Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Archive

Welcome to the Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast archive!

Below you’ll find all of the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast episodes, plus some episodes of the Law School Toolbox podcast that relate to the bar exam. (To see a list by topic, visit the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast archive by topic.)

Give these episodes a listen, and subscribe to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app, so you don’t miss anything. And feel free to reach out to us directly via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website with episode ideas or questions.

To be notified when a new episode is released, just sign up here.

Enjoy!

 

Bar Exam Podcast Episodes

• Bar Exam Toolbox Episode 1: Welcome to the Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast! We are excited to have you join us to talk about the bar exam (everyone’s favorite topic). The goal of this episode is to give you an idea of who Lee and Alison are, what the Bar Exam Toolbox is, and why we think it is important to talk about the bar exam as much as we do.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 2: Accommodations for the Bar Exam (w/Dr. Jared Maloff) We are talking with Dr. Jared Maloff, a licensed clinical psychologist in Beverly Hills, about accommodations on the bar exam – a topic that is critically important, because a large numbers of students and bar studiers struggle with getting the accommodations they need for the bar exam, which can really make or break someone’s bar experience.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 3: Bar Exam 101 For Law Students Today, we’re talking through some bar exam basics for 1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls who have the bar exam looming on the horizon.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 4: Advice for First-Time Bar Exam Takers Today, we’re sharing advice for first-time bar exam takers. Even if you’re still in law school and the bar exam may be a few years away, this is great stuff to keep in mind.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 5: Career-Related Bar Exam Issues We’re talking with Sadie Jones, a former BigLaw recruiter, about job situations that come up surrounding the bar exam. This includes studying for the bar while working and what typically happens at work if you fail the bar.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Episode 6: A Conversation with AdaptiBar CEO Tarek Fadel Today we are talking with the CEO of AdaptiBar, Tarek Fadel, to learn more about the product, his path from lawyer to entrepreneur, and how you can use this tool to improve your MBE scores.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 7: A Conversation with Sean Silverman - MBE Expert Today Lee talks with guest Sean Silverman, an MBE expert, who tutors for the MBE, the Florida bar exam, and the UBE.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 8: What Happens If You Fail the Bar Exam (w/Ariel Salzer) Today we are discussing a difficult reality for many law graduates. What happens if you fail the bar exam? If you’ve just gotten disappointing news, we have tips in this podcast to help you regroup. If you are in law school right now, this podcast can offer you tips on how to make sure you are as prepared as possible for the bar exam. So, hopefully this will be the only attempt that you need!
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 9: Mastering the Performance Test (w/Doretta McGinnis) Today we’re talking with Doretta McGinnis, a legal writing expert and one of our fabulous bar exam tutors here at the Bar Exam Toolbox, about the Multistate Performance Test, or the MPT.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 10: Top 5 Bar Exam Essay Writing Tips (w/Ariel Salzer) Today, we’re discussing our top bar exam essay writing tips with special guest Ariel Salzer. Ariel is one of our most experienced California bar exam tutors, so we’re super excited to have her here today to talk about the essay portion of the bar exam, which, as many of you may know, can be a huge headache for those taking the bar.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 11: Self-Sabotaging Behavior During Bar Prep (w/Ariel Salzer) Today we are talking with Ariel Salzer, a highly-experienced bar tutor on our team, about a very important topic: self-sabotaging behavior while studying for the bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 12: Bar Exam-Day Tips (w/Brittany Raposa) Today we’re getting ready for exam day with bar exam expert Brittany Raposa, Director of Bar Support at Roger Williams University School of Law and a bar exam and law school tutor with the Law School Toolbox and Bar Exam Toolbox.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 13: Handling Bar Exam Stress (w/Megan Canty) Today, our guest is Megan Canty, the Director of Academic Success and Bar Exam Preparation at Wayne State University Law School and a Bar Exam Toolbox tutor. We’re talking about something that is incredibly important for the bar exam: handling stress, so you can perform your best! Remember – don’t forget to BREATHE!
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast 14: Thinking Ahead To Get Ready For the Bar Exam Today we’re talking about a very important topic — planning ahead to get ready for the bar exam. If you’re a 1L or 2L, you should tune in for tips you can start using now! There are lots of important things to think about and prepare for in advance, so listen and learn.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 15: How to Study For the Bar If You're an Auditory Learner We’re talking about studying for the bar as an auditory learner, along with some techniques anyone can use, even if this is not your preferred learning style.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 16: How to Study For the Bar Exam as a Visual Learner We’re talking about how best to study for the bar exam if you’re a visual learner.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 17: How to Study For the Bar If You're a Kinesthetic Learner We’re talking about smart ways to study for the bar exam if you are a kinesthetic learner. While this may be the least likely learning style for law students and lawyers, this episode is chock full of great tips that anyone can use to mix things up!
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 18: Strategies for Mastering the MBE We’re discussing our top tips for mastering the MBE portion of the bar exam. If you’re taking the exam in nearly any jurisdiction you’ll have to take the MBE so don’t miss this episode!
• Bar Exam Toolbox Episode 19: Top 5 Bar Exam Study Mistakes (w/ Ariel Salzer) We’re here with Ariel Salzar, one of our most experienced bar exam tutors, discussing the top 5 mistakes students consistently make when studying for the bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 20: How to Read the Facts on an Essay (w/Mihal Ansik) We’re talking with Mihal Ansik, one of our expert California bar exam tutors, walking step-by-step through a real California bar question and discussing how to effectively read the facts.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 21: How to Analyze Real MBE Questions (w/Sean Silverman) - Part 1 Today, Lee walks through some past MBE questions with guest Sean Silverman, an MBE expert.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 22: How to Analyze Real MBE Questions (w/Sean Silverman) - Part 2 Today is the second episode in our two-part series analyzing real MBE questions. Lee and guest Sean Silverman, an MBE expert, walk through several MBE questions and give their take on how best to approach them.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Episode 23: Tackling An MEE Corporations Question Lee discusses a corporations MEE question and walks you through how to plan an answer. This is the first in our series of podcasts about how to approach each section of the UBE.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Episode 24: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Professional Responsibility and Evidence We’re walking through a California bar exam question on professional responsibility and evidence. This is the first in our series of podcasts on how to approach California bar exam essay questions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 25: How to Interpret Your Bar Exam Score Report We’re discussing what you can learn from your score report if you failed the bar exam. Don’t just put it in a drawer!
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 26: 10 Tips For Working & Studying For the Bar Exam Today we’re sharing our top 10 tips to handle working and studying for the bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 27: Tackling an MEE Question: Wills and Trusts We are discussing a Wills and Trusts MEE question. This is part of our series of podcasts on how to approach each section of the UBE.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 28: Balancing Law and Analysis on a Bar Exam Essay We're discussing how to balance the law and your analysis on a bar exam essay, and why the ratio of law to analysis may be very different than you think!
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 29: Taking the Bar Exam as a Foreign-Trained Attorney We’re talking about how the bar exam poses unique challenges to foreign-trained attorneys.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 30: Changing Bad Bar Exam Study Habits and Setting Useful Goals We’re talking about goal-setting and changing bad bar exam study habits.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Episode 31: How to Pass the Bar Exam in 10 Days (And Why This is a Bad Idea) We are talking about how to pass the bar exam in 10 days and why this plan is a bad idea.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast 32: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Wills and Community Property We are walking through a California bar exam question on wills and community property. This is one of our series of podcasts on how to approach California bar exam questions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 33: Tackling an MEE Civil Procedure Question We’re walking through a Civil Procedure MEE question. This is one of our series of podcasts on how to approach each section of the UBE.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 34: Advice For Bar Exam Significant Others We’re talking about how to support your significant other or loved ones during the bar exam. If your partner is studying for the bar exam, tune in (or feel free to pass this one along to loved ones, if you’re the bar studier).
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 35: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Corporations Today we are walking through a California bar exam question on corporations. This is one of our series of podcasts on how to approach California bar exam questions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 36: Handling Panic on the Bar Exam We’re talking about dealing with panic on the bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 37: Tackling an MEE Secured Transactions Essay Question We are walking through a UBE secured transactions essay question. This is one of our series of podcasts on how to approach Multistate Essay Examination questions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Episode 38: Planning Your Bar Exam Study Day We’re talking about setting up your daily study schedule while studying for the bar exam, so you can get the most out of your study time, without burning out.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 39: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Real Property We are walking through a California bar exam question on property. This is one of our series of podcasts on how to approach California bar questions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 40: Tips For Repeat Bar Takers (w/Alexandra Muskat) We're talking with Alexandra Muskat about her experiences finding success after a bar exam failure.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 41: Tackling an MEE Family Law and Conflicts of Law Essay Question We’re walking through a UBE family law and conflicts of law essay question. This is one of our series of podcasts on how to approach Multistate Essay Examination questions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 42: Memorization Techniques For the Bar Exam We’re talking about effective memorization methods to help you optimize your time and retain more information while studying for the bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 43: Talking About AdaptiBar With Guest Maggy Mahalick We’re chatting with special guest Maggy Mahalick, Corporate Counsel and Content Manager for AdaptiBar, about how this tool can help you prepare for the MBE.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 44: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Constitutional Law We are walking through a California bar exam question on constitutional law. This is part of our series of podcasts talking about how to approach questions on the California bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Episode 45: Why Are MBE Scores Dropping? And What to Do About It As a Bar Taker We’re focusing on strategies and tactics to help you beat the trend of declining MBE scores, seen in recent data released by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 46: Should You Take Bar Classes in Law School, and When? We’re talking about whether, and when, you should take bar classes in law school, and which classes will help you prepare successfully for the big day.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 47: Preparing for the MPRE (w/Brittany Raposa) We’re talking about optimal preparation for the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) with special guest Brittany Raposa — one of our bar exam and law school tutors.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 48: When Is It Too Early to Start Studying For the Bar Exam? We’re discussing things to consider when starting to study for the bar exam early, who’s a good candidate to study early, and when it makes sense to start.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 49: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Tort Law Today we are walking through a California bar exam question on tort law, taken from the February 2016 exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 50: What We Discovered About the MBE From Explaining Lots of Questions We talked about what we learned about the MBE while creating the Practice of the Week (POW) MBE Workshop, and spending lots of time with the questions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 51: Making the Most of Your Bar Exam Practice Effective practice is not easy, but it’s the best active learning you can do. Today, we’re going through our top tips to get the most out of your bar exam practice and set yourself up for success on exam day.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 52: Avoiding Burnout While Studying For the Bar Exam We’re talking about how to avoid burnout while studying for the bar exam, and what to do if you feel that you’re already burned out.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 53: What to Do If Your Jurisdiction is Adopting the UBE As we are seeing more and more jurisdictions switch to the UBE instead of a state-specific bar exam, many bar takers are being put in the position of taking a new bar exam, even if they are repeat takers. So, what does this mean for folks taking the UBE for the first time?
