Sir, do you honestly think that if you eventually do pass, you will be the sort of attorney in which a client wouldn't hesitate to place their trust and confidence?That is to say, do you think you really think you have what it takes to be a competent attorney after nine failed bites at the bar apple? I'm really curious...
And,if you write as well on a pleading as you do on your blog, and captivate your audience (e.g. the court) as you do on your blog, you'll make one hell of lawyer. My refrain to some of the commentary.
I'm with you - my first attempt at CA, but I took the NY 2 times before this and did not succeed, was hoping the format would work better for me in CA (more writing). but nope - and....for the poster above being a good test taker DOES NOT make you a good lawyer, it makes you a good test taker.
Don't listen to the Anonymous guy who began with "Sir, do you honestly think..." that guy's an idiot. (I hope he reads this comment and realizes that he's an idiot.)
Most people in California are on the same boat as you are.
If you want to do it again, do it.
ANYONE who thinks that luck has nothing to do with it, is arrogant. It's a crapshoot.
Jerry Brown (took it 4 times) should change the system.
Same here - Not On The List - man, you are not alone in your endeavor and I shall say, your not-quitting make us all stronger, so I will try again too! Thank you for your putting yourself out for us to be encouraged!
Hey GP, Your drive to pass this damn exam is awesome and worthy of respect. I check in every so often to see if the your site reads "The Grand Poobah, Esq." Your site was very helpful during my experiences with the bar. Anyone who takes the CBX is all too familiar with the range of emotions the process imposes on us. The stress of preparation and taking the exam; the fear/anxiety in anticipation of results; and whether we endure the final blow of failing or experience the inexplicable joy and relief of realizing our goal - the entire process is a testament of our character and all bartakers should feel proud. I want to extend encouragement and strength to you when/if you attempt this again. Be warned however that life is not all peaches and cream after you pass. Finding a job is an enormous mess in this economy. However, you've invested so much and your license is priceless. Trust me, there is a reason for everything that happens. You have to believe that! There will be a time this happens for you as long as you want it enough. Whether its in July or future attempts, you will get to that point where the lightbulb goes off and you internally realize that you're sick of the sacrifices this exam has cost you so you prepare for it like you're life depended on it or you finally say its enough and no longer worthy of your time. For your sake I hope its the former. This is not to say you haven't been giving it your all on previous attempts - but GP - I'm talking about 110% - living and breathing it. That's not to say life won't get in the way and you still may not pass. CBX is passable. But realize this -fortune is when hard work and luck come together. A sure bet for these to coincide is for you to be dedicated and put it all the hard work (110%) and you won't even need luck. A message for all the haters or visitors who plan to post negative comments - please don't. It's an annoying read and go tell it somewhere else. It's GP's site; his decisions to spend his time, $, and sit for the CBX are his own and no one else. Rock on GP! God bless.
GP, All I will say is that the only CA Exam taker who doesn't pass is the one who stops taking it. Realize as a few others have stated that you really do need to live and breath it. I have been working two jobs 15 hours a day and studying for about 4 hours a day during the week and 7-8 on the weekend, for over a year. I finally passed it myself after several attempts. It can be done. Don't give up, but do it right! I promise you wont regret it. God bless!
keep your head up, GP. ignore idiots that tell you to quit. this is just a part of your journey to becoming an attorney. just learn from what you did wrong and practice, practice, practice and practice some more this summer so you can be an esquire come november.
Well can I be honest I thought I would never pass the bar, here is my story. I was a received a Division I Scholarship to play D1 football graduated with a 3.0, if that. I took LSAT received a 140. I applied to tier 1 school in NY. I was turned down. I took LSAT again and received a 145, however this time, with the help of a interview I got in. I finished Law School with at 3.14 GPA barely. I took the CA Bar July 09 first score 1330 MBE 103. 2010 Feb exam 1377 MBE 127. July 2010 exam 1434.8 MBE 126. Feb 2011 score? I don't know I passed. I know that this may not make some feel good but I honestly thought I would never pass. I mean never and I just did. Please don't give up that is what they want. Just think of it like this if I can pass you can definitely pass!
6:19 PM We're (California's) broke. Allowing repeaters to go to town and keep taking this test doesn't harm any of us, and nets the State Bar some money. If repeaters think it's in their best interest to stay in a fail/retake cycle, who are the rest of us to tell them no?
{Some of these comments are really contemptuous. Putting down and discouraging a retaker doesn't make you smarter, better, superior or a more competent attorney. It just makes you a jackass. This man has shown great perseverance that will stand him in good stead as an attorney.}
GP, I still believe you can do this. I don't know what the solution is. I cannot properly advise you because I am also a retaker that hasn't passed my home jurisdiction yet. We are both going to have to take a hard look at our habits and see what we are doing that is not working. We graduated accredited law schools, and we are capable of passing. Keep on going. Keep on practicing and keep on trying. There is only one sure way not to pass and that is not to even try. <3 to you.
