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Monday, January 21, 2013
Planning Your Finances for the Bar Exam
An important piece of your bar exam preparation has nothing to do with Torts, Family Law, or Criminal Law. It has to do with planning ahead to ensure that you have a budget in place to pay for the expense of taking the bar exam.
A few ideas to get you started with your Bar Study Financial Plan:
- Create a budget that incorporates your bar review expenses. Make sure to include your bar review course fee, your bar exam application fees, examsoft fees if applicable, MPRE registration fees, your hotel/transportation during the administration of the bar exam, and living expenses while studying for the bar exam.
- Save a designated amount of money each month for your bar review. Put this money in a separate account or a "cookie jar" so that you do not unintentionally (or intentionally) spend it on something else. Try to make sure that you have scheduled enough months of saving to cover your projected expenses.
- Reduce your current spending (forgo that extra latte, brown bag it for lunch, or take the bus instead of paying for parking). Cutting out the extras can be a bummer but in the end, you will be happy to have saved enough to get through your bar preparation without having to work. It is unnatural to give up every luxury. Pick one or two things that help you feel good and that are good for you. If you enjoy your yoga classes or gym membership, keep those. If you like to get a smoothie or fill up at the salad bar once a week, you should continue. These are healthy choices that also make you feel good. Keep the treats that nourish you and pass on the rest.
- Discuss bar loans and/or bar scholarships with your law school's Financial Services Office. If your finances will require you to apply for a bar loan, do not wait to research your options. Scholarships are numbered and due to the economic times there will be a great deal of competition. Learn about the opportunities in your State or City and apply early.
- You do not want to hear this but you could move back in with your folks. I know this may be a bitter pill to swallow. On one hand, you are an adult and you do not want to move back in with your parents. However, on the other hand, it is best to think about how you can save money while you are studying. Check to see if your relatives or friends have an apartment, cabin, or summer home that will be unoccupied or ask around to see if someone you know needs a house sitter for the summer.
- Graduation is around the corner. While you would rather use a gift of cash on a trip to Hawaii for after the bar exam, using graduation money to fund your bar study is a smarter and more fiscally responsible idea.
Although they are a costly endeavor, bar review courses are essential if you want to be successful on the bar exam. Planning ahead for the costs associated with the exam will lessen your stress and help you cope with the potential financial strain.
Lisa Young
January 21, 2013 in Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation, Bar Exams | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Monday, December 17, 2012
Early Bar Prep
Not taking the bar exam until summer but curious about what to expect? Thinking about ways to get a head start on your bar prep over the break? Want to have a better idea of what is required in your state when applying for the bar exam? Great! Advance planning is an essential ingredient in your bar exam preparation. Here are a few ways to get started without causing anxiety, taking too much time, or causing you to feel overwhelmed. In fact, these helpful ideas will help reduce the brewing stress that the bar exam produces and will help you feel more in control when you are studying for the bar exam this summer.
1. Plan financially for the bar exam. This could mean stocking away money every week reducing your current spending (forgo that extra latte, brown bag it, or take the bus instead of paying forparking), or creating a budget that incorporates your bar review expenses. Taking the bar exam can be an expensive endeavor. So even if we avoid the fiscal cliff, a substantial expense is still in your future. You should anticipate spending approximately $2000-$6000 for your bar preparation.
2. Make your hotel reservation. It may seem too early to call the hotel closest to the bar exam testing center, but it is not. Hotels book quickly and you want to have a choice as to where you stay when you take the most important exam of your life. Find out where your state bar will take place and research the hotels in the area. Once you have made your selection, call them directly and ask for the group rate, use your AAA discount (or other discount), or search online for the best deals.
3. If you have not already, sign up for a commercial bar review. In these economic times, many students ask me if taking a bar review is really necessary. Resolutely, my answer is always yes, a bar review is necessary to achieving success on the bar exam. Take your time to determine your options and how they will suit your individual needs. Bar prep courses are an investment, see item #1 above, but one that is wholly worth it.
