Like a mole in the middle of your back - one you can't ever see but know is there - the thought has occurred to me from time to time that I should have it taken care of.
In other words, I occasionally think about shutting this Blog down. But then I get busy again and that thought vanishes.
Decisions, decisions ...
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Bar Exam Numbers Dip Again in February
From the June 2016 California Bar Journal (http://www.calbarjournal.com/June2016/TopHeadlines/TH4.aspx) ...
"February’s bar exam pass rate slid again for the second year, ending an upward swing that reached its peak in 2014."
The percentage of candidates who pass in February has always been lower than the July exam but this is one of the lowest - "According to the State Bar’s Committee of Bar Examiners, 1,700 of the 4,758 people who took the general bar exam in February passed, or 35.7 percent. The results mark one of the lowest pass rates since February 2009, when only 33.5 percent passed the exam. Only two years ago, February bar exam results peaked with a pass rate of 45.3 percent."
All the more reason to sign up with OneTimers.com.
"February’s bar exam pass rate slid again for the second year, ending an upward swing that reached its peak in 2014."
The percentage of candidates who pass in February has always been lower than the July exam but this is one of the lowest - "According to the State Bar’s Committee of Bar Examiners, 1,700 of the 4,758 people who took the general bar exam in February passed, or 35.7 percent. The results mark one of the lowest pass rates since February 2009, when only 33.5 percent passed the exam. Only two years ago, February bar exam results peaked with a pass rate of 45.3 percent."
All the more reason to sign up with OneTimers.com.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Shameless Plug
Hi Folks,
This is a "shameless plug" because I am advertising my legal practice and asking for referrals.
My practice focuses on the recovery of civil money judgments. After a judgment has been entered, and the losing party has been ordered to pay the winning party some amount of money, I use the legal remedies available to the winner to compel the loser to pay what he owes.
Naturally the loser doesn't want to pay, so I levy bank accounts, garnish wages, take assignment of streams of income, seize and sell property, etc., in an effort to get the winning party's money back.
It's a tough proposition in this economy, so most judgment creditor's could use some help in getting this done.
Lest you think ill of me for adding to the hardship of people who are already in dire financial straits, I don't enforce judgments against people who already have no money. Besides, the old saying about not being able to squeeze blood from a turnip (or money from someone who is broke), is applicable here. It costs money to enforce judgments, and another old saying is applicable in that I don't like to throw good money after bad. As such, I focus on enforcing judgments against the bad actors who take advantage of others by not following through on their promises.
For example, I recently recovered a $40,000 judgment for a company that performed work on a construction project but wasn't paid by the project owner. The project owner had plenty of money, but thought he could save money by not paying the sub-contractor. This happens all the time and I enjoy holding the bad actors to their promises.
I am also a Licensed Private Investigator (CA Lic #27613), so I can easily locate a debtor's assets (if any). This helps me to screen out the debtors with no money and lets me focus on those who can afford to pay (but choose not to!)
Also, as both an Attorney and a Private Investigator, my clients get the benefit of the Attorney/Client privilege. Regular Private Investigators don't get this privilege and anything their client reveals to them can be used in court. A P.I. without this privilege cannot refuse to disclose details of their conversations with the Creditor/Client. But as an Attorney, my clients automatically get this protection.
So if someone you know has a judgment that they cannot collect on, I can help. And when you get your license, and win cases for your clients, I can help make the time and money spent on suing the debtor worth the effort.
This is a "shameless plug" because I am advertising my legal practice and asking for referrals.
My practice focuses on the recovery of civil money judgments. After a judgment has been entered, and the losing party has been ordered to pay the winning party some amount of money, I use the legal remedies available to the winner to compel the loser to pay what he owes.
Naturally the loser doesn't want to pay, so I levy bank accounts, garnish wages, take assignment of streams of income, seize and sell property, etc., in an effort to get the winning party's money back.
It's a tough proposition in this economy, so most judgment creditor's could use some help in getting this done.
Lest you think ill of me for adding to the hardship of people who are already in dire financial straits, I don't enforce judgments against people who already have no money. Besides, the old saying about not being able to squeeze blood from a turnip (or money from someone who is broke), is applicable here. It costs money to enforce judgments, and another old saying is applicable in that I don't like to throw good money after bad. As such, I focus on enforcing judgments against the bad actors who take advantage of others by not following through on their promises.
For example, I recently recovered a $40,000 judgment for a company that performed work on a construction project but wasn't paid by the project owner. The project owner had plenty of money, but thought he could save money by not paying the sub-contractor. This happens all the time and I enjoy holding the bad actors to their promises.
I am also a Licensed Private Investigator (CA Lic #27613), so I can easily locate a debtor's assets (if any). This helps me to screen out the debtors with no money and lets me focus on those who can afford to pay (but choose not to!)
Also, as both an Attorney and a Private Investigator, my clients get the benefit of the Attorney/Client privilege. Regular Private Investigators don't get this privilege and anything their client reveals to them can be used in court. A P.I. without this privilege cannot refuse to disclose details of their conversations with the Creditor/Client. But as an Attorney, my clients automatically get this protection.
So if someone you know has a judgment that they cannot collect on, I can help. And when you get your license, and win cases for your clients, I can help make the time and money spent on suing the debtor worth the effort.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Good Luck to Everyone Next Week! (Especially to you, Farah!)
My buddy, Farah, is taking the exam next week (GOOD LUCK, FARAH!) I know she'll do well because she studied with Jason Tolerico and all the other well-prepared students in his One-Timers California Bar Review course.
Happy Bar Exam Week, Everybody!
Happy Bar Exam Week, Everybody!
Monday, November 23, 2015
Congrats to Those Who Received Good News Last Friday!
I heard that another few friends of friends I referred to Jason, passed this last exam. Yay for them!
And for those of you who who are still struggling, the path is clear. You now know where to go, who to call, to get you over that elusive 1440 mark.
GP
And for those of you who who are still struggling, the path is clear. You now know where to go, who to call, to get you over that elusive 1440 mark.
GP
Thursday, August 6, 2015
I Was Asked to Comment About the New Two-Day Bar Exam Format, So ....
The CA Bar Exam is going to be shortened to two days starting July 2017? Yeah, well, what can I say? The fact that the the State Bar decided to shorten the Bar Exam from three days to two days obviously does not impact me at all, but I am curious about the format for the new Performance Exams. I suppose they're going to be using the Multi-State Performance Exams (MPTs) that are common in other states.
When I was studying for the exam I remember seeing the 90-minute exams discussed in the commercial study guides I bought, and wondered how rigorous they could be. I imagined they were nothing more than a glorified essay, but I suspect they're actually quite different because, after all, they're measuring "performance" in a real-world scenario. I don't really know though because I never looked closely at one.
I've read some of the commentary about the new format and it appears the State Bar is determined to keep California at the top of the difficulty scale, so they're going to have to do something to keep the "bar" for admission as high as it currently is. If I was really interested in the new format, I would dive into the MPT issue by doing some of them. But as busy as I am with the work I currently have, I'm not really that interested.
I read in the latest edition of the California Bar eJournal that one of the motivating factors for the change was cost. The new format will save the State Bar about $1.1 million dollars annually. I can't imagine though that this was the primary reason for the change (but I could be wrong!)
Another reason given was that they wanted to put California in line with the other state's bar exams. Someone commented that this would reduce the "rigorous" nature of the exam, and the reply was that it is not intended to be an endurance test, but simply a minimum competency test for knowledge of the law. I suppose this is valid, and I'm sure the reason some of the people have failed was that they were burned out by the third day.
Some of my peers have already been talking about how they are going to needle people who pass the "easy two-day" bar exam, while "real lawyers" had to pass the "horrible, no good, very rotten" three-day exam. But knowing these people as I do, all of this will be done with a sense of humor.
Personally, I don't think it would make a difference which version of the exam I was taking. But with all of the conspiracy theories surrounding the exam, I know I would be distracted by the thought of all the ways the State Bar could make the new format even more difficult.
It's all theoretical though until July 2017. We should begin to get a picture of the new testing requirements during the preparation period leading up to July 2017, and then everyone will be curious to see the Released Answers. And, of course, the pass rate.
When I was studying for the exam I remember seeing the 90-minute exams discussed in the commercial study guides I bought, and wondered how rigorous they could be. I imagined they were nothing more than a glorified essay, but I suspect they're actually quite different because, after all, they're measuring "performance" in a real-world scenario. I don't really know though because I never looked closely at one.
I've read some of the commentary about the new format and it appears the State Bar is determined to keep California at the top of the difficulty scale, so they're going to have to do something to keep the "bar" for admission as high as it currently is. If I was really interested in the new format, I would dive into the MPT issue by doing some of them. But as busy as I am with the work I currently have, I'm not really that interested.
I read in the latest edition of the California Bar eJournal that one of the motivating factors for the change was cost. The new format will save the State Bar about $1.1 million dollars annually. I can't imagine though that this was the primary reason for the change (but I could be wrong!)
Another reason given was that they wanted to put California in line with the other state's bar exams. Someone commented that this would reduce the "rigorous" nature of the exam, and the reply was that it is not intended to be an endurance test, but simply a minimum competency test for knowledge of the law. I suppose this is valid, and I'm sure the reason some of the people have failed was that they were burned out by the third day.
Some of my peers have already been talking about how they are going to needle people who pass the "easy two-day" bar exam, while "real lawyers" had to pass the "horrible, no good, very rotten" three-day exam. But knowing these people as I do, all of this will be done with a sense of humor.
Personally, I don't think it would make a difference which version of the exam I was taking. But with all of the conspiracy theories surrounding the exam, I know I would be distracted by the thought of all the ways the State Bar could make the new format even more difficult.
It's all theoretical though until July 2017. We should begin to get a picture of the new testing requirements during the preparation period leading up to July 2017, and then everyone will be curious to see the Released Answers. And, of course, the pass rate.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Great News! (for me, anyway)
Got a regular paying gig again. :)
And I just realized that today is the first day of the July 2015 CA Bar Exam! Yippee for all of you taking it!
Hang in there. Two days to go. Study your MBEs tonight.
And I want to make a comment about this profession. There are a lot (A LOT!) of attorneys who are fargin' ice-holes (Johnny Dangerously quote). Don't be one.
And I just realized that today is the first day of the July 2015 CA Bar Exam! Yippee for all of you taking it!
Hang in there. Two days to go. Study your MBEs tonight.
And I want to make a comment about this profession. There are a lot (A LOT!) of attorneys who are fargin' ice-holes (Johnny Dangerously quote). Don't be one.
Monday, July 6, 2015
And The Beat Goes On ...
In case anyone is interested (and I'm not sure anyone is!), my tenure as a "Litigation Attorney" has come to an end. The client decided it was no longer financially prudent to sue his customers so he stopped filing suits against them. Good for him, bad for me. As such, I'm trying to meet my own financial obligations by doing contract work, and I'm talking with a couple of other attorneys about starting our own small firm.
Tough times, but it should be easier to endure as an attorney than it was as an "attorney candidate!"
Good luck to those of you studying for the July 2015 exam. Keep your head down, limit distractions, and know in your heart that you CAN pass this thing!
Cheers! GP
Tough times, but it should be easier to endure as an attorney than it was as an "attorney candidate!"
Good luck to those of you studying for the July 2015 exam. Keep your head down, limit distractions, and know in your heart that you CAN pass this thing!
Cheers! GP
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
The Other Day a Newly Admitted Attorney Asked Me a Question About ...
... how to find a job. She went to an out-of-state law school and so has no local network of law school buddies or attorney friends to help her out in her search for gainful employment. She has an LLM in taxation so she definitely has skills, she just lacks a network in CA to help her find a job.
And did I mention that she speaks three languages? If I didn't, let me tell you that she speaks three languages. I don't know what those languages are, but I suspect they're useful in California (i.e., not Portuguese, Latin, or the Language of the Ancients.)
So, if anyone has any useful suggestions on how a newly admitted attorney, who speaks three languages, and who has an LLM in taxation, can go about finding a job around these here parts, please leave them in the comments.
Your sage advice is muchly appreciated!
GP, Esq!
And did I mention that she speaks three languages? If I didn't, let me tell you that she speaks three languages. I don't know what those languages are, but I suspect they're useful in California (i.e., not Portuguese, Latin, or the Language of the Ancients.)
So, if anyone has any useful suggestions on how a newly admitted attorney, who speaks three languages, and who has an LLM in taxation, can go about finding a job around these here parts, please leave them in the comments.
Your sage advice is muchly appreciated!
GP, Esq!
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Congratulations To My Buddy and Overqualified Paralegal, Larry!
He Killed it DEAD!
And Thanks Very Much to Jason Tolerico! Larry finally got it done (after four (or five)) attempts, after taking Jason's class.
Larry Killed the Bar Exam, and Jason is da' BOMB!
And Thanks Very Much to Jason Tolerico! Larry finally got it done (after four (or five)) attempts, after taking Jason's class.
Larry Killed the Bar Exam, and Jason is da' BOMB!
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Congratulations To All Of You Who ...
... made it through the July 2014 CA Bar Exam! May the "Luck O' the GP" be with you when your answers are assigned to happy graders!
As for me, my career path has changed yet again. A couple of months ago I was offered a position with a small firm as a Litigation Attorney, handling civil complaints for the firm's primary client. The client is a medium-size business, and I've been tasked with filing cases against its customers who have breached their contracts. I've been very busy over the past couple of months and I'm going to be much busier soon as these cases churn their way through the courts. Exciting, it is!
I'll pop in from time to time with comments and opinions about ... stuff. Mostly about the Bar Exam, and a little bit about my law practice.
Later!
As for me, my career path has changed yet again. A couple of months ago I was offered a position with a small firm as a Litigation Attorney, handling civil complaints for the firm's primary client. The client is a medium-size business, and I've been tasked with filing cases against its customers who have breached their contracts. I've been very busy over the past couple of months and I'm going to be much busier soon as these cases churn their way through the courts. Exciting, it is!
I'll pop in from time to time with comments and opinions about ... stuff. Mostly about the Bar Exam, and a little bit about my law practice.
Later!
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Monday, June 9, 2014
Feedback on Jason's Outlines, Anyone?
For those of you who availed yourself of Jason's Free Outline Offer, remember that you promised to come back here and post a comment on what you thought about them.
The offer has been in effect since May 1st and I've only seen one comment. I don't know how many people have requested and received the outlines but I suspect it's more than one (1)!
C'mon everyone! Wossamotta U?
The July exam is only still almost two months out. You have plenty of time to prepare but you need to be diligent. If you've received Jason's outlines but haven't opened them then you need to get busy!
One month from now you'll wish you had heeded my advice. There's nothing worse than realizing the Bar Exam is only three weeks out but you still have six weeks worth of material to cover. Trust me on this. I've been there.
The offer has been in effect since May 1st and I've only seen one comment. I don't know how many people have requested and received the outlines but I suspect it's more than one (1)!
C'mon everyone! Wossamotta U?
The July exam is only still almost two months out. You have plenty of time to prepare but you need to be diligent. If you've received Jason's outlines but haven't opened them then you need to get busy!
One month from now you'll wish you had heeded my advice. There's nothing worse than realizing the Bar Exam is only three weeks out but you still have six weeks worth of material to cover. Trust me on this. I've been there.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
A Few Items of Note ...
First, Jason Tolerico's latest Free Outline offer opens on May 1, 2014. Get 'em while you need 'em. Links to his site are just over there towards the top on the right side of my page --->.
Second, I am transitioning my practice from Judgment Recovery to Disabled Student Advocacy. I'm partnering up with another attorney who has a very busy practice representing students with learning disabilities. We step in when the school district fails to implement an appropriate learning program for the child. It's much more satisfying than trying to squeeze money from bad guys.
Third, the actual practice of law is much more enjoyable than trying to pass the bar exam. "What's that," you say? "You can't be serious!" Yes, folks, I'm serious. (;-)> Besides recovering money for people who have won their case, I'm handling a couple of civil matters. It's not the easiest thing I've ever done - I'm sure it would be easier if I wasn't doing it solo - but there are enough resources out there, including other friendly attorneys, to make it manageable. I'm not rich (yet!), but things are coming together.
And I still receiving the occasional email from people looking for advice on how to pass the CA bar exam. I always begin my reply by reminding them that, given my history, I might not be the best person to ask, but I am happy to relate to them the things that I did differently on the exam that I passed. I believe I've actually helped some people and that makes me feel good.
Second, I am transitioning my practice from Judgment Recovery to Disabled Student Advocacy. I'm partnering up with another attorney who has a very busy practice representing students with learning disabilities. We step in when the school district fails to implement an appropriate learning program for the child. It's much more satisfying than trying to squeeze money from bad guys.
Third, the actual practice of law is much more enjoyable than trying to pass the bar exam. "What's that," you say? "You can't be serious!" Yes, folks, I'm serious. (;-)> Besides recovering money for people who have won their case, I'm handling a couple of civil matters. It's not the easiest thing I've ever done - I'm sure it would be easier if I wasn't doing it solo - but there are enough resources out there, including other friendly attorneys, to make it manageable. I'm not rich (yet!), but things are coming together.
And I still receiving the occasional email from people looking for advice on how to pass the CA bar exam. I always begin my reply by reminding them that, given my history, I might not be the best person to ask, but I am happy to relate to them the things that I did differently on the exam that I passed. I believe I've actually helped some people and that makes me feel good.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Does It Seem Like the February Bar Exam ...
... was just yesterday, or just last week? Or does it seem like you took it months ago?
Towards the end of my 5-year ordeal I can remember normal space/time becoming warped and twisted. Time would slow down for the month of the exam, as I prepared for those three days, then it would speed up to normal again the day after it was over. It would remain normal until about a week before results were released. And when I found that I had failed yet again a weird Twilight Zone effect would descend on me which would last until the first day of July or February. It seemed odd to me (in a not-good sort of way) that I only felt normal when I was preparing for the bar exam. But those last few weeks before the exams were the only times I felt like I was in control of my destiny. As for the months between the exams and the day the results were released ... I felt like I was living in a kind of demented purgatory.
Bizarre, I know.
But that's all over now.
Speaking of it being over, your wait is almost over! Jason Tolerico will again be offering his most excellent outlines for FREE starting May 1, 2014 (But only for a limited time!)
Actually, they're not quite FREE. Sure, he's not going to charge money for them, but he is going to ask that you come back to my blog and post a comment with your opinion on them.
And when you call (or email), if you mention that you heard about his FREE OUTLINE offer from THIS BLOG they'll be DOUBLE-FREE! (Just kidding. I'm pretty sure there isn't any such thing as "DOUBLE FREE", especially not in ALL CAPS(!), but, hey, it couldn't hurt!)
P.S. Being a lawyer is a good thing. I like it.
Towards the end of my 5-year ordeal I can remember normal space/time becoming warped and twisted. Time would slow down for the month of the exam, as I prepared for those three days, then it would speed up to normal again the day after it was over. It would remain normal until about a week before results were released. And when I found that I had failed yet again a weird Twilight Zone effect would descend on me which would last until the first day of July or February. It seemed odd to me (in a not-good sort of way) that I only felt normal when I was preparing for the bar exam. But those last few weeks before the exams were the only times I felt like I was in control of my destiny. As for the months between the exams and the day the results were released ... I felt like I was living in a kind of demented purgatory.
Bizarre, I know.
But that's all over now.
Speaking of it being over, your wait is almost over! Jason Tolerico will again be offering his most excellent outlines for FREE starting May 1, 2014 (But only for a limited time!)
Actually, they're not quite FREE. Sure, he's not going to charge money for them, but he is going to ask that you come back to my blog and post a comment with your opinion on them.
And when you call (or email), if you mention that you heard about his FREE OUTLINE offer from THIS BLOG they'll be DOUBLE-FREE! (Just kidding. I'm pretty sure there isn't any such thing as "DOUBLE FREE", especially not in ALL CAPS(!), but, hey, it couldn't hurt!)
P.S. Being a lawyer is a good thing. I like it.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Last Minute Study Suggestions
I know a lot of people suggest not studying on these last couple off days before the exam, but I could never do that. It was easier for me to study than it was to pretend that I was relaxed!
So, my recommendation for today and tomorrow is to do MBEs for about 30 minutes, review Jason's outlines (if you have them) for one of your weaker subjects for about 30 minutes, then take a break for about 30 minutes. If you do this, these last two days will fly by and you'll keep the material fresh in your head.
Also, do not stress out about memorizing the rules. The graders are not looking for perfect rule statements - they're looking for solid analysis. On my last exam I spent much less time agonizing over the rule statements and much more time thinking about the relationship between the facts and the elements of the rules.
Best of Luck to All!
So, my recommendation for today and tomorrow is to do MBEs for about 30 minutes, review Jason's outlines (if you have them) for one of your weaker subjects for about 30 minutes, then take a break for about 30 minutes. If you do this, these last two days will fly by and you'll keep the material fresh in your head.
Also, do not stress out about memorizing the rules. The graders are not looking for perfect rule statements - they're looking for solid analysis. On my last exam I spent much less time agonizing over the rule statements and much more time thinking about the relationship between the facts and the elements of the rules.
Best of Luck to All!
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Hey, Wasn't That ...
... the results for the July 2013 exam that went flashing by my window just now? Man, if you aren't looking for it, it just zips by without making a sound.
I hope everyone passed!
But I know that's not the case.
Down, butterflies. Down! That's better. Every time I think about the moment when I saw my results last year I get an attack of the butterflies. Trust me when I say the post-passing butterflies are much friendlier to your stomach lining than the pre-test butterflies. In fact, the pre-test butterflies were more like moths for me because they tended to eat holes in the lining of my stomach. Bah. Good riddance to those.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
I hope everyone passed!
But I know that's not the case.
Down, butterflies. Down! That's better. Every time I think about the moment when I saw my results last year I get an attack of the butterflies. Trust me when I say the post-passing butterflies are much friendlier to your stomach lining than the pre-test butterflies. In fact, the pre-test butterflies were more like moths for me because they tended to eat holes in the lining of my stomach. Bah. Good riddance to those.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Monday, November 18, 2013
The "Free Outlines" Offer Has Ended ...
... for now, at least. Apparently quite a few people were impressed by them. I suspect the offer may be reinstated at some point between the February Exam and the release of results, but all I know now is that the offer for free outlines has been withdrawn. They can be purchased, of course,. but you'll have to contact Jason to get all of those details.
On another note, Dustin Saiidi's book is available for those who cannot afford a full-blown bar prep program. Dustin did not graduate near the top of his class yet he still passed the bar exam on his first attempt. In his book he tells you how he prepared for his bar exam, and truth be told it sounds a lot like the approach I finally settled on. Anyway, if you don't have the resources to spring for a full-blown bar prep program you might want to take a look at Dustin's book. A link to Dustin's book is, or soon will be, in the top right corner of this blog.
On another note, Dustin Saiidi's book is available for those who cannot afford a full-blown bar prep program. Dustin did not graduate near the top of his class yet he still passed the bar exam on his first attempt. In his book he tells you how he prepared for his bar exam, and truth be told it sounds a lot like the approach I finally settled on. Anyway, if you don't have the resources to spring for a full-blown bar prep program you might want to take a look at Dustin's book. A link to Dustin's book is, or soon will be, in the top right corner of this blog.
Monday, October 21, 2013
A Big THANKS To Those Folks Who ...
... followed through and commented on Jason's outlines. Your feedback helps everyone.
Here's a link to an interesting article in today's Los Angeles Daily Journal entitled: "Slow bar exam results upset law deans, recent graduates. Law deans complain that State Bar's lag hampers students' job searches."
And to answer the commenter who asked my opinion about the actual practice of law now that I've earned my license, it's everything I expected it to be, and more, and less (sort of.)
First, not one client has asked me how many times I took the bar exam. Not one. And my client base includes other attorneys, whom I suspect would be the persons most interested in that number (if there were any interest, which it appears there is not.)
Second, it helps to have an aggressive entrepreneurial spirit if one is going to start one's legal career as a sole practitioner. Either that, or have a lot of friends in the business. I'm not very entrepreneurial, but I do have quite a few friends, and I suspect a large part of my new business is from referrals by my friends. I say this because I've received more than a few phone calls from people I've never met, and who have no reason to know of me unless someone pointed them in my direction. I am puzzled by that, but I am also very grateful.
Third, it's expensive to start and maintain a sole proprietorship law firm. Not only does a sole proprietor have to pay the mortgage/utilities/etc. at home, there are all the expenses associated with being an attorney, which include office space rent, insurance, utilities, subscription fees, membership fees, association fees, and all the other typical costs of practicing law (filing fees, process service fees, investigation fees, ad nauseum.)
Fourth, the many and varied types of people who want and/or need the services of an attorney, and their reasons for so wanting/needing, has surprised me. I'll try to post more on this later.
Here's a link to an interesting article in today's Los Angeles Daily Journal entitled: "Slow bar exam results upset law deans, recent graduates. Law deans complain that State Bar's lag hampers students' job searches."
And to answer the commenter who asked my opinion about the actual practice of law now that I've earned my license, it's everything I expected it to be, and more, and less (sort of.)
First, not one client has asked me how many times I took the bar exam. Not one. And my client base includes other attorneys, whom I suspect would be the persons most interested in that number (if there were any interest, which it appears there is not.)
Second, it helps to have an aggressive entrepreneurial spirit if one is going to start one's legal career as a sole practitioner. Either that, or have a lot of friends in the business. I'm not very entrepreneurial, but I do have quite a few friends, and I suspect a large part of my new business is from referrals by my friends. I say this because I've received more than a few phone calls from people I've never met, and who have no reason to know of me unless someone pointed them in my direction. I am puzzled by that, but I am also very grateful.
Third, it's expensive to start and maintain a sole proprietorship law firm. Not only does a sole proprietor have to pay the mortgage/utilities/etc. at home, there are all the expenses associated with being an attorney, which include office space rent, insurance, utilities, subscription fees, membership fees, association fees, and all the other typical costs of practicing law (filing fees, process service fees, investigation fees, ad nauseum.)
Fourth, the many and varied types of people who want and/or need the services of an attorney, and their reasons for so wanting/needing, has surprised me. I'll try to post more on this later.
Monday, October 14, 2013
What?!? Don't Tell Me That Only Three Of You Took Jason Up On His Offer!
Seriously?
Are you telling me there were more people interested in getting their hands on the mythical, magical, mystical BC outlines (that were never proven to actually exist) than on Jason's real-life outlines? Tell me it ain't so!
I don't think anyone expects a subject-by-subject critical breakdown style evaluation, but a mere thumbs-up or -down would be better than the cricket sounds we're hearing now.
And I'll personally say THANKS to the three people (three crickets!) who did fulfill their end of the bargain since I created this situation when I stuck my neck out (okay, my reputation out, such as it is) when I recommended Jason's outlines (not to mention the rest of his program.)
Hang in there folks! The results of the July 2013 exam will be released in, what, about six weeks?
Are you telling me there were more people interested in getting their hands on the mythical, magical, mystical BC outlines (that were never proven to actually exist) than on Jason's real-life outlines? Tell me it ain't so!
I don't think anyone expects a subject-by-subject critical breakdown style evaluation, but a mere thumbs-up or -down would be better than the cricket sounds we're hearing now.
And I'll personally say THANKS to the three people (three crickets!) who did fulfill their end of the bargain since I created this situation when I stuck my neck out (okay, my reputation out, such as it is) when I recommended Jason's outlines (not to mention the rest of his program.)
Hang in there folks! The results of the July 2013 exam will be released in, what, about six weeks?
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Free Outlines! Limited Time Offer! Jason Tolerico's Updated CA Subject Outlines! Did I mention that they're FREE!
I was asked again last week for my opinion about Jason Tolerico’s
outlines. My challenge in rendering such
an opinion is that I didn’t really get a chance to use his outlines in depth
when I was in his program because at that time he hadn't completed them for all of the
subjects. The ones he did have
completed, however, were excellent. I
found that the biggest difference between Jason’s outlines and the other ones
I’ve used is that Jason provides more than a simple list of the issues, rules
and elements – he cites actual cases so you can see how the rules are used in
real life and he provides links to statutes so you can look at the source of
what you are learning. Seeing this stuff
in context made a huge difference to me.
Anyway, when I asked him how his updates were coming along
he went ahead and sent me his outlines for the CA subjects. Man, I can’t believe how hard this guy works
on this stuff. You can tell he has pride in ownership. He should, of course, because his reputation
is on the line, but he’s really done a great job on these. They're clear and concise, they tell you
when each individual concept was tested last, and they show how frequently those issues
show up on the exam.
As we talked, Jason mentioned to me that he was thinking about using his outlines as a marketing tool for his One-Timers bar prep program and I came up with the bright idea of using the readers of my blog as guinea pigs ... um, intelligent and willing test subjects(!) to get valuable and honest feedback on them.
So we came up with this idea - Jason has offered to send a set of his updated outlines for the CA subjects to anyone who
requests them, but you have to mention in your email that I referred you. His email address is jtlaws@gmail.com. In exchange for his outlines he asks you to
return to my blog and post your thoughts, comments, opinions, and critiques on
them. It seems like a fair trade off –
he gets free publicity and you get free outlines.
I know I’ve given Jason a lot of free advertising here over
the past couple of years, but it’s justified because he was the reason I passed
the CA bar exam. And now that I don’t
have the time to blog properly I am very comfortable using my blog to refer
people to his program. So send Jason an
email today, mention me (the Grand Poobah!), and get a free set of his most
excellent outlines for the CA subjects.
In the end, anyone who is serious about passing the CA Bar Exam should
seriously consider Jason’s One-Timers program. It worked for me.
Oh, one more thing, this is a limited time offer - it's only available until whatever day the February 2014 CA bar exam starts. So get 'em while they're hot!
Oh, one more thing, this is a limited time offer - it's only available until whatever day the February 2014 CA bar exam starts. So get 'em while they're hot!
Monday, July 29, 2013
The Best of Luck to Everyone Tomorrow!
May you all find a way to peacefully coexist with the exam over the next three days. But if you can't find common ground with it, then kick it's butt!
Now go do that voodoo that you do so well!
(Hedley Lamarr, Blazing Saddles)
Now go do that voodoo that you do so well!
(Hedley Lamarr, Blazing Saddles)
Thursday, June 27, 2013
A few weeks ago someone asked me to ...
... post links (or something) to my website, or to something that shows the kind of law I am practicing.
So without further ado (or any ado for that matter), here is the link to my website: http://www.brjohnstonlaw.com/
So without further ado (or any ado for that matter), here is the link to my website: http://www.brjohnstonlaw.com/
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
My Interview With Dustin Saidi from www.IPassedMyBarExam.com
So, what with all of the hoopla, ballyhoo, frolicing, merriment, festivity, merrymaking, tomfoolery, falderal, and fiddle dee dee that went on after I passed the July 2012 bar exam, Dustin Saidi of www.ipassedmybarexam.com sent me an email asking if I would be interested in being interviewed about my experience.
After scratching my head for a few weeks, wondering what interest anyone could have in the exploits of someone who only passed after 11 attempts, I agreed.
The result is posted here: http://tinyurl.com/lqu9bs3
In all honesty, I can't think of anything to say about the interview except that Dustin did a great job with the technical aspects of recording, editing, and producing the final product. Other than that, it's all about me, and despite the existence of the blog, I am not a person who seeks the limelight.
So for all those who are interested in hearing me describe my ordeal, in a positive way I believe, please take a listen. Dustin has some other good interviews too so your time may be well spent.
Oh, he's got a book too. I don't have an interest in any book sales as a result of your visiting his website, but he's a good guy and you might just find his book useful.
After scratching my head for a few weeks, wondering what interest anyone could have in the exploits of someone who only passed after 11 attempts, I agreed.
The result is posted here: http://tinyurl.com/lqu9bs3
In all honesty, I can't think of anything to say about the interview except that Dustin did a great job with the technical aspects of recording, editing, and producing the final product. Other than that, it's all about me, and despite the existence of the blog, I am not a person who seeks the limelight.
So for all those who are interested in hearing me describe my ordeal, in a positive way I believe, please take a listen. Dustin has some other good interviews too so your time may be well spent.
Oh, he's got a book too. I don't have an interest in any book sales as a result of your visiting his website, but he's a good guy and you might just find his book useful.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Pay No Attention To That Man Behind The Curtain ...
... he's just making some layout changes to the blog.
After all this time I decided to change a few things. I wanted to do a little more with the content and the old format was a little restrictive.
On a positive note, because I'll be able to do more with the blog, I'll be more inclined to add new posts on something of a more regular basis (more being the key word in this last sentence!)
GP
After all this time I decided to change a few things. I wanted to do a little more with the content and the old format was a little restrictive.
On a positive note, because I'll be able to do more with the blog, I'll be more inclined to add new posts on something of a more regular basis (more being the key word in this last sentence!)
GP
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
To Those Who Have Sent ...
... private emails to me, I will endeavor to respond to each and every one of you by the end of this week.
On another note ... it seems that more than a few of you took my advice and signed up with Jason, and achieved a passing score as a result (or, at least, that was your perception.) Welcome, you are! And CONGRATULATIONS! Regardless of how you got there, it is a great achievement to have passed this exam.
Take good care, all!
Brian
On another note ... it seems that more than a few of you took my advice and signed up with Jason, and achieved a passing score as a result (or, at least, that was your perception.) Welcome, you are! And CONGRATULATIONS! Regardless of how you got there, it is a great achievement to have passed this exam.
Take good care, all!
Brian
Friday, May 17, 2013
I'm Playing the Theme to Jeopardy in the Background ...
Okay, not really, but it's going through my head.
The very best of luck to everyone awaiting results this evening. I know that there's not much luck involved after the last session ends on Thursday, but there is (in my opinion) some little bit of luck involved in which random graders read your answers. I hope your luck in that regard is the best.
Cheers!
The very best of luck to everyone awaiting results this evening. I know that there's not much luck involved after the last session ends on Thursday, but there is (in my opinion) some little bit of luck involved in which random graders read your answers. I hope your luck in that regard is the best.
Cheers!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Hey, Is It (Almost) Results Time Already?
For those who are interested in the type of law I am practicing, I will have an answer for you soon (as soon as I finish revising my attorney website.) It's almost done.
But until that's done I'll tell you that I'm still doing post-judgment collections enhanced by my Private Investigator License. And I'm considering anything else that walks through my door. Plus, my attorney friends are giving my name to potential clients they can't, or don't, or won't, handle.
And, oh yes, it's almost results time. Hang in there folks, it'll all be over soon.
But until that's done I'll tell you that I'm still doing post-judgment collections enhanced by my Private Investigator License. And I'm considering anything else that walks through my door. Plus, my attorney friends are giving my name to potential clients they can't, or don't, or won't, handle.
And, oh yes, it's almost results time. Hang in there folks, it'll all be over soon.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
The Gift That Keeps On Giving!
I just looked at the screenshot I took of the results page from the July 2012 bar exam. It's deja vu all over again!
The moral of this short story is "Don't give up!"
The moral of this short story is "Don't give up!"
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Hey Mikey, The Bar Exam Is Over!
And I hardly felt a thing! I haven't been this stress-free on the last Thursday in February in, let's see, ummm, about five years!
Congratulations to all of you who sat for the Bar exam in whichever State you sat for. And a special hearty congratulations to those of you for whom this was not your first time at the dance.
It's time now to go home, grab a glass of your favorite beverage, sit in your most comfortable chair, prop your feet up in front of the tube, and watch I Love Lucy re-runs until the wee hours of the morning.
Great Job!
Congratulations to all of you who sat for the Bar exam in whichever State you sat for. And a special hearty congratulations to those of you for whom this was not your first time at the dance.
It's time now to go home, grab a glass of your favorite beverage, sit in your most comfortable chair, prop your feet up in front of the tube, and watch I Love Lucy re-runs until the wee hours of the morning.
Great Job!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
And Today's Mystery Guest Is ...
... The pregnant woman who is right now, at this very moment, taking the New Mexico Bar Exam!
Wow. I've heard stories from many of you about the stress, and trials and tribulations, related to preparing for and taking a bar exam, but I can't imagine how distracting it must be to take it while pregnant. Of course I can't imagine much of anything related to being pregnant, but one thing I did enjoy during the many bar exams I sat for was being able to "hold my water", so to speak. I hope the proctors give you extra breaks! When my wife was pregnant, and we were out of the house, I had the task of mapping out the locations of each and every McDonald's in whatever area we were traveling. :)
So kudos to you, Mystery Pregnant New Mexico Bar Exam Candidate! And to all of the other women who are taking this exam with just a little bit more (a lot more?) pressure than us guys ever did. And I'm not just talking about mental pressure! ;)
Oh, and by the way, best of luck to my good friend Jonathan Kramer, who is also sitting for the New Mexico Bar Exam at this very moment! You 'da man, Jonathan!
