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

In law school, you spend a lot of time preparing for exams. What most students don't spend time much on is putting yourself in your professor's shoes and focusing on what he or she is looking for in an exam answer. That's what this episode is about! Your goal should be to write a clean, well-organized, and thoughtful exam to give yourself an edge over your frazzled, disorganized classmates. We'll show you how. In this episode we discuss: What grading exams is really like for your professor What your professor is looking for in an exam answer and how you use this information to present them with the best possible answer The importance of mastering not only the law but being also able to apply it What your professor is NOT looking for Ways to frustrate and annoy your professor Remember, when you're writing your exam answers, don't forget to put yourself in the professor's shoes. After all, that's who's giving you a grade. Best of luck on your exams! Resources: 1L Tip of the Day: Good Confusion and Bad Confusion (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/10/law-school-tip-of-the-day-good-confusion-and-bad-confusion/) Should Your Law School Essay Be Wearing Sweatpants or a Suit? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/should-your-law-school-essay-be-wearing-sweatpants-or-a-suit/) If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know! We'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. 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). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

When you're counting the time to your first exam in weeks, rather than months, lots of law students start to panic. While we don’t suggest panicking, some concern is warranted! Time is going to go quickly, and you want to be sure you’re using it wisely in the last month or so until exams start. If you've got law school exams coming up, tune in! In this episode we discuss: Time management during law school exam prep Why you need to make a study calendar NOW! How should you handle Thanksgiving? How to effectively use feedback you have received Triage methods when you have too much to do Ways to reduce stress and stay healthy Evaluating your current study methods so you know what's working (and making changes when you need to) If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know! We'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. 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). Thanks for listening! And good luck on your exams! Alison & Lee

