Today we are joined by Kipp Mueller, Columbia Law grad and the co-founder and CEO of SketchyLaw, an online education company which teaches legal rules using visual learning. He and Lee talk about how visual learning can help law students and the science behind it.  In this episode we discuss: What is visual learning?  How visual learning tools can benefit you in law school The science behind visual learning How SketchyLaw works  What memory palaces are and how you can use them as a memorization tool Can everyone benefit from visual learning? The importance of trying different study aids and tools How SketchyLaw came about and the benefits for law students Lessons learned by Kip's law school experience and his entrepreneurial path Resources: SketchyLaw (https://www.sketchylaw.com) 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

One of the biggest challenges law students face is how to handle pressure. Whether it's day-to day-stress or test anxiety, pressure and stress can be overwhelming, especially in law school. Today we have the New York Times bestselling author of "Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When it Matters Most" and renowned pressure expert, Dr. Hank Weisinger, here to talk about handling the pressure of law school.  In this episode we discuss: Dr Weisinger talks about how he became an expert on pressure Why pressure is such an issue for law student Why thinking about grades can be to blame for your stress "Worry thoughts" and how you can ignore them How to stop "catastrophizing" What is the difference between pressure and stress? Strategies for handling pressure and thriving under pressure What happens in law school to make students lose their coping skills Solutions for easing the pressure Tips for handling test anxiety Dr Weisinger's book and other resources for handling pressure Whether students who experience a lot of stress and anxiety should just skip law school and find a different career Resources: "Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When it Matters Most" (http://www.amazon.com/Performing-Under-Pressure-Science-Matters/dp/0804136726) Dr Weisinger's Website (http://www.drhendrieweisinger.com/) Performing Under Pressure eWorkshop Experience (http://pressure.hendrieweisingerphd.com/) 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  

Chances are, you've received at least some of your first semester law school grades by now. We hope you're jumping for joy, but the reality is that most students didn't do as well as they hoped. Don't panic - this isn't the end of your legal career. You have plenty of time to turn things around. The important thing is to stay focused, learn from your mistakes, and put a plan in place for success next time around. It is possible! In this episode we discuss: Lee and Alison's personal experience with first semester grades What you need to understand about the curve Why do people get so stressed out about law school grades?  Steps to take after you get your grades Why it's OK to be disappointed How to evaluate your study process Why outlining is an important tool in studying for exams The importance of getting feedback Time management tips How to explain bad grades during interviews Good luck! If you'd like our help figuring out how to improve your grades second semester, just let us know on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-28-dealing-with-bad-law-school-grades/) 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 Resources: Law School Tutoring: http://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/

Are you interviewing for a legal job? Whether you are interviewing for your first summer job, or one that will (hopefully) be more permanent, we have tips for many different types of interviews and situations.  In this episode we discuss: What universal traits are most interviewers looking for?  What traits are red flags for interviewers? How to dress for your interview Tailoring your approach for different work settings What you should bring, and not bring, with you to the interview What not to do during your interview The importance of asking questions during the interview Tips for specific types of jobs (clerkships, law firms, government, etc.) Good luck with your interview! Resources: Stitch Fix (https://www.stitchfix.com/) 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

The fact that you are a 1L or 2L doesn't mean that you can't be thinking ahead to bar exam preparation. And if you're a 3L, you definitely need to be planning for the bar! It's important to keep bar prep on your radar throughout law school, so you will be ready when the big day arrives. Here are some tips for preparing successfully, whatever year you are! In this episode we discuss: The biggest mistake that law students make when thinking about bar exam preparation Handling the bar exam "culture of fear" Preparing for the bar exam as a 3L Getting the most for your money with bar prep Tips for selecting a bar review provider Understanding what bar prep options are offered at your school The courses we took and didn't take that could have helped with the bar exam What you need to do ahead of time (bar admission paperwork, accommodations, saving money) Bar preparation for 1Ls: What you should and should not do your first year Taking the MPRE How to work on your study skills now so you will be prepared for the bar exam Good luck on the bar! Resources: Should You Apply for Bar Exam Testing Accommodations? (http://barexamtoolbox.com/apply-bar-exam-testing-accommodations/) Can You Pass the Bar Exam Without Taking Barbri? http://barexamtoolbox.com/can-you-pass-the-bar-exam-without-taking-barbri/ Mind Over Bar (http://mindoverbar.com/) 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

