Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're excited to talk to ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones about developing your plan for the job hunt process and sticking to it, without focusing on the things you can't control. In this episode we discuss: Some of the things that job seekers worry about when they shouldn't What should you be focusing on (rather than obsessing over what other people are doing)? Thinking about what you really want job-wise and how to go about achieving it Why...
Jul 17, 2023•33 min•Ep 404•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to the Law School Toolbox podcast for our special series on starting off on the right foot in law school! In today's episode, we're discussing outlining as part of your studying and exam prep. In this episode we discuss: The two purposes of outlining in law school When should you start outlining? What materials do you need in order to get started? A step-by-step process for effective outlining Different formats you can use for making an outline Looking for more personalized help as you g...
Jul 12, 2023•21 min•Ep 403•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, in an episode from our "Quick Tips" series, we break down how to prepare for the Multistate Professional Responsibility exam, which is a crucial element of bar admission. In this episode we discuss: The structure of the MPRE When you should plan to schedule sitting for the exam Tips for studying for the MPRE How long do you need to spend studying? Getting accommodations for the MPRE Resources: NCBE – National Conference of Bar Examiners (htt...
Jul 10, 2023•9 min•Ep 402•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to the Law School Toolbox podcast for our special series on starting off on the right foot in law school! In today's episode, we're focusing on a very important question: What exactly are you supposed to pay attention to in class in order to make the most of your class time? In this episode we discuss: What law school isn't about The most important things to pay attention to in class Understanding the grey areas of the law and the ambiguities in fact patterns Some of the lessons Lee and ...
Jul 05, 2023•22 min•Ep 401•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're happy to share the 400th episode of the podcast with you! We'll celebrate this milestone with a look back at some of our personal favorite episodes we've recorded over the past eight years . In this episode we discuss: Tips for pre-law and new law students Study strategies for different learning styles A few common questions we get Effective memorization and exam practice Career-related issues Thinking about accommodations for law scho...
Jul 03, 2023•38 min•Ep 400•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're excited to talk to ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones about how to bring your A-game to the OCI process. In this episode we discuss: Basics of the OCI process Preparing your application materials Bidding, interview, and callback strategies What are some of the pitfalls of the OCI process? Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Getting a Legal Job (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/...
Jun 26, 2023•33 min•Ep 399•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to the Law School Toolbox podcast for our special series on starting off on the right foot in law school! In today's episode, we'll demystify the dreaded Socratic method for teaching in law school, and provide some survival tips for being called on in class. In this episode we discuss: Alison's and Lee's own experiences of being called on in a law school class, and not having things go well Why classes are critically important What is the Socratic method of teaching? The good thing about...
Jun 21, 2023•20 min•Ep 398•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're excited to have John Passmore - a practicing attorney and one of our Law School Toolbox writers - with us to talk about some ways that law students can get involved in the legal profession. In this episode we discuss: A quick overview of John's professional background How to make the most of internships and summer legal jobs What are some ways to get involved outside of class, beyond working? What we found most helpful in law school to...
Jun 19, 2023•29 min•Ep 397•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to the Law School Toolbox podcast for our special series on starting off on the right foot in law school! Today, in the second episode of the series, we're discussing reading law school cases and preparing for class. In this episode we discuss: Why it's important to spend time reading cases Things to pay attention to when you're reading a case The components of a typical opinion Holding and dicta in the context of court decisions The case of United States v. Carroll Towing Co. Pros and c...
Jun 14, 2023•25 min•Ep 396•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing Evidence, specifically some special forms of privileged communication. In this episode we discuss: Privileged communication vs. confidentiality The two types of marital (or spousal) privilege Requirements for communication between a doctor and a patient for it to be considered privileged Scope of the clergy-penitent privilege Two hypos illustrating how privilege may come up on an exa...
Jun 12, 2023•13 min•Ep 395•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to the Law School Toolbox podcast for our special series on starting off on the right foot in law school! In this episode, we're discussing what the law school process is, what lawyers argue about, and where "the law" comes from. In this episode we discuss: The four distinct steps in the law school learning process What do lawyers argue about, and what do law students argue about? The two different types of law in the United States Applying "the law" on an exam Looking for more personali...
Jun 07, 2023•17 min•Ep 394•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones on the podcast to discuss how to interpret news and headlines you see around law firms and the current economy in general. In this episode we discuss: What is happening in relation to law firms in the current economy? If you are given a deferred start date, what's the best way to handle this as a law student? What should students going into 2L recruiting be thinking about? How does the current economy ...
Jun 05, 2023•31 min•Ep 393•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're talking about the purpose of recording statutes, and the recording system more generally. In this episode we discuss: The first-in-time rule for valid title What is a bona fide purchaser? What does it mean to take property without notice? The three types of recording statutes How transfers of real property are recorded What is a "wild" deed? Analyzing sample questions involving recording statut...
May 29, 2023•25 min•Ep 392•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones on the podcast to talk about the expectations that law firms have of their summer associates, in terms of work hours, work load, and communication. In this episode we discuss: Why some people don't take a summer associate position as seriously as they should Managing a hybrid or virtual work schedule Taking a vacation during your summer job Attending in-person and virtual work events What should you do...
May 22, 2023•33 min•Ep 391•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing the circumstances under which a principal is vicariously liable for the unlawful actions of their employees and independent contractors. In this episode we discuss: The general rule for vicarious liability Distinguishing between an employee and an independent contractor When is an employee considered to act within the scope of employment? When is a principal liable for torts committed by an independent contractor? Resources:...
