Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about memorization for the bar exam. In particular, we discuss several memorization techniques and provide examples to illustrate each one. We also talk about adapting these techniques to the different learning styles. Lastly, we go over some general memorization tips that all bar exam studiers should follow. In this episode, we discuss: Brief review of the three main types of learners How mnemonics can be used by the different t...
Jan 15, 2024•15 min•Ep 245•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're excited to have guest Gabe Teninbaum back on the podcast. He is a law professor and creator of spacedrepetition.com and we're talking with him about memorization for the bar exam. Note: If you’re interested in checking out spacedrepetition.com for yourself, you can use the coupon code TOOLBOX15 for 15% off any product on the website. In this episode, we discuss: How Gabe become interested in helping people improve their ability to memoriz...
Jan 08, 2024•29 min•Ep 244•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, in our "Listen and Learn" series, we review the professional rules regarding the duties owed by prosecutors when bringing criminal charges. We also look at how these issues might show up on the bar by going through a question from the 2009 California exam. In this episode, we discuss: The duties of a prosecutor during a criminal trial Issues of fairness to opposing party and counsel Analyzing a question from the July 2009 California bar exam R...
Dec 18, 2023•11 min•Ep 243•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Quick Tips" series, we're talking about how to avoid running out of time on the performance test, and what to do in case that happens. In this episode, we discuss: Planning for how you're going to split up the allotted time for the PT Practical steps you can take to speed up each of the reading, planning, and writing stages How to avoid panicking, get unstuck, and write your best possible answer if you are running out of time R...
Dec 11, 2023•13 min•Ep 242•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about common struggles with the bar exam performance test and strategies for overcoming them. In this episode, we discuss: What is the purpose of the performance test? Some of the most common ways people struggle on the PT Managing your time for reading, planning, and writing Tips for writing successful PT answers The 80/20 rule for getting the most points on the test! Resources: How to Ace the Performance Test with Bar Exam Toolb...
Dec 04, 2023•32 min•Ep 241•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! If you've recently received an ADHD diagnosis as an adult, you might be feeling daunted by the prospect of conquering the intense bar exam prep process. Join us for this episode as we build a game plan to help you navigate this challenge and be successful on the exam. In this episode, we discuss: How does ADHD manifest itself in adults? Things you might particularly struggle with during bar prep if you have ADHD Creating an optimal environment for st...
Nov 27, 2023•12 min•Ep 240•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, we explore how journaling can be used to help you stay on task, manage your stress, and give you a significant edge in your bar exam prep. In this episode, we discuss: The unique challenges of the bar exam The benefits of journaling for bar takers Different types of journaling Practical tips for effective journaling Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Podcast Episode 57: Usi...
Nov 13, 2023•11 min•Ep 239•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're talking about setting up a solid study schedule to protect yourself from self-sabotage during bar prep. In this episode, we discuss: The dangers of overstudying and understudying Avoiding distractions during bar prep Planning around big life events When should you start doing practice and how much time to devote to it? How to set up a good schedule that will keep you on track and help you avoid self-sabotage Resources: The Brai...
Nov 06, 2023•33 min•Ep 238•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're focusing on an important Civil Procedure topic: Discovery. We look at the process during which the parties exchange information with each other through required initial disclosures, the "meet and confer" conference, and depositions. In this episode, we discuss: A review of the scope of discovery The initial disclosure requirements under Rule 26(a) The "meet and confer" conference under Rule 26(f) Rules specific to taking depositions of p...
Oct 30, 2023•22 min•Ep 237•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, in an episode from our "Quick Tips" series, we're looking at ways to get in the right mindset for studying again if you've failed the bar exam, and how to use your score report as a starting point. In this episode, we discuss: What can you learn from your score report? Visualization techniques Daily prompts for setting and evaluating your goals Positive affirmations to use throughout bar prep The benefits of mindfulness and meditation Specific...
Oct 23, 2023•11 min•Ep 236•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode from our "Quick Tips" series, we're talking about how to balance parenting, or really any life commitments, with studying for the bar exam. In this episode, we discuss: Communicating with your child throughout bar prep Dedicating intentional time to spend with your kids Establishing and maintaining a positive mindset Identifying and relying on your support group Planning your schedule in advance and being prepared to be flexible Makin...
Oct 16, 2023•16 min•Ep 235•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing how to process your negative emotions after failing the bar exam and move forward in the most productive way. In this episode, we discuss: What is your score report telling you? How to find what works for you and change your study routine accordingly Having real conversations with your job Thinking about whether you should postpone retaking the exam Knowing how and who to approach for help Applying for bar exam accommodations ...
Oct 09, 2023•35 min•Ep 234•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In part one of our two-part series on the topic of Impeachment, we discussed discrediting a witness's character. Today, we're focusing on testimony impeachment – that is, discrediting a witness's testimony. In this episode, we discuss: How opposing counsel might discredit a witness's character Evidence of prior inconsistent statements Questioning a witness's ability to observe, remember, or relate the facts being testified to Using hearsay to impeach...
Oct 02, 2023•18 min•Ep 233•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam 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 (http...
Sep 25, 2023•22 min•Ep 232•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're excited to welcome Ryan Zajic – a senior legal content developer at UWorld and a licensed attorney in the state of Nebraska, and Dr. Janani Krishnaswami – a certified physician in preventative medicine, internal medicine, and lifestyle. We're talking about the very important topic of mental health for law students and those studying for the bar exam, and in the legal field in general. Thanks to Themis Bar Review , the gold standard in ba...
