The Bar Exam

Ever since I can remember, I knew that I wanted to be a lawyer. Maybe it was because my family loved going to the movies and I was enthralled with the legal characters that could win over jury with a persuasive argument on the big screen.

Or maybe it was because I have always had great respect for my uncle who was a tax attorney. His humble demeanor, great intelligence, and compassion were characteristics that I wanted to possess when I became an adult.

Or perhaps I was called to be an attorney because my interest for politics gave me the curiosity to look at a congressional website detailing the occupations of all of its members in the fifth grade. The 112th Congress, for example, had 200 members who declared law as their occupation.

Whatever the reason for my inspiration, I vividly remember my answer to the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" I, without missing a beat would reply, "a lawyer."

That's why Friday, November 16 was a memorable day. It was the end of a journey that I began after high school - but in a way - a path that began even before high school started.

The California bar examination is a three day exam, six hours each day. Since we had to be there early and wait for instructions after, it was an all day exam. But actually taking the exam may have been the easiest hurdle.

That is because my fellow July takers and I all began to study months before July 24. Before the ten hour Bar/Bri study days, we took the LSAT; completed law school applications; went through three years of law school classes and final exams; and fulfilled all of the necessary requirements to leave school with a postgraduate Juris Doctor degree. So in reality, the three days out of the five year process seemed quite infinitesimal.

Even if it seemed small, those three days would provide me the opportunity to practice the law as a licensed attorney.

On the night of the results, I screamed out loud with my fists clenched in celebration after Elizabeth told me that I passed. Even as I looked at the screen, it did not become real until she told me.

For those students who have not taken it yet and happen to also read my blog, I have a few pointers for you.

First, thanks for reading my blog. I know that it may be more painful than reading a casebook but at least you do not have to look for the issue, rule, and holding. There is not a final exam either.

Second, study with the right mental frame of my mind. Why did you go to law school? You aren't a masochist, you wanted to become an attorney. Remember that in our profession, attorneys read and write and then read and write. Think of bar prep as a preparation for your future practice and stay positive.

Third, do everything that you are told. I do not care if you get tired or think that you have done enough for the day. Complete every task assigned during bar prep and then do some more. You want to go in with complete confidence in your abilities because you will perform at your peak. And guess what? If you have a J.D., your best means that you can pass.

Fourth, embrace your faith or spirituality. It is no secret that in challenging times, we strengthen our relationship with God. Even if you do not believe in a Supreme Being, you can meditate or do something to make you focus on the bigger picture. In the end, there are more important things than an examination.

Fifth, allow your family and loved ones to help. I am a lucky man because my beautiful girlfriend, Elizabeth, did everything in her power to help us pass. She cooked, cleaned, did laundry, and was only a phone call or chat away. We shouldn't have to face the bar exam by ourselves and we do not have to. Reach out to whomever will help you succeed.

Sixth, take breaks during the day and on the weekends. Do not get burnt out. You will be working hard and that means your body and brain will need a rest. Go to the gym, a movie, or play some mini golf.

Seventh, on the day of the exam, enter the convention center with complete faith in what you have done during law school and bar prep. I listened to some motivational songs, remembered back to some of my favorite accomplishments, and was ready to give it my all. I had fun with it.

Tomorrow is the swearing-in ceremony. Let's hope I don't mess it up. I know that an attorney, a great attorney, would get it right.