338: Studying for the Bar During the Holiday Season
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Release Date: 12/15/2025
354: Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Evidence
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome 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 we're walking through four questions on evidence -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. Join us and practice your understanding of hearsay exceptions and character evidence! In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Hearsay exceptions (MBE) Question 2: Statement not offered for the truth (MBE) Question 3: Statement not offered for the truth (NextGen) Question 4: Character evidence (NextGen) Study tips for...
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353: Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Constitutional Law
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome 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)...
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352: Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Civil Procedure
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome 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)...
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351: Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Negligence
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome 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: If you...
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350: Listen and Learn -- MBE vs. NextGen Multiple Choice: Contract Formation
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome 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: If...
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349: This is How Your Brain Actually Learns (The Brain Science Behind Our RAMP Tool)
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we explain the neuroscience behind our RAMP study tool -- which we introduced in our . 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: If...
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348: How We're Thinking About NextGen Prep Differently (Plus, Try Our New Tool for Free!)
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome 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: If...
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347: Listen and Learn -- Duty of Confidentiality (Professional Responsibility)
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome 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: If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on ...
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346: Listen and Learn -- Communication with Opposing Parties (Professional Responsibility)
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome 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: If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on () or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us...
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345: Early Bar Prep with Themis Bar Review
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome 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 – 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: ...
info_outlineWelcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! We've made it to another holiday season, which means joy, good food, family, and friends. However, for those studying for the bar exam, it can also bring a lot of stress as you try to manage bar prep and family commitments. Today, we're sharing some ways to think about bar study during the holiday season.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Creating a study schedule
- Setting boundaries with family and friends, and handling tough questions
- Allowing yourself to take real time off
- How to ask for help if you need to
- Avoiding social media and comparisons to others
Resources:
- Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/)
- Don't Be a Grinch! Enjoy the Holidays While Studying for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/dont-be-a-grinch-enjoy-the-holidays-while-studying-for-the-bar-exam/)
- Bar Humbug! How to Handle the Holidays and Study for the Biggest Exam of Your Life (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-humbug-handle-holidays-study-biggest-exam-life/)
- How to Study for the Bar Exam, with a Side of Holiday Cheer (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-study-for-the-bar-exam-with-a-side-of-holiday-cheer/)
- Enjoy the Holidays (Even While Studying for the Bar Exam) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/enjoy-the-holidays-even-while-studying-for-the-bar-exam/)
Download the Transcript
(https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-338-studying-for-the-bar-during-the-holiday-season/)
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