Don't give up if its really what you want. I know a lot of really smart attorneys who took more than one time to pass the bar exam (and several took multiple times to pass the NY bar). You can do this.
I feel for you. I failed that damned exam five times before passing on my sixth attempt. I wouldn't change a thing. Go for it if you really want it. I think I saw somewhere here that you went to ALU. My former law school professor Carole Buckner is now dean at the school. She is fantastic teacher as well as a "real world" lawyer. Perhaps if you contacted her she might be of some assistance. Finally, while I agree with those here who sympathize with your struggle to get past this trial, I don't think those on the other side are "haters." Hitler was a hater, the naysayers here are insensitive, nothing more. Good luck. MAP, Esq.
Sorry GP. You'll do it buddy. I was thinking though, maybe you should take another states bar exam, (not far but somewhere near like NV or AZ etc.). I'm sure you will pass one of those exams. That way it can build up your confidence and at least be licensed in another state just as a fall back. I'm not saying you won't pass CA. Your inspiring and encouraging to the rest of us. All I'm saying is to keep your options open at the same time. Eitehr way you'll conquer CA for sure!
First, it is obviously GP's right to take the bar exam as many times as he wants.
Second, my concern isn't that the man doesn't deserve to take the bar or wouldn't be a competant lawyer, but it obviously takes a toll on you to keep studying for this thing. While there is *some* luck involved on any test, I think it is safe to say that you do not get unlucky 9 times in row. Obviously you have the right to keep taking it, but is it really worth the $$ and, more importantly, the time to prepare for this thing when the odds are not on your side?
Third, relatedly, what do you want to do if you pass with your law license? To me that is the real question. Let's face it, if you want to do big time corporate work or business litigation you will not get a job (most firms fire their incoming associates after two fails). To me, whether or not you should continue to invest the money, time and effort to take this thing again depends on what you want to do with your license.
I'm sorry - I came across your website years ago, and came across it today. Wow, I'm amazed at your resilience and commend you on that.
Having said that, I would like to ask how you've been studying for the exam. My experience is that people have to clear their minds of what they're studying/holding onto, and start afresh. And more than anything, it's all about focusing on the MBEs which will build the foundation for the essay portion.
I'm wishing you the best of luck and prayers to you!!! If you would like any advice, please let me know!
Reply to "concerned pragmatist" (who I think has some valuable and thoughtful comments).
The reality of the law business (at least right now) is that general practice lawyers, so often called 2nd-6th year Associates, are getting laid off from firms of all sizes, too.
Those who have developed themselves to have a specialty are the survivors.
GP has already developed his specialty in terms of debt collection (with a 'minor' in telecom/IT, as I can attest to), both of which happen to be areas of serious growth in the law.
As we all know from his writings, he has an excellent mind (and thank goodness 'less frequent are his Yoda-ism's now say I'). I consult with GP regularly, and I'm waiting for him to pass so I can hire him as a Of Counsel attorney in my boutique telecom law firm.
I'm still waiting, like ANON 10:17 PM to see "Grand Poobah, Esq." It is worth the retrying, and worth the wait.
You are certainly right that the economics of law firms are changing and specialties are becoming more and more important. As a recent transplant to California at a large law firm I was just glad I passed the attorney's exam and do not need to disrupt my practice to take this again.
It seems like the economics make sense and I wish GP the best of luck taking this in the future.
A couple of thoughts:
(1) What about an earlier poster's comment of taking another bar exam? New to the area but are the Arizona or Nevada bar's any easier? It would obviously mean for a life-style change but perhaps opening up a shingle for your firm across the border would be less consuming than continually studying for the bar.
(2) There are tutors out there. When I moved to California I reached out to a private tutor who I spoke with a couple times. Her specialty is on lawyer's who transplant to California (i.e. she focuses on essays) but brags that she has never had any of her students fail. She is not cheap (about $15k). I ultimately did not use her because the firm was not willing to reimburse me, but planned on using her if I failed and needed to take it a second time. Perhaps the $15k investment is worth it at this point?