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 54: Last-Minute Tips For the Performance Test We are sharing some last-minute tips to help you squeeze out as many points as you can from the performance test portion of the bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 55: Using the Final Weekend of Bar Prep Effectively Studying for the bar exam is like a marathon — you need to taper off your training in the final days so you can rest and restore energy. Today we are going through things to do during your final weekend of bar prep.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 56: What Are the Bar Graders Looking For? We’re discussing the specific things bar graders are looking for as they are going through stacks of student answers in a limited amount of time.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 57: Using Mindfulness Techniques in Your Bar Exam Preparation Mindfulness is a common buzz word these days, but the reason it’s so popular is that, for a lot of people, it really works. Today, we’re discussing various mindfulness techniques to help you stay calm and collected while preparing for the bar exam, and beyond.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 58: The California Performance Test - Reviewing the Task Memo, File, and Library We’re walking through a Performance Test from the California Bar Exam. In this first part of a two-part episode, we are focusing on reviewing the task memo, file, and library for the Brief on the July 2018 California Performance Test. In the next episode, we’ll talk about outlining and drafting your answer.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 59: The California Performance Test - Outlining and Drafting Your Answer In this second part of a two-part episode, we are going through drafting an answer for the the July 2018 California Performance Test. We recommend listening to last week’s episode first, where we focused on reviewing the task memo, file, and library.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 60: Applying For Accommodations on the Bar Exam (w/Elizabeth Knox) We are welcoming special guest Elizabeth Knox — disability consultant and tutor — to talk about the types of situations in which you could apply for accommodations on the bar exam, and tips for having your request approved.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 61: Making the Most of Your Commercial Bar Review Course We chatted about getting the most value out of your commercial bar review course as you are preparing for the bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 62: February 2018 MPT - Going Through the File and Library This episode is part of our series on how to approach questions on the UBE. Today, we are walking through the file and library on the February 2018 Multistate Performance Test. Next time, we’ll discuss drafting an answer to this performance test.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 63: February 2018 MPT - Drafting the Answer In this second part of a two-part episode, we are going through drafting an answer for the February 2018 Multistate Performance Test. We recommend listening to last week’s episode first, where we reviewed the file and the library.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 64: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Contract Law We are walking through the July 2016 California bar exam question on contract law. This is part of our series of podcasts talking about how to approach questions on the California bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 65: Tackling an MEE Real Property Essay Question We are walking through a UBE Real Property essay question. This is part of our series of podcasts on how to approach Multistate Essay Examination questions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 66: Tackling an MEE Agency and Torts Essay Question We are walking through a UBE Agency and Torts essay question from the February 2015 bar exam. This is part of our series of podcasts on how to approach Multistate Essay Examination questions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 67: Developing Attack Plans For the Bar Exam We’re talking about why “attack plans” are important to develop and memorize during your bar study, and how to use them on exam day.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 68: Handling the Bar Admission Process We’re talking about the ins and outs of the bar admission application process, some requirements you may not be aware of, and common issues that can arise during your application.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 69: 5 Things We Have Learned From Writing Bar Exam Sample Answers We are sharing five lessons we learned from drafting sample answers for California and MEE essay questions as part of our Writing of the Week program.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 70: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Criminal Law and Procedure We walked through the February 2017 California bar exam question on criminal law and criminal procedure. This is part of our series of podcasts talking about how to approach questions on the California bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 71: Tackling an MEE Contracts Essay Question We are walking through a UBE Contracts essay question from the July 2018 bar exam. This is part of our series of podcasts on how to approach Multistate Essay Examination questions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 72: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Civil Procedure We are walking through the July 2017 California bar exam question on civil procedure. This is part of our series of podcasts talking about how to approach questions on the California bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 73: How to Learn the Law Needed for the MBE We’re strategizing about how to resolve problems you’re having while studying for the MBE, specifically when you’re struggling with the law.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 74: Taking a Second Bar Exam in Another State We’re talking about taking the bar in a new state, when you’re already licensed elsewhere.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 75: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Trusts We are walking through the February 2016 California bar exam question on wills, trusts, and property. This is part of our series of podcasts talking about how to approach questions on the California bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 76: Tackling an MEE Con Law Essay Question We are walking through a UBE constitutional law essay question from the July 2018 bar exam. This is part of our series of podcasts on how to approach Multistate Essay Examination questions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 77: Who and What to Trust for Bar Exam Prep We’re talking about how to know who or what you can trust when preparing for the bar exam, and why it’s important to go all in with an approach once you’ve decided to trust it.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 78: Learning Through Mistakes in Bar Prep We’re discussing how our mind deals with failure, and why making mistakes can actually lead to better learning.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 79: Tackling an MEE Criminal Law/Procedure and Evidence Essay We are walking through a UBE Criminal Law/Procedure and Evidence essay question from the July 2016 bar exam. This is part of our series of podcasts on how to approach Multistate Essay Examination questions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 80: Lessons From Learning a New Language That Apply to Bar Study We’re sharing five lessons we’ve learned while trying to study another language, that could be applied to bar exam study as well.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 81: Initial Thoughts on COVID-19 and the Bar Exam We’re talking about how the coronavirus epidemic could impact the July 2020 bar exam, and the fact that you may need to adjust your bar study schedule for unexpected demands.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 82: Tips for Long-Term Bar Exam Studiers We’re sharing our tips for folks who are planning on studying longer-term for the bar exam, including foreign-trained attorneys and those working while studying. (Or anyone, in pandemic times!)
