The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress

Bar Exam Toolbox

The Bar Exam Toolbox podcast helps bar takers pass with less stress and anxiety. Hosted by bar exam experts Lee Burgess and Alison Monahan, the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from how to learn and memorize all the law you need to know for the bar exam, to how to write a passing essay, to how to get bar exam accommodations. If you're struggling with the bar exam, or work with students who are, tune in for practical strategies for bar exam success!

  1. 2D AGO

    Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Contract Formation

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This is the first episode of a series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Join Lee as she walks through four contract formation questions -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. How are they similar? How do they differ? Find out now! In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Firm offer rule (MBE) Question 2: Pre-existing duty (MBE) Question 3: Pre-existing duty (NextGen) Question 4: Issue-spotting (NextGen) Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) Podcast Episode 293: Spotlight on Contracts (Part 1) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-293-spotlight-on-contracts-part-1/) Podcast Episode 298: Spotlight on Contracts (Part 2) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-298-spotlight-on-contracts-part-2/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-350-listen-and-learn-mbe-vs-nextgen-multiple-choice-contract-formation/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    33 min
  2. MAY 11

    This is How Your Brain Actually Learns (The Brain Science Behind Our RAMP Tool)

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we explain the neuroscience behind our RAMP study tool -- which we introduced in our last episode. We discuss the limitation of working memory, which makes it essential to move legal rules into long-term memory through spaced repetition and scaffolding.  In this episode, we discuss: The research and science behind our RAMP study tool Scaffolding and why we use three learning tiers Studying through spaced repetition RAMP study mode features and confidence calibration How much information can our working memory hold? Resources: https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) Podcast Episode 191: Quick Tips – Using Spaced Repetition to Memorize (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-191-quick-tips-using-spaced-repetition-to-memorize/) Podcast Episode 348: How We're Thinking About NextGen Prep Differently (Plus, Try Our New Tool for Free) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-348-how-were-thinking-about-nextgen-prep-differently-plus-try-our-new-tool-for-free/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-349-this-is-how-your-brain-actually-learns-the-brain-science-behind-our-ramp-tool/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    30 min
  3. APR 27

    How We're Thinking About NextGen Prep Differently (Plus, Try Our New Tool for Free!)

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing how we're thinking about preparing for the NextGen bar exam differently -- and we're excited to introduce a new tool we've built to help you learn and retain the rules you need to know. In this episode, we discuss: An overview of the NextGen UBE The big misconception: No memorization is required for the NextGen Why traditional study methods fall short Introducing our new RAMP (Rule Acquisition and Mastery Platform) tool and how it works Our recommendation on who should start using RAMP now Resources: https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) NextGen UBE Content Scope (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/NCBE%20NextGen%20UBE%20Content%20Scope-Aug%202025.pdf) Pomodoro Technique (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique) Podcast Episode 223: Quick Tips – Balancing Passive and Active Studying for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-223-quick-tips-balancing-passive-and-active-studying-for-the-bar-exam/) Podcast Episode 245: Quick Tips – Memorization Techniques for the Different Learning Styles (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-245-quick-tips-memorization-techniques-for-the-different-learning-styles/) Podcast Episode 327: Facts and Fears Around the Integrated Question Sets (IQSs) on the NextGen Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-327-facts-and-fears-around-the-integrated-question-sets-iqss-on-the-nextgen-bar-exam/) Can Spaced Repetition Help You Learn the Law? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/can-spaced-repetition-help-learn-law/) Using Peg System Mnemonics to Remember Rule Elements (https://barexamtoolbox.com/using-peg-system-mnemonics-to-remember-rule-elements/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-348-how-were-thinking-about-nextgen-prep-differently/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    37 min
  4. APR 13

    Listen and Learn -- Duty of Confidentiality (Professional Responsibility)

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing one of the most tested subtopics of professional responsibility -- the duty of a lawyer to maintain the confidentiality of all information relating to the representation of a client, a former client, or a potential client. In this episode, we discuss: Overview of confidentiality Core exceptions to the duty of confidentiality How confidentiality works when the client is an organization A hypothetical from a previous California bar exam Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct (https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/model_rules_of_professional_conduct_table_of_contents/) California Rules of Professional Conduct (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/legal-professionals/rules/rules-professional-conduct/current-rules-professional-conduct) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2009 (https://juraxbar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/February-2009-CBX.pdf) Podcast Episode 190: Listen and Learn – Exceptions to Confidentiality (Professional Responsibility) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-190-listen-and-learn-exceptions-to-confidentiality-professional-responsibility/) Podcast Episode 194: Quick Tips – The MPRE (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-194-quick-tips-the-mpre/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-347-listen-and-learn-duty-of-confidentiality-professional-responsibility/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    13 min
  5. MAR 30

    Listen and Learn -- Communication with Opposing Parties (Professional Responsibility)

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing Rule 4.1 of both the ABA and the California Rules of Professional Conduct -- what it prohibits and allows lawyers to do when communicating with opposing parties. In this episode, we discuss: Rule 4.1 of the ABA and California Rules of Professional Conduct Communication with represented and unrepresented parties A California bar exam hypo illustrating the rules Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct (https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/model_rules_of_professional_conduct_table_of_contents/) California Rules of Professional Conduct (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/legal-professionals/rules/rules-professional-conduct/current-rules-professional-conduct) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2024 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/sites/default/files/portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/July2024CBXessayQsandAnswer.pdf) Podcast Episode 194: Quick Tips – The MPRE (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-194-quick-tips-the-mpre/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-346-listen-and-learn-communication-with-opposing-parties-professional-responsibility/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    14 min
  6. MAR 16

    Early Bar Prep with Themis Bar Review

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're speaking with Themis Bar Review experts Zach Lindesmith and Michele Cooley. The conversation centers around the importance of realistic study planning for the groups of students who need to start their bar prep early.  Note: This episode is sponsored by Themis Bar Review – the gold standard in bar exam preparation. With this special promotion, you can save $700 on any July 2026 Themis Bar Review course using the code BAREXAMTB700 at checkout. (This offer is valid until April 3rd, 2026.) In this episode, we discuss: Who should start studying for the bar early? Having a realistic planning mindset Building a support system Time-blocking and memorization of the material Shift in the skills that will be tested on the NextGen UBE Applying for bar exam accommodations Avoiding burnout and keeping your motivation with the end goal in mind Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Themis Bar Review (https://www.themisbar.com/) NextGen UBE Content Scope (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/NCBE%20NextGen%20UBE%20Content%20Scope-Aug%202025.pdf) Official Examinees' Guide to the NextGen UBE (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/NCBE-NextGen-UBE-Examinees-Guide%20J26-F27.pdf) How Early to Start Preparing for the Bar Exam, and How? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-early-to-start-preparing-for-the-bar-exam-and-how/) Getting an Early Start on Bar Preparation (https://barexamtoolbox.com/getting-an-early-start-on-bar-preparation/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-345-early-bar-prep-with-themis-bar-review/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    46 min
  7. MAR 2

    344: 11 Things You Need to Know About the NextGen UBE

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! If you're planning to take the bar exam in July 2026 or February 2027, your exam will look quite different from the current one. The Uniform Bar Exam overhaul includes changes in the structure, the question types, the timing, the grading – basically everything except the stakes. Today we're walking you through 11 things that every bar taker needs to know about the NextGen UBE. Some of these are structural and some are strategic, and at least a couple might genuinely surprise you.  In this episode, we discuss: Exam structure changes and new question types What subjects will be tested How the new grading system works Preparing for a fully computer-based exam  How the exam will test practical lawyering skills beyond just legal knowledge Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Official Examinees' Guide to the NextGen UBE (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/NCBE-NextGen-UBE-Examinees-Guide%20J26-F27.pdf) NextGen UBE Content Scope (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/NCBE%20NextGen%20UBE%20Content%20Scope-Aug%202025.pdf) Next Gen UBE Constructed Response Guide (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2026-01/NCBE_NextGen_UBE_Constructed_Response_Guide.pdf) Next Gen UBE Sample Questions (https://www.ncbex.org/exams/nextgen/sample-questions) NextGen UBE Scores and Score Portability (https://www.ncbex.org/exams/nextgen/nextgen-ube-scores-score-portability) Next Gen UBE Tutorial (https://www.starttest.com/ITDVersions/25.1.0.0/ITDStart.aspx?SVC=41623dba-2ec6-41fa-a293-ff5472bf2b71&Json=1) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-344-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-nextgen-ube/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on  Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    23 min
  8. FEB 16

    Listen and Learn -- Duties to the Tribunal (Professional Responsibility)

    Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing ABA's Model Rule of Professional Conduct 3.3, which governs truth telling to the tribunal (a court, arbitrator, administrative agency, or any other body acting in an adjudicative capacity). We break down all of the rule's nuances and parts, and analyze a few hypothetical scenarios. In this episode, we discuss: An overview of ABA's Model Rules of Professional Conduct The elements of Rule 3.3 "Candor Toward the Tribunal" A few hypothetical scenarios that show how this topic appears on the bar exam Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct (https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/model_rules_of_professional_conduct_table_of_contents/) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2024 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/sites/default/files/portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/February2024CBXessayQsandAnswer.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2018 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/sites/default/files/portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/Feb2018_CBXSelectedAnswers_EssayQuestions.pdf) Talmage v. Smith (https://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/torts/torts-keyed-to-prosser/intentional-interference-with-person-or-property/talmage-v-smith/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-343-listen-and-learn-duties-to-the-tribunal-professional-responsibility/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    20 min
4.8
out of 5
447 Ratings

About

The Bar Exam Toolbox podcast helps bar takers pass with less stress and anxiety. Hosted by bar exam experts Lee Burgess and Alison Monahan, the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from how to learn and memorize all the law you need to know for the bar exam, to how to write a passing essay, to how to get bar exam accommodations. If you're struggling with the bar exam, or work with students who are, tune in for practical strategies for bar exam success!

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