253: Bar Exam Best Practices - Creating Good Habits

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we are excited to speak with Jesse Mecham -- a personal finance expert and founder of You Need A Budget -- about ways to decrease spending and borrowing during bar prep and generally in life. In this episode, we discuss: How Jesse got into the field of budgeting and personal finance The YNAB "four-rule method" for managing money Thinking creatively when you're facing financial challenges and debt How to approach your community of family and friends for help Budgeting your finances with the future in mind Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) YNAB: You Need A Budget (https://www.ynab.com/) Podcast Episode 256: Quick Tips – Budgeting for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-256-quick-tips-budgeting-for-the-bar-exam/) How to Prepare for the Bar on a Budget (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-prepare-for-the-bar-on-a-budget/) Why I Packed My Own Lunch for the Bar Exam (And Maybe You Should Too) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/why-i-packed-my-own-lunch-for-the-bar-exam-and-maybe-you-should-too/) Post Bar Trips on a Budget (https://barexamtoolbox.com/post-bar-trips-on-a-budget/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-259-how-to-minimize-borrowing-for-the-bar-exam-w-jesse-mecham-from-ynab/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're excited to be speaking with our guest Rebecca Petrilli from Themis Bar Review. We'll share our top 10 tips for using your bar review program to its full capacity to achieve better writing and MBE scores. Note: This episode is brought to you by Themis Bar Review – the gold standard in bar exam preparation. Right now, Themis has a special offer for Bar Exam Toolbox podcast listeners. If you sign up for their July 2024 bar review course, you can get a $500 discount using the promo code BAREXAMTB500. (This offer is valid until midnight Central Standard Time on May 20th, 2024.) In this episode, we discuss: How Themis's personalized study schedule works Getting feedback on your essays and multiple choice questions What does Themis do to support students with regard to memorizing the law? Building in breaks into your study routine Making a plan for how to triage if you fall behind on your studying Tips for part-time bar studiers Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Themis Bar Review (https://www.themisbar.com/) UWorld (https://www.uworld.com/) UWorld MBE QBank (https://legal.uworld.com/mbe/) Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, by Adam Grant (https://adamgrant.net/book/hidden-potential/) Podcast Episode 78: Learning Through Mistakes in Bar Prep (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-78-learning-through-mistakes-in-bar-prep/) Podcast Episode 155: Creating a Study Schedule for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-155-creating-a-study-schedule-for-the-bar-exam/) Podcast Episode 244: Spaced Repetition and Memorization During Bar Prep (w/Gabe Teninbaum) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-244-spaced-repetition-and-memorization-during-bar-prep-w-gabe-teninbaum/) Podcast Episode 253: Bar Exam Best Practices – Creating Good Habits (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-253-bar-exam-best-practices-creating-good-habits/) Podcast Episode 254: Quick Tips – Best Habits for Studying for the Bar Exam While Working (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-254-quick-tips-best-habits-for-studying-for-the-bar-exam-while-working/) Things to Consider When Choosing Your Bar Prep Course (https://barexamtoolbox.com/things-to-consider-when-choosing-your-bar-prep-course/) How to Pass the Bar By Doing What Makes You the Most Uncomfortable (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-pass-the-bar-by-doing-what-makes-you-the-most-uncomfortable/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-258-keys-to-bar-exam-success-with-themis-w-rebecca-petrilli/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, in an episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing an important concept from Contract Law - consideration - which is one of the three requirements of contract formation.  In this episode, we discuss: The three requirements of contract formation What is consideration? The two ways in which consideration can be provided The situations in which there is never valid consideration Examples from previous California bar exams Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) 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 2006 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202006%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2002 (https://juraxbar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/July-2002-CBX.pdf) Podcast Episode 95: Listen and Learn – Promissory Estoppel (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-95-listen-and-learn-promissory-estoppel/) Podcast Episode 161: Listen and Learn – Contract Formation (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-161-listen-and-learn-contract-formation/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-257-listen-and-learn-consideration-contract-law/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, we're discussing just how much it can cost you to sit for the bar exam, as well as some mitigation strategies to try to reduce the cost and help cover any shortfalls.  