Not all law school exams are created equal. Different schools will use different types of exams and your professors can do whatever they want! In order to succeed, whether you're facing open-book, closed-book, multiple-choice, or take-home exams, it's critical to practice, to be resourceful, and to use tools and resources that are geared to your specific type of exam. Don't stress out about what type of exams you're facing! Tune in for our advice on the best strategy for every type of law school exam. In this episode we talk about: The different types of law school exams - open book, closed book, multiple choice, and take homes What is the easiest type of law school exam? The hardest? Our personal experience with the different exam types The most common type of exams you will see in law school What resources are most helpful for the different exam types Study strategies for each type of exam The unique challenges you may face with each type of exam Is it okay to ask your professor for help? The importance of planning before you write! Remember - practice makes perfect! Prepare early for your exams and you will be successful. Best of luck on your exams! Whatever type they happen to be... Resources: Surviving Law School Exams (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/may-surviving-law-school-exams/) All You Need to Prepare for Law School Exams (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/all-you-need-to-know-to-prepare-for-law-school-exams/) Tips for Studying for an Open Book Exam (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-for-studying-for-an-open-book-exam/) How to Prepare for a Closed Book Exam (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/11/how-to-prepare-for-a-closed-book-exam/) How to Prepare for an Open Book Exam (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/12/how-to-prepare-for-an-open-book-exam/) 1L Exams Start in a Week - What Should Be Doing? (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/12/1l-exams-start-this-week/) If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know! We'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. 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). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Whether you are in your first or final year of law school, you should be using supplements. Although they can't do the work for you, commercial supplements can provide valuable insight and help fill the gaps in your understanding. Supplements can provide a roadmap for the topic you're studying, fill in missing details, and - in some cases - provide a more direct explanation of what you're discussing in class. Want to find out more about what supplements can do for you and how can you use them effectively? Listen in! In this episode we discuss: What supplements are How supplements can help Different types of law school supplements you can use Lee and Alison's favorite supplements How to know what information in the supplement you should use (and shouldn't) Should you read a supplement before class or after class? How to avoid information overload How supplements can work with your outlining Using supplements with practice exams Finding the right supplements for your course Supplements can be a valuable tool for law school success. The key is to use them to complement your reading, lectures and study - and not in place of those methods. Best of luck! Resources: Chirelstein on Contracts: (http://amzn.to/1Mnp9K4) Torts - Examples and Explanations: (http://amzn.to/1G1sfXz) Civ Pro - Examples and Explanations: (http://amzn.to/1G1slOQ) Chemerinsky on Con Law: (http://amzn.to/1G1sstF) Chemerinsky - Federal Jurisdiction (Fed Courts) (http://amzn.to/1MN5vr9) Multiple Choice: Glannon Guide To Civil Procedure: Learning Civil Procedure Through Multiple-Choice Questions and Analysis (http://amzn.to/1MN5vr9) Q&A Series (http://www.lexisnexis.com/store/catalog/catalog.jsp?id=cat80144) CrunchTime: Civil Procedure (http://amzn.to/1MN5vr9) Contracts (http://amzn.to/1GqXRGe) Torts (http://amzn.to/1MN67Nq) Crim Law (http://amzn.to/1LVBhWp) Property (http://amzn.to/1MN6dEC) Con Law (http://amzn.to/1LVBt84) (These are affiliate links) If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know! We'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. 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). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Are you struggling with certain things in law school? We have all been there. When you need help, it's critical to find the "right" resources to help you (and won't make you need even more help!). If you're not sure who to turn to for help, or what resources are available, tune in. In this episode we discuss: Is it okay to ask for help in law school? How to approach professors so that they're willing to help you Should you go to your TA for help? How to use academic support services Why you should proceed with caution when asking for help from peers What books and substantive materials are useful What type of help is out there for students with learning disabilities Valuable resources on the internet How private tutors can get you prepared for success and help you with problems you encounter Don't be afraid to ask for help in law school! The key is to try to solve the problem yourself first and formulate specific questions to ask. The better your questions, the better the help you will receive. Most of all, don't give up! Best of luck! Resources: (contains some affiliate links) Chirelstein on Contracts: (http://amzn.to/1Mnp9K4) Torts: (http://amzn.to/1G1sfXz) Civ Pro: (http://amzn.to/1G1slOQ) Chemerinsky on Con Law: (http://amzn.to/1G1sstF) Five Myths About the Law School Study Group (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/five-myths-about-the-law-school-study-group/) Lessons From My 1L Year - Be Careful With Study Groups: (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/lessons-from-my-1l-year-be-careful-with-study-groups/) How to Make the Most Out of Academic Guidance in Law School (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-make-the-most-out-of-academic-guidance-in-law-school/) Making the Most of Professor's Office Hours (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/making-most-of-professors-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/) If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know! We'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. 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). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Studying in law school is not one-size fits all. Each student learns in a different way. The key is to recognize the type of learner you are and use that information to optimize your study style - for YOU. In this episode we talk bout: The three main types of learning styles - Auditory, Visual and Kinesthetic Whether learning styles even exist How to figure out your learning preferences you are Specific techniques for each learning style in law school How to outline and what type of learner should (and shouldn't) utilize outlining Why you should probably handwrite your outlines The basics of attack plans, and why they're important (for everyone!) Using checklists vs. roadmaps for your attack plans Flowcharts, Flashcards, and Mnemonics and who can benefit from them Resources: Learner Type Quiz - (http://homeworktips.about.com/od/homeworkhelp/a/lstyleqz.htm) Flash Cards or Flowcharts - What's Best? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/flashcards-or-flowcharts-whats-best/) 5 Study Tips for Visual Learners (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-study-tips-for-visual-learners/) 5 Study Tips for Kinesthetic Learners (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-study-tips-for-kinesthetic-learners/) 5 Tips for Auditory Learners (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/5-study-tips-for-auditory-learners/) 4 Evidence Backed Law School Study Tips (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/4-evidence-backed-law-school-study-tipos/) 3 More Law School Study Tips (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/3-more-law-school-study-tips/) Secrets to Starting Law School Right - Hey Do You Know How to Memorize Stuff (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/secrets-to-starting-law-school-right-hey-do-you-know-how-to-memorize-stuff/) If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know! We'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. 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). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

October is the time in law school where reality begins to set in. Whether you had a tough exam or are struggling with outlining, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed and defeated. You may be exhausted, burnt out, and wondering how you are going to prepare for exams or even what you're doing in law school in the first place. The good news is most law students go through this. Don't flip out! Take our advice to get through the October Freakout so you can have a productive rest of the semester. In this episode we discuss: Taking stock of where you are and where you should be How and where to get help if you are struggling What happens if you still feel completely lost in class? How long you should be spending on deep thinking tasks (outlining, reviewing concepts and practicing) versus other work How to know if your outlines are working for you Balancing extra-curricular activities and class work How to avoid having Legal Writing take over your life Getting things in order to set yourself up for success How to set goals that work Don't let the October Freakout destroy your law school motivation. Stay strong, and you will get through it! Best of luck! Resources: Are You Having an October Freakout? Of Course You Are! (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/having-an-october-freakout-of-course-you-are/) Surviving the 1L October Freakout (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/10/surviving-the-october-1l-freakout/) It’s Time for a Mid-Semester Reality Check (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/time-for-a-mid-semester-reality-check/) Are You in Law School Crisis Mode? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/are-you-in-law-school-crisis-mode-heres-how-to-get-out/) If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know! We'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. 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). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

We will be honest with you, disasters in law school are inevitable. It's not a question of "if" disasters will happen, but "when." That's why it's crucial to be as prepared as possible to avoid total chaos when bad things happen. Law school is stressful enough without suffering through a total academic or life meltdown! Alison and Lee share some of their own personal disasters in law school and other situations that you may encounter. In this episode you will learn: What is the #1 problem that affects law school students? How and why to backup your computer files (seriously, just do it!) Ways to prevent and handle exam disasters How to prepare for the inevitable life meltdowns How to prepare your computer for exams How to overcome test anxiety How to rebound from a law school disaster Why it's important to build community Resources: Dropbox - (http://dropbox.com/) One Password - (https://agilebits.com/onepassword) Last Pass - (https://lastpass.com/) Mind Over Bar - (http://mindoverbar.com/) Build a Survival Kit (Red Cross) - (http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit) Why You Need Renters Insurance (https://www.balancepro.net/education/publications/rentersinsurance.html) Why You Should Backup Your Files (https://www.backblaze.com/data-backup/backup-your-computer.html) If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know! We'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. 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). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Today we are talking about one important facet of your law school experience - learning to argue like a lawyer. From class to court, it's all basically the same. So, what do Lawyers argue about? Some combination of: The Facts The Law Policy In this episode we discuss: Examples of the types of arguments you will find in law school How to argue like a lawyer Why law students struggle with the concept of ambiguity The importance of reading cases carefully Why law students struggle when trying to argue about the law Policy arguments and why they can be the most confusing type of argument How professors handle policy arguments What types of arguments will you see on exams and strategies for mastering them If you liked this episode, please let us know!We'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. 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). Thanks for listening! Good luck in law school. Alison & Lee

Are your resume and cover letter ready to send out? Many law students wait until they're under the gun to craft their job application materials. The truth is you should write your resume now to avoid having to rush and create one when an opportunity presents itself. Not all resumes and cover letters are created equal. Find out what makes a law student resume and cover letter stand out in a sea of applicants! In this episode we talk about: Why you should do your resume and cover letter early in law school What your resume needs to convey How long the average hiring manager looks at your resume Learning to look at your resume from different perspectives How to make your resume stand out in a crowded field Common resume problems How to elaborate on a short resume How to explain experience that isn’t obviously related How you can get more experience for your resume Crafting different resumes for different types of jobs Where to get help writing your resume and cover letter The importance of consistency on LinkedIn and other social media profiles Good luck in the job hunt! Resources: The One Thing That Needs to Be On Your Résumé to Ace a Callback Interview (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/07/summer-associate-callback-law-firm-interview-tips/) The One Question That Will Improve Any Résumé (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/09/the-one-question-that-will-improve-any-resume/) Looking for Work? 7 Tips for a Remarkable Résumé (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/02/looking-for-a-legal-job-resume-tips/) Want a Job? Clean Up Your Online Paper Trail (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/06/want-a-job-clean-up-your-online-paper-trail/) If you enjoyed this episode, please let us know! We'd love a nice review and/or rating on iTunes. 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). Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee