The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress

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How To #31

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!

Recent Episodes
  • 303: Listen and Learn -- Injunctions and Restraining Orders (Civ Pro)
    Mar 10, 2025 – 21:16
  • The Aftermath of the February 2025 California Bar Exam
    Mar 3, 2025 – 25:02
  • 302: Listen and Learn -- More on Discovery (Civ Pro)
    Mar 3, 2025 – 12:33
  • 301: Listen and Learn -- Professional Responsibility: Fee Agreements
    Feb 24, 2025 – 17:48
  • 300: Milestone Episode! Top 5 Tips for Passing the Bar Exam
    Feb 17, 2025 – 36:46
  • 299: Breaking Down Bar Prep (w/Stephanie Acosta from UWorld/Themis)
    Feb 10, 2025 – 45:03
  • 298: Spotlight on Contracts (Part 2)
    Feb 3, 2025 – 08:26
  • 297: Listen and Learn -- Third-Party Rights in Contracts (Part 2 - Beneficiaries)
    Jan 27, 2025 – 13:42
  • 296: Listen and Learn -- Third-Party Rights in Contracts (Part 1 - Rules)
    Jan 20, 2025 – 10:15
  • 295: Listen and Learn -- Incidental, Reliance, and Restitution Damages (Contracts)
    Jan 13, 2025 – 15:27
  • 294: Should You Apply for Jobs During Bar Prep? (w/Sadie Jones)
    Jan 6, 2025 – 24:00
  • 293: Spotlight on Contracts (Part 1)
    Dec 16, 2024 – 08:29
  • 292: Listen and Learn -- Excuses for Non-Performance of a Contract
    Dec 9, 2024 – 17:04
  • 291: Listen and Learn -- Landlord/Tenant Law (Part 2) - Assignments and Subletting
    Dec 2, 2024 – 08:12
  • 290: Q&A About Retaking the Bar Exam
    Nov 25, 2024 – 38:52
  • 289: Listen and Learn -- Landlord/Tenant Law (Part 1)
    Nov 18, 2024 – 21:20
  • 288: Summary of Real Property Topics (Part 2)
    Nov 11, 2024 – 08:26
  • 287: Summary of Real Property Topics (Part 1)
    Nov 4, 2024 – 08:18
  • 286: Listen and Learn -- Conclusory Pleadings Under Rule 12(b)(6) (Civ Pro)
    Oct 28, 2024 – 13:26
  • 285: Reflections from a California Bar Exam Grader – Part 2 (w/Jennifer Barry)
    Oct 21, 2024 – 20:49
  • 284: Reflections from a California Bar Grader – Part 1 (w/Jennifer Barry)
    Oct 14, 2024 – 24:12
  • 283: Quick Tips -- Bar Exam Pre-Logistics
    Oct 7, 2024 – 09:16
  • 282: The Most Common Reasons People Fail the Bar Exam (w/Ryan Gurson from Themis)
    Sep 30, 2024 – 47:45
  • 281: Why Do People Fail the Bar Exam? BET Tutors Weigh In (Part 2)
    Sep 23, 2024 – 20:21
  • Update 1: The "California Bar Exam Experiment"
    Sep 21, 2024 – 16:59
  • 280: Why Do People Fail the Bar Exam? BET Tutors Weigh In (Part 1)
    Sep 16, 2024 – 27:06
  • 279: Quick Tips -- Retaking the Bar Exam After Failing
    Sep 9, 2024 – 18:29
  • 278: Listen and Learn -- Partnership Liability
    Sep 2, 2024 – 20:39
  • 277: California Is Outsourcing the Bar Exam to Kaplan?!?
