The Law School Toolbox Podcast: Tools for Law Students from 1L to the Bar Exam, and Beyond

Alison Monahan and Lee Burgess - Law School Toolbox, LLC
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The Law School Toolbox Podcast: Tools for Law Students from 1L to the Bar Exam, and Beyond

The Law School Toolbox podcast is an engaging show for law students about law school, the bar exam, legal careers, and life. Each week, we offer practical tips and advice on academic matters, careers, and more. The Law School Toolbox podcast is hosted by opinionated law school and bar exam experts Alison Monahan and Lee Burgess. You might not always agree with us, but we guarantee you won’t be bored listening! Our goal is to impart useful, actionable advice in an entertaining manner. Join us! And, if you have an opinion on the show, please drop by and offer a review. We’re here to help, and we’d love to hear from you!

  1. 3D AGO

    Tips for Better Rest with Sleep Expert Lindsay Scola (Part 2)

    Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This is the second part of our conversation with sleep and productivity expert Lindsay Scola. In last week's episode, we discussed why sleep is important and what can mess it up, and today we look at some common (and less common) sleep disorders. If you're struggling to get the sleep you need to perform at your best, don't miss these episodes! In this episode we discuss: Understanding sleep disorders Common signs and symptoms of sleep disorders The relationship between sleep disorders and ADHD Advocating for your sleep health Practical tips for better sleep Resources LindsayScola.com (https://www.lindsayscola.com/) LinkedIn: Lindsay Scola (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-scola/) Instagram: Lindsay Scola (https://www.instagram.com/lindsay.scola/) Project Sleep (https://project-sleep.com/) Let's Talk About Sleep (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/lets-talk-about-sleep/) The Importance of Sleep in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-importance-of-sleep-in-law-school/) How to Maximize Your Sleep (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-maximize-your-sleep/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-499-tips-for-better-rest-with-sleep-expert-lindsay-scola-part-2/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) 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 Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    35 min

  2. APR 7

    Tips for Better Rest with Sleep Expert Lindsay Scola (Part 1)

    Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're excited to talk to sleep and productivity expert Lindsay Scola. In this first part of a two-part conversation, we discuss why sleep is important and what can mess it up, and next week we'll look at some common (and less common) sleep disorders. If you're struggling to get the sleep you need to perform at your best, don't miss these episodes! In this episode we discuss: Lindsay's personal journey and what got her interested in sleep science Why is sleep so important? Consequences of not getting enough sleep Practical tips for better sleep Figuring out your sleep chronotype Finding a good work/life balance Resources LindsayScola.com (https://www.lindsayscola.com/) LinkedIn: Lindsay Scola (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-scola/) Instagram: Lindsay Scola (https://www.instagram.com/lindsay.scola/) Let's Talk About Sleep (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/lets-talk-about-sleep/) The Importance of Sleep in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-importance-of-sleep-in-law-school/) How to Maximize Your Sleep (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-maximize-your-sleep/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-498-tips-for-better-rest-with-sleep-expert-lindsay-scola-part-1/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) 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 Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    33 min

  3. MAR 31

    Listen and Learn -- Incidental, Reliance, and Restitution Damages (Contracts)

    Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're expanding on the topic of legal remedies for breach of contract, which we started covering in Episode 354. This time we look at the rules governing incidental, reliance, and restitution damages and apply the law to two fact patterns. In this episode we discuss: The rules governing: Incidental damages Reliance damages Restitution damages An analysis of two hypothetical scenarios Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2014 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/gbx/July2014CBXQuestions_R.pdf) Podcast Episode 354: Listen and Learn – Expectation and Consequential Damages (Contracts) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-354-listen-and-learn-expectation-and-consequential-damages-contracts/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-497-listen-and-learn-incidental-reliance-and-restitution-damages-contracts/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) 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 Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    15 min

  4. MAR 24

    The Early BigLaw Recruiting Timeline (w/Sadie Jones)

    Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we discuss the early timeline for 2L summer job applications and stress the importance of applying before the traditional OCI period. We highlight the need for early preparation, proactive networking, and maintaining academic performance throughout the semester. In this episode we discuss: When to start applying for 2L BigLaw summer jobs? Applying directly at firms versus through OCI Market trends affecting BigLaw hiring Practical tips for job hunting in a dynamic economy Resources: CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Law School Toolbox Podcast: Careers (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-archive/careers/) Biglaw Summer Associate Recruiting Leaves OCI In The Dust In Favor Of Alternative Hiring Plans (https://abovethelaw.com/2025/03/biglaw-summer-associate-recruiting-leaves-oci-in-the-dust-in-favor-of-alternative-hiring-plans/) Podcast Episode 55: An Overview of BigLaw On Campus Interviewing (OCI) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-55-overview-biglaw-campus-interviewing-oci/) Podcast Episode 164: No Offer After OCI? Here's What to Do (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-164-no-offer-after-oci-heres-what-to-do-w-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 185: Thinking About the 2L Job Search as a 1L (w/ex-BigLaw Recruiter Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-185-thinking-about-the-2l-job-search-as-a-1l-w-ex-biglaw-recruiter-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 353: Tips for a Successful Callback Interview (w/Sadie Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-353-tips-for-a-successful-callback-interview-w-sadie-jones/) Podcast Episode 478: Quick Tips – LinkedIn Best Practices for Law Students (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-478-quick-tips-linkedin-best-practices-for-law-students/) How to Prepare for OCI Interviews (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/prepare-oci-interviews/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-496-the-early-biglaw-recruiting-timeline-w-sadie-jones/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) 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 Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    27 min

  5. MAR 17

    Listen and Learn -- Partnership Liability

    Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This is the second installment of our episodes on partnerships. Previously, we covered the creation of the three main types of partnerships – general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships. Today we will focus on the power and liability of partners in a partnership. In this episode we discuss: Authority of partners in a partnership Liability of partners in different partnership types: General partnership Limited partnership (LP) Limited liability partnership (LLP) Applying the rules to two hypos from previous California bar exams Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/law-school-toolbox-podcast-substantive-law-topics/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2023 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/July-2023-CBX-Questions-and-Selected-Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2014 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/gbx/July2014CBX_SelectedAnswersEssays1-6_R.pdf) Podcast Episode 464: Listen and Learn – Partnership Formation (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-464-listen-and-learn-partnership-formation/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-495-listen-and-learn-partnership-liability/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) 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 Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    21 min

  6. MAR 10

    Top 10 Tips for a Legal Resume

    Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, Lee and Alison are talking about resumes. It's important to have a clean, professional resume that highlights your relevant experiences and interests. Join us as we share our top 10 resume tips for law students. In this episode we discuss: Polishing the look of your resume  Explaining gaps in education/employment history Tailoring your application materials to specific jobs How to approach the "Interests" section in your resume Getting feedback And more! Resources CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/) Podcast Episode 111: Resumes and Cover Letters (with an ex-BigLaw Recruiter) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-111-resumes-cover-letters-ex-biglaw-recruiter/) Advice from a Law Recruiter, Part One: Top Tips for a Perfect Resume (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/advice-law-recruiter-part-one-resumes/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-494-top-10-tips-for-a-legal-resume/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) 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 Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    30 min

  7. MAR 3

    A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 4 – The Conclusion)

    Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! This is the final episode of a four-part series called "Legal Writing Makeover." In this complete series, we take a piece of legal writing that could use improvement and transform it into legal writing A+, one section of IRAC at a time. Previously we covered the issue statement, rule statement, and analysis section, and today we finish off with the conclusion. In this episode we discuss: A review of a sample exam answer How to write a good conclusion that earns you the maximum points on an exam Resources: Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/) Legal Writing in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-writing-in-law-school/) Three Cs of Legal Writing…And One T (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/three-cs-of-legal-writingand-one-t/) Five Tips for a Great Legal Writing Assignment (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/five-tips-for-a-great-legal-writing-assignment/) The Elusive Mini-IRAC (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-elusive-mini-irac/) Podcast Episode 489: A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 1 – The Issue Statement) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-489-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-1-the-issue-statement/) Podcast Episode 490: A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 2 – The Rule Statement) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-490-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-2-the-rule-statement/) Podcast Episode 491: A Legal Writing Makeover (Part 3 – The Analysis Section) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-491-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-3-the-analysis-section/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-493-a-legal-writing-makeover-part-4-the-conclusion/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) 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 Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    8 min

  8. FEB 27

    Legal Writing and IRAC (w/Rebecca Petrilli from Themis Bar Review)

    Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we are excited to welcome Rebecca Petrilli – Midwest Attorney Director at Themis Bar Review – back to the podcast to discuss IRAC and best practices for legal writing on exams, including the bar exam. Note: This episode is sponsored by Themis Bar Review – the gold standard in bar exam preparation. Save $900 on any July 2025 Themis Bar Review course by using the code LAWSCHOOLTB900 at checkout. (This offer is valid until May 19, 2025.) In this episode we discuss: Understanding the IRAC structure  Law school exam grading scale Is a longer essay always better? Handling unknown law on an exam Resources at Themis for law school and bar exam students  Resources: Themis Bar Review (https://www.themisbar.com/) Law School Essentials (https://www.themisbar.com/law-school-essentials) Examples & Explanations series (https://aspenpublishing.com/collections/examples-explanations) Podcast Episode 407: Start Law School Right – Exam Writing 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-407-start-law-school-right-exam-writing-101/) Legal Writing in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-writing-in-law-school/) Download the Transcript  (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-492-legal-writing-and-irac-w-rebecca-petrilli-from-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/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) 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 Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

    40 min
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About

The Law School Toolbox podcast is an engaging show for law students about law school, the bar exam, legal careers, and life. Each week, we offer practical tips and advice on academic matters, careers, and more. The Law School Toolbox podcast is hosted by opinionated law school and bar exam experts Alison Monahan and Lee Burgess. You might not always agree with us, but we guarantee you won’t be bored listening! Our goal is to impart useful, actionable advice in an entertaining manner. Join us! And, if you have an opinion on the show, please drop by and offer a review. We’re here to help, and we’d love to hear from you!

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