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 83: Honing Your Mindset for Bar Exam Studying We’re talking about why mindset is so important for bar prep, and how to deal with obstacles that can derail your study.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 84: Tackling an MEE Partnerships Essay We are walking through a UBE Agency and Partnerships essay question from the February 2018 bar exam. This is part of our series of podcasts on how to approach Multistate Essay Examination questions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 85: Dealing with Bar Exam Postponements Due to COVID-19 We’re updating you on the bar exam postponements and other recent developments that have happened since our last episode related to COVID-19.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 86: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Remedies We are walking through the July 2017 California bar exam question on Remedies. This is part of our series of podcasts talking about how to approach questions on the California bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 87: Listen and Learn - Homicide We’re introducing a new series of podcast episodes called “Listen and Learn,” where we’re going to review substantive areas of the law and apply some of that law to facts. In this episode, we’re talking about homicide.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 88: Listen and Learn - Negligence Per Se This is the second episode in our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review legal concepts and apply them to fact patterns. Today, we’re talking about negligence per se.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 89: Listen and Learn - What is Hearsay? We continue our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review legal concepts and apply them to fact patterns. This time, we’re talking about some hearsay basics.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 90: COVID-19 Bar Exam Updates and Strategies We’re sharing our latest thoughts on studying for the bar exam with the delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and generally trying to make the situation work best for you.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 91: Listen and Learn - Logical and Legal Relevance This episode is part of our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review legal concepts and apply them to fact patterns. Today, we’re talking about a topic you will see on every Evidence essay on the bar exam: relevance.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 92: Listen and Learn - Subject Matter Jurisdiction This is another episode in our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review legal concepts and apply them to fact patterns. Today, we’re talking about a commonly tested Civ Pro topic — subject matter jurisdiction.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 93: Listen and Learn - Constructive Eviction This episode is part of our “Listen and Learn” series, and this time we’ll review a topic from real property — namely, constructive eviction.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 94: Impact of COVID-19 on the Bar Exam - June 15 Update We have another update on what is known about the bar exam administration in different jurisdictions, which will hopefully help you make a more informed decision on how to proceed with your study schedule amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 95: Listen and Learn - Promissory Estoppel Today’s episode is part of our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review legal concepts and use them in fact patterns. This time we’re analyzing a topic from contract law — promissory estoppel.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 96: COVID-19 Bar Exam Update - July 2, 2020 We’re discussing the latest updates from different jurisdictions on how the bar exam is likely to be administered this year, and sharing strategies to help you prepare for taking the fall exam amidst all the uncertainty.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 97: Listen and Learn - The Reasonable Person Standard This is another episode in our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review legal concepts and apply them to fact patterns. Today, we’re tackling the reasonable person standard in Negligence.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 98: Listen and Learn - The "Battle of the Forms" Under UCC 2-207 We’re doing another episode in our “Listen and Learn” series, talking about the Uniform Commercial Code Section 2-207 — or “battle of the forms”, as it’s commonly called.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 99: Tips for Taking an Online Bar Exam We’re talking about preparing for taking an online bar exam, which will be the norm this year due to coronavirus concerns. We also discuss the recently-released information on how the October California bar exam will be administered.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 100: Anniversary Episode! The Top Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episodes This is a special milestone episode today (number 100), where we recap some of the most popular episodes and a few of our personal favorite episodes we have recorded during the past two years.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 101: Listen and Learn - Present Sense Impression vs. State of Mind We have another episode as part of our “Listen and Learn” series. This one covers two hearsay exceptions –- specifically, present sense impression and state of mind.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 102: Listen and Learn - The Statute of Frauds This episode is part of our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review a substantive area of the law and apply it to fact patterns. This time, we’re focusing on the Statute of Frauds in Contract Law.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 103: Listen and Learn - Assault and Battery We have another episode in our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review a substantive area of the law and apply the rules to fact patterns. This time, we’re focusing on two topics from Torts — specifically, assault and battery.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 104: Listen and Learn - Intentional Torts: Defamation We’re talking about defamation — a topic you might see on a Torts essay along with other intentional torts, and sometimes on the MBE as well. We also highlight some of the other intentional torts that are commonly triggered in a defamation fact pattern.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 105: Listen and Learn - Public and Private Nuisance We have another episode in our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review substantive areas of the law that you’re likely to encounter on the bar exam. This time, we’re focusing on a topic related to both Property and Torts, and that is nuisance.
