox blog: The Secrets More 1Ls Need to Know (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-secrets-more-1ls-need-to-know/) Law School Toolbox blog: Law School Toolbox Experts Share: Non-Obvious Things That 1Ls Should Bring with Them and Why (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-experts-share-non-obvious-things-that-1ls-should-bring-with-them-and-why/) Law School Toolbox blog: Law School Toolbox Experts Share: What I did Right When Starting Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-experts-share-what-i-did-right-when-starting-law-school/) Law School Toolbox blog: Law School Toolbox Experts Share: Mistakes I Made When Starting Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-experts-share-mistakes-made-starting-law-school/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-206-the-most-surprising-things-about-1l-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

Jul 22, 2019 • 31min
205: Navigating Interviews as a Non-Traditional Law Student
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're chatting with ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones to get some interview tips for non-traditional law students who are trying to start a legal career. In this episode we discuss: Who is a non-traditional law student? What kinds of challenges non-traditional students may face when trying to start a career in law The importance of having a coherent story and explaining the value of your background How to handle inappropriate/illegal questions about family status, age, etc. that might be asked during an interview Understanding the expectations of the job and making clear you are eager to do them, even if you have to start with entry-level tasks The advantages of non-traditional students that employers see Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Podcast Episode 27: Job Interview Basics (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-27-job-interview-basics/) 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 175: Top Interview Questions with Ex-BigLaw Recruiter Sadie Jones (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-175-top-interview-questions-with-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/) Law School Toolbox blog: Emerging Careers for Law Graduates: Hot Practice Areas (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/emerging-careers-for-law-graduates-hot-practice-areas/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-205-navigating-interviews-as-a-non-traditional-law-student/) 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

Jul 15, 2019 • 26min
204: Advice for Incoming Foreign LLM Students
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about LLM programs, focusing on foreign students who don't have a JD and are doing an LLM as their first exposure to the US legal system. In this episode we discuss: What are the characteristics of an LLM degree, and who is likely to do one? What challenges foreign students should consider when thinking about starting an LLM in the US The Socratic method of teaching, which is often used in US law schools How you can prepare to do well in the LLM and get the most out of the experience Planning ahead for the bar exam if you intend to sit for it The importance of getting feedback on your writing if English is not your first language Resources: Start Law School Right (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) Bar Exam Toolbox blog (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-blog/) Bar Exam Toolbox podcast (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast/) AdaptiBar (https://www.adaptibar.com/) Practice of the Week (POW) MBE Workshop (https://barexamtoolbox.com/practice-of-the-week-pow-mbe-workshop/) Strategies & Tactics for the MBE, by Steven Emanuel (https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B06XJFKBW5?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_0000_ft) Podcast Episode 198: Pre-1L Life Logistics (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-198-pre-1l-life-logistics/) Podcast Episode 78: Advice for First-Time Bar Exam Takers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-78-advice-first-time-bar-exam-takers/) Podcast Episode 80: Bar Exam 101 – An Introduction (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-80-bar-exam-101-introduction/) Law School Toolbox blog: Why Would You Want to Get an LLM? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/why-would-you-want-to-get-an-llm/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-204-advice-for-incoming-foreign-llm-students/) 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

Jul 8, 2019 • 36min
203: Job Search Q&A (w/Ex-BigLaw Recruiter Sadie Jones)
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter, Sadie Jones, about some of the most common issues and questions we see in the law student job search. In this episode we discuss: What to do if you aren't sure of your long-term goals yet How being proactive in your job can help you discover more opportunities Typos and other common mistakes to avoid when it comes to resumes and cover letters Tips for getting and successfully completing a summer job An overview of on-campus interviewing, and how you can make a great impression there The importance of preparing for each interview in advance Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Podcast Episode 120: Preparing for the 1L Job Hunt (With Ex-BigLaw Recruiter Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-120-preparing-1l-job-hunt-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 127: Avoid These Resume No-Gos (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-127-avoid-resume-no-gos/) 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 164: No Offer After OCI? Here's What To Do (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-164-no-offer-after-oci-heres-what-to-do-w-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 175: Top Interview Questions With Ex-BigLaw Recruiter Sadie Jones (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-175-top-interview-questions-with-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 183: Changing Course in the Job Hunt (w/Ex-BigLaw Recruiter Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-183-changing-course-in-the-job-hunt-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-203-job-search-qa-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-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

Jun 24, 2019 • 30min
202: Book Club -- Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation
This discussion dives into Dan Siegel's enlightening book on personal transformation, linking neuroscience to the experiences of law students. It explores the balance between logic and emotion, emphasizing mental health's role in high-pressure situations. The concept of 'widening your window of tolerance' helps manage stress and emotions in the legal field. Unique challenges faced by those with ADHD are addressed, along with the impact of childhood experiences on adult life. Mindfulness techniques like the 'wheel of awareness' are spotlighted as pathways to personal growth.

Jun 17, 2019 • 42min
201: Fashion Law & Men's Fashion (w/Douglas Hand)
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we are chatting with Douglas Hand -- an attorney, author, and podcast host -- about his book The Laws of Style, working as a fashion lawyer, and "what to wear" tips for men in the legal profession. In this episode we discuss: The four fundamental suits that should be the first purchased by a young lawyer Appropriate price points and brands for the first interview suit The idea of the "capsule wardrobe" What is good business casual attire, and what is just too casual? Tips for people who dislike shopping How to dress when working with clients from a different cultural background The importance of dressing according to rank and the firm's culture What it means to work in fashion law Resources: The Laws of Style: Sartorial Excellence for the Professional Gentleman, by Douglas Hand (https://www.amazon.com/Laws-Style-Sartorial-Excellence-Professional/dp/1634258967/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1556641885&refinements=p_27%3ADouglas+Hand&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Douglas+Hand) Douglas Hand at Hand Baldachin & Associates LLP (https://hballp.com/team/douglas-hand/) handofthelaw (Douglas Hand's Instagram account) (https://www.instagram.com/handofthelaw/?hl=en) The Laws of Style hosted by Douglas Hand (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL4dksGw2Iagf3F2jUPLorg) Suitsupply (https://us.suitsupply.com/en_US/home) Frank And Oak (https://www.frankandoak.com/) Nick Graham (https://nickgraham.com/) thredUP (https://www.thredup.com/) Goodwill (https://www.shopgoodwill.com/) Stitch Fix for Men (https://www.stitchfix.com/men) GQ (https://beststuffbox.gq.com/) WWD - Women's Wear Daily (https://wwd.com/) Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-201-fashion-law-mens-fashion-w-douglas-hand/) 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