Although it seems like it should be common sense, you'd be surprised by how many law students struggle with professionalism when they arrive at their first law job. This may be because many law students have limited work experience or have only been exposed to more casual work environments in the past. Now is the time to make a good first impression at your legal job and we have some advice to help you out! In this episode we discuss: What does being a professional even mean?  What your job really is as a new lawyer or legal intern Why to check any sense of entitlement What it's like to work in different settings How and why to dress professionally Professional communication (in-person and email) Perception and why it's important Alison and Lee's stories from the trenches! Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-25-how-to-behave-like-a-professional-in-the-legal-workplace/) 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

Although it's only December, today we're looking ahead to the summer. If you're a 1L, you're probably thinking about how (and where) you are going to find a summer job. We know a lot of you may be stressing out about this so we've got some useful tips and information about the basics of a 1L job search.  In this episode we discuss: Does it matter what you do after your 1L year of law school?  What kind of job can you realistically expect to get?  The importance of getting a job doing something "legal" Different types of summer jobs you can apply to (judicial externships, firm jobs, government, academia, international work) Using your personal or family network to find opportunities How to find opportunities through your school What you can expect to earn Most important factors when deciding on a summer job How to find out what an organization is looking for What to do if you don't find a paid job How to secure funding for summer jobs The importance of Job Fairs Good luck in your job hunt! Resources: National Association for Law Placement (http://www.nalp.org/) How to Conduct Great Informational Interviews (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/how-to-conduct-great-informational-interviews/) 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 exams looming on the horizon? In today's episode, we're dishing out some law school exam day tips. You probably have been preparing intensively for the last few weeks for exams, but have you prepared for the day of the exam? Athletes prepare for the day of the big game and so should you! Check out our tips for exam day success.  In this episode we discuss: Getting ready for the day of the exam in law school The importance of self-care during exam prep How to tell if you are burnt out Sorting out any testing accommodations How to be at your best on game day Being prepared for obstacles you may face on the big day What you should bring with you to the exam (Alison and Lee have very different ideas on this one!) Time management during the exam How to handle anxiety during the exam How to adjust your strategy for take home exams Decompressing between exams Resources: What Should You Bring With You to a Law School Exam? (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/what-should-you-bring-with-you-to-a-law-school-exam/) 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!  Best of luck on your exams!  Alison & Lee

In today's episode, we're doing things a bit differently. We've talked about how to study for a law exam, but today we are going to take an exam with you. Well, not actually TAKE it with you, but we're going over a real question to show you exactly how we'd approach an exam hypo, from start to finish.  Before listening to this episode, be sure to download the documents in the resources so you can follow along.  In this episode we discuss: Our step-by-step attack plan How we organize the information in the hypo What we're looking for when we read the question How to figure out the key legal issues and critical facts How to generally approach exam hypos Tying the facts to the law Creating a scratch paper outline Putting it all together and writing your exam answer Resources: Here are the materials you'll need, if you want to follow along: Adverse Possession Hypo (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Adverse-possession-hypo.pdf) Adverse Possession Attack Plan (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Adverse-possession-attack-plan.pdf) Adverse Possession Sample Answer (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Adverse-possession-Sample-answer.pdf) Marked Up Answer Alison (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Marked-Up-Question-Alison.pdf) Marked Up Answer Lee (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Marked-Up-Question-Lee.pdf) Scratch Paper Outline Alison (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Scratch-Paper-Outline-Alison.pdf) Scratch Paper Outline Lee (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Scratch-Paper-Outline-Lee.pdf) 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!  Best of luck on your exams!  Alison & Lee

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

What is it about the term Legal Writing that makes law students cringe? If you are a first-year law student, you're most likely enrolled in a Legal Research and Writing Class (LRW). This is a class that can strike fear into the heart of some law students. Others approach it with an "I got this" attitude only to be shocked when they realize they actually don't. The same writing skills that scored you a spot in law school do not always transfer when it comes to legal writing. It's just another class - what is everyone so afraid of?  You have to get comfortable with writing in a different way.  The exams and papers can be incredibly time-consuming and challenging.  It's hard to "unlearn" a style of writing you became comfortable with in your prior education.  In this episode we talk about: What makes legal writing so difficult?  The different types of legal writing How your academic background can affect your success in your legal writing class Improving your legal writing skills How to handle legal writing if English isn't your first language Tools and tricks to stay organized Why legal writing is important to your future career (and passing the bar exam) 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 Resources: Trello (http://www.trello.com) - Our favorite organizational tool!!! Be Ready to Throw Your Writing Style Out the Window (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/0l-to-1l-be-ready-to-throw-your-writing-style-out-the-window/) It is Important to Be Realistic About Assignments (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/it-is-important-to-be-realistic-about-assignments/) Legal Writing Tip: Imagine You're Talking to Your Grandmother (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-writing-tip-imagine-youre-talking-to-your-grandma/)

Are lawyers actually more unhappy than your average professionals, or do they just like to complain a lot?  Studies have shown that 52% of practicing lawyers are dissatisfied in their careers. They suffer from depression rates 3.6 times higher than other professions. The divorce rate is higher among lawyers and especially among female lawyers. Are you doomed to misery as a lawyer? In this episode, we discuss why the profession is so messed up, and what you can do to shield yourself against the worst aspects of the legal profession. We talk about: Why lawyers are so unhappy Whether there's a link between pay and job satisfaction What intrinsic factors in the profession contribute to the widespread misery? "Phantom Blackberry syndrome" after leaving BigLaw Has technology made these problems worse? Perfectionism in the legal profession Is this all law schools' fault? What can you do to avoid or respond to these problems? How can you make your life better as a law student or lawyer?  The good news - not all lawyers are unhappy. The trick is to find a happy medium that works for you.  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 Resources Mentioned: Why Are Lawyers So Unhappy? (http://www.lawyerswithdepression.com/articles/why-are-lawyers-so-unhappy/)  Lawyers With Lower Pay Report More Happiness (http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/05/12/lawyers-with-lowest-pay-report-more-happiness/)  Law School Quadruples the Chance of Depression: Some Changes That May Help (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kate-mayer-mangan/law-school-quadruples-dep_b_5713337.html) The Lawyer Who Became a Clown (http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/08/20/abandoning-the-work-i-hated/) Dave Nee Foundation (http://www.daveneefoundation.org/scholarship/lawyers-and-depression/) Warrior One - Mindfulness for Lawyers  (http://warriorone.com/)

Welcome back! If you are a 2L or 3L who's stuggled in law school, this episode is for you. Today we're talking about how to overcome a 1L year that was less than stellar and raise your grades for the rest of your tenure in law school. Your GPA as a 1L is important because it's used for on-campus interviews and Law Review, but don't forget that clerkships, internships, and future employers look at the big picture and you still have a long way to go. It's too early to get discouraged! We discuss strategies to raise your GPA which include: Evaluating the problem Developing more effective pre-exam preparation strategies Secrets to eliminating distractions in class Managing your time effectively and getting more practice in Working on your exam writing skills Scheduling classes the smart way Taking advantage of electives and clinics Improving your GPA as a 3L - Is it even worth bothering? Getting in the right mindset for success The most important things is to not get discouraged and give up. Continuously try to improve and change the way you prepare and study, and you'll see results! 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/). Good luck! Alison & Lee Resources: Demoralizing Feedback? Look at What You Did Right! (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/demoralizing-feedback-look-at-what-you-did-right/)    

Welcome back! If you’re a 1L, this is the episode for you. We’re going to talk about the top five things law students consistently screw up their first year, so you can avoid doing any of them. In a nutshell, here they are (and we talk about each one in detail in this episode): 1.     Bad time and life management 2.     Misunderstanding what’s expected on the final exam 3.     Lack of practice 4.     Lack of feedback (or not learning from feedback) 5.     Simply not doing the work, or not fully committing to the experience Are you falling behind in law school, or just checking the boxes and missing the point? Find out what you need to be doing to succeed as a 1L - and what NOT to do! Resources: The Circles method for time management (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/tips-time-management-awesomeness-with-the-circles/) How to Calendar Your Way to Better Grades and More Free Time (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-calendar-your-way-to-better-grades-and-more-free-time/) 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're doing a deep dive into a critically important topic -- time and life management! If you're an overstressed law student or young lawyer, this is a can't miss episode. Here's some of what we cover: Why is work-life balance so hard in today's legal profession? Has technology made things even more difficult? How to focus and get the right things done Why multitasking is a bad idea Why it's important to make time for breaks Overcoming self-sabotaging behavior in law school Effectively using a calendar to manage your time How to figure out what you should be spending your time on in law school When should you start outlining in law school? Strategies for prioritizing and executing effectively in law school Common ways to waste time in law school How much time should you spend reading cases? Using systems to make life easier for yourself What can you outsource to create more time for yourself? How much time are people really studying in law school? Resources: The Circles Technique for time management (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/08/tips-time-management-awesomeness-with-the-circles/) How to Calendar Your Way to Better Grades and More Free Time (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-calendar-your-way-to-better-grades-and-more-free-time/) 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’re excited to be discussing one of our very favorite topics – Learning! I know you’re shocked that this is a topic we find interesting…but we do. Especially right now, when Alison is living in Mexico trying to learn Spanish and Lee is watching her one-year-old son learn new stuff every day.   We’re pretty convinced that the lessons from learning a language, or learning to walk, apply equally to learning in law school!   Here's what's discussed in this episode: How do children approach learning, and what can we learn from them? What's it like learning another language, and how do these lessons apply to law school? Why you need to do the things that make you uncomfortable to really learn effectively Why being smart isn't enough (Hint: You still have to work hard) What we can all learn from Brene Brown about learning (love her!) Practical ways to develop your learning resilience Enjoy! If you like the Law School Toolbox podcast, we're really appreciate an iTunes review and/or rating. And if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lee and Alison at [email protected] or [email protected] or you can always contact us via our website contact form at LawSchoolToolbox.com. Show Notes: Brene Brown (BreneBrown.com) Is Starting Law School Like Moving to a Foreign Country? (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/07/starting-law-school-like-moving-foreign-country/) Ultimately, You Always Have to Teach Yourself (http://thegirlsguidetolawschool.com/07/ultimately-always-teach/) How to Pass the Bar By Doing What Makes You Most Uncomfortable (http://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-pass-the-bar-by-doing-what-makes-you-the-most-uncomfortable/) Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee  

Today, we’re talking about a very important topic – how to stay true to yourself and live with integrity as a law student and as a lawyer. Our friend Linda Alvarez gave a great talk on this topic at the most recent Catapult conference, and we’re going to be pulling heavily from her ideas here. For those of you who don’t know her, Linda is an innovative attorney who helps her clients create contracts that align with their values, through a process she calls “discovering agreement.” She’s been named an ABA Legal Rebel, and you can find out more about her on her website DiscoveringAgreement.com. One of the first things Linda mentioned was that it was very interesting that we even think to ask these sort of questions. For example: How do I create an authentic life in the context of my work as a lawyer?  How can I create a legal career that doesn’t create too much dissonance between my nature and my work? Why are lawyers even asking these questions?!? Alison went to architecture school, and architects definitely aren't spending a ton of time worrying that architecture will ruin their lives! Today's conversation is wide-ranging, and includes stories of how we both screwed up and went off track in law school. Some of the topics discussed include: Is this all law school’s fault? Has the legal profession lost a sense of community? What’s integrity? How does it relate to power? Can knowing your core values can make tough decisions easier? The value of making a personal mission statement Are lawyers allowed to have feelings? And what happens if you pretend you don't have any? What are you saying Yes to? Is it really what you want? What fundamental questions should you be asking yourself in law school, or as a new lawyer? Enjoy! And, as always,if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lee and Alison at [email protected] or [email protected] or you can always contact us via our website contact form at LawSchoolToolbox.com. Resources Mentioned: Linda Alvarez: DiscoveringAgreement.com Relationship advice for lawyers from Mark Perlmutter (http://trebuchetlegal.com/mark-perlmutter-6-things-learned-law-school-shouldnt-tried-home/) Lawyer-turned-therapist Will Meyerhofer ThePeoplesTherapist.com Please leave a iTunes rating or review if you enjoyed the show. And don't forget to subscribe, so you won't miss anything!

Last time, we talked about the basics of OCI, how to bid, and what to expect in the initial interview. Today, we’re discussing the next step in the process – callback interviews.   Topics discussed include: The basics - what's a callback interview, and how is it different from the initial on-campus interview? What are firms looking for in a callback? Advice on scheduling interviews and handling travel arrangements (including what you can expect the firm to pay for) What to wear for your callbacks and what to bring with you Thank you notes What you should be paying attention to on your callbacks, to figure out if a firm is a good fit for you Questions to ask (and not to ask) at a callback What to do if you strike out at OCI and need to find a job a different way If you're doing callbacks, this is a must-listen episode! We'll tell you all the stuff that no one else will.   If you enjoyed this episode of the Law School Toolbox podcast, please take a second to leave a review and rating on iTunes. We’d really appreciate it. And be sure to subscribe, so you don’t miss anything.   If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lee and Alison at [email protected] or [email protected] or you can always contact us via our website contact form at LawSchoolToolbox.com.   Thanks for listening! Good luck in your job hunt. Alison & Lee  

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast. For the next two episodes, we’re talking about the process of getting a summer associate position at a large law firm – typically referred to as on-campus interviewing or OCI. The details of the process vary somewhat between schools, but the basics are similar across the board.   In this episode, we talk about improving your resume and cover letter, how to figure out what firms to bid on in OCI and how to keep them straight, how the process typically works (and differences between different schools), what to wear, what the interviews are like, and what firms are looking for. We also share tips from our experience interviewing potential summer associate candidates - the good, the bad, and the ugly, and talk about the weird stuff we had to explain when we did OCI.   If you're a law student going through OCI, this is a can't miss episode!    If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lee and Alison at [email protected] or [email protected] or you can always contact us via our website contact form at LawSchoolToolbox.com.   Enjoy, and good luck at OCI! Resources mentioned: Vault's Guide to Summer Associate positions (http://www.vault.com/company-rankings/law/best-summer-associate-programs) American Lawyer Mid-Level Associate Survey (http://www.americanlawyer.com/id=1202512392833/The-2014-Associates-Survey-Midlevels-Are-Happy-But) Above the Law BigLaw Rankings (http://abovethelaw.com/careers/2015-law-firm-rankings/) Did you find this episode helpful and interesting? Please leave a ranking and review on iTunes. Thanks!   Alison & Lee  

In the prior episode, we talked about Mindset and how important it is to work on cultivating a growth mindset. Today, we’re talking about why law school is hard! Not to scare you, but to provide context and alert you to some of the challenges you might face. Forewarned is forearmed. And remember, a challenge – seen the right way – is just an opportunity for growth and learning. In this episode, we talk about: Whether law school is the hardest thing we've ever done Ways to make law school harder for yourself, by choosing the wrong school The impact of stress and anxiety on law students and the legal profession Why the academics of law school are hard Why the social aspects of law school are hard Why the job aspects of law school are hard Whether law school has gotten even harder in recent years Resources: Articles we discussed: Suicide on Campus and the Pressure of Perfection On Being a Happy, Healthy, and Ethical Member of an Unhappy, Unhealthy, and Unethical Profession Got a question? Please contact us via LawSchoolToolbox.com. Thanks for listening! Please leave a review and rating on iTunes if you enjoyed the show. We'd really appreciate it!