    Aug 29, 2024 – 27:57
  • 276: Listen and Learn -- General, Special, and Quitclaim Deeds (Property)
    Aug 26, 2024 – 20:47
  • 275: Bar Exam Challenges and Strategies for International Attorneys
    Aug 19, 2024 – 33:25
  • 274: Listen and Learn -- UCC Expectation Damages (Contracts)
    Aug 12, 2024 – 22:45
  • 273: Quick Tips -- Mastering the Bar Exam as an ESL or Foreign-Trained Student
    Aug 5, 2024 – 16:31
  • 272: Coping with Anxiety During Bar Prep and on Exam Day (w/Angela Corbett)
    Jul 22, 2024 – 29:11
  • 271: Quick Tips -- Optimizing Studying for the MBE
    Jul 15, 2024 – 14:21
  • 270: How to Approach MBE Questions (w/Examples)
    Jul 8, 2024 – 37:26
  • 269: Listen and Learn -- Creation of Partnerships
    Jul 1, 2024 – 18:50
  • 268: How to Avoid Common Bar Essay Writing Mistakes (w/Kelsey Lee)
    Jun 24, 2024 – 36:35
  • 267: Quick Tips -- Using Past Bar Essay Questions for Practice
    Jun 17, 2024 – 16:09
  • 266: Quick Tips -- Pre-Writing Outlining for Bar Essays
    Jun 10, 2024 – 12:59
  • 265: Quick Tips -- What If You Run Out of Time While Writing a Bar Essay Answer?
    Jun 3, 2024 – 11:40
  • 264: Listen and Learn -- Concurrent Estates (Property)
    May 27, 2024 – 26:04
  • 263: Navigating Accommodations and Self-Advocacy in the Legal Field (w/AJ Link)
    May 20, 2024 – 44:17
  • 262: Listen and Learn -- Motions for Judgment as a Matter of Law and Motions for New Trial (Civ Pro)
    May 13, 2024 – 17:52
  • 261: Quick Tips -- Bar Exam Accommodations Basics
    May 6, 2024 – 13:37
  • 260: Listen and Learn -- Elements of a Crime
    Apr 29, 2024 – 21:43
  • 259: How to Minimize Borrowing for the Bar Exam (w/Jesse Mecham from YNAB)
    Apr 22, 2024 – 40:37
  • 258: Keys to Bar Exam Success with Themis (w/Rebecca Petrilli)
    Apr 15, 2024 – 45:21
  • 257: Listen and Learn -- Consideration (Contract Law)
    Apr 8, 2024 – 19:58
  • 256: Quick Tips -- Budgeting for the Bar Exam
    Apr 1, 2024 – 16:59
Recent Reviews
  • CarRideConsumer
    Great Supplement
    I love listening to the listen and learn series while I’m on long drives. It makes it so my drive time isn’t “wasted” time during bar prep. And I love that the way they explain topics is slightly different from my bar prep materials. For me, the differences and similarities help cement the abstract concepts and identify the necessary black letter law. Plus, the way they strip past bar exam essays down to just the specific topic discussed makes digesting the analysis easier when you’re first broaching a specific topic. Thanks for this great supplemental resource!
  • Bex books 4774
    So Helpful!
    I’ve really enjoyed listening to these so far. My bar review course is great, but the episodes I’ve heard so far help with some of the smaller things they don’t cover—like how an exam actually gets graded. I’m excited to have this extra resource-it feels like people in my corner!
  • A. S. H. 💕
    Great resource
    Awesome resource for working or busy individuals who need to study or review while on the go. This working mom was able to pass the bar using this supplemental resource. Thank you!
  • Abby_L27
    An amazing resource for nailing down concepts
    So happy I found this podcast in my last month of studying this summer. It really helped me understand concepts better in a digestible way that the big study programs don’t really do. I would listen to them on walks or while cooking and they really stuck, multiple times on the exam I thought, “wow I’m so glad I just listened to that episode on this”. So thankful this podcast exists, it’s a great resource for exam content but also tips that others don’t discuss like budgeting, working and other personal aspects of taking the bar. Highly recommend!
  • alberl9505
    I tried!
    I have been trying to love this podcast for years, from before I started law school to now studying for the Bar. Women owned, women made, a great concept…But for my ADHD brain? It’s too boring! The speaker is SO monotone I may as well listen to a class lecture. There’s nothing clever or funny to make the information stick, no conversation, barely a change in intonation, it actually puts me to sleep.
