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

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today, we're revisiting one of our favorite topics, mindset. Our very first podcast was on this topic, specifically discussing fixed mindset vs. growth mindset as explored by Carol Dweck in her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. New information seems to suggest that focusing too much on grit and mindset might actually be harmful for learning. So, what's the deal?? In this episode, we discuss: Fixed mindset vs. growth mindset: What does this mean and how does it link to success? Is focusing on mindset and grit actually harmful? Things to consider or evaluate when you hit points of struggle The many facets of embracing failure Seeking support from peers and experts Learning systems, habits, and strategies for success other than mindset Resources: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322) Podcast Episode 1: Mindset: The Key to Success in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-1-mindset-key-success-law-school/) Podcast Episode 64: Developing Grit in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-64-grit-in-law-school/) Podcast Episode 7: Time and Life Management Basics (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-7-time-life-management-basics/) Podcast Episode 95: Top 1L Questions: Time and Life Management (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-95-top-1l-questions-time-life-management/) Podcast Episode 43: Getting Mentally Prepared to Start Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-43-getting-mentally-prepared-to-start-law-school/) Need to Get More Done in Law School? Try the Circles (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/tips-time-management-awesomeness-with-the-circles/) Students are Better Off without a Laptop in the Classroom (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/students-are-better-off-without-a-laptop-in-the-classroom/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Episode-110-Mindset-Revisited.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today we have a special guest on the podcast, Meg Keene. Meg is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of A Practical Wedding, (the top independently-held wedding publication in the world), the author of two books (A Practical Wedding and A Practical Wedding Planner), and the creator of a new project, The Compact. Although Meg is not a lawyer, she is married to one, so we consider her part of the club. She's also a kick-ass entrepreneur with a lot of very interesting things to say, so tune in! In this episode, we discuss: The path to entrepreneurship and what you need to know to be successful Challenges of running a business as a woman and mother Balancing politics and her decision to include a social mission as part of her business How to remain authentic in sharing your experiences while maintaining some privacy The effort required to create and maintain a social media presence Being in a relationship with a law student and lawyer Resources: A Practical Wedding (https://apracticalwedding.com/) The Compact (http://www.thecompact.com/) A Practical Wedding: Creative Ideas for Planning a Beautiful, Affordable, and Meaningful Celebration, by Meg Keene (https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Wedding-Affordable-Meaningful-Celebration/dp/0738215155/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497313177&sr=8-2&keywords=a+practical+wedding) A Practical Wedding Planner: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the Wedding You Want with the Budget You've Got (without Losing your Mind in the Process), by Meg Keene (https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Wedding-Planner-Step-Step/dp/0738218421/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497313177&sr=8-1&keywords=a+practical+wedding) Why Women Don't See Themselves as Entrepreneurs, by Claire Cain Miller (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/09/upshot/why-women-dont-see-themselves-as-entrepreneurs.html) The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future, by Chris Guillebeau (https://www.amazon.com/100-Startup-Reinvent-Living-Create/dp/0307951529) Podcast Episode 83: Lawyers in Action – The Airport Immigration Crisis (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-83-lawyers-in-action-the-immigration-crisis/) Podcast Episode 87: Affordable Bar Prep & Social Entrepreneurship (w/ Chris Henjum of Esqyr.com) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-87-affordable-bar-prep-social-entrepreneurship-w-chris-henjum-esqyr-com/) Podcast Episode 58: Non-Profit Law and Social Entrepreneurship (with guest Adrian Tirtanadi of Bayview Hunters Point Community Legal) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-58-non-profit-law-social-entrepreneurship-guest-adrian-tirtanadi-bayview-hunters-point-community-legal/) Podcast Episode 86: Resources for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-86-resources-aspiring-entrepreneurs/) Podcast Episode 91: From Lawyer to Entrepreneur to Mayor! (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-91-from-lawyer-to-entrepreneur-to-mayor-rachel-hundley/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Episode-109-Life-and-Entreprenuership-with-Guest-Meg-Keene.