In this episode, we discuss: Researching the costs and fees associated with the bar exam in your state Choosing a bar prep course Some mitigation strategies to help reduce your expenses Pros and cons of working during bar prep Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Themis Bar Review (https://www.themisbar.com/) Budgeting for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/budgeting-for-the-bar-exam/) Making Your Budget During Bar Preparation (https://barexamtoolbox.com/managing-your-budget-during-bar-preparation/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-256-quick-tips-budgeting-for-the-bar-exam/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Quick Tips" series, we're talking about best habits for studying for the bar exam if you're coping with ADHD or ADD.  In this episode, we discuss: Creating a detailed study schedule Employing the Pomodoro Technique for time management Using different learning styles and strategies for memorizing the law Outlining and planning your essays and performance tests Making step-by-step attack plans Doing a quick review of the work you've done each day Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Pomodoro Technique (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique) Law School Toolbox Podcast Episode 72: Seeking Accommodations in Law School and on the Bar Exam (with Dr. Jared Maloff) (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/podcast-episode-72-seeking-accommodations-law-school-bar-exam/) Podcast Episode 15: How to Study for the Bar If You’re an Auditory Learner (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-15-how-to-study-for-the-bar-if-youre-an-auditory-learner/) Podcast Episode 16: How to Study for the Bar as a Visual Learner (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-16-how-to-study-for-the-bar-exam-as-a-visual-learner/) Podcast Episode 17: How to Study for the Bar If You’re a Kinesthetic Learner (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-17-how-to-study-for-the-bar-if-youre-a-kinesthetic-learner/) Podcast Episode 245: Quick Tips – Memorization Techniques for the Different Learning Styles (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-245-quick-tips-memorization-techniques-for-the-different-learning-styles/) Navigating the Bar Exam with ADHD: Embracing Neurodivergence for Success (https://barexamtoolbox.com/navigating-the-bar-exam-with-adhd-embracing-neurodivergence-for-success/) Bar Study Tips for Students with ADHD (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-study-tips-for-students-with-adhd/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-255-quick-tips-best-bar-exam-study-habits-for-takers-with-adhd/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our "Quick Tips" series, we're talking about best habits for studying for the bar exam while working full-time or part-time.  In this episode, we discuss: Creating a bar exam study schedule Evaluating the topics on which to spend more time When to begin studying Finding a bar review provider and/or tutor that work with your schedule Avoiding burnout during bar prep Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) AdaptiBar (https://www.adaptibar.com/) UWorld (https://www.adaptibar.com/) Podcast Episode 26: 10 Tips for Working & Studying for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-26-10-tips-for-working-studying-for-the-bar-exam/) Podcast Episode 52: Avoiding Burnout While Studying for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-52-avoiding-burnout-while-studying-for-the-bar-exam/) Podcast Episode 82: Tips for Long-Term Bar Exam Studiers (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-82-tips-for-long-term-bar-exam-studiers/) Working While Studying? “Play” Bar Prep Like You’re Playing Risk (https://barexamtoolbox.com/working-while-studying-play-bar-prep-like-youre-playing-risk/) Managing Full-Time Work and Studying (https://barexamtoolbox.com/managing-full-time-work-and-studying/) Working and Studying for the Bar? 5 Reasons to Be Confident (https://barexamtoolbox.com/working-and-studying-for-the-bar-5-reasons-to-be-confident/) Working + Bar Prep: A Post-Grad Perspective (https://barexamtoolbox.com/working-bar-prep-a-post-grad-perspective/) How to Create a Bar Exam Study Schedule (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-create-a-bar-exam-study-schedule/) Should You Start Studying Early for the Bar Exam? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/should-you-start-studying-early-for-the-bar-exam/) Selecting the Right Bar Review Provider for You (https://barexamtoolbox.com/selecting-the-right-bar-review-provider-for-you/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-254-quick-tips-best-habits-for-studying-for-the-bar-exam-while-working/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In today's episode, we're talking about creating great bar exam study habits and ones that would be useful in your life in general. In this episode, we discuss: Learning through doing the things that make you uncomfortable Finding your learning style Why you should allow yourself to make mistakes Time-tracking your daily activities Using spaced repetition to memorize information Keeping your focus while studying Stacking new habits onto existing ones Resources: Writing of the Week (WOW) Bar Essay Workshop (https://barexamtoolbox.com/writing-of-the-week-wow-bar-essay-workshop/) Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, by Adam Grant (https://adamgrant.net/book/hidden-potential/) Forest app (https://www.forestapp.cc/) Podcast Episode 30: Changing Bad Bar Exam Study Habits and Setting Useful Goals (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-30-changing-bad-bar-exam-study-habits-and-setting-useful-goals/) Podcast