The COVID-19 pandemic has truly sent our world into a tailspin. As we’ve finally begun to get settled into this new normal and as many recent JD graduates have completed their unconventional graduation ceremonies, they are now faced with a new issue, the delayed bar exam. Now, defining this delay as a problem or a blessing, is truly subjective. Personally, I believe that a delay is essential to provide some semblance of fairness to exam takers whose lives have been upended by this pandemic. However, a delayed exam date means delayed results leading to delayed bar admissions and possibly the delay of starting a legal career. Thankfully, several jurisdictions have considered this reality and put in place provisional practice rules for recent JD graduates. However, this new era of bar prep is unprecedented, as the traditional ten-week prep is now extended and altered to possibly include active job searches, the start of a new job or homeschooling etc. Preparation is always key in the face of a bar exam, but it will be even more crucial now, when, let’s face it, no one really has any idea what’s going on. So do yourself a favor and try to get ahead by putting a plan in place. It may not be perfect, but I hope these five tips can help. [Read more…] about Bar Exam Delayed Due to COVID-19? Here are Five Tips to Help You Prepare
Bar Exam Toolbox Blog
Five Famous People Who Failed the Bar
Have you googled “Famous People Who’ve Failed the Bar” at least once since deciding to go to law school? I’m pretty sure you have. I did. I don’t know why reading about these people gave me such comfort, but knowing there were other people out there who had failed, successful people who’ve built incredible careers post failure, helped calm the “I am stupid” mantra my brain had on repeat.
I hope reading this, seeing their names lined out in front of you, will help you to comfort that uncomfortability that comes with failing the bar. [Read more…] about Five Famous People Who Failed the Bar
Podcast Episode 90: COVID-19 Bar Exam Updates and Strategies
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we’re sharing our latest thoughts on studying for the bar exam with the delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and generally trying to make the situation work best for you.
In this episode we discuss:
- Updates on the information known from various jurisdictions in the country
- Will anything be available online, such as the MBE?
- What is “courtesy seating” and which states are offering it?
- Should you switch jurisdictions?
- Thinking about travel arrangements
- Pros and cons of starting to study early
- Looking at the big picture beyond COVID-19
Thanks for listening!
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Committed to an In-House Legal Path? Read this Before Deciding Which Bar Exam to Take
As you think about your future legal career, do you find yourself daydreaming about the possibility of having one client? Have you been intrigued by the tales of schedule flexibility and avoiding the arduous task of tracking your billable hours? If so, the in-house counsel path may be the career track for you. However, before you can jump on this path, much like your law firm bound colleagues, you must sit for a state bar exam. Also, much like your colleagues, you must decide which bar exam you would like to complete. However, if you’re on the in-house track, the world is your oyster! You by far have the most options at your fingertips regarding which exam to take, because as an in-house lawyer you have further reach to practice outside of your licensed state, so long as you comply with ABA rules or the in-house counsel registration rules of your employer’s state. As a result, deciding which bar exam to take has less long term repercussions for transferability than working in a law firm. Therefore, you can make this decision with far less pressure! Nevertheless, I’ve still provided the below guidance as you muddle through this crossroad. [Read more…] about Committed to an In-House Legal Path? Read this Before Deciding Which Bar Exam to Take
Bar Exam Perspective – How to Have “The Talk” with Your Loved Ones about Studying for the Bar
You are about to embark on a journey like no other: the bar exam. You will spend countless hours studying and preparing for the hardest exam of your life. During the bar prep period, your life will change dramatically as you shift to studying full-time. However, although you will be focused on studying, your loved ones’ lives will continue around you and will still want to see and interact with you as normal. Your loved ones have the best intentions, they care about you and want to support you! Personally, my family and fiance were my biggest cheerleaders throughout my bar exam experience. However, I had to set some boundaries during my bar study. You will want to explain to your loved ones that you appreciate all of the love and support but your main focus has to be on studying for the bar exam. No one is saying that you cannot have fun or see your loved ones during the bar prep period.
However, your time will be limited and your main focus is passing the bar exam. Thus, you will want to explain to them (lovingly) what they can expect during each phase of the bar exam and set some ground rules.
Podcast Episode 89: Listen and Learn — What is Hearsay?
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today’s episode is part of our “Listen and Learn” series, where we review legal concepts and apply them to fact patterns. This time, we’re talking about some hearsay basics.
In this episode we discuss:
- What is hearsay anyway?
- Hearsay exceptions versus non-hearsay
- How you can use mnemonics or other memorization techniques for the bar exam
- Reviewing two questions pertaining to evidence and hearsay from previous California bar exams
- How to make a decision as to whether a statement qualifies as hearsay
Thanks for listening!
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