Podcast
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Hosted by Bar Exam Toolbox · EN
The Bar Exam Toolbox podcast helps bar takers pass with less stress and anxiety. Hosted by bar exam experts Lee Burgess and Alison Monahan, the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from how to learn and memorize all the law you need to know for the bar exam, to how to write a passing essay, to how to get bar exam accommodations. If you're struggling with the bar exam, or work with students who are, tune in for practical strategies for bar exam success!
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
353: Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Constitutional Law
6d ago00:29:30Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode is part of the series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Today Lee walks through four questions on constitutional law -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. Practice applying the right level of scrutiny, the right test, and the right doctrine with questions on free speech, equal protection, and procedural due process. In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: First Amendment (MBE) Question 2: Equal Protection Clause (MBE) Question 3: Equal Protection Clause (NextGen) Question 4: Procedural due process (NextGen) Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) Mathews v. Eldridge (https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/424/319/?__cf_chl_f_tk=.74Z9udXxZoFyahgsTM1pK81SZNmqVJisR00kAFlKgw-1782814803-1.0.1.1-iLPq65lW8SPU8r7xgE2zIbhxEOfzNroBfyhDeaySJNY) Podcast Episode 117: Listen and Learn – Due Process and Equal Protection (Con Law) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-117-listen-and-learn-due-process-and-equal-protection-con-law/) Podcast Episode 123: Listen and Learn – First Amendment (Content-Neutral Restrictions) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-123-listen-and-learn-first-amendment-content-neutral-restrictions/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-353-listen-and-learn-mbe-vs-nextgen-multiple-choice-constitutional-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
Transcribe →352: Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Civil Procedure
3w ago00:28:57Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode is part of the series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Today Lee walks through four questions on civil procedure -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. Wondering how to keep straight two doctrines that sound alike: personal jurisdiction and subject matter jurisdiction? Find out in this episode! In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Personal jurisdiction (MBE) Question 2: Subject matter jurisdiction (MBE) Question 3: Subject matter jurisdiction (NextGen) Question 4: Issue-spotting (NextGen) Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) Podcast Episode 92: Listen and Learn – Subject Matter Jurisdiction (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-92-listen-and-learn-subject-matter-jurisdiction/) Podcast Episode 169: Listen and Learn – Personal Jurisdiction (Civ Pro) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-169-listen-and-learn-personal-jurisdiction-civ-pro/) Podcast Episode 148: Listen and Learn – Claim and Issue Preclusion (Civil Procedure) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-148-listen-and-learn-claim-and-issue-preclusion-civil-procedure/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-352-listen-and-learn-mbe-vs-nextgen-multiple-choice-civil-procedure/) 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
Transcribe →351: Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Negligence
Jun 800:27:27Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode is part of the series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Today Lee walks through four questions on negligence -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. What differences can you expect between the two exam versions? Find out now! In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Negligence per se (MBE) Question 2: Causation (MBE) Question 3: Causation (NextGen) Question 4: Issue-spotting (NextGen) Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) Podcast Episode 316: Spotlight on Torts (Part 1 – Negligence) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-316-spotlight-on-torts-part-1-negligence/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-351-listen-and-learn-mbe-vs-nextgen-multiple-choice-negligence/) 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
Transcribe →350: Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Contract Formation
May 2500:33:15Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This is the first episode of a series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Join Lee as she walks through four contract formation questions -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. How are they similar? How do they differ? Find out now! In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Firm offer rule (MBE) Question 2: Pre-existing duty (MBE) Question 3: Pre-existing duty (NextGen) Question 4: Issue-spotting (NextGen) Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) Podcast Episode 293: Spotlight on Contracts (Part 1) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-293-spotlight-on-contracts-part-1/) Podcast Episode 298: Spotlight on Contracts (Part 2) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-298-spotlight-on-contracts-part-2/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-350-listen-and-learn-mbe-vs-nextgen-multiple-choice-contract-formation/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee
Transcribe →349: This is How Your Brain Actually Learns (The Brain Science Behind Our RAMP Tool)
May 1100:29:50Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we explain the neuroscience behind our RAMP study tool -- which we introduced in our last episode. We discuss the limitation of working memory, which makes it essential to move legal rules into long-term memory through spaced repetition and scaffolding. In this episode, we discuss: The research and science behind our RAMP study tool Scaffolding and why we use three learning tiers Studying through spaced repetition RAMP study mode features and confidence calibration How much information can our working memory hold? Resources: https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) Podcast Episode 191: Quick Tips – Using Spaced Repetition to Memorize (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-191-quick-tips-using-spaced-repetition-to-memorize/) Podcast Episode 348: How We're Thinking About NextGen Prep Differently (Plus, Try Our New Tool for Free) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-348-how-were-thinking-about-nextgen-prep-differently-plus-try-our-new-tool-for-free/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-349-this-is-how-your-brain-actually-learns-the-brain-science-behind-our-ramp-tool/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee
Transcribe →348: How We're Thinking About NextGen Prep Differently (Plus, Try Our New Tool for Free!)
Apr 2700:36:44Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing how we're thinking about preparing for the NextGen bar exam differently -- and we're excited to introduce a new tool we've built to help you learn and retain the rules you need to know. In this episode, we discuss: An overview of the NextGen UBE The big misconception: No memorization is required for the NextGen Why traditional study methods fall short Introducing our new RAMP (Rule Acquisition and Mastery Platform) tool and how it works Our recommendation on who should start using RAMP now Resources: https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ramp) NextGen UBE Content Scope (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/NCBE%20NextGen%20UBE%20Content%20Scope-Aug%202025.pdf) Pomodoro Technique (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique) Podcast Episode 223: Quick Tips – Balancing Passive and Active Studying for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-223-quick-tips-balancing-passive-and-active-studying-for-the-bar-exam/) Podcast Episode 245: Quick Tips – Memorization Techniques for the Different Learning Styles (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-245-quick-tips-memorization-techniques-for-the-different-learning-styles/) Podcast Episode 327: Facts and Fears Around the Integrated Question Sets (IQSs) on the NextGen Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-327-facts-and-fears-around-the-integrated-question-sets-iqss-on-the-nextgen-bar-exam/) Can Spaced Repetition Help You Learn the Law? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/can-spaced-repetition-help-learn-law/) Using Peg System Mnemonics to Remember Rule Elements (https://barexamtoolbox.com/using-peg-system-mnemonics-to-remember-rule-elements/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-348-how-were-thinking-about-nextgen-prep-differently/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee
Transcribe →347: Listen and Learn -- Duty of Confidentiality (Professional Responsibility)
Apr 1300:13:11Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing one of the most tested subtopics of professional responsibility -- the duty of a lawyer to maintain the confidentiality of all information relating to the representation of a client, a former client, or a potential client. In this episode, we discuss: Overview of confidentiality Core exceptions to the duty of confidentiality How confidentiality works when the client is an organization A hypothetical from a previous California bar exam Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct (https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/model_rules_of_professional_conduct_table_of_contents/) California Rules of Professional Conduct (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/legal-professionals/rules/rules-professional-conduct/current-rules-professional-conduct) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2009 (https://juraxbar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/February-2009-CBX.pdf) Podcast Episode 190: Listen and Learn – Exceptions to Confidentiality (Professional Responsibility) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-190-listen-and-learn-exceptions-to-confidentiality-professional-responsibility/) Podcast Episode 194: Quick Tips – The MPRE (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-194-quick-tips-the-mpre/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-347-listen-and-learn-duty-of-confidentiality-professional-responsibility/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee
Transcribe →346: Listen and Learn -- Communication with Opposing Parties (Professional Responsibility)
Mar 3000:13:41Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing Rule 4.1 of both the ABA and the California Rules of Professional Conduct -- what it prohibits and allows lawyers to do when communicating with opposing parties. In this episode, we discuss: Rule 4.1 of the ABA and California Rules of Professional Conduct Communication with represented and unrepresented parties A California bar exam hypo illustrating the rules Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct (https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/model_rules_of_professional_conduct_table_of_contents/) California Rules of Professional Conduct (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/legal-professionals/rules/rules-professional-conduct/current-rules-professional-conduct) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2024 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/sites/default/files/portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/July2024CBXessayQsandAnswer.pdf) Podcast Episode 194: Quick Tips – The MPRE (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-194-quick-tips-the-mpre/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-346-listen-and-learn-communication-with-opposing-parties-professional-responsibility/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee
Transcribe →345: Early Bar Prep with Themis Bar Review
Mar 1600:45:35Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're speaking with Themis Bar Review experts Zach Lindesmith and Michele Cooley. The conversation centers around the importance of realistic study planning for the groups of students who need to start their bar prep early. Note: This episode is sponsored by Themis Bar Review – the gold standard in bar exam preparation. With this special promotion, you can save $700 on any July 2026 Themis Bar Review course using the code BAREXAMTB700 at checkout. (This offer is valid until April 3rd, 2026.) In this episode, we discuss: Who should start studying for the bar early? Having a realistic planning mindset Building a support system Time-blocking and memorization of the material Shift in the skills that will be tested on the NextGen UBE Applying for bar exam accommodations Avoiding burnout and keeping your motivation with the end goal in mind Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Themis Bar Review (https://www.themisbar.com/) NextGen UBE Content Scope (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/NCBE%20NextGen%20UBE%20Content%20Scope-Aug%202025.pdf) Official Examinees' Guide to the NextGen UBE (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/NCBE-NextGen-UBE-Examinees-Guide%20J26-F27.pdf) How Early to Start Preparing for the Bar Exam, and How? (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-early-to-start-preparing-for-the-bar-exam-and-how/) Getting an Early Start on Bar Preparation (https://barexamtoolbox.com/getting-an-early-start-on-bar-preparation/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-345-early-bar-prep-with-themis-bar-review/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee
Transcribe →344: 11 Things You Need to Know About the NextGen UBE
Mar 200:22:32Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! If you're planning to take the bar exam in July 2026 or February 2027, your exam will look quite different from the current one. The Uniform Bar Exam overhaul includes changes in the structure, the question types, the timing, the grading – basically everything except the stakes. Today we're walking you through 11 things that every bar taker needs to know about the NextGen UBE. Some of these are structural and some are strategic, and at least a couple might genuinely surprise you. In this episode, we discuss: Exam structure changes and new question types What subjects will be tested How the new grading system works Preparing for a fully computer-based exam How the exam will test practical lawyering skills beyond just legal knowledge Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Official Examinees' Guide to the NextGen UBE (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/NCBE-NextGen-UBE-Examinees-Guide%20J26-F27.pdf) NextGen UBE Content Scope (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/NCBE%20NextGen%20UBE%20Content%20Scope-Aug%202025.pdf) Next Gen UBE Constructed Response Guide (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2026-01/NCBE_NextGen_UBE_Constructed_Response_Guide.pdf) Next Gen UBE Sample Questions (https://www.ncbex.org/exams/nextgen/sample-questions) NextGen UBE Scores and Score Portability (https://www.ncbex.org/exams/nextgen/nextgen-ube-scores-score-portability) Next Gen UBE Tutorial (https://www.starttest.com/ITDVersions/25.1.0.0/ITDStart.aspx?SVC=41623dba-2ec6-41fa-a293-ff5472bf2b71&Json=1) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-344-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-nextgen-ube/) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee
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