May 15, 2023•21 min•Ep 390•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're happy to have a special guest, Givelle Lamano, with us to talk about starting and running a criminal defense law firm. In this episode we discuss: Givelle's background and career path The challenges and rewards of doing criminal defense work Working in non-profit and community organizations Building a network in law school that will help your future career Advice for law students who think they may want to start their own solo practice ...
May 08, 2023•30 min•Ep 389•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we're talking about evidence that the court may exclude for various public policy reasons under the Federal Rules of Evidence. In this episode we discuss: Evidence of subsequent remedial measures Statements and offers made during settlement negotiations Pleas and plea negotiations Offers to pay medical expenses Liability insurance Analyzing two hypos, from the February 2017 and February 2021 Ca...
May 01, 2023•15 min•Ep 388•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're excited to have Jason Parker, Managing Producer at Canamac Productions with us to talk about their unique approach to creating engaging and interactive programming around diversity for schools, businesses, and civic organizations. In this episode we discuss: Jason's personal career path and background The unique ways in which the plays The Defamation Experience and Just Cause: The Experience deal with issues of race, class, religion, an...
Apr 24, 2023•29 min•Ep 387•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about three different topics in Constitutional Law that are sometimes tested together: executive authority, federal preemption, and commandeering. These topics logically go together because they all involve a power struggle between government entities. In this episode we discuss: Presidential and Congressional powers The three levels of Presidential authority Express and implied preemption Can Congress commandeer the states to r...
Apr 17, 2023•17 min•Ep 386•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones on the podcast to talk with us about resources you can use in your job search and career planning in the legal field. In this episode we discuss: The number one place that law students should be considering for career resources Figuring out if you need to talk to a career coach about your goals Practical resources to use once you have a career path in mind Where to search for public interest/government...
Apr 10, 2023•31 min•Ep 385•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing a couple of topics that go hand in hand in Corporations essays - the duty of care and the business judgment rule. In this episode we discuss: A review of the duty of care What is the business judgment rule? How the business judgment rule can be rebutted Analyzing two hypos from previous California bar exams Resources: “Listen and Learn” series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#l...
Apr 03, 2023•14 min•Ep 384•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're excited to have the founder of You Need A Budget , Jesse Mecham, on the podcast to talk about all things money. In this episode we discuss: How Jesse got into the field of budgeting and personal finance The YNAB "four-rule method" for managing money How to minimize the amount of debt you have Should you have shared finances if you're in a relationship? The one expense that can make a huge difference for most people Budgeting your financ...
Mar 27, 2023•55 min•Ep 383•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're discussing Proximate Cause – a subtopic of Negligence in Tort Law. In this episode we discuss: Reviewing the elements of negligence The two hurdles a plaintiff must overcome when it comes to causation The rule for proximate cause Intervening causes and intervening criminal acts Analyzing two hypos from previous California bar exams Resources: “Listen and Learn” series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive...
Mar 20, 2023•15 min•Ep 382•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have attorney and author Eve Rodsky back with us to discuss, amongst other things, her latest book, Find Your Unicorn Space . In this episode we discuss: Eve's work and research that led to writing her books The Fair Play book and documentary What is a unicorn space and how do we find it? Pursuing creative activities through curiosity, connection, and completion Should we strive to be happy all the time? How to make time for hobbies, espe...
Mar 13, 2023•41 min•Ep 381•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're chatting with our career consultant Sadie Jones about why a career in BigLaw might not be for everyone. In this episode we discuss: Which firms are considered "BigLaw"? The work you might expect to be doing in a BigLaw firm What personality types fit into BigLaw firms better? What's specific about the BigLaw work environment? Summer associate positions at BigLaw vs. other firms Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/caree...
Mar 06, 2023•38 min•Ep 380•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, in another episode from our "Quick Tips" series, we're sharing some advice to help you master using the Bluebook for your Legal Writing class or a law journal. In this episode we discuss: What is bluebooking and why is it important? Applications of the Bluebook in law school How the Bluebook is set up Five tips that will help you bluebook like a pro Resources: The Bluebook Online (https://www.legalbluebook.com/) ALWD Guide to Legal Citation ...
Feb 27, 2023•11 min•Ep 379•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones with us to talk about the timeline of the 2L job hunt. In this episode we discuss: Should you be concerned if you're a 2L without a summer job by mid-February? Should you start looking for a 2L job in your 1L year? The typical timeline for different types of jobs - BigLaw, public interest, small firms, etc. What you can start doing to get a jump-start on looking for a job The importance of grades when ...
Feb 20, 2023•37 min•Ep 378•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're going to focus on the definition of the rule against perpetuities, and work through some hypotheticals to break down the elements of the rule. In this episode we discuss: Definition of the rule against perpetuities Present and future interests Types of executory interests When a class gift becomes vested Examples of questions involving perpetuities and how to work through them Resources: “Listen and Learn” series (https://law...
Feb 13, 2023•13 min•Ep 377•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have Steve Schwartz back on the podcast to discuss the latest news in law school admissions. Steve is the founder of the LSAT prep course LSAT Unplugged . In this episode we discuss: Steve's background and work with LSAT Unplugged Repercussions of removing the requirement for law schools to use any standardized test for admission Why many top law schools recently pulled out of the U.S. News rankings What spurred the LSAC to consider chang...
Feb 06, 2023•37 min•Ep 376•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, in an episode from our "Quick Tips" series, we're talking about how to give yourself the best shot at a leadership position on a Law Review or any other journal. In this episode we discuss: Why you might want a leadership position on Law Review Tips for becoming a great law journal editor Getting to know your peers and those currently in leadership positions Thinking about your vision for the journal What to keep in mind if you have to give ...
Jan 30, 2023•8 min•Ep 375•Transcript available on Metacast