• Bar Exam Podcast Episode 106: The Final Days of Prepping for the October 2020 Virtual Bar Exam We’ve finally made it to the last few days before the bar exam in this incredibly challenging year! Today, we’re talking about making the most of your final days of preparation, and we have some exam day tips as well.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 107: Listen and Learn - Assumption of Risk (Torts) We have another episode in our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review substantive areas of the law that you’re likely to encounter on the bar exam. This time, we’re looking at assumption of risk as a defense to negligence in Tort law.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 108: Listen and Learn - The Commerce Clause We have another installment in our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review substantive areas of the law that you’re likely to encounter on the bar exam. This time, we’re talking about a very testable part of Constitutional Law — the Commerce Clause.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 109: When to Start Studying for (Possibly) Retaking the Bar Because of all the postponed bar exams you won’t find out until quite late if you passed or not. When should you start to prepare for retaking the exam if you have a gut feeling you aren’t going to pass? In today’s episode, we’re tackling that question, sent in by some of our listeners.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 110: Listen and Learn - The Basics of Justiciability (Con Law) In an installment of our “Listen and Learn” series, we’re tackling another Constitutional Law topic — that is justiciability, or the issue of deciding whether a court can make a formal judgment on a legal matter.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 111: Listen and Learn - Introduction to Supplemental Jurisdiction (Civ Pro) This episode is part of our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review substantive areas of the law that you’re likely to encounter on the bar exam. Today we’re talking about supplemental jurisdiction, which you may see as part of a larger Civil Procedure essay question involving jurisdiction, or as a multiple choice question on the MBE.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 112: Listen and Learn - Property Crimes This episode is part of our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review substantive areas of the law that you’re likely to encounter on the bar exam. This time we are focusing on criminal law, specifically property crimes, which appear on both the MBE and in essay questions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 113: Lowering Stress While Studying for the Bar in Covid Times We’re looking at the telltale signs that you might be stressed out, the acute and chronic problems that stress causes, and some strategies for stress management, particularly important during these difficult and unpredictable times.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 114: Listen and Learn - Non-Hearsay In this episode from our “Listen and Learn” series, we cover a category of evidence called “non-hearsay,” which is tested often on both the MBE and on Evidence essays.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 115: Listen and Learn - Dying Declaration vs. Excited Utterance In episode 101 we covered two hearsay exceptions, namely present sense impression and state of mind. Today, we’ll discuss two more exceptions that are also commonly tested, and those are dying declaration and excited utterance.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 116: California Bar Exam Results are Out! What's Next if You Didn't Pass? Results from the latest California bar exam have just come out, and there’s not a lot of time to prepare for the February 2021 exam if you failed. Is it feasible to sit for the exam that’s coming up, or would it be better to postpone? Join us for this episode, where we try to help you make this decision as rapidly as possible.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 117: Listen and Learn - Due Process and Equal Protection (Con Law) In this week’s episode, as part of our “Listen and Learn” series, we’re talking about an important area of Constitutional Law — the Fourteenth Amendment. Specifically, we take a look at procedural due process, substantive due process, and equal protection.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 118: More on Memorization for the Bar Exam We’re revisiting the best memorization techniques for long-term retention of material. There are many different ways to memorize, and you have to test them to figure out which ones work best for you.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 119: Listen and Learn - Anticipatory Repudiation (Contracts) In an episode from our “Listen and Learn” series, we’re talking about anticipatory repudiation, which is an often-tested issue both on the MBE and on Contracts essays.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 120: Listen and Learn - Piercing the Corporate Veil We have another episode in our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review a substantive area of the law and apply that law to fact patterns. This time we’re looking at piercing the corporate veil, which is a commonly-tested issue in Corporations and LLC essays.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 121: Listen and Learn - Character Evidence We’re talking about the Federal Rules of Evidence, and how to apply the rules of character evidence to both civil and criminal case hypos.
