
340: Listen and Learn -- Trust Formation and Administration
12/1/2026 | 22 mins.
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode of our "Listen and Learn" series explains the fundamentals of trust formation and administration, covering the requirements for creating both private and charitable trusts. In this episode, we discuss: The different types of trusts Requirements for creating an express private trust Charitable trusts Duties owed by the trustee Two hypotheticals illustrating how trusts are created and administered 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 2012 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/sites/default/files/portals/0/documents/admissions/CBXFeb2012_SelectedAnswers_R.pdf) Podcast Episode 27: Tackling and MEE Question: Wills and Trusts (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-27-tackling-an-mee-question-wills-and-trusts/) Podcast Episode 75: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Trusts (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-75-tackling-a-california-bar-exam-essay-trusts/) Podcast Episode 102: Listen and Learn – The Statute of Frauds (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-102-listen-and-learn-the-statute-of-frauds/) Podcast Episode 201: Listen and Learn – Rule Against Perpetuities (Property Law) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-201-listen-and-learn-rule-against-perpetuities-property-law/) 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/) Podcast Episode 251: Listen and Learn – Present and Future Estates (Part 2) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-251-listen-and-learn-present-and-future-estates-part-2/) Podcast Episode 326: Listen and Learn – Intestate Distribution (Wills and Trusts) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-326-listen-and-learn-intestate-distribution-wills-and-trusts/) SpacedRepetition.com (https://spacedrepetition.com/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-340-listen-and-learn-trust-formation-and-administration/) 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

339: Top 10 Time-Wasters When Studying for the Bar Exam
05/1/2026 | 32 mins.
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're going through the most common ways students waste time while studying for the bar, including relying on passive learning, overfocusing on one section, using too many resources, and neglecting feedback. We emphasize the importance of active study methods, balanced preparation, and honest self-reflection to maximize your chances of passing the bar exam. In this episode, we discuss: Passive vs. active learning Overfocusing on one portion of the exam Ways to get helpful feedback Effective MBE studying and essay writing Avoiding distractions during bar prep And more! Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Podcast Episode 43: Talking About AdaptiBar with Guest Maggy Mahalick (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-43-talking-about-adaptibar-with-guest-maggy-mahalick/) Podcast Episode 78: Learning Through Mistakes in Bar Prep (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-78-learning-through-mistakes-in-bar-prep/) 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 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/) How to Properly Study MBE Questions and Essays (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-properly-study-mbe-questions-and-essays/) 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/) Tricks for Staying on Track and Avoiding Distractions When Studying for the Bar (https://barexamtoolbox.com/tricks-for-staying-on-track-and-avoiding-distractions-when-studying-for-the-bar/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-339-top-10-time-wasters-when-studying-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

338: Studying for the Bar During the Holiday Season
15/12/2025 | 23 mins.
Welcome 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

337: Listen and Learn -- Will Revocation
08/12/2025 | 18 mins.
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we explain the ways in which a validly executed will can be revoked (by a subsequent document, by a physical act, and by operation of law), and analyze examples illustrating these concepts. In this episode, we discuss: The requirements for a valid will Revocation by a subsequent document Revocation by a physical act Revocation by operation of law Doctrine of dependent relative revocation A few hypotheticals and examples 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 2021 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/July-2021-CBX-Essay-Qs-and-Selected-Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2012 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/CBXJuly2012_Selected_Answers_Essays_R.pdf) Podcast Episode 27: Tackling and MEE Question: Wills and Trusts (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-27-tackling-an-mee-question-wills-and-trusts/) Podcast Episode 326: Listen and Learn – Intestate Distribution (Wills and Trusts) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-326-listen-and-learn-intestate-distribution-wills-and-trusts/) Podcast Episode 336: Listen and Learn – Will Formation and Execution (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-336-listen-and-learn-will-formation-and-execution/) SpacedRepetition.com (https://spacedrepetition.com/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-337-listen-and-learn-will-revocation/) 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

336: Listen and Learn -- Will Formation and Execution
01/12/2025 | 17 mins.
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we explain the five requirements for a valid will, and analyze two hypotheticals to illustrate how courts determine validity. In this episode, we discuss: The basics of will formation The five elements of a valid will What is a holographic will? The "harmless error" rule Two hypotheticals 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 2021 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/July-2021-CBX-Essay-Qs-and-Selected-Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2006 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202006%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) Podcast Episode 27: Tackling and MEE Question: Wills and Trusts (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-27-tackling-an-mee-question-wills-and-trusts/) Podcast Episode 326: Listen and Learn – Intestate Distribution (Wills and Trusts) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-326-listen-and-learn-intestate-distribution-wills-and-trusts/) SpacedRepetition.com (https://spacedrepetition.com/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-336-listen-and-learn-will-formation-and-execution/) 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



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