Sep 18, 2023•48 min•Ep 231•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode from our "Quick Tips" series, we're talking about how many hours you really need to spend studying to pass the bar exam. In this episode, we discuss: Our minimum baseline recommendation for the number of hours you should plan on studying Setting realistic goals for daily and weekly study time How to prioritize your study time Adjusting your study schedule based on your personal circumstances Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https...
Sep 11, 2023•13 min•Ep 230•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we're talking about the ethical rules governing the supervision of employees of a law firm. This is an issue that might be part of a fact pattern involving professional responsibility on the California bar exam, or it could show up on the MPRE. In this episode, we discuss: Responsibilities of senior attorneys or partners who supervise attorney associates The duty owed by a subordinate attorney who c...
Aug 28, 2023•13 min•Ep 229•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we go through an attack plan for how you might approach a Miranda issue on an exam question, and look at specific rules you'll want to address in your answer. In this episode, we discuss: An attack plan for approaching questions involving Miranda issues The constitutional basis for Miranda warnings The definition of "custodial interrogation" How a suspect can invoke or waive their rights Analyzing t...
Aug 21, 2023•20 min•Ep 228•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we're talking about the duty of candor, which you're very likely to see tested on the MPRE; or if you're in California, on an essay question as well. In this episode, we discuss: What the duty of candor encompasses under the ABA and California rules How an attorney can rectify an error, whether intentional or unintentional Analyzing three questions from previous California bar exams involving the du...
Aug 14, 2023•20 min•Ep 227•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode is part two in contract defenses. In part one , we focused on the defenses of mistake, fraudulent misrepresentation, and non-disclosure. Today, we cover three more: incapacity, undue influence, and duress. In this episode, we discuss: What is required to form a valid contract? Individuals protected through the incapacity defense What constitutes "undue influence"? The two types of duress to watch out for in contract formation Analyzing t...
Aug 07, 2023•24 min•Ep 226•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing the rules around authentication of evidence, which comes into play when you're dealing with physical or documentary evidence. In this episode, we discuss: Physical vs. testimonial evidence How the different types of physical/documentary evidence are authenticated Items that are considered self-authenticating Analyzing four hypos from previous California bar exams Resources: "Listen and...
Jul 17, 2023•12 min•Ep 225•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're talking about service of process – a subject that sometimes sneaks into Civil Procedure questions on the bar exam. We'll discuss the general service of process rules under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, as well as the California-specific rules. In this episode, we discuss: Serving a summons and complaint to individuals in the United States and in foreign countries under the Federal Rules o...
Jul 10, 2023•20 min•Ep 224•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're talking about the difference between passive learning (such as reading notes or listening to a lecture) and active learning (such as memorization and deep understanding). In this episode, we discuss: How to assess if you're spending most of your time on passive studying What is active studying and why is it more effective? Finding the balance between passive and active studying Why you have to start taking practice exams before...
Jun 26, 2023•14 min•Ep 223•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're focusing on Criminal Procedure. Specifically, we're talking about the "stop and frisk" exception to the warrant requirement. For other warrant requirement exceptions, please see Episode 220 of the podcast. In this episode, we discuss: The general attack plan for a Criminal Procedure question When the "stop and frisk" exception to the warrant requirement applies The exclusionary rule and the "frui...
Jun 19, 2023•18 min•Ep 222•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Quick Tips" series, we're talking about some tools you can use to handle distractions and optimize your study time during bar prep. In this episode, we discuss: App-blocking and timing tools to help you stay focused Having a "study buddy" without the distractions that can come with it The "Circles" method for organizing your study time How "white noise," "pink noise," and "brown noise" can help you focus Rewarding yourself when...
Jun 12, 2023•17 min•Ep 221•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing Criminal Procedure -- specifically, exceptions to the warrant requirement. In this episode, we discuss: The general attack plan for a Criminal Procedure question The plain view exception The search incident to lawful arrest exception The exclusionary rule Applying the attack plan to two hypos Resources: “Listen and Learn” series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-arch...
Jun 05, 2023•17 min•Ep 220•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Quick Tips" series, we are talking about how to use breathing techniques to get through test-day anxiety and perform at your best. In this episode, we discuss: What common mistakes happen if your nerves get the better of you during an exam Tactical breathing techniques that combat anxiety Setting up a calming morning and evening routine Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/)...
May 29, 2023•13 min•Ep 219•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing Criminal Law -- specifically, the four mental states of criminal intent under the Model Penal Code. In this episode, we discuss: The definitions of each of the states of criminal intent: purpose, knowledge, recklessness, and negligence Analyzing several hypos that illustrate intent under the Model Penal Code Resources: “Listen and Learn” series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-tool...
May 22, 2023•20 min•Ep 218•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about behaviors and habits that detract from productive studying and ultimately hinder your success on the bar exam. In this episode, we discuss: Sticking to the same study practices that have already proven they don't work for you Straying too far from your daily routine Negative mindset and self-talk Self-sabotage through stalling The dangers of a lack of confidence and over-confidence Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (http...
May 15, 2023•13 min•Ep 217•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Quick Tips" series, we're talking about what to say when you find out someone - your friend, partner, family member, or colleague - failed the bar exam. We also share tips about assessing the situation if the person who failed is yourself. In this episode, we discuss: How the conversation about bar exam failure should start Comments that could be seen as insensitive in the situation Letting the person decide if they want to tak...
May 08, 2023•13 min•Ep 216•Transcript available on Metacast 