• Podcast Episode 122: Listen and Learn - Easements (Real Property) In an episode of our “Listen and Learn” series, we’re discussing easements, which is one of the more common Real Property topics on bar exam essays.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 123: Listen and Learn - First Amendment (Content-Neutral Restrictions) In an episode from our “Listen and Learn” series, we’re discussing the First Amendment – in particular when, where, and how the government can regulate speech through content-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 124: Listen and Learn - Duty of Loyalty (Corporations) We’re talking about the duty of loyalty owed by directors and officers of a corporation, and the main types of conduct they are prohibited from engaging in.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 125: Best Practices for Studying for an Online Bar Exam We’re talking about best practices for studying for an online bar exam, based on the two virtual exams that have been given so far.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 126: Listen and Learn - The Erie Doctrine We’re discussing an issue related to civil procedure — the Erie Doctrine. We look at a step-by-step approach for answering questions in this area of the law when they show up on the bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 127: Why People From Prestigious Law Schools Fail the Bar Exam We’re talking about the reasons people who went to very prestigious law schools sometimes still fail the bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 128: Listen and Learn - Privilege Against Self-Incrimination and Miranda Rights We are focusing on criminal procedure, specifically two constitutional protections afforded to accused persons by the 5th Amendment – the privilege against self-incrimination, and Miranda rights.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 129: Should You Take the California Bar Exam or the UBE? We’re talking about making the decision to take the California (or other state-specific exam), or the UBE.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 130: Tips for Taking the Bar Exam as an Attorney Applicant We’re discussing things to keep in mind before deciding to take the shorter attorneys’ version of the bar exam, if you’re eligible for this option.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 131: Listen and Learn - Strict Products Liability We’re talking about strict products liability, which is one of the three theories of liability that can form the basis of a products liability claim.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 132: Listen and Learn - Hearsay Exceptions: Government and Business Records We cover two hearsay exceptions, and they are government/public records and business records. You can find more on the topic of hearsay exceptions in episodes 101 and 115.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 133: Listen and Learn - Covenants (Real Property) We’re going to explore covenants, a type of non-possessory interest in real property. You can find more on the topic of real property in episode 122, where we discuss easements.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 134: Listen and Learn - Authority of Agents As part of our “Listen and Learn” series, we’re discussing agent authority, which is one of the most heavily-tested issues on the bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 135: Listen and Learn - The Dormant Commerce Clause In our “Listen and Learn” series, we’re focusing on the Dormant Commerce Clause, also known as the Negative Commerce Clause. We previously discussed the Commerce Clause in episode 108.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 136: Outlining on the Remote Bar Exam We’re coming up on the third online bar exam, and we’re continuing to get questions from students and listeners about the best way to outline when using scratch paper is not possible. Join us for this episode as we share some best practices for outlining on the remote bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 137: Listen and Learn - The Confrontation Clause In our “Listen and Learn” series, we take a look at the Fourteenth Amendment, specifically the Confrontation Clause. Confrontation Clause issues are commonly tested in Evidence questions in both law school exams and bar exams, almost always alongside hearsay issues.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 138: Listen and Learn - Hearsay Exceptions: Prior Testimony and Past Recollection Recorded We cover two more hearsay exceptions — prior testimony and past recollection recorded. You can find more on the topic of hearsay exceptions in episodes 101, 115, and 132.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 139: Employment Issues Related to the Bar Exam (w/Sadie Jones) We have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones with us to talk about common career-related issues to think about while deciding when and where to sit for the bar exam. We also look at the best way to approach your employer in each of these scenarios.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 140: Listen and Learn - Regulatory Takings From our “Listen and Learn” series, we tackle the topic of regulatory takings, which is often tested in crossover essay questions that cover both Property and Constitutional Law issues.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 141: Listen and Learn - The Fourth Amendment In our “Listen and Learn” series, we’re discussing when the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution applies, and how to determine if an unlawful search has occurred.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 142: The Worst Bar Exam Advice We've Ever Heard We’re sharing some of the worst bar exam advice we’ve heard over the years, and what we think you should do instead to prepare for the exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 143: Listen and Learn - More Hearsay Exceptions We discuss three hearsay exceptions (statements against interest, statements made for medical diagnosis or treatment, and statements of personal or family history), which all involve someone speaking or writing about him or herself. You can find more on the topic of hearsay exceptions in episodes 101, 115, and 132.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 144: Listen and Learn - Adverse Possession We’re talking about adverse possession, which is a commonly-tested issue in Real Property questions on the bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 145: Listen and Learn - Permissive Joinder and Required Joinder I1451n our “Listen and Learn” series, we’re dealing with another topic from civil procedure. In particular, we discuss two of the five types of joinder — permissive and required joinder.