How To Prepare For The Bar Exam

So you’ve endured the LSAT, somehow got through three years of law school, graduated with a law degree and you’re still not a lawyer.

The next step in this arduous journey is to pass the bar exam so that you are admitted into your state’s bar and can finally practice law.

The bar exam is a comprehensive test that is required by each state in order to practice law under their jurisdiction. Because of this, the actual bar exams can be different from state to state especially if you want to practice law in Louisiana.

Check the bar web site in your state for more information. You can find information about requirements, deadlines, fees and the structure of the exam.

Typically, the bar exam is a two or three day affair of reading and writing. You may have to complete essay questions that pertain to laws in the specific state. You will also complete a standardized multiple-choice exam called the Multistate Bar Examination. This exam tests six subjects of the law: Contracts, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Evidence, Real Property and Torts.

Preparation
Most law school graduates take a preparation course prior to the exam. Since the exam is lengthy and comprehensive, many students feel the need to brush up on all the subjects. Although your three years of law school should be sufficient to pass the exam, the exam is essentially a memorization test.

Preparation for the exam should begin many weeks in advance. You will have to follow a program schedule that may ask you to attend classes five or six days a week for a few hours each class. If you plan to study on your own, set up a schedule and stick to it religiously. The bar exam is not a test you can cram for the night before. You need to have the knowledge in your head solidly.

In the days prior to your exam date, try to relax a bit. The journey is almost over. Keep yourself healthy and get plenty of sleep. You won’t be able to learn anything new at this stage. Just go over your outlines and make sure you covered every subject thoroughly. When test day finally arrives, be sure to wear comfortable clothing. Bring layers so you can adjust to the temperature of the environment by putting on a sweater or taking one off. Don’t forget to pack snacks.

When you’re all done, kick up your heels and relax. You’re now free to travel for a while. You won’t get your results back for a few months so try not to stress yourself out thinking about it. You’re almost there and pretty soon you’ll be a licensed and practicing lawyer.

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