Wow. I've heard stories from many of you about the stress, and trials and tribulations, related to preparing for and taking a bar exam, but I can't imagine how distracting it must be to take it while pregnant. Of course I can't imagine much of anything related to being pregnant, but one thing I did enjoy during the many bar exams I sat for was being able to "hold my water", so to speak. I hope the proctors give you extra breaks! When my wife was pregnant, and we were out of the house, I had the task of mapping out the locations of each and every McDonald's in whatever area we were traveling. :)
So kudos to you, Mystery Pregnant New Mexico Bar Exam Candidate! And to all of the other women who are taking this exam with just a little bit more (a lot more?) pressure than us guys ever did. And I'm not just talking about mental pressure! ;)
Oh, and by the way, best of luck to my good friend Jonathan Kramer, who is also sitting for the New Mexico Bar Exam at this very moment! You 'da man, Jonathan!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Hang In There Folks!
Tuesday is the first day of the next three days in which you will change the rest of your life!
OWN this thing!
KNOW that you own this thing!
Because YOU DO!
If an old man like me can do it, YOU can do it!
Get tough, get mad, and tell them YOU'RE A LAWYER!
You can THINK like a lawyer, and you can WRITE like a lawyer!
So go out there and BE A LAWYER!
And on Thursday afternoon, when it's all said and done and you're chatting away pleasantly with your proctor, tell 'em that you're sorry, that you enjoyed your little visit, and that you will happily not be spending these three special days with them ever again!
Then bring the good news back here to share with the rest of the world.
OWN this thing!
KNOW that you own this thing!
Because YOU DO!
If an old man like me can do it, YOU can do it!
Get tough, get mad, and tell them YOU'RE A LAWYER!
You can THINK like a lawyer, and you can WRITE like a lawyer!
So go out there and BE A LAWYER!
And on Thursday afternoon, when it's all said and done and you're chatting away pleasantly with your proctor, tell 'em that you're sorry, that you enjoyed your little visit, and that you will happily not be spending these three special days with them ever again!
Then bring the good news back here to share with the rest of the world.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
It's a Wonderful Life!
Today while I was driving to my office, with the windows down, I got that feeling that I usually get this time of year. Spring is about to spring, the air is fresh and clean, the sun is shining but the air is still cool, and a gentle breeze is stirring the air, all of which promises a warm day that is not too warm. In other words, a typical wonderful February day in Southern California.
Right after that feeling passed through me, I felt an unrelated wave of relief wash over me as I realized that I was not heading into the office to study for the February 2013 bar exam.
Can life get any better?
Probably, but not much. At least, not for the foreseeable future.
For those of you who are indeed hunkered down studying for the upcoming exam, there IS light at the end of the tunnel. I am living proof of that fact. Hang in there, keep the faith, don't lose hope, don't succumb to the overwhelming pressure, and above all, KNOW that you can pass this thing.
Because you CAN pass. You do know the law. You DO know the issues. You DO know how to break the issue down into its composite rules/elements. And you DO know which facts belong to which elements. All you have to do now is to quickly and logically analyze the relationship between the facts and their elements and do so in a lawyer-like manner.
Trust me when I say that there are many lawyers out there currently practicing law that can't do it as well as you can right now. At this very moment, even before you've sat down on Tuesday morning, you are a better lawyer than many who are currently practicing law. All you need to do is show the grader that know what you are talking about and that you are comfortable doing so.
As you write your answer, pretend you are sitting in your office explaining the legal aspects of a client's case to him/her. He or she wants to focus on the personal and emotional facets of their situation but you must disregard all of that and tell them what their case really boils down to legally, without all the rest of their emotional baggage mucking up their perception of the situation.
Imagine how comfortable you are when you're talking to this client, and talk to the grader the same way. Do that, and you're good to go.
Right after that feeling passed through me, I felt an unrelated wave of relief wash over me as I realized that I was not heading into the office to study for the February 2013 bar exam.
Can life get any better?
Probably, but not much. At least, not for the foreseeable future.
For those of you who are indeed hunkered down studying for the upcoming exam, there IS light at the end of the tunnel. I am living proof of that fact. Hang in there, keep the faith, don't lose hope, don't succumb to the overwhelming pressure, and above all, KNOW that you can pass this thing.
Because you CAN pass. You do know the law. You DO know the issues. You DO know how to break the issue down into its composite rules/elements. And you DO know which facts belong to which elements. All you have to do now is to quickly and logically analyze the relationship between the facts and their elements and do so in a lawyer-like manner.
Trust me when I say that there are many lawyers out there currently practicing law that can't do it as well as you can right now. At this very moment, even before you've sat down on Tuesday morning, you are a better lawyer than many who are currently practicing law. All you need to do is show the grader that know what you are talking about and that you are comfortable doing so.
As you write your answer, pretend you are sitting in your office explaining the legal aspects of a client's case to him/her. He or she wants to focus on the personal and emotional facets of their situation but you must disregard all of that and tell them what their case really boils down to legally, without all the rest of their emotional baggage mucking up their perception of the situation.
Imagine how comfortable you are when you're talking to this client, and talk to the grader the same way. Do that, and you're good to go.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Less Than 20 Days to Go!
Hey all,
I apologize for the dearth of posts, I've been really (REALLY!) busy with this lawyering stuff. Who'd a thunk it, eh?
At this point in my exam preparations I was usually writing essays under timed conditions (but not nearly as diligently as I should have), and working on my middling subjects (and MBEs, of course.) The way I saw it, I had a decent chance of improving on the subjects I was only average on, and despite much effort I had been unable to improve on my weak subjects (primarily Community Property, Contracts, and Wills & Trusts.)
I felt strong in Criminal Law, Evidence, Criminal Procedure, and Torts, but I knew I could improve on Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure, Real Property, Corporations, Professional Responsibility, and Agency & Partnerships.
With only three weeks to go, what I found myself doing was looking at some reliable source's predictions and basing my last minute studying on those, with an emphasis on my "average" subjects listed above.
And, of course, always staying fresh on the MBEs. Frankly, I thought the MBEs on the July '12 exam were easy. This was partly due to my innate strength on them, and on the insights I gained through Tolerico's Best MBE program. And that's not necessarily a plug for Jason's program, it's just the truth.
And then finally I had just come to the point where I knew I had the ability to pass, it was just a matter of performing. My only weakness, as I saw it, was with my presentation on the essays and PTs. The confidence I felt in my knowledge of the law, and my now overwhelming frustration at not having passed, resulted in a "letting go", if you will, of the internal limitations I had apparently been placing on myself.
And a solid MBE score helps too. The average raw MBE score for CA takers on the July exam was about 148, and with complete humility I wouldn't be surprised if my score was closer to 160 than 150. That's just how I feel about it. And I think that (imagined) MBE score coupled with letting go of all of my anxiety and stress is why I passed. But, again, who really knows? It could be that I finally found the holy grail of writing methods and sucked out loud on my MBEs. Hey, it could happen!
One commenter asked if I could post some of my past essays. I haven't done that before, but I'll try to find a way to do that here. I'll keep you posted.
I apologize for the dearth of posts, I've been really (REALLY!) busy with this lawyering stuff. Who'd a thunk it, eh?
At this point in my exam preparations I was usually writing essays under timed conditions (but not nearly as diligently as I should have), and working on my middling subjects (and MBEs, of course.) The way I saw it, I had a decent chance of improving on the subjects I was only average on, and despite much effort I had been unable to improve on my weak subjects (primarily Community Property, Contracts, and Wills & Trusts.)
I felt strong in Criminal Law, Evidence, Criminal Procedure, and Torts, but I knew I could improve on Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure, Real Property, Corporations, Professional Responsibility, and Agency & Partnerships.
With only three weeks to go, what I found myself doing was looking at some reliable source's predictions and basing my last minute studying on those, with an emphasis on my "average" subjects listed above.
And, of course, always staying fresh on the MBEs. Frankly, I thought the MBEs on the July '12 exam were easy. This was partly due to my innate strength on them, and on the insights I gained through Tolerico's Best MBE program. And that's not necessarily a plug for Jason's program, it's just the truth.
And then finally I had just come to the point where I knew I had the ability to pass, it was just a matter of performing. My only weakness, as I saw it, was with my presentation on the essays and PTs. The confidence I felt in my knowledge of the law, and my now overwhelming frustration at not having passed, resulted in a "letting go", if you will, of the internal limitations I had apparently been placing on myself.
And a solid MBE score helps too. The average raw MBE score for CA takers on the July exam was about 148, and with complete humility I wouldn't be surprised if my score was closer to 160 than 150. That's just how I feel about it. And I think that (imagined) MBE score coupled with letting go of all of my anxiety and stress is why I passed. But, again, who really knows? It could be that I finally found the holy grail of writing methods and sucked out loud on my MBEs. Hey, it could happen!
One commenter asked if I could post some of my past essays. I haven't done that before, but I'll try to find a way to do that here. I'll keep you posted.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Sunday, December 23, 2012
A Little More Rumination On What I DId Differently ...
... to pass the July 2012 Bar Exam.
I just replied to an email from someone taking the CA bar exam again in which I tried to communicate what I did differently this time to pass. As you might imagine, I have thought about this quite a bit since November 16, 2012, at 6:18 p.m., and my thoughts, and understanding on the subject have evolved somewhat since my last post. I have pasted below relevant portion of my reply to this person, (with minor editing):
Looking back, I think that they must be looking for something like the "casual disdain" (or "casual contempt"?/"casual disgust"?/"bored familiarity"?) with which I wrote my answers on the last exam. I believe the graders try to see through the words on the paper in an effort to get a feel for the state of mind of the person writing it. When I think about the instructions on the front of the essay packet I imagine that they must be looking for signs that the writer is so secure in their command of the material that they don't have to rely heavily on the crutch of the strictly structured IRAC format.