Please, do not give up. After my ninth fail last July, I was simply mad, "mad as hell and I was not going to take it anymore." Failing that is. I was so upset, I hit the library Saturday morning after results to do my first 50 mbes. I did not wait for the Monday letter. I was going to breath, eat, sleep the bar. I was so mad, I was going to take it one last time. I PASSED!!! I clapped after taking it that 3rd day for the 1st time, and believed I could. I re studied every MBE PMBR outline, did 2700 mbes, 20 essays, and believed. I lost my nanny, kids got sick, and life kept throwing sh-t at me. But I kept going, studying in the car waiting for the public library to open, for 10 minutes, here and there, for hours when I could. BELIEVE!!! I have been working with attorneys for yrs. Assuring me I'll be a great lawyer. Clients are waiting for me... We're waiting for you too! Continue the re-writing outlines, practice daily, again. Again, again! Again. Bests
it sounds like you are bi-curious! You need to go to another forum to explore your curiosity. You have nothing to offer here. GP is fine, he'll be a great lawyer bc he already displays the signs. While you display you have issues.
Poobah. I passed on my sixth attempt and it is a surreal feeling. Don't give up and keep charging. Your site was awesome through this journey and full of inspiration and it helped me. Good luck and you will get there.
I'm sorry to hear the news, GP. I just learned that I passed on my fourth try...hang in there, it will happen. One bit of advice that made the difference for me is that you can't do it alone. This time around, I did BarBri's EssayAdvantage and PerformanceAdvantage and worked with a BarBri private tutor. The issue probably isn't how much information you know, but how you write the exam. For this reason, you can be an excellent lawyer, but still fail the exam multiple times. The examiners are looking for something very specific.
To the people who have said "take another state:" I don't think he can.
I think he went to an unaccredited law school in CA and can only take the CA bar exam.
I think for this reason, the unaccredited law schools can be money pits. They take your money, give you an unaccredited education that makes it difficult to pass the bar exam, and the students are left in debt and with broken dreams, and not even an option to take another state's bar exam (because their school is not accredited). So so so so so shitty of them.
My friend do yourself a favor, let it go. If just for a little while, let it go. Enjoy this summer. Spend time with friends and family, or just chill out, but don't take another crack at the exam following a failed study plan. You're missing out on life, and more than likely beating yourself up over your failed attempts. I'm sure you're capable of passing the CBX, but you need to decompress. Take a year off, save your money, reevaluate your strengths/weaknesses, and when you have no excuses between you and a successful attempt at the exam, go for it. Take BarBri, or whatever reputable course is available, and get past this exam. No more, "I'll do 10 PTs a month" or "I'll do 2 essays and 25 MBEs a day" or "I have to eat" nonsense. Your approach is wrong. Beware the starry eyed optimists on this blog that are gushing with rainbows and unicorns about how you're going to pass it next time. Maybe you should take advice from people in the middle, and not the aforementioned or the assholes who tell you you suck. I know you can do it because I did it, and I went to an unaccredited law school (Concord), and never doubted that I'd pass (on my third try). So go get a beer my friend and set all of this aside for a while.
Unaccredited law schools (and crappy accredited law schools like Golden Gate) do a disservice for all students. At the same time, the students are to blame for being stary-eyed and thinking they will be one of the few who will come out of those money-puts successful (only problem, is that every student thinks that).
Dude - you failed 9 times. Quit. You will not pass. It is not because you dumb, you just don't have what it takes to pass the bar. You wasted your time studying for this 9 times and going to an unaccredited law school. Sunk cost. Move on.
Not to be discouraging, but think about this. You could have already graduated from a brick and mortar ABA approved law school by now. Something to consider...it's really not that long to do.
this is what happens when you go to an online law school and are not honestly preparing yourself for this exam;if you had, you'd have passed by now. your obviously doing simething wrong. change your study habits or move on because this blog is becoming too painful to follow. there has to be a line in the sand drawn sometime. maybe 9 times is it.
It is painfully apparent that, like with so many of the "I-wanna-be-a-lawyer-because-it-looks-glamorous-on-TV" types, you failed to conduct some serious introspection before embarking on your journey to be a lawyer. Whether you admit it or not, you failed to ask yourself whether law was a suitable career choice for you, whether it fit your abilities and inclinations, and whether you were equipped with the intellect necessary to take on the challenge of becoming a lawyer.
It is a question that begged asking however millennia ago you started law school. Now, several tens (or hundreds?) of thousands of dollars in debt later, and hundreds, if not, thousands of wasted law school and bar prep hours later, the question has thrust it’s ugly head upon you yet again. Of course, the answer has always been a resounding "NO."
Your blog and your futile efforts may be an inspiration to the sycophants on this board, but they have become a source of amusement for myself and, I am sure, many others.
Even if you do manage to become an attorney, consider the illusory "rewards." Incredibly long work hours, diminished financial returns, and a career market that is notoriously and increasingly saturated with competitors, hundreds of whom are interning for free, in many instances!