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 146: Listen and Learn - Mortgages and Priority We’re focusing on Real Property. In particular, we’re diving into the tricky subtopic of mortgages and priorities.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 147: Listen and Learn - Negligence: Duties of Children and Professionals In our “Listen and Learn” series, we take a look at the duty of professionals and the duty of children under Negligence, a sub-topic of tort law.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 148: Listen and Learn - Claim and Issue Preclusion (Civil Procedure) As part of our “Listen and Learn” series, we’re focusing on one of the newest additions to the MBE portion of the bar exam: Civil Procedure. In particular, we take a look at claim preclusion and issue preclusion, also known as res judicata and collateral estoppel.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 149: Listen and Learn - Negligence: Duties of Landlords, Owners, and Possessors of Land We talk about the special duties landowners and land possessors owe to people who enter their land, as well as the duties landlords owe to their tenants. Both are subtopics of Negligence under Tort Law.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 150: Listen and Learn - Corporate Formation and Pre-Incorporation Liability We talk about how corporations are formed, what happens when formation isn’t completed, and the details of pre-formation contract liability.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 151: Dealing with the Emotional Aspects of Failing the Bar Exam We’re chatting about the emotional challenges of a bar exam failure. We walk you through the first few days of frustration to finding the motivation to start studying again.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 152: Practical Aspects of Retaking the Bar Exam After a Failure Last week we discussed the emotional fallout from a bar exam failure, and today, we’re moving on to navigating the practical steps of retaking the exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 153: Listen and Learn - More Types of Joinder (Civ Pro) In the second part of our discussion of joinder, we look at intervention, impleader (or third-party action), and class actions. We previously covered permissive and required joinder in episode 145.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 154: Listen and Learn - The Exclusionary Rule (Criminal Law and Procedure) We’re discussing a topic from Criminal Law and Procedure. Join us as we look at the exclusionary rule and Miranda warnings, grounded in the Fourth Amendment.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 155: Creating a Study Schedule for the Bar Exam We share tips for what a solid personalized study schedule would look like, and have suggestions for how to stay on track with your schedule once you’ve put it together.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 156: Listen and Learn - The Fourth Amendment: Informer Tips We’re focusing on Criminal Procedure, specifically the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution and the limits it imposes on police actions based on tips from anonymous informants. We previously discussed other aspects of the Fourth Amendment in episode 141 of the podcast.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 157: Listen and Learn - The Sixth Amendment We’re focusing on Criminal Procedure, specifically the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution and the rights and protections it provides to anyone accused of a criminal act.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 158: Listen and Learn - Multiple Hearsay We go through a step-by-step approach for analyzing questions involving multiple levels of hearsay.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 159: Listen and Learn - Evidence: Expert vs. Law Witness Testimony In our “Listen and Learn” series, we’re discussing the standards for admitting witness testimony, which are found in the rules of Evidence.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 160: Listen and Learn - Standards of Review (Con Law) We’re discussing the different standards of review a court will apply when dealing with questions of constitutionality. You may also hear these referred to as “levels of scrutiny.”
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 161: Listen and Learn - Contract Formation As part of our “Listen and Learn” series, we’re looking at the conditions that have to be satisfied in order to form a valid contract. We’ll review the concepts and illustrate them with two essay questions from previous bar exams.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 162: Listen and Learn - Federal and State Powers (Con Law) 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.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 163: Listen and Learn - Removal (Civ Pro) In our “Listen and Learn” series is from Civil Procedure, specifically removal of a case from state to federal court.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast 164: Listen and Learn - Contract Defenses We’re talking about contract defenses, including mistake, fraudulent misrepresentation, and non-disclosure. For a refresher on the concepts involved in contract formation, take a look at episode 161 of the podcast.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 165: Maintaining Equilibrium in Strange Times While Studying for the Bar Exam Studying for the bar is certainly a challenging time, but you shouldn’t be miserable while doing it. Today, we’re discussing mental health and maintaining equilibrium during bar prep by reclaiming some time to do things that make you feel good.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 166: A Conversation with AccessLex CEO Chris Chapman We’re speaking with Chris Chapman, President and CEO of AccessLex, about Helix, their new bar prep product, and about a study they conducted on who’s likely to pass the bar.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 167: Listen and Learn - Direct and Derivative Actions (Corporations) We review the terminology and rules that you’ll need to know when answering a question on direct and derivative actions. To illustrate the concepts, we also go over two questions adapted from the California bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 168: 10 Things to Think About if You're Taking the Bar in July 2022 We’re talking about what you should be considering in regard to your bar prep if you’re planning on sitting for the July 2022 exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 169: Listen and Learn - Personal Jurisdiction (Civ Pro) In this “Listen and Learn” episode, we look at the various ways of establishing whether a court has jurisdiction over the parties in a lawsuit.