After years of struggling to understand why my nicely structured and IRAC'd answers, calmly written in 60-70 minutes on subjects in which I knew the rules inside and out, received scores of 50, 55, or 60, but my hurried, unstructured, much less IRAC'd answers, which had always been dashed off in 50 minutes or less, and which frequently produced scores of 65 or 70, I finally convinced myself that I had to make a serious effort to figure out why this was happening.
The only answer I could come up with (that made sense to me, anyways) was that they were looking for an answer that was more than what amounted to an "outline with details." And when they saw a strictly IRAC'd "outline with details" I imagined it created an image in their mind of a writer who was trying to show he knew all the issues, all the rules for the issues, all the elements of the rules, and all of the facts which related to those issues/rules/elements - which was something they specifically advised us not to do in the instructions on the cover page of the essay packet. I also knew these (issues/ rules/elements) are things that everyone who graduates from law school should know. What I needed to discover was the conceptual, fundamental, ethereal, difference between a nicely structured answer that received a score of 65, 70, or 75, and my own nicely structured answers that almost always received scores of 50, 55, or 60.
I decided that this must be what they mean when they say that they are looking for an answer that shows more than that the writer can simply recall the issues and rules, but can write about those things in a lawyer-like manner. We must be able to combine them in a way that communicates an understanding of how the issues/rules/elements/facts relate to each other and to the solution of the overall problem presented. They must be looking for an answer that shows that the writer knows those elemental things so well that he has moved beyond merely being able to create the blueprint for a complete answer. They must be looking for signs that writer understands the subject completely and grasps, and can effectively communicate, a comprehensive solution to the big picture of the problem presented.
I imagined it to be similar to the difference between, for example, a baker who is competent enough to combine all the ingredients of a recipe to bake a cake, and the baker who has mastered the fundamental baking process, is proficient at building a complete cake, with multiple layers, and who can decorate the multilayer cake in a way that tastes good and is pleasant to look at, thereby producing a complete, high-quality, nicely finished product that has value to the consumer.
Despite the short length of that reply it took me quite a while to compose so I decided that I might as well share it with the rest of you. It is basically the same as what I said below, but the different way in which it is presented might strike a chord with someone when the earlier explanation did not.
Take good care, and good luck on the upcoming exam.
GP, Esq.
I just replied to an email from someone taking the CA bar exam again in which I tried to communicate what I did differently this time to pass. As you might imagine, I have thought about this quite a bit since November 16, 2012, at 6:18 p.m., and my thoughts, and understanding on the subject have evolved somewhat since my last post. I have pasted below relevant portion of my reply to this person, (with minor editing):
Looking back, I think that they must be looking for something like the "casual disdain" (or "casual contempt"?/"casual disgust"?/"bored familiarity"?) with which I wrote my answers on the last exam. I believe the graders try to see through the words on the paper in an effort to get a feel for the state of mind of the person writing it. When I think about the instructions on the front of the essay packet I imagine that they must be looking for signs that the writer is so secure in their command of the material that they don't have to rely heavily on the crutch of the strictly structured IRAC format.
After years of struggling to understand why my nicely structured and IRAC'd answers, calmly written in 60-70 minutes on subjects in which I knew the rules inside and out, received scores of 50, 55, or 60, but my hurried, unstructured, much less IRAC'd answers, which had always been dashed off in 50 minutes or less, and which frequently produced scores of 65 or 70, I finally convinced myself that I had to make a serious effort to figure out why this was happening.
The only answer I could come up with (that made sense to me, anyways) was that they were looking for an answer that was more than what amounted to an "outline with details." And when they saw a strictly IRAC'd "outline with details" I imagined it created an image in their mind of a writer who was trying to show he knew all the issues, all the rules for the issues, all the elements of the rules, and all of the facts which related to those issues/rules/elements - which was something they specifically advised us not to do in the instructions on the cover page of the essay packet. I also knew these (issues/ rules/elements) are things that everyone who graduates from law school should know. What I needed to discover was the conceptual, fundamental, ethereal, difference between a nicely structured answer that received a score of 65, 70, or 75, and my own nicely structured answers that almost always received scores of 50, 55, or 60.
I decided that this must be what they mean when they say that they are looking for an answer that shows more than that the writer can simply recall the issues and rules, but can write about those things in a lawyer-like manner. We must be able to combine them in a way that communicates an understanding of how the issues/rules/elements/facts relate to each other and to the solution of the overall problem presented. They must be looking for an answer that shows that the writer knows those elemental things so well that he has moved beyond merely being able to create the blueprint for a complete answer. They must be looking for signs that writer understands the subject completely and grasps, and can effectively communicate, a comprehensive solution to the big picture of the problem presented.
I imagined it to be similar to the difference between, for example, a baker who is competent enough to combine all the ingredients of a recipe to bake a cake, and the baker who has mastered the fundamental baking process, is proficient at building a complete cake, with multiple layers, and who can decorate the multilayer cake in a way that tastes good and is pleasant to look at, thereby producing a complete, high-quality, nicely finished product that has value to the consumer.
Despite the short length of that reply it took me quite a while to compose so I decided that I might as well share it with the rest of you. It is basically the same as what I said below, but the different way in which it is presented might strike a chord with someone when the earlier explanation did not.
Take good care, and good luck on the upcoming exam.
GP, Esq.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Bar Exam Post Mortem (Complete!)
Okay, here are my ramblings on the July 2012 Bar Exam. Much of this stuff is repeated from the
personal emails I sent to those with whom I corresponded personally, but much
of it was edited for a general audience.
On studying while working ....
As far as apportioning time between work and studies, I just
played it by ear. I work for myself so I had a certain amount of
flexibility in the type and amount of work I would accept. In preparing
for the February 2012 exam I took massive amounts of time to study between
December 1st and the exam. I felt like I really needed to renew my knowledge
and comfort level with the material. For the July 2012 exam I spent the
vast majority of my time on work. My priority at that time was to make
money. Besides, I was extremely disgusted with myself for having failed
the February exam. I think, however, that worked in my favor. When
I did take time to study, I focused on my weak areas (writing!) and pretty much
ignored the MBEs.
On the changes I made to my writing style for the July 2012
exam ...
On this last exam, the main thing I changed, and it was spontaneous and unplanned, was my attitude about the exam overall. I was so disgusted with the whole process that I ended up taking a huge leap of faith. Instead of writing in a strict (very strict) IRAC method, I wrote with what I've described as a "casual disdain" for the subject. I continued to state the issue and the rule as before, but in my analysis I made a conscious effort not to be as structured. I tried to show the grader that I was comfortable with the subject. I didn't want my answer to look like an outline with details. I can only guess that was the difference, but I also applied that attitude to the PTs. And on an exam that many people say was more difficult than the previous one (Feb 2012), I passed. I wish I could see my scores to see if that was the difference.
On past exams I stuck with my familiar and comfortable structured IRAC format. I believe it was comfortable for me because of my programming background. For those of you who aren’t familiar with that world, a programmer must pay strict attention to all of the facts in the problem and make sure to address each of them properly. As a result, on the bar exam I treated all facts as important and necessary to the resolution of the problem. But in my new "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" style, I mentioned some of the facts I considered less important but I didn't struggle to fit them into my analysis. If I found a way, so be it, but if I didn't find a place for them I left them out. My overall goal was to emulate the released answers in the way they "rambled", if you will, on the main issues. I hope that makes sense. It's something I learned both from Jason's class and from the released answers. Also, I stopped worrying that my answers were not as long as some of the released answers. On exams past, some of my highest scores were on essays that were very short.
I also made a conscious effort to complete my outline on my laptop before I started writing. I used to start my outline then I would include a couple of facts, and then a little bit of analysis, and then I frequently found that 30 minutes had passed and I still didn't have a complete outline. This resulted in a hurried and confused answer that failed to hit all of the major issues.
On this last exam, the main thing I changed, and it was spontaneous and unplanned, was my attitude about the exam overall. I was so disgusted with the whole process that I ended up taking a huge leap of faith. Instead of writing in a strict (very strict) IRAC method, I wrote with what I've described as a "casual disdain" for the subject. I continued to state the issue and the rule as before, but in my analysis I made a conscious effort not to be as structured. I tried to show the grader that I was comfortable with the subject. I didn't want my answer to look like an outline with details. I can only guess that was the difference, but I also applied that attitude to the PTs. And on an exam that many people say was more difficult than the previous one (Feb 2012), I passed. I wish I could see my scores to see if that was the difference.
On past exams I stuck with my familiar and comfortable structured IRAC format. I believe it was comfortable for me because of my programming background. For those of you who aren’t familiar with that world, a programmer must pay strict attention to all of the facts in the problem and make sure to address each of them properly. As a result, on the bar exam I treated all facts as important and necessary to the resolution of the problem. But in my new "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" style, I mentioned some of the facts I considered less important but I didn't struggle to fit them into my analysis. If I found a way, so be it, but if I didn't find a place for them I left them out. My overall goal was to emulate the released answers in the way they "rambled", if you will, on the main issues. I hope that makes sense. It's something I learned both from Jason's class and from the released answers. Also, I stopped worrying that my answers were not as long as some of the released answers. On exams past, some of my highest scores were on essays that were very short.
I also made a conscious effort to complete my outline on my laptop before I started writing. I used to start my outline then I would include a couple of facts, and then a little bit of analysis, and then I frequently found that 30 minutes had passed and I still didn't have a complete outline. This resulted in a hurried and confused answer that failed to hit all of the major issues.
On studying on your own (part one): essays …
If you're going to be studying on your own for the next exam I have a couple of suggestions. You might try just focusing on the MBE subjects. All of the MBEs (obviously) and at least three of the essays (and perhaps two others via crossover) will be on that material. This will allow you to focus the bulk of your studying on a smaller number of subjects, which will be less daunting of a task. Then, with a couple of weeks to go, you can refresh your memory on the non-MBE subjects. I did this when preparing for the last exam because I wanted to avoid the usual feeling of being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material I had to dig back into. Besides, I had very little spare time in which to prepare. Then you can use your experience and common sense to skip the issues that are tested rarely, if ever. Most essays contain a small subset of issues that are tested repeatedly (negligence, murder, subject matter jurisdiction, free speech, etc.) If you skip the issues that you know are unlikely to be on the essays the amount of material you have to study will be reduced further.
I also used Jason's predictions to further refine my studies in those last few weeks. I relied on my knowledge from past exams to get me through the subjects I treated lightly. And I figured that if I could improve my performance on the MBE subjects, I could afford to maintain my scores on the other subjects.
If you're going to be studying on your own for the next exam I have a couple of suggestions. You might try just focusing on the MBE subjects. All of the MBEs (obviously) and at least three of the essays (and perhaps two others via crossover) will be on that material. This will allow you to focus the bulk of your studying on a smaller number of subjects, which will be less daunting of a task. Then, with a couple of weeks to go, you can refresh your memory on the non-MBE subjects. I did this when preparing for the last exam because I wanted to avoid the usual feeling of being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material I had to dig back into. Besides, I had very little spare time in which to prepare. Then you can use your experience and common sense to skip the issues that are tested rarely, if ever. Most essays contain a small subset of issues that are tested repeatedly (negligence, murder, subject matter jurisdiction, free speech, etc.) If you skip the issues that you know are unlikely to be on the essays the amount of material you have to study will be reduced further.
I also used Jason's predictions to further refine my studies in those last few weeks. I relied on my knowledge from past exams to get me through the subjects I treated lightly. And I figured that if I could improve my performance on the MBE subjects, I could afford to maintain my scores on the other subjects.
On studying on your own (part two): PTs …
The PTs have always kicked my butt. No matter how well
I thought I did when I walked out of the session, I inevitably received scored
of 55 or 60 (with the occasional 65.) I seemed to be able to do fairly
well on my practice PTs when I took extra time (30-45 additional minutes) but,
as we know, we only get three hours on the actual exam.
What I lacked was a method of attacking and organizing them. I used to read the complete file then read the complete library, to try to get an overall feel for what I was going to write. This, obviously, wasted much time and I never had enough time to analyze completely and to end them strong. Plus, I used to copy a lot of the language from the library into my answer as I was reading it, thinking I would have to put it in there anyway, but then ended up deleting much of it or simply leaving it there because, darn it, if I had taken all that the time to type it I might as well use it (and maybe I would get lucky and it would be in the right place!)
Those strategies didn't work so well.
I obviously don't know what score I got on the PTs I wrote in July, but I believe they must have been better or else I wouldn't have passed. What I learned in Jason's class was how to get through the material in the proper amount of time (~90 mins) and how to locate and pull the important elements from the library.
On the July 2012 exam I spent up to 5 minutes on the introductory email from the partner (about 1 min) and the task memo (up to 4 mins), then I quickly scanned the file to get a feel for what I needed to do and what I was working with (10-15 mins). I then spent as much time as I needed (up to the 90 minute mark), briefing the cases in the library, pulling out the relevant law, and outlining my answer (on my laptop, not on paper.) From 90 minutes until the end I would write my answer.
And on this exam, I did NOT copy copious amounts of the library into my answer. My PTs on this last exam were shorter than the ones I had written on past exams because I tried to put more of my own analysis into my answer rather than just retyping the cases in the library.
What I lacked was a method of attacking and organizing them. I used to read the complete file then read the complete library, to try to get an overall feel for what I was going to write. This, obviously, wasted much time and I never had enough time to analyze completely and to end them strong. Plus, I used to copy a lot of the language from the library into my answer as I was reading it, thinking I would have to put it in there anyway, but then ended up deleting much of it or simply leaving it there because, darn it, if I had taken all that the time to type it I might as well use it (and maybe I would get lucky and it would be in the right place!)
Those strategies didn't work so well.
I obviously don't know what score I got on the PTs I wrote in July, but I believe they must have been better or else I wouldn't have passed. What I learned in Jason's class was how to get through the material in the proper amount of time (~90 mins) and how to locate and pull the important elements from the library.
On the July 2012 exam I spent up to 5 minutes on the introductory email from the partner (about 1 min) and the task memo (up to 4 mins), then I quickly scanned the file to get a feel for what I needed to do and what I was working with (10-15 mins). I then spent as much time as I needed (up to the 90 minute mark), briefing the cases in the library, pulling out the relevant law, and outlining my answer (on my laptop, not on paper.) From 90 minutes until the end I would write my answer.
And on this exam, I did NOT copy copious amounts of the library into my answer. My PTs on this last exam were shorter than the ones I had written on past exams because I tried to put more of my own analysis into my answer rather than just retyping the cases in the library.
On the MBEs …
If you are already strong on the MBEs (as I was), I still believe Jason's stand-alone MBE program is almost mandatory. If I had to do it all over again (and I thank God that I don’t), I would invest a little money there because even with my higher than average MBE scores I was able to see improvement. I thought the July 2012 MBEs were easy, and I suspect I improved on the raw MBE score of 149 I received in February. The median raw MBE score for the July 2012 exam for CA takers was 147, which implies that you should shoot for a raw score in the mid-140s (or higher!) to help ensure a passing score. One student in Jason's class in 2011 went from a raw MBE score of 100 on the July 2011 exam to a 140 on the Feb 2012 exam. I thought that was amazing. He missed passing the Feb 2012 exam by about 5 points.
If you are already strong on the MBEs (as I was), I still believe Jason's stand-alone MBE program is almost mandatory. If I had to do it all over again (and I thank God that I don’t), I would invest a little money there because even with my higher than average MBE scores I was able to see improvement. I thought the July 2012 MBEs were easy, and I suspect I improved on the raw MBE score of 149 I received in February. The median raw MBE score for the July 2012 exam for CA takers was 147, which implies that you should shoot for a raw score in the mid-140s (or higher!) to help ensure a passing score. One student in Jason's class in 2011 went from a raw MBE score of 100 on the July 2011 exam to a 140 on the Feb 2012 exam. I thought that was amazing. He missed passing the Feb 2012 exam by about 5 points.
After receiving bad news on the day the results were
released …
When I began my preparations for the next exam (after dealing with the emotional trauma of receiving bad news), I always started preparing for the next exam by writing out the rules for the most commonly tested issues, then outlining and writing essays. I discovered the most commonly tested issues by going through about the past 10 years of released answers (focusing on the MBE subjects first), then writing down the issues that were tested. I used this list of tested issues to focus my studies for the July 2012 exam.
On a side note, after each bar exam I created a spreadsheet from the scaling factors released by the State Bar. I used that spreadsheet to play around with my numbers to see what combination of scores I would have needed to pass. It can be a distraction, but it also gave me hope to see that I only needed a few more MBEs or a couple of 65s on my essays to have passed that particular exam. On the July 2012 exam, a raw MBE score of 135 and an average writing score of 60 would have resulted in a passing score.
When I began my preparations for the next exam (after dealing with the emotional trauma of receiving bad news), I always started preparing for the next exam by writing out the rules for the most commonly tested issues, then outlining and writing essays. I discovered the most commonly tested issues by going through about the past 10 years of released answers (focusing on the MBE subjects first), then writing down the issues that were tested. I used this list of tested issues to focus my studies for the July 2012 exam.
On a side note, after each bar exam I created a spreadsheet from the scaling factors released by the State Bar. I used that spreadsheet to play around with my numbers to see what combination of scores I would have needed to pass. It can be a distraction, but it also gave me hope to see that I only needed a few more MBEs or a couple of 65s on my essays to have passed that particular exam. On the July 2012 exam, a raw MBE score of 135 and an average writing score of 60 would have resulted in a passing score.
Miscellaneous …
If you’re a repeater, and you are as determined to be a
lawyer as I was, you need to find a way to suppress the disappointment and
frustration at not having passed, and dig back into those books. The hardest
part of taking the exam for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th,
and 11th times, was convincing myself to invest myself in the process
sufficient to improve my performance on the next exam. This was
especially difficult after about my 6th attempt because my scores were not
improving. I seemed to be stuck in the 1370-1405 range with the
occasional dip to the 1350-ish range. My lowest score was 1326, which I
received on my second attempt, and which I attributed to my failure to study as
I was so demoralized at having failed on my 1st attempt.
I specifically remember studying for my 4th attempt. I was confused, frustrated, determined, and depressed as I dug my study materials out once again. I remember purging much of the material I had previously relied on as it had not helped to improve my score. That was a good thing because in my desperation to pass I had gathered up as much study material as I could get my hands on, which only served to confuse me and would derail my attempt to form a cohesive study strategy. After all, when each book, guide, and outline I picked up claimed to be the best method for passing the bar exam, I didn't know which to trust. As a result, my studies were unfocused. Towards the end (December 2011 through the July 2012 exam) I had discarded all but the BarBri tall outlines for the issue and rule definitions, and of course I also used all of the material from Jason Tolerico's One Timers program.