Even if you manage to eke a pass in future, it will be, at best, a pyrrhic victory. You will look back to see a legacy of wasted time and deteriorated relationships as a result of an idealistic, romanticized pursuit of a career goal that you ought to have realized, at a more opportune time, was not suitable for you.
Do not take this message as anything more than a constructive criticism from someone that has nothing but enormous pity for you. You or your sycophants can lash back with angry criticisms and ad hominems. Yet none of that will change that you have failed the California Bar Exam NINE (9) times. Not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5, not 6, not 7, not 8 but NINE (9) times.
What can I say... I am so very sorry my heart is breaking for you....
I agree with the poster above.. You should take some time out.. Enjoy your family.. I bet they are suffering also...
I believe that these unaccredited schools are short changing their students...besides having the lowest passing grades, most Firms will not hire student who attended those schools... If you have a job lined up for when you pass that is great...
I know Lawyers who all went to top 10 school & all passed on first try.... Cal, NY, Ill, DC,Mich, Tex, The Firms that some of them are working for are on to new tricks... Instead of hiring outside, the new Attorneys are asked to sit exams for other States where the Firm has offices... One 27 year old has 3 licenses to practice in 3 States...Some of the Firms are shuffling them around...From office to office...
I believe the unaccredited schools should be shut down. They are offering dreams that end in nightmares. Recruiters & Law Firms will never consider unaccredited students... http://tinyurl.com/4n3yzbo
I'm not going to say don't pay attention to the arrogant dickheads who feel it’s necessary to inject you with their dose of reality. They're the ones who probably had everything served to them on a silver platter. They probably never struggled because everything came naturally. That’s their reality. As a result, they lack compassion and the ability understand your struggle and determination. I say F them and their holier than thou BS. But pay attention to them; you can learn a lot from a jerk.
I failed 3 times before finally getting the heavy envelope this time around. Although my struggle on the Bar was shorter than yours, my whole life has been a struggle on many levels. I feel your pain. You’re determination will help you get through this.
That being said, I agree that you need to take a break and decompress. I took a break after my 3 attempt. It’s the smartest thing I have ever done. You should then figure out what you need to do differently. I made the decision to take BarBri again and watched the lectures online. It was smart move for me. I also spent 80% of my time on writing essays and doing MBEs. I picked a book called “The Bar Code.” It helped me tremendously. This time around it was about practice, practice, and more practice. I wanted my answer to mirror the BarBri answers so I can be the “sheep.” I also made a point to memorize 30 main issues for each subject; that was very manageable. As a result, I was able spot everything on the exam. You need to change your system, GP.
i have followed GP since Feb 2009. feel really bad that he can't just pass.
used to get really mad at the anonymous jerks. and still do.
but now i am starting to get mad at all the blind encouragement. if you know him personally and think he is capable, then feel free to encourage him. but all this 'you're the best, you'll do it' rooting may not be helping him make a clear decision of how to continue to proceed.
good luck GP. hope you do make it. but its really not life or death. in fact, as an attorney on the lower tier of prestige, it pretty much sucks.
Brian, like yours truly, made a decision to study law at a non-ABA school in California knowing that we would have to take the Bar here, first. (If anyone knows of a state that allows non-ABA'ers from another state take their Bar, please pipe up!)
Since we have no first-time fallback to another state, we either pass/keep trying/fail. I continue to know that Brian will only move to the left...soon we all hope!
Brian has used a tutor or two...whatever it takes, I hope he gets good direction from one...more?
"All in the interest of being helpful" Yes, I respect that of you.
54 comments:
Sorry, my friend.
j
NINTH attempt? California is gracious that way...
Sir, do you honestly think that if you eventually do pass, you will be the sort of attorney in which a client wouldn't hesitate to place their trust and confidence?That is to say, do you think you really think you have what it takes to be a competent attorney after nine failed bites at the bar apple? I'm really curious...
It is time to get a refund from ALU SOL
What bar exam class do you use?
GP -
Crushing blow.
And,if you write as well on a pleading as you do on your blog, and captivate your audience (e.g. the court) as you do on your blog, you'll make one hell of lawyer. My refrain to some of the commentary.
Sorry, GP...
I am so so so so so sorry!!!!!!!!
I'm with you - my first attempt at CA, but I took the NY 2 times before this and did not succeed, was hoping the format would work better for me in CA (more writing). but nope - and....for the poster above being a good test taker DOES NOT make you a good lawyer, it makes you a good test taker.
Don't listen to the Anonymous guy who began with "Sir, do you honestly think..." that guy's an idiot. (I hope he reads this comment and realizes that he's an idiot.)
Most people in California are on the same boat as you are.
If you want to do it again, do it.
