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Helpful Study Resources for Bar Preparation

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Helpful Study Resources for Bar PreparationI will preface this entire article by saying: there are moments in our bar study where we are overwhelmed by the material. And in a moment of panic and confusion, we begin to think that the study aids available to us are not enough. The goal is not to buy every study aid or material that is out there in preparation for the bar exam. Instead, it should be to find the study tool that most effectively helps you learn the material. In moments of panic, navigate study mode by asking yourself: “am I actually learning?”

The purpose of this article is to share other resources that are available to you if one method is not working for you…in case you want to try something new! [Read more…] about Helpful Study Resources for Bar Preparation

Podcast Episode 139: Employment Considerations Related to the Bar Exam (w/Sadie Jones)

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Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we have ex-BigLaw recruiter Sadie Jones with us to talk about common career-related issues to think about while deciding when and where to sit for the bar exam. We also look at the best way to approach your employer in each of these scenarios.

In this episode we discuss:

  • How do employers generally think about the bar exam?
  • Deciding where you should take the exam
  • Is it better to have the transferable UBE score?
  • What if you have concerns upfront about passing?
  • Handling the situation of failing the bar
  • What if you’re licensed and later decide to move to a new state?

Thanks for listening!
[Read more…] about Podcast Episode 139: Employment Considerations Related to the Bar Exam (w/Sadie Jones)

Confessions of a Bar Examinee: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

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Confessions of A Bar Examinee: The Good, The Bad, And The UglyAny good bar exam preparation program will show you how to break down a bar exam essay, how to analyze a multiple choice question, and how to focus your studies on the subjects and areas that matter most. Some programs are better than others (like Bar Exam Toolbox!), however what these programs don’t cover are the hidden issues with taking the bar.

For example, did you know that you will have to travel, sometimes really far away to take the bar exam? The MPRE, the ethics portion of getting licensed to practice law, is often offered in many more locations than the bar exam itself. Other standardized tests like the SAT and LSAT are offered in numerous places giving test takers ample opportunity to take the exams in a place convenient to them. The bar exam? Not so much.

Here is something good, bad, and ugly that may surprise you about taking the bar exam. [Read more…] about Confessions of a Bar Examinee: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Podcast Episode 138: Listen and Learn — Hearsay Exceptions: Prior Testimony and Past Recollection Recorded

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Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In today’s episode, we cover two more hearsay exceptions — prior testimony and past recollection recorded. You can find more on the topic of hearsay exceptions in episodes 101, 115, and 132.

In this episode we discuss:

  • A review of the definition of hearsay
  • When is a declarant deemed unavailable as a witness?
  • The rules for the prior testimony exception and the past recollection recorded exception
  • Questions involving multiple hearsay
  • Going through two hypos from previous California bar exams

Thanks for listening!
[Read more…] about Podcast Episode 138: Listen and Learn — Hearsay Exceptions: Prior Testimony and Past Recollection Recorded

Bar Study: It’s Time to Choose

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Bar Study: It’s Time to ChooseI’ve written before about the study schedules I create for our tutoring and some self-study students (depending on package level) at the Bar Exam Toolbox. I’ve also mentioned how it can be frustrating to spend so much time creating a schedule only to have it ignored by the person who needs it most. This is about how to not be that person who ignores the schedule. Or…at least…why to not be that person.

We always get a fair bit of pushback from students. Some don’t have time to study, and some have never properly learned how to study. (No judgment! It’s not intuitive at all for most people!) But some just plain don’t want to study. Or they think we’re exaggerating about how much work they need to do to be prepared. So, let’s take a look at those four wildly-over-generalized reasons for pushback. [Read more…] about Bar Study: It’s Time to Choose

Podcast Episode 137: Listen and Learn — The Confrontation Clause

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Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, in our “Listen and Learn” series, we take a look at the Confrontation Clause. Confrontation Clause issues are commonly tested in Evidence questions in both law school exams and bar exams, almost always alongside hearsay issues.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Reviewing the rules of the Confrontation Clause
  • The relationship between Confrontation Clause and hearsay questions
  • How to determine whether a statement made to the police is testimonial in nature, or the Primary Purpose Test
  • Analyzing two hypos from previous California bar exams

Thanks for listening!
[Read more…] about Podcast Episode 137: Listen and Learn — The Confrontation Clause

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