I'm referring to both Legis and Anon 12:40 in the comments to my last post.
Anon is right when he says that I can't take the exam in another state. Yet. Because I went to a non-ABA school. But when I do pass, I'll be able to sit for the exam in a limited number of states. Then, after I've practiced in California for five years, the number of states in which I can take the exam increases yet again. I don't know the exact numbers in either category because I really don't want to move out of state. I was born in L.A, and grew up in SoCal. I like it here.
Legis is right because, well, because everything in that comment is something I've said before in one way or another. No one's giving up. We're going to pass this thing.
9 comments:
some states allow you to get an LLM and then sit for the bar.
Maybe that would be also good to have on your resume'. Keep your options open.
Just set a deadline to yourself. All I'm saying is that you cannot just keep trying without doing something radically different.
Research pays off. Some states accept foreign lawyers so I cannot imagine why they would not accept an online domestic candidate. And again, even if they don't w/ your JD, try the LLM option its only a year.
Just don't stay traped here. I feel the pain, I feel trapped in this state w/ no where to go. Like a box and I'm chained inside. BUT nov 20 is my deadline. THIS IS IT.
There are no jobs here anyway. I wish you the very best. Just remember that you have what it takes to be a very very good lawyer.
GP - you keep saying that sitting out the exam or skipping one is simply not an option for you. It's really nobody's business why, but you seem adamantly opposed to even the suggestion of it. Without too much personal detail, do you not see there are some real benefits to stepping back and reassessing that option? i went from failing 3 times to sitting out an entire YEAR, take it in feb 08, got into re-read, and passed in jul 08. btw - I'm 48 years old have family obligations and commitments like yourself - and so far as I can tell nobody thought less of me for hanging back to re-group.
I personally, don't thinking skipping an adminstration is the solution b/c you will forget everything you studied when you come back to it.
If you decide to stay in CA, then take time off of everything at least 2 months b/f the bar and just start studying.
Just remember, YOU ARE NOT alone. We are ALL in the SAME boat that is about to hit a big rock and sink.
Just keep your spirit up!
@3:31PM, trust me you don't forget everything you studied when you come back to it. I didn't take a year off and then have to start all over again. Did you "personally" skip an administration - then you can't possibly know.
http://www.ncbex.org/fileadmin/mediafiles/downloads/Comp_Guide/CompGuide.pdf
GD check out this book, its pretty good all other states requirments for admission to the bar.
Best of luck!
Anon 10:03: It's a financial issue. I'm in a race against the clock. Against many clocks. And they're gaining on me. If I take an exam off, they'll build an insurmountable lead. As it is, I've only been able to carry on because of the generosity, support, and good will of friends and relatives. I owe them too much to sit back and relax while they continue to shoulder some of my burden. I have a moral obligation to do my utmost to relieve them of that burden, no matter that none of them, not one, has asked me to start paying them back. I don't know how others would handle this situation, but I don't see that I have any choice but to keep my nose to the grindstone. To do otherwise would be to dishonor both myself and their good hearts.
To those of you who have helped, I appreciate it more than you know. I'll pay you back someday. And soon, I hope.
GP: One thing to consider. If taking an exam off means that you're more likely to pass on the next try, then it's better for all concerned (including those supporting you) for you to take an exam off. Note, I'm not saying that if you DO take a session off, you'll pass the next time (or that you won't -- I have no idea), just that this is something to take into consideration. I'm sure you remember the ultimate goal.
GP do NOT skip any adminstration IF you choose to stay in this state. I gave you the link to other jurisdictions, I hope that was helpful. I feel your pain man, we are ALL running out of money. I am in the same boat.
Just promise yourself that you will STOP beating yourself up about this. I think this is the repeaters curse, we end up losing confidence. I was doing calculations to see what I need to get to pass. However, I realized that the formula used from one adminstration to another is different.
If i was to use the july 08, I have MORE than enough to pass. Using feb 09, I failed.
No one knows which formula will be used, IF you skip an adminstration and a favorable formula is used, you will NOT forgive yourself.
Just go with God, someday you will pass.
the problem is, my issue is whether this is all worth it.
Many attorneys are unemployed.
Hang in there. You are doing the right thing. Either leave the state OR keep on trying. You will make it.
The above is true. Some bars are graded differently. I and everyone I know dropped 10 points on each essay and PT (from July - Feb 08). Some reputable ex graders and tutors have discussed this. They've stated that the CA bar failed a large number of people (in Feb 09) that would have passed any other administration. One tutor who has been teaching for 30 years stated that he had a number of students scoring 75's on the essasys/PT's (in practice near the end of the tutorial) who then typically go on to pass the next bar (consistent w/30 in the business). All of these students averaged 60's in their writing in Feb 09 and failed. He read the returned answers and had them scoring in the 70's based on his 30years of experience. He was angry and stated that failing that many in Feb 08 was a CA Bar directive not a fluke. The economy and pressure from special interest lead to the bar's decision to lower the pass rate. Infact, he stated that all the traditional rules have gone out the window. Bar prep must change to reflect this shift. As such, since nothing has changed with the economy (in fact it appears to be worse for attorneys), the July pass rate may follow suit and be one of the lowest July pass rates in history. The above tutor stated that the bar will probably use this economic climate to continue to keep the pass rate about 10% lower than ever before, even after the economy fully recovers. A precedent will have been set and the public will get used to this new (higher) bar. He predicts (and I do to) that the bar will forever be graded much harder. It makes sense. It is the perfect opportunity (during the economic crises) to lower the pass rate forever, which is what they have wanted to do for many years.
Anyone else notice this (not very subtle) shift?
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