The Law School Toolbox Podcast: Tools for Law Students from 1L to the Bar Exam, and Beyond – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Listen and Learn" series, we're talking about concurrent ownership of property. For a discussion on the related topic of present and future estates, you can check out episodes 250 and 251 of the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast.

In this episode we discuss:

• Concurrent estates versus present and future estates
• The three major forms of concurrent ownership:
  • Tenancy in Common
  • Joint Tenancy
  • Tenancy by the Entirety
• Sample questions illustrating the above concepts

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 2011 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202011%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf)
• California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, October 2020 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/October-2020-Essay-Selected-Answers.pdf)
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 250: Listen and Learn – Present and Future Estates (Part 1) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-250-listen-and-learn-present-and-future-estates-part-1/)
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 251: Listen and Learn – Present and Future Estates (Part 2) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-251-listen-and-learn-present-and-future-estates-part-2/)

Download the Transcript 
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-466-listen-and-learn-concurrent-estates-property/)

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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In this episode, together with Luiz Arroyo - one of our law school and bar exam tutors - we highlight the critical role of legal writing in a lawyer's career and provide tips for improving your legal writing skills.

In this episode we discuss:

• Luiz's background and experience in legal writing
• What constitutes "good legal writing"?
• How to approach the two different types of legal writing
• Practical tips for pre-writing (planning and organizing), as well as post-writing (effective proofreading) 
• How to address problematic facts or case law

Resources:

• Legal Writing in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/legal-writing-in-law-school/)
• Podcast Episode 11: Legal Writing 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-11-legal-writing-101/)
• Podcast Episode 84: Using Rules Effectively in Legal Writing (w/Guest Jason Jones) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-84-using-rules-effectively-legal-writing-w-guest-jason-jones/)
• Podcast Episode 428: Legal Research and Writing in the Workplace (Part 1) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-428-legal-research-and-writing-in-the-workplace-part-1/)
• Podcast Episode 429: Legal Research and Writing in the Workplace (Part 2) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-429-legal-research-and-writing-in-the-workplace-part-2/)
• Three Cs of Legal Writing…And One T (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/three-cs-of-legal-writingand-one-t/)

Download the Transcript 
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-465-improving-your-legal-writing-skills-w-luiz-arroyo/)

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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we share 10 things to consider in preparation for your final year of law school and taking the bar exam. 

In this episode we discuss:

• Preparing for the bar exam and the MPRE
• Evaluating your academic performance and graduation requirements
• Networking and professional development
• Updating your job application materials and exploring career options
• Creating a law school bucket list
• And more!

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• NCBE: National Conference of Bar Examiners (https://www.ncbex.org/)
• Podcast Episode 9: How to Raise Your Grades as a 2L or 3L (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-9-raise-grades-2l-3l/)
• Podcast Episode 322: Keeping Motivation Strong Throughout Your 3L Year (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-322-keeping-motivation-strong-throughout-your-3l-year/)
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 259: How to Minimize Borrowing for the Bar Exam (w/Jesse Mecham from YNAB) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-259-how-to-minimize-borrowing-for-the-bar-exam-w-jesse-mecham-from-ynab/)
• How to Choose Courses for 2L and 3L Year (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-choose-courses-for-2l-and-3l-year/)
• My Busies Summer Yet – A Rising 3L Perspective (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/my-busiest-summer-yet-a-rising-3l-perspective/)
• How to Develop a 3L Job Search Strategy (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-develop-a-3l-job-search-strategy/)
• Seven Ways to Make the Most of Your 3L Year (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/seven-ways-make-3l-year/)

Download the Transcript 
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-456-top-10-tips-for-getting-ready-for-your-3l-year/)

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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're sharing our suggestions for ways parents can help their kids in law school, keeping the balance of being supportive without being overbearing.

In this episode we discuss:

• Talking with your child about what they would find helpful from you
• Using the resources of the school, as well as outside help if needed
• Understanding the law school grading curve
• Lowering your expectations around holidays, especially those near exams
• Special advice for parents who are lawyers themselves
• Understanding that some degree of struggle is to be expected for both parents and students

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol S. Dweck (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345472322/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0345472322&linkCode=as2&tag=lawschtoo-20&linkId=WWLQ67H3M3IHO4NT)
• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth (https://www.amazon.com/Grit-Passion-Perseverance-Angela-Duckworth/dp/1501111116/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=)
• Advice for Parents of New Law Students (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/advice-for-parents-of-new-law-students/)
• For Parents: Helping Your Law Student Get Off to the Right Start (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/for-parents-helping-your-law-student-get-off-to-the-right-start/)

Download the Transcript 
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-366-how-can-parents-help-their-kids-in-law-school/)

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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're sharing our top 10 things to consider when preparing for your law school final exams.

In this episode we discuss:

• Making an exam calendar
• Outlining, practicing, and getting feedback
• Finding a balance between studying and class work
• Being smart about study groups
• Spending time to evaluate your Thanksgiving plans
• Preparing for exams as a marathon, not a sprint!

Resources:

• Tutoring for Law School Success (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tutoring-for-law-school-success/)
• Podcast Episode 65: How to Make a Useful Law School Outline (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-65-make-a-useful-law-school-outline/)
• Podcast Episode 167: Do You Have to Join a Study Group in Law School? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-167-do-you-have-to-join-a-study-group-in-law-school/)
• Podcast Episode 213: Why Practice Is So Important in Law School (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-213-why-practice-is-so-important-in-law-school/)
• Tips for Studying for a Closed Book Law School Exam (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-for-studying-for-a-closed-book-exam/)
• Tips for Studying for an Open Book Law School Exam (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-for-studying-for-an-open-book-exam/)

Download the Transcript 
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-365-top-10-tips-for-studying-for-final-exams/)

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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today we're talking about state sovereign immunity, pursuant to the Eleventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

In this episode we discuss:

• What does the Eleventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution establish?
• Where the state sovereign immunity doctrine does and does not apply
• Exceptions to state sovereign immunity – or when a party can sue a state
• Analyzing 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 2016 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/gbx/July2016_CBXSelectedAnswers_EssayQuestions1-6_R.pdf)

Download the Transcript 
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-364-listen-and-learn-state-sovereign-immunity-con-law/)

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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have Marina Modlin, founder of Modlin Legal, with us to share some real-life estate planning advice.

In this episode we discuss:

• Marina's background and current practice
• What does "estate planning" entail?
• The "default" system of estate planning versus the "opt-in" system
• Life events that should really trigger you to deal with your estate plan
• How to start the conversation around estate planning with parents/grandparents
• Pros and cons of the estate practice area
• When you can try to do estate planning on your own, and when to seek help

Resources:

• Modlin Legal (https://modlinlegal.com/)
• CEB Trusts & Estates Solutions (https://www.ceb.com/solutions/trusts-and-estates/)
• Trusts 101 (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/trusts-101/)

Download the Transcript 
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-363-real-life-estate-planning-w-marina-modlin/)

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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! In today's episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing the Taxing and Spending Clause of the Constitution, which specifies how Congress can collect taxes and allocate spending.

In this episode we discuss:

• Different types of taxes that Congress collects
• The two general purposes for which Congress is permitted to lay or collect taxes
• Restrictions Congress may impose on state spending
• The division of power between state and federal government
• Analyzing two essay questions 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 2008 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202008%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf)
• California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2009 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202009%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf)
• Examples & Explanations for Constitutional Law (https://www.amazon.com/Examples-Explanations-Constitutional-Law-Federalism-dp-1543850871/dp/1543850871/ref=dp_ob_title_bk)

Download the Transcript 
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-362-listen-and-learn-the-taxing-and-spending-clause-con-law/)

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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're excited to have Derek Brainard, National Director of Financial Education at AccessLex Institute, talking with us about everyone's favorite topic - student loans!

In this episode we discuss:

• Derek's background and current role
• Services offered by AccessLex Institute
• What should students and grads know about payments restarting?
• The big news regarding loan forgiveness
• What happens if your loans are sold to a different servicer?
• Budgeting advice for law students

Resources:

• AccessLex Institute (https://www.accesslex.org/)
• AccessConnex by AccessLex (https://www.accesslex.org/accessconnex)
• Ask EDNA! Education Network at AccessLex (https://www.accesslex.org/ask-edna)
• Federal Student Aid (https://studentaid.gov/)
• Annual Credit Report (https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action)
• Podcast Episode 38: Can You Really Afford Law School? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-38-can-you-really-afford-law-school/)
• Podcast Episode 177: Real Talk About Student Loan Debt (w/Financial Expert Travis Hornsby) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-177-real-talk-about-student-loan-debt-w-financial-expert-travis-hornsby/)
• Podcast Episode 184: Handling Law School Finances (w/Lyssa Thaden of AccessLex) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-184-handling-law-school-finances-w-lyssa-thaden-of-accesslex/)
• Podcast Episode 294: Money Talk (w/Carrie Friedberg) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-294-money-talk-w-carrie-friedberg/)
• The Reality of Law School Debt and Planning for It (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/the-reality-of-law-school-debt-and-planning-for-it/)

Download the Transcript 
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-361-student-loan-repayment-w-derek-brainard-of-accesslex-institute/)

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

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones with us to talk about looking for legal jobs in the current economy, where law firm hiring is slowing down and some layoffs may even be happening.

In this episode we discuss:

• A look at recent periods of economic challenges
• What fuels BigLaw work?
• For students interested in BigLaw, how concerned should they be right now?
• What can students do to position themselves for a summer associate position/job offer, in any economy?
• How to analyze in more depth which firms to apply to and where to accept an offer
• Learning to be flexible on desired practice areas
• If a BigLaw job doesn't pan out now, is all lost?

Resources:

• CareerDicta (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/careerdicta/)
• Above the Law (https://abovethelaw.com/)
• How to Search for a Law Job in an Uncertain Economy (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/how-to-search-for-a-law-job-in-an-uncertain-economy/)
• Tips to Finding Post-Graduate Jobs During a Recession (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-to-finding-post-graduate-jobs-during-a-recession/)

Download the Transcript 
(https://lawschooltoolbox.com/episode-360-legal-jobs-in-a-slowing-economy-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