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 170: Listen and Learn - Real Property Zoning Rules We’re talking about a frequently tested real property issue – zoning ordinances. We’ll cover zoning variances, as well as the different ways in which zoning ordinances can be challenged.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast 171: Listen and Learn - Expectation and Consequential Damages (Contracts) From our “Listen and Learn” series, we talk about the two most heavily-tested types of legal remedies for a breach of contract.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 172: How to Decide Between the UBE and California Bar Exam We’re talking about the differences between the UBE and the California bar exam, and how to decide which one makes the most sense for you.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 173: Listen and Learn - Criminal Procedure: Warrant Requirements As part of our “Listen and Learn” series, we’re discussing Criminal Procedure, specifically what is needed for a valid search warrant, and the situations in which a warrant is not required.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 174: Listen and Learn - Privileges and Immunities Clause (Con Law) We’re discussing how to identify and work through Privileges and Immunities Clause issues on the bar exam.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 175: Listen and Learn - Inchoate Offenses (Criminal Law) We’re focusing on Criminal Law, specifically inchoate offenses. This topic commonly appears on bar exam questions and includes attempt, solicitation, and conspiracy.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 176: Retaking the Bar Multiple Times Before Passing We’re discussing the reasons why some bar takers fail the exam multiple times, and what approaches can help people pass after failing twice or more.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 177: Listen and Learn - Best Evidence Rule We’re focusing on an important topic in Evidence – the Best Evidence Rule, which requires a witness to produce the document whose contents he or she is testifying about.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 178: Tips for Bringing Up a Low MBE Score We’re talking about the specifics of the Multistate Bar Examination, why some people struggle with it, and how to study for the exam if you’re seeing low results on your test runs or you’ve bombed the MBE before.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 179: Listen and Learn - Professional Responsibility: Competence We’re tackling Competence – an issue that comes up in many California bar essays on Professional Responsibility.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 180: Listen and Learn - Venue (Federal Civil Procedure) We are digging into a commonly-tested bar exam topic in Federal Civil Procedure – determining proper venue in civil actions.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 181: Listen and Learn - Parol Evidence (Contracts) We’re talking about the parol evidence rule, which governs evidence that parties to a contract dispute can introduce when determining the specific terms of the contract.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 182: Listen and Learn - Policy Exclusions (Evidence) 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.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 183: Listen and Learn - Taxing and Spending Clause (Con Law) 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.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Episode 184: Listen and Learn - The Business Judgment Rule (Corporations) We’re discussing a couple of topics that go hand in hand in Corporations essays – the duty of care and the business judgment rule.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 185: Listen and Learn - Prosecution of a Criminal Trial (Burdens, Presumptions, Sufficiency) The topic of today’s “Listen and Learn” episode is Criminal Procedure. Specifically, we’re talking about a few topics related to the prosecution of a criminal trial: burden of proof, presumptions, and sufficiency of the evidence.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 186: Listen and Learn - Negligence: Proximate Cause We will be discussing Proximate Cause – a subtopic of Negligence under Tort Law.
• Podcast Episode 187: Listen and Learn - State Sovereign Immunity (Con Law) We’re talking about state sovereign immunity, pursuant to the Eleventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
• Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast Episode 188: Listen and Learn - Freedom of the Press (Con Law) We’re discussing the First Amendment, a big topic in Constitutional Law. Specifically, we’re looking at how far press freedom extends.
• Law School Toolbox Podcast Episode 39: Battling Test Anxiety in Law School and on the Bar Exam This podcast addresses everyone’s favorite topic – Test Anxiety. Okay, not really anyone’s favorite topic, but a really important one because so many law students deal with test anxiety in law school and on the bar exam.
• Law School Toolbox Podcast Episode 87: Affordable Bar Prep & Social Entrepreneurship (With Chris Henjum of Esqyr.com) We talk with Chris J. Henjum, an attorney and social entrepreneur about affordable bar prep and social entrepreneurship. Read on to hear more!
• Law School Toolbox Podcast Episode 90: Getting Ready for the July 2017 Bar Exam (With Ariel Salzer) There were some changes to the California bar exam recently, including a new format and new MBE scoring rules. But one thing remains constant: you can’t get through any bar exam without deliberate, focused, and practical studying—and a lot of it.
• Law School Toolbox Podcast Episode 121: Alternative Options for Bar Exam Preparation This podcast discusses alternative bar prep options outside of the big commercial programs. Turns out, not everyone learns the same way, so you want to make sure your bar prep will work for you!
• Law School Toolbox Podcast Episode 129: Self-Care During Bar Exam Prep We’re talking about something that’s incredibly important for everyone who’s preparing for the bar exam - self-care. Because, let’s face it, studying for the bar exam is stressful and, actually, so is legal practice. So, working on self-care during the bar exam study period is one thing that will probably help you pass and also help you in your career later.

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