Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about taking the bar in a new state, when you're already licensed elsewhere. In this episode, we discuss: Figuring out if it's possible to take the attorney version of the exam What are the most efficient study methods if you've already passed once? Evaluating what topics you should focus on Why the passage rate for attorney applicants is not very high How early should you start studying? Is your job willing to make accommodation...
Jan 13, 2020•28 min•Ep 74•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're strategizing about how to resolve problems you're having while studying for the MBE, specifically when you're struggling with the law. In this episode, we discuss: How complicated is the law on the MBE? The importance of evaluating why you are getting questions right or wrong Doing targeted practice on areas of the law where you feel less confident The surprising powers of handwriting Using frequency analysis, especially if you are short...
Jan 06, 2020•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we are walking through the July 2017 California bar exam question on civil procedure. This is part of our series of podcasts talking about how to approach questions on the California bar exam. In this episode, we discuss: The law pertaining to subject matter jurisdiction, joinder, and pleading requirements Reading the facts in the civil procedure question from the July 2017 California bar exam The importance of carefully reading the questions ...
Dec 16, 2019•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we are walking through a UBE Contracts essay question from the July 2018 bar exam. This is part of our series of podcasts on how to approach Multistate Essay Examination questions. In this episode, we discuss: How to easily determine you are working with a Contracts question Does the scope of the question fall into the UCC world or the common law world? A review of Article 2 of the UCC and the common law of contracts Reading the Contracts ques...
Dec 09, 2019•16 min•Ep 71•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we are walking through the February 2017 California bar exam question on criminal law and criminal procedure. This is part of our series of podcasts talking about how to approach questions on the California bar exam. In this episode, we discuss: Fourth Amendment rights, including The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine When is a search by a state actor valid? Establishing whether probable cause exists for a warrant to be issued The "good fait...
Dec 02, 2019•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we are sharing five lessons we learned from drafting sample answers for California and MEE essay questions as part of our Writing of the Week program. In this episode, we discuss: Why you must practice under timed conditions The importance of having a formatting scheme Following a strict IRAC formula Using clear and concise language Why feedback is critical Resources: Writing of the Week (WOW) Bar Essay Workshop (https://barexamtoolbox.com/wri...
Nov 18, 2019•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about the ins and outs of the bar admission application process, some requirements you may not be aware of, and common issues that can arise during your application. In this episode, we discuss: Making sure you know what the rules are where you're applying Some specific state requirements you may run into The importance of starting early, because the process does take time The fact that you may need to do some digging to recreate...
Nov 11, 2019•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about why "attack plans" are important to develop and memorize during your bar study, and how to use them on exam day. In this episode, we discuss: Thinking about each subject as a universe of topics Why attack plans are so critical, specifically for the California bar exam An example of an attack plan for criminal law How can you use attack plans on exam day? Where to find attack plans and how to start developing your own Resour...
Nov 04, 2019•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we are walking through a UBE Agency and Torts essay question from the February 2015 bar exam. This is part of our series of podcasts on how to approach Multistate Essay Examination questions. In this episode, we discuss: The test for determining whether a person is an employee or an independent contractor What's the employer's liability for employees' tortious conduct? The doctrine of negligence per se Seeking indemnification for damages Readi...
Oct 21, 2019•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we are walking through a UBE Real Property essay question. This is part of our series of podcasts on how to approach Multistate Essay Examination questions. In this episode, we discuss: Review of the law on real property warranty deeds Reading a question from the February 2018 UBE and noting what's legally significant about each fact in the fact pattern Breaking up your answer into one section for each question when there are multiple question...
Oct 14, 2019•15 min•Ep 65•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, we are walking through the July 2016 California bar exam question on contract law. This is part of our series of podcasts talking about how to approach questions on the California bar exam. In this episode, we discuss: Review of the main points of contract law A walk-through the July 2016 California bar exam question on contract law Determining the governing law when dealing with Contracts questions Assessing what is legally signi...
Oct 07, 2019•26 min•Ep 64•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this second part of a two-part episode, we are going through drafting an answer for the February 2018 Multistate Performance Test. We recommend listening to last week's episode first, where we reviewed the file and the library. In this episode, we discuss: A quick reminder of the performance test's timing A review of the task memo and facts in the February 2018 MPT Structuring our analysis using the IRAC formula Remembering to cite where we found ...
Sep 30, 2019•25 min•Ep 63•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode is part of our series on how to approach questions on the UBE. Today, we are walking through the file and library on the February 2018 Multistate Performance Test. Next time, we'll discuss drafting an answer to this performance test. In this episode, we discuss: A reminder to read the instructions and memo on the performance test carefully before you move on What documents and facts are included in the file The legal research contained i...
Sep 23, 2019•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we are chatting about getting the most value out of your commercial bar review course as you are preparing for the bar exam. In this episode, we discuss: A review of the major commercial courses available, and what they include Adjusting the study schedule to your particular learning needs How reading lectures could be more efficient than listening Setting aside time to assess your progress The value of using a supplemental program or a tutor ...
Sep 16, 2019•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we are welcoming special guest Elizabeth Knox -- disability consultant and tutor -- to talk about the types of situations in which you could apply for accommodations on the bar exam, and tips for having your request approved. In this episode, we discuss: The type of work Elizabeth does as a disability consultant A reminder to apply for accommodations as early as possible Some common scenarios where accommodations are needed, such as anxiety or...
Sep 09, 2019•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this second part of a two-part episode, we are going through drafting an answer for the July 2018 California Performance Test. We recommend listening to last week's episode first, where we focused on reviewing the task memo, file, and library. In this episode, we discuss: The timing aspect of the performance test A quick review of the IRAC, CRAC, and CREAC methods for legal analysis Tips for drafting a structured outline Highlighting the specific ...
Sep 02, 2019•19 min•Ep 59•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're walking through a Performance Test from the California Bar Exam . In this first part of a two-part episode , we are focusing on reviewing the task memo, file, and library for the Brief on the July 2018 California Performance Test. In the next episode, we'll talk about outlining and drafting your answer. In this episode, we discuss: The timing aspect of the performance test Dissecting the task memo How to use the file on the performance t...
Aug 26, 2019•23 min•Ep 58•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Mindfulness is a common buzz word these days, but the reason it's so popular is that, for a lot of people, it really works. Today, we're discussing various mindfulness techniques to help you stay calm and collected while preparing for the bar exam, and beyond. In this episode, we discuss: How Alison and Lee got introduced to mindfulness Why should you give mindfulness a try? Common exercises that can help with forgiveness, procrastination, worry, anx...
Aug 12, 2019•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing the specific things bar graders are looking for as they are going through stacks of student answers in a limited amount of time. In this episode, we discuss: Making each important issue stand out so it's easy to spot since the bar grader is reading your answer quickly Using the facts given in the question precisely Not focusing on extra law that you know, since it won't bring you more points The pitfall of circular reasoning U...
Jul 29, 2019•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Studying for the bar exam is like a marathon -- you need to taper off your training in the final days so you can rest and restore energy. Today we are going through things to do during your final weekend of bar prep. In this episode, we discuss: Setting up your routine to match that of exam day, so your body can adjust The importance of studying in the 3 or 3.5-hour blocks you will be doing the testing in Going to the exam site to figure out how long...
Jul 22, 2019•29 min•Ep 55•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we are sharing some last-minute tips to help you squeeze out as many points as you can from the performance test portion of the bar exam. In this episode, we discuss: The four different types of PT tasks, and their characteristics How to think about the audience, tone, and organization for each of the task types The difference between the IRAC and CREAC writing approaches Tips for reading and interpreting the materials provided in the PT packe...
Jul 15, 2019•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! As we are seeing more and more jurisdictions switch to the UBE instead of a state-specific bar exam, many bar takers are being put in the position of taking a new bar exam, even if they are repeat takers. So, what does this mean for folks taking the UBE for the first time? In this episode, we discuss: Is it a good thing if your jurisdiction is switching to the Uniform Bar Examination? Resources where you can learn more about the UBE The importance of...
Jul 08, 2019•29 min•Ep 53•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about how to avoid burnout while studying for the bar exam, and what to do if you feel that you're already burned out. In this episode, we discuss: What are the signs and symptoms of burnout? The negative effects burnout can have on your bar prep, and sometimes your health Why are so many bar studiers burned out? Tips for avoiding mental exhaustion How to get back on track if you are burned out Resources: AdaptiBar (https://www.a...
Jul 01, 2019•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Effective practice is not easy, but it's the best active learning you can do. Today, we're going through our top tips to get the most out of your bar exam practice and set yourself up for success on exam day. In this episode, we discuss: Why just doing lots of practice questions is not enough How writing out your answers instead of outlining them is going to help you recall the specific language you will need on the test The value of practicing under...
Jun 24, 2019•32 min•Ep 51•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about what we learned about the MBE while creating the Practice of the Week (POW) MBE Workshop, and spending lots of time with the questions. In this episode, we discuss: The fact that none of the MBE questions are actually impossible, although they require very detailed knowledge of the law The best approach to figuring out the right answer to each question How by practicing with a lot of questions you will go through every nuan...
Jun 17, 2019•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we are walking through a California Bar Exam question on tort law, taken from the February 2016 exam . This is part of our series of podcasts talking about how to approach questions on the California Bar Exam. In this episode, we discuss: A quick review of the law you will want to know for this question How to focus on issue spotting in the fact pattern Why it's important to create an outline listing each tort before you start writing the essay...
Jun 10, 2019•21 min•Ep 49•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing things to consider when starting to study for the bar exam early, who's a good candidate to study early, and when it makes sense to start. In this episode, we discuss: What is the time period most people allocate to studying for the bar? Types of situations where you might consider getting started sooner to reduce your stress later Things to think about when developing a study plan Is there such a thing as starting to study to...
Jun 03, 2019•30 min•Ep 48•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about optimal preparation for the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) with special guest Brittany Raposa -- one of our bar exam and law school tutors. In this episode, we discuss: A quick rundown of what the MPRE is and why it can be so challenging for some students When is the best time to sign up for the MPRE? Different prep course options available Why practicing is important What topics are tested partic...
May 27, 2019•37 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about whether, and when, you should take bar classes in law school, and which classes will help you prepare successfully for the big day. In this episode, we discuss: The different schools of thought on bar prep Focusing your studies based on your strong areas and which exam you're planning to sit for How you can figure out which subjects are most likely to be tested Classes that are great for everyone to take What classes you sho...
May 20, 2019•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're focusing on strategies to help you beat the trend of declining MBE scores, seen in recent data released by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. In this episode, we discuss: Possible reasons why MBE scores are down How much individual bar takers should be worried about this trend Good resources for finding real released MBE practice questions Smart tools to help you focus your MBE study How many practice MBE questions are enough to pr...
May 13, 2019•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