ANYONE who thinks that luck has nothing to do with it, is arrogant. It's a crapshoot.
Jerry Brown (took it 4 times) should change the system.
1st attempt for me and got the message: information that you have entered does not match with a name on the pass list.
yuck
Same here - Not On The List - man, you are not alone in your endeavor and I shall say, your not-quitting make us all stronger, so I will try again too! Thank you for your putting yourself out for us to be encouraged!
Hey GP,
Your drive to pass this damn exam is awesome and worthy of respect. I check in every so often to see if the your site reads "The Grand Poobah, Esq." Your site was very helpful during my experiences with the bar. Anyone who takes the CBX is all too familiar with the range of emotions the process imposes on us. The stress of preparation and taking the exam; the fear/anxiety in anticipation of results; and whether we endure the final blow of failing or experience the inexplicable joy and relief of realizing our goal - the entire process is a testament of our character and all bartakers should feel proud. I want to extend encouragement and strength to you when/if you attempt this again. Be warned however that life is not all peaches and cream after you pass. Finding a job is an enormous mess in this economy. However, you've invested so much and your license is priceless. Trust me, there is a reason for everything that happens. You have to believe that! There will be a time this happens for you as long as you want it enough. Whether its in July or future attempts, you will get to that point where the lightbulb goes off and you internally realize that you're sick of the sacrifices this exam has cost you so you prepare for it like you're life depended on it or you finally say its enough and no longer worthy of your time. For your sake I hope its the former. This is not to say you haven't been giving it your all on previous attempts - but GP - I'm talking about 110% - living and breathing it. That's not to say life won't get in the way and you still may not pass. CBX is passable. But realize this -fortune is when hard work and luck come together. A sure bet for these to coincide is for you to be dedicated and put it all the hard work (110%) and you won't even need luck. A message for all the haters or visitors who plan to post negative comments - please don't. It's an annoying read and go tell it somewhere else. It's GP's site; his decisions to spend his time, $, and sit for the CBX are his own and no one else. Rock on GP! God bless.
Gotta hand it to you, at least you keep trying. I admire that.
GP, All I will say is that the only CA Exam taker who doesn't pass is the one who stops taking it. Realize as a few others have stated that you really do need to live and breath it. I have been working two jobs 15 hours a day and studying for about 4 hours a day during the week and 7-8 on the weekend, for over a year. I finally passed it myself after several attempts. It can be done. Don't give up, but do it right! I promise you wont regret it. God bless!
keep your head up, GP. ignore idiots that tell you to quit. this is just a part of your journey to becoming an attorney. just learn from what you did wrong and practice, practice, practice and practice some more this summer so you can be an esquire come november.
Well can I be honest I thought I would never pass the bar, here is my story. I was a received a Division I Scholarship to play D1 football graduated with a 3.0, if that. I took LSAT received a 140. I applied to tier 1 school in NY. I was turned down. I took LSAT again and received a 145, however this time, with the help of a interview I got in. I finished Law School with at 3.14 GPA barely. I took the CA Bar July 09 first score 1330 MBE 103. 2010 Feb exam 1377 MBE 127. July 2010 exam 1434.8 MBE 126. Feb 2011 score? I don't know I passed. I know that this may not make some feel good but I honestly thought I would never pass. I mean never and I just did. Please don't give up that is what they want. Just think of it like this if I can pass you can definitely pass!
6:19 PM We're (California's) broke. Allowing repeaters to go to town and keep taking this test doesn't harm any of us, and nets the State Bar some money. If repeaters think it's in their best interest to stay in a fail/retake cycle, who are the rest of us to tell them no?
{Some of these comments are really contemptuous. Putting down and discouraging a retaker doesn't make you smarter, better, superior or a more competent attorney. It just makes you a jackass. This man has shown great perseverance that will stand him in good stead as an attorney.}
GP, I still believe you can do this. I don't know what the solution is. I cannot properly advise you because I am also a retaker that hasn't passed my home jurisdiction yet. We are both going to have to take a hard look at our habits and see what we are doing that is not working. We graduated accredited law schools, and we are capable of passing. Keep on going. Keep on practicing and keep on trying. There is only one sure way not to pass and that is not to even try. <3 to you.
Don't give up if its really what you want. I know a lot of really smart attorneys who took more than one time to pass the bar exam (and several took multiple times to pass the NY bar). You can do this.
I feel for you. I failed that damned exam five times before passing on my sixth attempt. I wouldn't change a thing. Go for it if you really want it. I think I saw somewhere here that you went to ALU. My former law school professor Carole Buckner is now dean at the school. She is fantastic teacher as well as a "real world" lawyer. Perhaps if you contacted her she might be of some assistance. Finally, while I agree with those here who sympathize with your struggle to get past this trial, I don't think those on the other side are "haters." Hitler was a hater, the naysayers here are insensitive, nothing more. Good luck. MAP, Esq.
Sorry GP. You'll do it buddy. I was thinking though, maybe you should take another states bar exam, (not far but somewhere near like NV or AZ etc.). I'm sure you will pass one of those exams. That way it can build up your confidence and at least be licensed in another state just as a fall back. I'm not saying you won't pass CA. Your inspiring and encouraging to the rest of us. All I'm saying is to keep your options open at the same time. Eitehr way you'll conquer CA for sure!
In terms of the negative comments:
First, it is obviously GP's right to take the bar exam as many times as he wants.
Second, my concern isn't that the man doesn't deserve to take the bar or wouldn't be a competant lawyer, but it obviously takes a toll on you to keep studying for this thing. While there is *some* luck involved on any test, I think it is safe to say that you do not get unlucky 9 times in row. Obviously you have the right to keep taking it, but is it really worth the $$ and, more importantly, the time to prepare for this thing when the odds are not on your side?
Third, relatedly, what do you want to do if you pass with your law license? To me that is the real question. Let's face it, if you want to do big time corporate work or business litigation you will not get a job (most firms fire their incoming associates after two fails). To me, whether or not you should continue to invest the money, time and effort to take this thing again depends on what you want to do with your license.
-Not a hater, just a concerned pragmatist
I'm sorry - I came across your website years ago, and came across it today. Wow, I'm amazed at your resilience and commend you on that.
Having said that, I would like to ask how you've been studying for the exam. My experience is that people have to clear their minds of what they're studying/holding onto, and start afresh. And more than anything, it's all about focusing on the MBEs which will build the foundation for the essay portion.
I'm wishing you the best of luck and prayers to you!!! If you would like any advice, please let me know!
If I were you, I'd stick with Informational Technology. The computer field is thriving, unlike the field of law.
Reply to "concerned pragmatist" (who I think has some valuable and thoughtful comments).
The reality of the law business (at least right now) is that general practice lawyers, so often called 2nd-6th year Associates, are getting laid off from firms of all sizes, too.
Those who have developed themselves to have a specialty are the survivors.
GP has already developed his specialty in terms of debt collection (with a 'minor' in telecom/IT, as I can attest to), both of which happen to be areas of serious growth in the law.
As we all know from his writings, he has an excellent mind (and thank goodness 'less frequent are his Yoda-ism's now say I'). I consult with GP regularly, and I'm waiting for him to pass so I can hire him as a Of Counsel attorney in my boutique telecom law firm.
I'm still waiting, like ANON 10:17 PM to see "Grand Poobah, Esq." It is worth the retrying, and worth the wait.
Jonathan
Thanks for the comment, Jonathon.
You are certainly right that the economics of law firms are changing and specialties are becoming more and more important. As a recent transplant to California at a large law firm I was just glad I passed the attorney's exam and do not need to disrupt my practice to take this again.
It seems like the economics make sense and I wish GP the best of luck taking this in the future.
A couple of thoughts:
(1) What about an earlier poster's comment of taking another bar exam? New to the area but are the Arizona or Nevada bar's any easier? It would obviously mean for a life-style change but perhaps opening up a shingle for your firm across the border would be less consuming than continually studying for the bar.
(2) There are tutors out there. When I moved to California I reached out to a private tutor who I spoke with a couple times. Her specialty is on lawyer's who transplant to California (i.e. she focuses on essays) but brags that she has never had any of her students fail. She is not cheap (about $15k). I ultimately did not use her because the firm was not willing to reimburse me, but planned on using her if I failed and needed to take it a second time. Perhaps the $15k investment is worth it at this point?
All in the interest of being helpful.
-Concerned pragmatist
Brian,
Please, do not give up. After my ninth fail last July, I was simply mad, "mad as hell and I was not going to take it anymore." Failing that is. I was so upset, I hit the library Saturday morning after results to do my first 50 mbes. I did not wait for the Monday letter. I was going to breath, eat, sleep the bar. I was so mad, I was going to take it one last time. I PASSED!!! I clapped after taking it that 3rd day for the 1st time, and believed I could. I re studied every MBE PMBR outline, did 2700 mbes, 20 essays, and believed. I lost my nanny, kids got sick, and life kept throwing sh-t at me. But I kept going, studying in the car waiting for the public library to open, for 10 minutes, here and there, for hours when I could. BELIEVE!!!
I have been working with attorneys for yrs. Assuring me I'll be a great lawyer. Clients are waiting for me... We're waiting for you too!
Continue the re-writing outlines, practice daily, again. Again, again! Again.
Bests
Dear "sir"
it sounds like you are bi-curious! You need to go to another forum to explore your curiosity. You have nothing to offer here. GP is fine, he'll be a great lawyer bc he already displays the signs. While you display you have issues.
Poobah. I passed on my sixth attempt and it is a surreal feeling. Don't give up and keep charging. Your site was awesome through this journey and full of inspiration and it helped me. Good luck and you will get there.
I'm sorry to hear the news, GP. I just learned that I passed on my fourth try...hang in there, it will happen. One bit of advice that made the difference for me is that you can't do it alone. This time around, I did BarBri's EssayAdvantage and PerformanceAdvantage and worked with a BarBri private tutor. The issue probably isn't how much information you know, but how you write the exam. For this reason, you can be an excellent lawyer, but still fail the exam multiple times. The examiners are looking for something very specific.
Best of luck to you!
Good luck, Poobah. This blog helped me tremendously in my retake. Still pulling for you.
Hi GP,
That sucks you didn't pass. NEXT time you will pass. Just don't give up.
GIVE UP. You're DUMB.
Shut up above poster. Don't be so rude. Whatever.
Don't listen to the trolls GP.
To the people who have said "take another state:" I don't think he can.
I think he went to an unaccredited law school in CA and can only take the CA bar exam.
I think for this reason, the unaccredited law schools can be money pits. They take your money, give you an unaccredited education that makes it difficult to pass the bar exam, and the students are left in debt and with broken dreams, and not even an option to take another state's bar exam (because their school is not accredited). So so so so so shitty of them.
My friend do yourself a favor, let it go. If just for a little while, let it go. Enjoy this summer. Spend time with friends and family, or just chill out, but don't take another crack at the exam following a failed study plan. You're missing out on life, and more than likely beating yourself up over your failed attempts. I'm sure you're capable of passing the CBX, but you need to decompress. Take a year off, save your money, reevaluate your strengths/weaknesses, and when you have no excuses between you and a successful attempt at the exam, go for it. Take BarBri, or whatever reputable course is available, and get past this exam. No more, "I'll do 10 PTs a month" or "I'll do 2 essays and 25 MBEs a day" or "I have to eat" nonsense. Your approach is wrong. Beware the starry eyed optimists on this blog that are gushing with rainbows and unicorns about how you're going to pass it next time. Maybe you should take advice from people in the middle, and not the aforementioned or the assholes who tell you you suck. I know you can do it because I did it, and I went to an unaccredited law school (Concord), and never doubted that I'd pass (on my third try). So go get a beer my friend and set all of this aside for a while.
Signed,
A CA-Attorney in NYC
Unaccredited law schools (and crappy accredited law schools like Golden Gate) do a disservice for all students. At the same time, the students are to blame for being stary-eyed and thinking they will be one of the few who will come out of those money-puts successful (only problem, is that every student thinks that).
Dude - you failed 9 times. Quit. You will not pass. It is not because you dumb, you just don't have what it takes to pass the bar. You wasted your time studying for this 9 times and going to an unaccredited law school. Sunk cost. Move on.
Not to be discouraging, but think about this. You could have already graduated from a brick and mortar ABA approved law school by now. Something to consider...it's really not that long to do.
Future law student: this blog is an example of why you should not waste the money going to an unaccredited piece of crap law school.
this is what happens when you go to an online law school and are not honestly preparing yourself for this exam;if you had, you'd have passed by now. your obviously doing simething wrong. change your study habits or move on because this blog is becoming too painful to follow. there has to be a line in the sand drawn sometime. maybe 9 times is it.
Hello Grand Poobah,
It is painfully apparent that, like with so many of the "I-wanna-be-a-lawyer-because-it-looks-glamorous-on-TV" types, you failed to conduct some serious introspection before embarking on your journey to be a lawyer. Whether you admit it or not, you failed to ask yourself whether law was a suitable career choice for you, whether it fit your abilities and inclinations, and whether you were equipped with the intellect necessary to take on the challenge of becoming a lawyer.
It is a question that begged asking however millennia ago you started law school. Now, several tens (or hundreds?) of thousands of dollars in debt later, and hundreds, if not, thousands of wasted law school and bar prep hours later, the question has thrust it’s ugly head upon you yet again. Of course, the answer has always been a resounding "NO."
Your blog and your futile efforts may be an inspiration to the sycophants on this board, but they have become a source of amusement for myself and, I am sure, many others.
Even if you do manage to become an attorney, consider the illusory "rewards." Incredibly long work hours, diminished financial returns, and a career market that is notoriously and increasingly saturated with competitors, hundreds of whom are interning for free, in many instances!
Even if you manage to eke a pass in future, it will be, at best, a pyrrhic victory. You will look back to see a legacy of wasted time and deteriorated relationships as a result of an idealistic, romanticized pursuit of a career goal that you ought to have realized, at a more opportune time, was not suitable for you.
Do not take this message as anything more than a constructive criticism from someone that has nothing but enormous pity for you. You or your sycophants can lash back with angry criticisms and ad hominems. Yet none of that will change that you have failed the California Bar Exam NINE (9) times. Not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5, not 6, not 7, not 8 but NINE (9) times.
Looking forward to your tenth try :)
10:05: My thoughts exactly.
"Waiting for Monday's mail, again"....WHY? TO CONFIRM YOUR FAILURE?
LMFAO
Congratulations!
...Wait, never mind.
lol
What can I say... I am so very sorry my heart is
breaking for you....
I agree with the poster above.. You should take
some time out.. Enjoy your family.. I bet they are
suffering also...
I believe that these unaccredited schools are short
changing their students...besides having the lowest
passing grades, most Firms will not hire student who
attended those schools... If you have a job lined up
for when you pass that is great...
I know Lawyers who all went to top 10 school & all
passed on first try.... Cal, NY, Ill, DC,Mich, Tex,
The Firms that some of them are working for are on
to new tricks... Instead of hiring outside, the new
Attorneys are asked to sit exams for other States
where the Firm has offices... One 27 year old has 3
licenses to practice in 3 States...Some of the Firms
are shuffling them around...From office to office...
I believe the unaccredited schools should be shut
down. They are offering dreams that end in nightmares.
Recruiters & Law Firms will never consider unaccredited
students... http://tinyurl.com/4n3yzbo
GP-
It takes one (mentally) tough SOB to stick with it this long. That toughness will pay dividends in the end.
Stick with it if you can afford to and still think practicing is what you want to do.
If you answer yes to both of those questions then pop the empty shells and reload both barrels.
Just want to point out how big of douchebags "Black man" and "Tenth try" are.
Chin up, GP. Chin up.
I'm not going to say don't pay attention to the arrogant dickheads who feel it’s necessary to inject you with their dose of reality. They're the ones who probably had everything served to them on a silver platter. They probably never struggled because everything came naturally. That’s their reality. As a result, they lack compassion and the ability understand your struggle and determination. I say F them and their holier than thou BS. But pay attention to them; you can learn a lot from a jerk.
I failed 3 times before finally getting the heavy envelope this time around. Although my struggle on the Bar was shorter than yours, my whole life has been a struggle on many levels. I feel your pain. You’re determination will help you get through this.
That being said, I agree that you need to take a break and decompress. I took a break after my 3 attempt. It’s the smartest thing I have ever done. You should then figure out what you need to do differently. I made the decision to take BarBri again and watched the lectures online. It was smart move for me. I also spent 80% of my time on writing essays and doing MBEs. I picked a book called “The Bar Code.” It helped me tremendously. This time around it was about practice, practice, and more practice. I wanted my answer to mirror the BarBri answers so I can be the “sheep.” I also made a point to memorize 30 main issues for each subject; that was very manageable. As a result, I was able spot everything on the exam. You need to change your system, GP.
Best of luck!
Grand Poobah,
I'm sorry to hear of the results; I do think you'll make a fine licensed attorney.
Offer still open re: help.
Warm regards, Pam
Environmental attorney and professor. . .
i have followed GP since Feb 2009. feel really bad that he can't just pass.
used to get really mad at the anonymous jerks. and still do.
but now i am starting to get mad at all the blind encouragement. if you know him personally and think he is capable, then feel free to encourage him. but all this 'you're the best, you'll do it' rooting may not be helping him make a clear decision of how to continue to proceed.
good luck GP. hope you do make it. but its really not life or death. in fact, as an attorney on the lower tier of prestige, it pretty much sucks.
Sure a lot of nasty people out there, gp.
You cowards hide behind your keyboards and anonymously slam a guy who is working hard to achieve a goal.
What have you done in your life? Not much I suspect.
You go, pooh bear!!
Hi Concerned...
Brian, like yours truly, made a decision to study law at a non-ABA school in California knowing that we would have to take the Bar here, first. (If anyone knows of a state that allows non-ABA'ers from another state take their Bar, please pipe up!)
Since we have no first-time fallback to another state, we either pass/keep trying/fail. I continue to know that Brian will only move to the left...soon we all hope!
Brian has used a tutor or two...whatever it takes, I hope he gets good direction from one...more?
"All in the interest of being helpful" Yes, I respect that of you.
Jonathan
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