  • Blime.
    MEDIOCRE
    Law dweebs spout off the most basic study techniques and tips you could ever imagine.
  • Hany هاني
    Extremely helpful
    I love it. You can even read the transcript.
  • Bigtom34wtn
    Excellent
    Excellent supplement to your commercial bar resource. Fits seamlessly into your study lifestyle, whether driving or exercising. Love the MPT approach episode(s). This podcast will improve your overall confidence, which is essential to maximizing your performance on the exam :)
  • hollysparklebuns
    Strong recommend!
    I’ve listened (and relistened) to a good pile of these podcasts, and the sister podcast (Law School Toolbox). I realized I enjoy kinesthetic learning, and can recall the explanations and fact patterns with a memory of what I was doing while I listened, and get to move my body at the same time (bonus for bar prep!) I also have used the website versions, with the substantial links and relationship building between the bite sized “listen and learn” and explanation series. As a bonus, the life tips and study tip s are grounded and practical, and the ladies have a familiarity that makes me feel like they have my (a stranger) best interest in mind.
  • cbaebae
    Fantastic way to supplement your bar prep!
    I listen to a lot of podcasts and unfortunately it didn’t occur to me to look for a bar prep podcast until well into my studying. Don’t make my mistake! The podcasts are really useful to supplement whichever prep course you’re using and often the framing was a different/helpful approach to the various elements and tests. Listening to the hosts talk through hypos is another great way to see the concepts applied to a fact pattern!
  • Ttttyyyyyyy
    So Helpful
    This podcast has been immensely helpful to me as someone who is working full time while studying for the Attorney’s Exam as an out of state lawyer. I listen to these while I drive and do chores and I am very appreciative of their work!
  • Mia Getlin
    Great study aid
    I am taking the California attorney exam in July while running a solo practice, being a mom to three kids (the kind that chaperones field trips and organizes playdates), and having a ton of other stuff going on in my life, including a parent in end stage heart failure. This podcast is such an amazing addition to my limited study tools and is literally doubling my study time. It allows me to review subjects while driving, exercising, and doing chores, and it clarifies rules beyond what’s in the outlines in the review book I’m using. The podcast is fantastic for recent grads, especially those who can’t study full time, and beyond useful for those of us who have been out of law school for years and don’t remember much about the rules tested on the exam.
  • Gbno196
    Very underrated
    Passed the bar and can finally delete this podcast, but I feel guilty doing so, lol. This podcast was so clutch and instrumental in me passing the bar. Would listen to it on the way to study and on the way home.
  • AWD1219
    Great supplement for essays
    Love this podcast — I listened when I was folding laundry, going for walks, or when doing work around the house and felt the need to get more studying in. I felt that the Bar Exam Toolbox gave such a thorough discussion of individual topics and gave a great overview as to how to approach the essays on the bar, even better than my bar review course. I felt more confident on my essays because of the detailed attack plans I had in my back pocket. I also utilized this tool for assistance in understanding certain areas of law to supplement my MBE studies. This podcast is an amazing resource for bar studying and helped me pass my second state! Thanks, Bar Exam Toolbox!
  • Stephgmeister
    Their podcast is more helpful than their tutoring services
    Negative feedback for Bar Exam toolbox: Hi all, just wanted to post on here that I had a pretty bad experience with BET despite their seemingly helpful podcast. I hired a tutor for last July and failed. Granted, I am well aware it wasn’t a guarantee to pass with a tutor, however, I felt absolutely no investment in my success whatsoever from them. When I failed, I didn’t as so much as receive an email from them. It was as if I had disappeared as soon as my sessions had run out with the tutor. I’m posting on here in case anyone was looking to hire them, I’d reconsider if I were you. It’s seriously such an awful feeling to have spent all that money and start at zero again but I am determined to do this on my own now more than ever. I am posting this review here because I tried to leave an honest testimonial but their website wouldn’t let me at all.
  • MJK50
    Top Notch
    Their Podcasts were an extra tool in my study toolbox, and I have to say they were instrumental in helping me pass the California Attorney’s Exam July 2022. I’ll be forever grateful and will encourage anyone looking to take the Bar Exam any jurisdiction to listen to as many of their Podcasts as possible and re-listen as often as can as they are packed with information but presented in an easy to understand succinct manner.
  • Sam Studier
    So helpful!
    Love this podcast. I’m studying for my 3rd state and had a long drive. Thank you so much!!!
  • Lesson Learned 88
    Huge Help!
    Amazing!
  • zolasosman
    Concise and clear
    Very helpful. I listen on my 3 dog walks every day to supplement my other studying at home. Really appreciate the clarity and succinctness.
  • Amasia Y
    Passed the July 2022 Bar
    I passed the July 2022 bar exam on my first try and I have to thank the bar school tool box for their podcasts. I listened to their podcasts throughout law school and during bar prep. They make things so much easier to understand. I recommended it to all of my friends.
  • makjek8
    Fantastic Prep Tool
    I’m studying for the bar after 13 years out of practice and six kids, and this podcast is perfect for substantive review on-the-go as well as giving great guidance on how to approach the bar. Thanks so much for this amazing resource!
  • Kaylammm
    Efficient, informative & strategic
    I cannot give enough praise to Bar Exam toolbox for all the work that Lee, Allison & all the tech team have done to offer this resource for bar prep. I found the California essay series especially helpful. The rules were stated clearly & efficiently phrased so I found they stuck with me. There are tips throughout the essay explanations too. I also listened to listen & learn series topics throughout law school & reviewed selected topics for the bar. Thank you thank you!
  • Melissamdavies
    Thank you!
    This podcast has been amazing while studying for the Georgia Bar. Especially because everything is applicable to the topics for the MBE portion. I’m super thankful to listen to these in the car/on a walk/etc. and the hosts do such an amazing job explaining all of the rules in concise clear statements! I listened to every single episode!
  • jc mcallison
    So helpful!
    Succinct, very helpful, and a creative way to learn for bar-takers. Thank y’all so much for what you do!
  • Cara1020
    Great Bonus Studying
    Really helpful to have short and sweet refreshers on the majority of topics when taking a “break” throughout bar prep studying. I wish you all included trusts, wills, secured transactions, etc. for more MEE topic coverage! Still a great addition, though.
  • madchand
    Great!
    I found the civ pro episodes to be especially helpful. Thank you!
  • AJR, JD
    Thank you!
    This podcast helped me pass the bar exam. Like other reviewers, I listened to this podcast while commuting, walking, and doing daily chores. Listening helped ease anxiety I had about not studying 24 hrs a day. It was a fantastic supplement to my bar prep.
  • mandykate916
    Perfect
    I love this podcast. It’s great if you’re an anxious test taker. They speak calmly and are positive and reassuring while delivering easy to follow essay analyses. Thank you!!
  • Yosifunder
    Great learning tool
    I use any break during the day and before I go to sleep to listen.THANKS!!!
  • marianaferez
    This podcast makes me feel sane when overwhelmed with the bar prep.
    I listen to this podcast during lunch and dinner, sometimes even in the shower. I noticed that while I am listening to it, I don't have that constant anxiety and feeling that I am always missing something as I do when listening to my bar prep course lectures. I think the subjects are clearly explained, and the substance is easily memorized/understood by how it is given in the podcast. I am very happy to have this ancillary source during my bar prep! I recommend it to all my fellows taking the bar :)
  • Lanabellarellamiamamma
    Love This Podcast!
    These ladies know what they are talking about. What a wonderful resource.
  • Ercs1
    A great resource
    I can’t believe this podcast is free. I am getting licensed in a second state and not paying for a full commercial bar prep program this time. This is such a helpful and great supplement to my other studying. Thank you!
  • xSMNRSx
    pre-LSAT student
    i’ve just begun exploring the idea of going to law school and studying for the LSAT is my big 2022 goal. this podcast is so interesting and i know it’s going to help me along in my studies!
  • kristina__subbotina
    Thank you thank you!
    I passed the Jul CA bar exam and would like to thank you for your help! I was listening to your podcast for 2 months while walking, cooking, eating, brushing teeth, and in between studying. I found your structure extremely helpful - theory and then immediately applying theory. Supplementing studying with listening to your podcast helped me understand many topics I struggled with. And your tips on PT we're great too.
  • Nobuisgood
    Wonderful and concise resource!
    So grateful to have access to these podcasts. It’s rare to be able to hear such poignant analysis on these topics. Great hypotheticals. Great nuanced explanations. Really enjoyed both speakers and their presentations. Concise and practical. Thank you to both speakers!
  • Tom Wianinen
    Studying for the bar after 14 years
    Thank you. This is an excellent resource! I need this to supplement my study course. JD 14 years ago, UBE Feb 2022, here I come!
  • Caity108
    Good supplement for bar studying
    I listened to this podcast almost every morning and evening while studying for the bar. It was a great supplement to my bar course.
  • Joepaxton15
    Bar Exam Success
    Your Listen and Learn Series is an excellent bar exam study tool. I listened to every one of them while driving and working out and they were invaluable tools in helping me pass the July 2021 exam!! Thank you thank you thank you.
  • jay-rome32
    Great bar study tool
    Will I ever listen to this after the bar? NO haha. Was it extremely helpful in studying for the bar. ABSOLUTELY YES!! It is great that the podcasts are broken up into small chunks. You can choose exactly what you want to hear. A great reviewing tool for when your are driving, eating lunch, or going on a walk so you don’t have to stare at your computer screen anymore. Great work here.
  • Cass0579
    Perfect to mix into your bar study
    This has been very helpful for me while going on walks and cooking. Really well done.
  • Ramenbe
    Such a nice break for staring at the bar prep on my screen
    Easy to follow when jogging, folding laundry, showering, walking dog, etc. great supplement to bar studying.
  • merilymerilymerily
    Passed California Bar!!!
    Thank You for helping me pass the California Bar February 2021!!!
  • barexamtaker
    Listen now!
    Bar exam anxiety has officially set in for me so I decided to search for a bar prep podcast. I found the one and have already shared with my friends/classmates and posted on Reddit. I HIGHLY recommend. Finally learned what easements are in 10 minutes!
  • JenStlCali
    Great supplement and reinforcement to Bar studies
    These well-planned and thorough podcasts are such a great supplement to regular bar studies. The Listen and Learn series really helps with particular legal issues, and I also find the podcasts on things like panic, stress, tips for taking an online exam extremely helpful in my prep. Thanks for the great content!
  • Justin2543
    Listen to These People!!
    Thank you so much! Listening to this was a godsend and the way you cover the topics made for easy application of the principles through different fact patterns and subjects.
  • shell_mill
    thank you!
    these episodes have been such a great compliment to my bar prep in the final week before the 2020 UBE. i’ve needed to take my dog on long walks so that he’ll leave me alone while i study, but i feel guilty for taking so much time away from the books. so this podcast has been perfect as a more passive studying tool while the pooch and i are enjoying some exercise together. thanks, ladies! wish me luck.
  • cincy_liz
    Necessary during barpocalypse
    These podcasts are so helpful during the interminable bar prep season that is 2020. Thank you for providing in depth analysis that is packaged in digestible bits - I’ve improved on each subject that I’ve heard!
  • Asil$29
    Bar exam toolbox
    Everything you both provide is super helpful. I soooo wish this resource had been available when I was in law school. My only gripe is that I wish you had more substantive law episodes because you do such a great job of breaking down really complex information into digestible chunks. Thx for your work though!!!
  • vanaanav
    Great study tool when driving
    Short episodes perfect for my commute to get into the right mindset when I get into the office to study
  • SKG1885
    A helpful podcast
    An informative podcast that is great to listen to as an active study break.
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