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox podcast. Today, we're talking with ex-BigLaw recruiter, Sadie Jones, about the processing of getting, or not getting, an offer at the end of your time as a summer associate. Tune in for some great information on how to end your summer successfully and navigate the offer process thoughtfully and respectfully. In this episode, we discuss: The basics of the offer process and what it means for the future The possible outcomes and how to deal with them How to maximize your chances of getting an offer as the summer wraps up Things to do to make sure you end the summer on a positive note Sure-fire ways to put your offer in jeopardy What you can do if you sense a potential issue (a personality conflict, a not-so-great performance on an assignment, etc.) Cold offers: what does this mean and how can you move forward? Managing offers while applying for clerkships What are the repercussions of turning down an offer if you weren't happy at the firm? Once you've accepted an offer, do 3L grades matter? Resources: What It's Like to Get a Cold Offer (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/10/what-its-like-to-get-a-cold-offer/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Episode-108-Dealing-with-Summer-Associate-Offers.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome to the Law School Toolbox Podcast! Today we're talking about building relationships in law school with everyone from professors to classmates and potential employers. Of course grades are important, but building relationships can not only make your law school experience more pleasant, it can open doors of opportunity in the future. In this episode, we discuss: Why relationships matter How to get to know your professors Different opportunities to interact with your professors, in and out of the classroom Developing relationships with your classmates School activities and social outlets that foster meaningful interaction Getting to know other people at your law school in administration or different programs How to meet lawyers and non-lawyers in the community through bar association events, pro bono work, charity fundraising events, etc. Finding mentors and sponsors Resources: How to Get to Know Your Professors in Law School (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/05/how-to-get-to-know-your-professors-in-law-school/) Office Hours – Should You Go? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/office-hours-go/) Podcast Episode 106: How to Go to Office Hours and Make It Worth Your Time (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-106-go-office-hours-make-worth-time/) Tips for Making the Most of Your Professor's Office Hours (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/making-most-of-professors-office-hours/) Video Quick Tip: Office Hours (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/video-quick-tip-office-hours/) Avoiding Office Hours? Go, and Get Something Out of It (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/avoiding-office-hours-go-and-get-something-out-of-it/) Should I Do a Law School Extracurricular? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/should-i-do-a-law-school-extracurricular/) Podcast Episode 59: Conquering Loneliness in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-49-conquering-loneliness-in-law-school/) Legal Networking 101: Towards a New Definition of Networking (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-networking-101-towards-a-new-definition-of-networking/) Video Quick Tip: Finding Mentors and Sponsors (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/video-quick-tip-finding-mentors-and-sponsors/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Episode-107-Building-Relationships-in-Law-School.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today, we're talking about going to law professors' office hours and getting something out of it. Lots of law students say they're going to go to office hours regularly, but few actually do. Developing good relationships with your professors will not only have a positive effect on your law school success, but may prove to be valuable for years to follow. So tune in, and learn to love office hours! In this episode, we discuss: Why some students are hesitant to go to office hours Reasons why going to office hours is beneficial Ways to make office hours less intimidating and more useful How office hours in law school differs from undergrad Things you might talk about when you visit your professors Questions to avoid asking Other ways to interact with your professors if you are unable to make it to the scheduled office hours Don't forget about your TAs! Resources: How to Get to Know Your Professors in Law School (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/05/how-to-get-to-know-your-professors-in-law-school/) Office Hours – Should You Go? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/office-hours-go/) Tips for Making the Most of Your Professor's Office Hours (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/making-most-of-professors-office-hours/) Video Quick Tip: Office Hours (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/video-quick-tip-office-hours/) Avoiding Office Hours? Go, and Get Something Out of It (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/avoiding-office-hours-go-and-get-something-out-of-it/) Video Quick Tip: Finding Mentors and Sponsors (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/video-quick-tip-finding-mentors-and-sponsors/) Networking Strategies for a New World (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/networking-strategies/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Episode-106-Making-Productive-Use-of-Office-Hours.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Today, we're talking with a former law firm recruiter about the basics of OCI, or on-campus interviewing. OCI is the process by which most large law firms, and some medium-sized law firms and public interest organizations recruit their summer associates and hire full-time lawyers. There are many steps to the process, and it is time-consuming and can be energetically draining, so we're discussing what you can expect and how you can put your best foot forward with an experienced BigLaw recruiter. If you're planning to participate in your school's OCI program, tune in! In this episode, we discuss: What a summer associate position is, and why they are highly sought after The basic process of initial interviews and callback interviews Strategically bidding for an interview What law firms are really looking for How to prepare for an initial interview, what to expect, and what to wear Callback logistics: What happens in a callback interview? What if you have to travel? How should geography play into your interviewing decisions? Factors to consider when selecting an offer How to ensure you DON'T get an offer Resources: Podcast Episode 3: Mastering the On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) Process (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-3-mastering-campus-interviewing-oci-process/) Podcast Episode 4: Callback Tips for BigLaw Summer Associate Positions (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-4-callback-tips-biglaw-summer-associate-positions/) Podcast Episode 55: An Overview of BigLaw On-Campus Interviewing (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-55-overview-biglaw-campus-interviewing-oci/) Podcast Episode 85: Surviving as a Summer Associate and New Firm Lawyer (with Grover Cleveland) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-85-surviving-summer-associate-new-firm-lawyer-grover-cleveland/) Ahead of the Curve: What are BigLaw Recruiters Really Looking For? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/ahead-of-the-curve-what-are-big-law-recruiters-really-looking-for/) How to Prepare for OCI Interviews (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/prepare-oci-interviews/) Dressing Like a Lawyer on a Student's Budget (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/dressing-like-lawyer-students-budget/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Episode-105-OCI-Basics-with-Law-Firm-Recruiter-Sadie-Jones.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome to The Law School Toolbox Podcast. Today we're talking about shopping for law school essentials, everything from backpacks to highlighters. Law school is expensive, so make sure you are being savvy with your purchases! In this episode, we discuss: How to carry all of your stuff Whether to buy a new computer immediately The law school locker situation Do you need a briefcase? The best notebooks and binders, and why you'll need a rainbow of highlighters How to best use technology The benefits of note-taking software Handling life necessities, like your wardrobe, lunch boxes, and household items Ways to let other people help you stock up on what you need How to streamline purchasing so you don't have to waste time during the semester Resources: Start Law School Right Course (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right/) Law School Style Report: The Best Carryalls for the Professional Law Student (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-style-report-the-best-carryalls-for-the-professional-law-student/) Tech Correspondent: My Love Affair with Microsoft OneNote (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/tech-correspondent-my-love-affair-with-microsoft-onenote/) Tips for Using the Cornell Note-Taking Method (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-for-using-the-cornell-note-taking-method/) Is Handwriting Notes a Good Thing or a Bad Thing (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/is-handwriting-notes-a-good-thing-or-a-bad-thing/) Podcast Episode 60: 5 Tips for Surviving the First Month of Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-60-5-tips-surviving-first-month-law-school/) Podcast Episode 102: How to Read Cases and Prepare for Class in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/16176-2/) Circa Notebooks (http://www.levenger.com/CIRCA-326.aspx) Yellow Steno Pads (https://www.amazon.com/Spiral-Notebook-Inches-Canary-63851/dp/B000093L2D) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Episode-104-What-to-Buy.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we're talking with Sara O'Connor, one of our law school tutors, about setting yourself up for success in your mock trial class and/or competition team. Mock trial is not required, but it can be very rewarding and provide great experience for your future legal career. In this episode, we discuss: How to earn a spot on a competitive mock trial course or team What you can expect to learn in your mock trial course Preparing for a mock trial competition The events of the competition itself and how to be successful – stay calm! How the scoring system works and what you'll be judged on Resources: Podcast Episode 27: Job Interview Basics (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-27-job-interview-basics/) Active vs. Passive Listening in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/active-vs-passive-learning-law-school/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Episode-103-Setting-Yourself-Up-to-be-a-Mock-Trial-Rockstar.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today we are going to dive into one of the realities of day-to-day law school life -- reading cases and preparing for class. You'll end up spending much of your day reading and preparing for class. And, yes, there is a "right" way and a "wrong way" to prepare for law school classes. This podcast will give you some valuable tips to make sure you're getting the most out of your study time. In this episode, we discuss: Why reading cases and preparing for class can seem daunting and difficult How to prepare for class correctly and make the most of your study time The elements of a case opinion you should be able to identify and become familiar with The significance and purpose of a case brief and dos and don'ts of case briefing Appropriate and helpful uses for supplements The struggle is real – really. Struggling with the material is part of the process! Resources: Start Law School Right Course (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/start-law-school-right) Best Practices for Using Supplements (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/best-practices-for-using-supplements/) Podcast Episode 95: Top 1L Questions: Time and Life Management (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-95-top-1l-questions-time-life-management/) Constitutional Law Stories, by Michael C. Dorf (https://www.amazon.com/Constitutional-Law-Stories-Michael-Dorf/dp/1587785056) Is Handwriting Notes a Good Thing or a Bad Thing? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/is-handwriting-notes-a-good-thing-or-a-bad-thing/) How to Brief a Case in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-brief-a-case-in-law-school/) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Episode-102-Reading-Cases-and-Preparing-for-Class.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back! Today, we're talking with Ashley Matthews, Program Manager for Law School Engagement and Advocacy at Equal Justice Works, about preparing for a career in public interest work. Public interest is a competitive field to break into, and it comes with its own unique set of challenges. If you've decided you want to pursue a career in public interest law, this episode is a must-listen! In this episode, we discuss: The challenges facing people who seek a career in public interest law Options for managing student loan debt for people in public interest careers Competitiveness in the public interest field What public interest employers are looking for Programs offered by Equal Justice Works for law students, recent grads, and more experienced lawyers The current controversy over validity of student loan forgiveness program approval letters The future of loan forgiveness and assistance programs Which law schools have LRAPs, and how to start one at your law school Resources: Podcast Episode 38: Can You Really Afford Law School? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-38-can-you-really-afford-law-school/) Equal Justice Works Fellowships (http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/post-grad/equal-justice-works-fellowships) Equal Justice Works Rural Summer Legal Corps Program (https://rurallegalcorps.org/) Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps JD (http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/law-school/americorpsjd) Podcast Episode 92: Top 1L Questions: The Money Edition (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-92-top-1l-questions-money-edition/) Podcast Episode 96: How to Rapidly Pay Off Law School Debt (with Guest Financial Panther) (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-96-how-to-rapidly-pay-off-law-school-debt-with-guest-financial-panther/) Equal Justice Works Free Student Debt Webinars (http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/webinars) Cowley, Stacy. "Student Loan Forgiveness Program Approval Letters May Be Invalid, Education Dept. Says." N.Y. Times, Mar. 30, 2017. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/30/business/student-loan-forgiveness-program-lawsuit.html) John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program (http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/resources/student-debt-relief/John-R-Justice-Student-Loan-Repayment-Program) Law School LRAPs (http://equaljusticeworks.org/schoollraps) How to Get to Know Your Professors in Law School (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/05/how-to-get-to-know-your-professors-in-law-school/) Equal Justice Works 2017 Conference and Career Fair (http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/law-school/conference-and-careerfair) Equal Justice Works on Twitter (https://twitter.com/ejw_students) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Episode-101-Preparing-for-a-career-in-public-interest-with-EJW.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) (or your listening platform of choice). 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/). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee