Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're going through three rapid-fire legal ethics scenarios and asking you, the listener, "What would you do?" We then provide you with the answers based on the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. In this episode we discuss: Scenario 1: Conflict of interest Scenario 2: Client plans to lie on the stand Scenario 3: Pro bono when you're overworked Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-scho...
Feb 23, 2026•8 min•Ep. 544
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, Lee is talking with Karis Stephen -- a plaintiff-side employment attorney and Law School Toolbox tutor -- about her career journey, law school success, and the CROWN Act. In this episode we discuss: An introduction to our guest and her professional journey Exploring different career and life interests Working in the employment discrimination field Why it's advisable to find a professional mentor What is the CROWN Act and how it fights discri...
Feb 16, 2026•43 min•Ep. 543
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This episode explains the concept of negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED) in tort law, outlining the four specific situations in which a plaintiff can recover for emotional harm caused by another's negligence. In this episode we discuss: A review of the elements of negligence The four situations in which NIED claims are valid Negligent versus intentional infliction of emotional distress Hypotheticals and examples illustrating NIED Reso...
Feb 09, 2026•18 min•Ep. 542
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing the concept of injunctive relief (Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 65). We introduce three types of injunctions – temporary restraining orders (TROs), preliminary injunctions, and permanent injunctions, and the elements necessary for obtaining each of them. In this episode we discuss: Overview of injunctive relief Temporary restraining orders (TROs) Preliminary injunctions and p...
Feb 02, 2026•21 min•Ep. 541
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode we explain the legal concepts of self-defense and defense of others, focusing on their importance in criminal law and in law school exams. In this episode we discuss: Self-defense: rules and elements Imperfect self-defense Defense of others: rules and elements Two hypothetical scenarios from previous California bar exams Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-top...
Jan 26, 2026•15 min•Ep. 540
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're diving into part one of a two-part series on the topic of impeachment. Specifically, we're focusing on character impeachment – that is, discrediting the credibility of a witness. In this episode we discuss: What is witness impeachment? Demonstration of bias Examining a witness's character for truthfulness Evidence of prior bad acts and convictions Analyzing two questions from previous bar exams Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (htt...
Jan 19, 2026•20 min•Ep. 539
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! As AI is becoming part of our everyday life, we're discussing the good practices and the questionable uses of AI in law school. In this episode we discuss: How law students are currently using AI How law schools and professors are responding to AI usage The upside: When AI genuinely helps you learn and practice Risks, pitfalls, and ethical landmines Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-suc...
Jan 12, 2026•32 min•Ep. 538
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In the first week of January, we're talking about the second semester – how to make a study plan, get feedback on your first-semester exams, and even use AI to help you out with organization and studying. In this episode we discuss: Dealing with disappointing first-semester grades Engaging with professors and seeking feedback Creating and sticking to a study schedule Minimizing distractions and maximizing focus Utilizing AI for academic success Res...
Jan 05, 2026•35 min•Ep. 537
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we're talking about the expectation damages of sellers and buyers of goods under Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). In this episode we discuss: Sellers' expectation damages Buyers' expectation damages Hypothetical scenarios dealing with remedies for breaches of contract Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics...
Dec 29, 2025•23 min•Ep. 536
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have another episode in our "Listen and Learn" series. This time, we're talking about nuisances (public and private). In this episode we discuss: How does nuisance show up on an exam? The similarities and differences between public and private nuisance Defenses to nuisance claims Analyzing a hypo from the California First-Year Law Students' Examination from June 2014 How to structure your answer to a question involving nuisance A reminder...
Dec 22, 2025•19 min•Ep. 535
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're speaking with ADHD and executive function coach Emily Haan about the unique challenges attorneys with ADHD face in the workplace, such as time management, task switching, and email overload. We share practical coping strategies --including using physical timers, planning ahead, and body doubling -- to help manage these difficulties, and emphasize the importance of self-advocacy and finding supportive mentors. In this episode ...
Dec 15, 2025•32 min•Ep. 534
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about using office hours in a productive way – this time, from your professor's perspective. We emphasize preparing specific questions, demonstrating prior effort, and engaging thoughtfully with the feedback your professor gives you. In this episode we discuss: Preparing your materials for office hours Effective communication during office hours Seeking feedback on written work What questions to ask and how to take notes Attitud...
Dec 08, 2025•22 min•Ep. 533
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This episode continues the discussion on criminal identification procedures, focusing on potential due process violation issues. Through analyzing a hypothetical scenario, we illustrate how courts look at the totality of the circumstances and assess whether identification procedures are unnecessarily suggestive. The episode concludes with a step-by-step approach to tackling identification procedure questions on an exam. In this episode we discuss: ...
Dec 01, 2025•17 min•Ep. 532
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, Alison and Gabe Teninbaum -- law professor and creator of SpacedRepetition.com -- discuss how technology is rapidly transforming the legal profession, emphasizing the importance for law students and lawyers to develop technological competence and adapt to new tools and roles in the legal profession. In this episode we discuss: Gabe's background and work in legal innovation and technology The evolution and future of legal work Important soft ...
Nov 24, 2025•31 min•Ep. 531
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about the rules and timing of the different types of criminal identification procedures. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode. In this episode we discuss: Types of criminal identifications procedures Timing of identifications procedures and right to counsel Due process in identifications procedures Analysis of a hypothetical scenario Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-su...
Nov 17, 2025•16 min•Ep. 530
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing how you can regroup, triage, and get the most out of the final weeks before law school exams. In this episode we discuss: Preparing outlines and other study materials How to use study groups effectively Writing practice exams and getting feedback Optimizing study time and minimizing distractions The importance of sleep and wellbeing How to prepare for exam accommodations Using AI tools for exam prep Resources: Tutoring for La...
Nov 10, 2025•36 min•Ep. 529
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This podcast episode explores the critical connection between sleep and productivity, especially for students and professionals. Guest Lindsay Scola shares her personal journey with sleep disorders and emphasizes that sleep is foundational for cognitive performance, memory, and overall well-being. The conversation offers practical tips for improving sleep habits and highlights the importance of being intentional about rest to support both academic ...
Nov 03, 2025•46 min•Ep. 528
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we're exploring the situations in which a party to a contract is claiming that their contractual obligations should be discharged as a result of supervening events that occurred after the formation of the contract. The three excuses for non-performance of a contract we'll look at are: impossibility, impracticability, and frustration of purpose. In this episode we discuss: The rules for the impossi...
Oct 27, 2025•17 min•Ep. 527
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Much of Western legal tradition evolved from Roman law, and even when legal systems modernized, many principles and terms remained in Latin. Today, as part of our "Quick Tips" series, we provide you with the meaning of various Latin phrases that are commonly used in law school classes. In this episode we discuss: The meaning and uses of various Latin words and phrases used in the legal context Resources: Law School 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com...
Oct 20, 2025•14 min•Ep. 526
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, author and educator Julie Lythcott-Haims discusses with Lee the complexities of becoming an adult, emphasizing that adulthood is less about age and more about taking responsibility for oneself. We highlight the importance of developing independence, financial literacy, and the ability to have difficult conversations, while also stressing the value of vulnerability, community, and human connection in navigating adult life. Ultimatel...
Oct 13, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 525
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, Steve Schwartz from LSAT Unplugged shares the latest changes to the LSAT format. We also explore the evolving role of AI in test preparation and admissions and offer practical advice for effective LSAT study strategies. In this episode we discuss: The latest LSAT format, consisting of: logical reasoning tasks reading comprehension tasks writing sample The role of AI in test prep and admissions LSAT prep strategies and resources ...
Oct 06, 2025•38 min•Ep. 524
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, we're focusing on one of the most highly-tested topics on law school exams: Negligence. In particular, we're talking about the different ways in which factual causation can be demonstrated. In this episode we discuss: Review of the elements of negligence What is factual causation and the five tests that are used to prove it Analyzing two hypos from previous California bar exams Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawsc...
Sep 29, 2025•20 min•Ep. 523
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about a topic we've been thinking about a lot recently – whether social media is destroying our ability to focus. We reflect on how our daily routines were impacted by a week-long break from social media, and how we used the freed up time. In this episode we discuss: Pain points that led to our social media break Effects of a social media detox Reflections on how social media has evolved Implications of excessive social media us...
Sep 22, 2025•31 min•Ep. 522
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're speaking with Nikhil Agarwal from Juno about how law students can make smarter choices about student loans. We focus on the benefits of group negotiation for better interest rates and the differences between federal and private loans. Thanks to Juno for their support in sponsoring this episode! In this episode we discuss: An introduction to our guest, and the origin of Juno group loan negotiation Understanding student loan options The ...
Sep 15, 2025•35 min•Ep. 521
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This episode features a discussion with Dan Smith from Themis Bar Review about the upcoming NextGen Bar Exam, highlighting its new computer-based format and integrated question sets, as well as the importance of memorization and practical skills. The conversation also covers how Themis is adapting its prep materials for the new exam format. Note: This episode is sponsored by Themis Bar Review – the gold standard in bar exam preparation. Save $1,200...
Sep 08, 2025•31 min•Ep. 520
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, we're discussing torts – specifically, the intentional tort of false imprisonment and the associated defense, shopkeeper's privilege. We also go through several sample questions and apply the law to the fact patterns. In this episode we discuss: An overview of intentional torts The elements of false imprisonment Hypothetical scenarios from previous California bar exams The shopkeeper's privilege defense to false imprisonment Res...
Sep 01, 2025•15 min•Ep. 519
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today Alison is speaking with Susan Stone and Kristina Supler from KJK's Student & Athlete Defense Group about ways poor decisions in the past might (or might not) derail your law school and bar exam journey. In this episode we discuss: The work our guests do to save futures Life decisions that might derail your journey When it's time to get help How to handle the following scenarios: Academic misconduct Social media mishaps Past criminal offen...
Aug 25, 2025•24 min•Ep. 518
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today Alison is speaking with USF law professors Megan Hutchinson and Nicole Phillips about how they are teaching law students to use AI responsibly -- emphasizing ethical, professional, and practical applications. In this episode we discuss: How AI is taught at USF School of Law Student and faculty reactions to AI The human side of lawyering Potential pitfalls and responsible AI use Tech resources for law students Resources: The New York Times: I'...
Aug 18, 2025•30 min•Ep. 517
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're focusing on the basics of Criminal Law – that is, the elements of a crime. Specifically, we're going to spend some time diving into the two most important elements: causation and mens rea. In this episode we discuss: The four elements necessary to prove a crime The defendant's state of mind and criminal intent when they commit a crime Actual and proximate causation Two hypos from previous California bar exams Resources: "Listen and Lea...
Aug 11, 2025•22 min•Ep. 516
Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode we offer practical advice for law students on preparing for class, handling the Socratic method, and managing anxiety about being called on. We emphasize that mistakes are normal and that efficient reading and note-taking are key. We encourage law students to approach class participation as a learning opportunity and to focus on developing confidence and communication skills. In this episode we discuss: What is the Socratic method a...
Aug 04, 2025•30 min•Ep. 515