Episode 125: Best Practices for Studying for an Online Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-125-best-practices-for-studying-for-an-online-bar-exam/) Podcast Episode 211: Building New Habits While Studying for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-211-building-new-habits-while-studying-for-the-bar-exam/) Podcast Episode 221: Quick Tips – Tools for Handling Distractions During Bar Study (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-221-quick-tips-tools-for-handling-distractions-during-bar-study/) Podcast Episode 244: Spaced Repetition and Memorization During Bar Prep (w/Gabe Teninbaum) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-244-spaced-repetition-and-memorization-during-bar-prep-w-gabe-teninbaum/) Podcast Episode 245: Quick Tips – Memorization Techniques for the Different Learning Styles (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-245-quick-tips-memorization-techniques-for-the-different-learning-styles/) How to Pass the Bar By Doing What Makes You the Most Uncomfortable (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-pass-the-bar-by-doing-what-makes-you-the-most-uncomfortable/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-253-bar-exam-best-practices-creating-good-habits/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, in an episode from our "Listen and Learn" series, we're discussing property intentional torts and their specific defenses.  In this episode, we discuss: A brief review of intentional torts When is a defendant liable for trespass to land? The differences between trespass to chattels and conversion  The necessity defense for property intentional torts The case Vincent v. Lake Erie Transportation Co. Two hypos from previous California bar exams involving property intentional torts  Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2016 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/February2016CBX_QuestionsSelectedAnswers_R.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2022 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/February-2022-CBX-Essay-Qs-and-Selected-Answers.pdf) Vincent v. Lake Erie Transportation Co. (https://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/torts/torts-keyed-to-epstein/intentionally-inflicted-harm-the-prima-facie-case-and-defenses/vincent-v-lake-erie-transportation-co-2/) Podcast Episode 39: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Real Property (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-39-tackling-a-california-bar-exam-essay-real-property/) Podcast Episode 65: Tackling an MEE Real Property Essay Question (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-65-tackling-an-mee-real-property-essay-question/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-252-listen-and-learn-property-based-intentional-torts/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we're diving into the second part of our discussion on present estates and future interests. In the previous episode we reviewed the default property interest, the fee simple absolute, and defeasible fees. In this episode we're covering life estates, reversions, and remainders. In this episode, we discuss: A review of the fee simple absolute Life estates Reversions and remainders Taxes and mortgage payments for a life estate Examples illustrating the above concepts Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) 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, February 2003 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/February%202003%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) Podcast Episode 39: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Real Property (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-39-tackling-a-california-bar-exam-essay-real-property/) Podcast Episode 65: Tackling an MEE Real Property Essay Question (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-65-tackling-an-mee-real-property-essay-question/) 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/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-251-listen-and-learn-present-and-future-estates-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/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're diving into a topic from Property Law -- Present and Future Estates. In this first part of a two-part series, we discuss the default property interest, the fee simple absolute and defeasible fees, along with the corresponding future interests. Next week we'll cover life estates, reversions, and remainders. In this episode, we discuss: The definition of present estates and future interests The fee simple absolute Types of defeasible fees Shifting and springing executory interests Examples illustrating the above concepts Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) 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, July 2015 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/gbx/July2015_CBXSelectedAnswers_EssayQuestions1-6_R.pdf) Podcast Episode 39: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Real Property (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-39-tackling-a-california-bar-exam-essay-real-property/) Podcast Episode 65: Tackling an MEE Real Property Essay Question (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-65-tackling-an-mee-real-property-essay-question/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-250-listen-and-learn-present-and-future-estates-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/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee