What experiences did you gain from taking the bar test that helped you or could help you become a better lawyer?

The bar exam forces you to learn a lot of the law quickly and to apply the legal rules to unique situations in a concise manner. Although not exactly the same, the practice of law also requires you to research and learn a lot, then apply it to real-life situations that your clients bring to you. You have to give your clients clear responses on how the law applies to their situation, so that your client can make a decision. In the real world, however, you can refer to the rules and precedent and should use these resources to formulate your responses. You will also typically have more time to formulate your responses.

Hi Kelsey,

Excellent question. The bar exam is quite the beast, but the good news is that it’s tamable. The very process of studying for it alone sharpens your ability with time management, focus, stamina, and discipline that is needed daily in legal field.

The key to passing the exam is not to be an expert in any one particular subject, but to be proficient on all subjects. This proficiency really builds a framework for having a staring point when novel issues arise in practice and at least knowing how to walk issues through an analytical exercise.

As a practicing attorney, the focus shifts from merely memorizing the law and recognizing how it applies to the facts to targeted legal research distinguishing and analogizing your current cases.

Though stressful, the process of studying and sitting for he bar exam really prepares you for meeting looming deadlines, overcoming seemingly impenetrable obstacles and managing anxiety.

Hope this helps.

Best,

michael