So I believe a big reason that I passed the July 2012 exam was that I focused on one method only (Jason's) and stuck with it, which was tough for me because I had learned not to trust any one method to substantially improve my scores. It seems like an easy decision when looked at from the perspective of an outside observer, but the view from the inside is not nearly so clear - especially when one is being slowly tortured by FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt.)
The bottom line for everyone who repeats the exam is to believe in yourself. Believe in your knowledge of the law and in your ability to write a passing answer. Everyone who graduates from law school has the knowledge sufficient to pass the bar exam. What we lack is the knowledge of how to present it to the grader in a way that effectively communicates that we are qualified to practice law.
I specifically remember studying for my 4th attempt. I was confused, frustrated, determined, and depressed as I dug my study materials out once again. I remember purging much of the material I had previously relied on as it had not helped to improve my score. That was a good thing because in my desperation to pass I had gathered up as much study material as I could get my hands on, which only served to confuse me and would derail my attempt to form a cohesive study strategy. After all, when each book, guide, and outline I picked up claimed to be the best method for passing the bar exam, I didn't know which to trust. As a result, my studies were unfocused. Towards the end (December 2011 through the July 2012 exam) I had discarded all but the BarBri tall outlines for the issue and rule definitions, and of course I also used all of the material from Jason Tolerico's One Timers program.
So I believe a big reason that I passed the July 2012 exam was that I focused on one method only (Jason's) and stuck with it, which was tough for me because I had learned not to trust any one method to substantially improve my scores. It seems like an easy decision when looked at from the perspective of an outside observer, but the view from the inside is not nearly so clear - especially when one is being slowly tortured by FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt.)
The bottom line for everyone who repeats the exam is to believe in yourself. Believe in your knowledge of the law and in your ability to write a passing answer. Everyone who graduates from law school has the knowledge sufficient to pass the bar exam. What we lack is the knowledge of how to present it to the grader in a way that effectively communicates that we are qualified to practice law.
If I remember correctly, the blurb on the front of the essay packet tells us that our answer should not just show that we know the law, but that we can relate the facts to the issues in a lawyer-like manner. I took this to mean that we should show the grader that we are so comfortable with the subject that we don’t have to use the strict IRAC method as a crutch. So, as I said above, I took a huge gamble (for me) and decided to analyze the issues as though I were talking about them with my buddies. I can only guess that was a big factor in getting a passing score.
So, there you go. I probably
left something out but that’s the bulk of it.
Feel free to email me with questions about what I’ve written here.
Take care, all, and best of luck on the February 2013 exam!
GP
Friday, December 7, 2012
Malpractice Insurance Info
After checking out a couple of companies, including the one recommended by the State Bar in the material we received with the good news that we passed, I've decided to go with this company: Lawyers' Mutual Insurance Company(LMIC). The premium for the first year is $175.00 cheaper than the one proffered by the State Bar, and the features and benefits appear to be greater. Further, according to someone I know who has been paying the premium of the State Bar proffered program for four years, the premium of the LMIC program at the same point in time is about half of the State Bar Program.
Now, I obviously have no claims experience with either of these insurance companies, nor do I ever hope to, but, based on their paper representations, I like mine better.
Disclaimers: IMHO, FWIW, YMMV, Caveat Emptor, Carpe Diem, Res Ipsa Loquitur, Macho Grande Vente Latte (with soy), Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious, I am in no way, no how, no nothing, getting anything in the way of any compensation of any type whatsoever, neither physical, mental, ethereal, cosmic, gasmic-or, general, specific, non-gender specific, gender specific, gender befuddled, torn, spindled, or mutilated, for this referral/recommendation/whatever.
Now, I obviously have no claims experience with either of these insurance companies, nor do I ever hope to, but, based on their paper representations, I like mine better.
Disclaimers: IMHO, FWIW, YMMV, Caveat Emptor, Carpe Diem, Res Ipsa Loquitur, Macho Grande Vente Latte (with soy), Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious, I am in no way, no how, no nothing, getting anything in the way of any compensation of any type whatsoever, neither physical, mental, ethereal, cosmic, gasmic-or, general, specific, non-gender specific, gender specific, gender befuddled, torn, spindled, or mutilated, for this referral/recommendation/whatever.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
I Believe I've Replied to ...
... everyone who emailed me privately. Please let me know if I'm wrong.
I've decided to keep the blog going in roughly it's current form. I'm willing to entertain suggestions for minor changes, although I'm not sure how much latitude I have there because of the requirements/limitations of the host service.
Cheers, All!
I've decided to keep the blog going in roughly it's current form. I'm willing to entertain suggestions for minor changes, although I'm not sure how much latitude I have there because of the requirements/limitations of the host service.
Cheers, All!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Ack! I've Been Hella Busy!
What with the extra work (as an attorney now) that's been handed me by my buddy, with whom I've been working for the past few years, reorganizing my business ... stuff, and everything else, etc, et al, ad nauseum, I haven't had time to answer emails in the manner in which I intended. Apologies to those of you to whom I've promised replies. But have faith that I will answer them.
Post-Successful-Bar-Exam life has been good. Really good. And the butterflies that I used to feel before the exam and before results were released (at least, in the first couple of years), now return almost daily when I think about the fact that I finally passed and I don't have to take it ever again. Man, what blessed relief!
I'll write more on my Post-Successful-Bar-Exam life soon. And I'll also write something about what I think I changed that resulted in seeing my name on the pass list.
Post-Successful-Bar-Exam life has been good. Really good. And the butterflies that I used to feel before the exam and before results were released (at least, in the first couple of years), now return almost daily when I think about the fact that I finally passed and I don't have to take it ever again. Man, what blessed relief!
I'll write more on my Post-Successful-Bar-Exam life soon. And I'll also write something about what I think I changed that resulted in seeing my name on the pass list.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Alrighty Now ...
...
Well, what can I say?
I'm not sure whether I'm more pleased by having finally passed the bar exam, or from knowing that I will not have to take it one, more, time.
The former, I think, but it's close.
There is no doubt, however, that it would have been much, much more difficult to hang in there for these past few years without the constant support and affirmation provided by you, my readers.
And for that, I will be eternally grateful.
Thank You.
Since Friday at about 6:20 p.m. I've been busy writing and answering emails, and making and answering phone calls. It's been great! Yet still, it hasn't completely sunk in. Studying for, and taking, the bar exam had become such an integral part of my life that it's hard to imagine not having to do it again. But I'm sure I will get used to it! One commenter was nice enough to remind me not to register for the February 2013 exam. I appreciated that!
I still have a lot of emails to answer, and I'll be doing well to get to all of them before the end of this week. But rest assured that I will answer each of them.
Thanks to each of you for all you've done for me. I appreciate it more than I can say.
Brian
aka GP
Well, what can I say?
I'm not sure whether I'm more pleased by having finally passed the bar exam, or from knowing that I will not have to take it one, more, time.
The former, I think, but it's close.
There is no doubt, however, that it would have been much, much more difficult to hang in there for these past few years without the constant support and affirmation provided by you, my readers.
And for that, I will be eternally grateful.
Thank You.
Since Friday at about 6:20 p.m. I've been busy writing and answering emails, and making and answering phone calls. It's been great! Yet still, it hasn't completely sunk in. Studying for, and taking, the bar exam had become such an integral part of my life that it's hard to imagine not having to do it again. But I'm sure I will get used to it! One commenter was nice enough to remind me not to register for the February 2013 exam. I appreciated that!
I still have a lot of emails to answer, and I'll be doing well to get to all of them before the end of this week. But rest assured that I will answer each of them.
Thanks to each of you for all you've done for me. I appreciate it more than I can say.
Brian
aka GP
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Before I Sign Off Tonight ...
... I would like to thank the people who made this (my passing) possible: my agent, my producer who believed in me, my parents who gave birth to me, my big brother who pulled my pigtails whenever possible, ... ummm, wait, that's the wrong speech.
... I would like to thank Jason Tolerico.
For specific reasons why Jason made a difference, you can check recent past posts. But on a general philosophical level, Jason was the whole difference. He showed me what the bar was looking for in an answer. In his program I was able to see how my writing style differed from the style the State Bar Examiners were looking for. As a result, I was able to adapt my own style to the "preferred" style, which resulted in a pass. It took a whole year because I had a lot of bad habits to overcome. But I have no doubt that Jason's program was the reason I passed.
I acknowledge that individual persons respond differently to different programs. But for me, after all this time, Jason's program was the solution.
I don't know what will become of this blog now. It may just hang suspended in time, reflecting this last moment of its existence in perpetuity.
But I doubt that will be it's fate.
Stay tuned ...
GP
... I would like to thank Jason Tolerico.
For specific reasons why Jason made a difference, you can check recent past posts. But on a general philosophical level, Jason was the whole difference. He showed me what the bar was looking for in an answer. In his program I was able to see how my writing style differed from the style the State Bar Examiners were looking for. As a result, I was able to adapt my own style to the "preferred" style, which resulted in a pass. It took a whole year because I had a lot of bad habits to overcome. But I have no doubt that Jason's program was the reason I passed.
I acknowledge that individual persons respond differently to different programs. But for me, after all this time, Jason's program was the solution.
I don't know what will become of this blog now. It may just hang suspended in time, reflecting this last moment of its existence in perpetuity.
But I doubt that will be it's fate.
Stay tuned ...
GP
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