4. Check out The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) web page at www.ncbex.org. You will find information regarding the MBE, MEE, MPT, MPRE, and UBE. There are also helpful articles and resources regarding every aspect of the bar examination process from bar exam application information, character and fitness issues, and psychometrics and scoring of the bar exam. Even if you have a limited amount of time, I highly suggest becoming familiar with the NCBE's website.
5. Similarly, think about where you want to sit for the bar exam. Once you have thought through where you want to be licensed, determine the jurisdictional requirements in that state. Contact the licensing entity and review the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admissions published by the NCBE and the American Bar Association. In this document, you will find information regarding every aspect of the bar examination and contact information for state bar admission agencies.
Lisa Young
December 17, 2012 in Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation, Bar Exams | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Repeat Bar Takers: "Let's Make a Deal and Let's Make a Plan"
When repeat bar takers come to me for assistance, there are many facets to my strategy to help them. In previous posts, I discussed how to lend support and encouragement, how to help them diagnose their weaknesses, and how to destroy their self-doubt. Now, the next and final phase is to start planning for their next (and final) attempt at the bar exam.
A strong plan will make a huge difference in their preparation. I ask them to map out the next two to three months. They can print a blank calendar; use an online program; represent days on index cards and tape them to a wall; or use a white board. But, I find that they need a visual because it provides motivation, perspective, and a finish line.
Realistic, achievable goals are important for repeat exam takers. Easily reached goals are ineffective; but, goals that are challenging but doable provide the incentive students need to keep progressing. One tip is to have them use learning strategies like chunking to guide their organization of the material that they will be studying. Taking small chunks or pieces of subject will help them feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
Although they may get a calendar from their commercial bar review, since they are repeaters, I ask them to create their calendar based on their individual priorities and needs. They may need to spend more time memorizing, or more time on a particular subject, or they may need to concentrate their time on essay writing practice. In multistate jurisdictions, some students may need to devote more time to the MBE questions than the written portion or vice versa. Yes, they need to study every subject and they need to practice within every subject, but I want their schedule to reflect the specific needs we have diagnosed.
In addition to creating a calendar outlining their study schedule, I ask them to infuse a few "rewards" into their daily or weekly routines. For some, a reward will be time for an exercise class or a run around the lake. For others, it will be enjoying happy hour with friends on a Friday night. For students with children, it is carving out time to suit the needs of their family. It is a mistake to leave these soul- filling, stress releasing activities off of their schedules. Plus, when a productive environment with sufficient break time is created, the student is less likely to procrastinate.
Before they leave my office, the reality is that I may never see them again, so I not only try to get them to make a plan, I also try to get them to make a deal. The deal is that they commit to passing the exam this time around. While this seems like a simple statement, the ripple effect is powerful. They have made a conscious decision in my presence to begin again and declare their ability to pass. Now, they are ready, they are empowered, and they are equipped with the tools to help them succeed.
Best wishes to all of the repeater exam takers this coming February!
Lisa Young
December 13, 2012 in Advice, Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Diagnose, Deliver, and Destroy
I know this title sounds like a new Hollywood apocalyptic action film; but, it is not. Instead, this is the next step that I suggest repeat bar examinees take in their journey to passing the bar exam. Once these grads have processed their emotions regarding their bar results, they are ready to look toward the future.
Diagnosing weaknesses from their past exam is helpful so that they know how to effectively structure their study schedule for the upcoming exam. I read through their essays and look for accurate and complete issue identification, errors or law, and their use of key facts in their analysis. (The WA bar exam is currently essay-only.) I also pay close attention to their organizational framework and approach to each essay. I find that students with weak organization likely did not write enough practice essays. Or, they wrote practice essays during bar review; but, they either did not write the essays under testing conditions (closed-book and timed) or they did not evaluate their essays after writing them. I ask them to assess how they studied for the bar the first time and to think about ways they could improve their routine.
Delivering tough love is also a necessary part of this process. Sometimes delivering tough love along with pointing out their imperfections is too much for them to take in one sitting. One must tread lightly and gauge emotional stability when dealing with repeat bar exam takers. While you may hear Aaron Neville crooning the song "Tell it Like It Is" in the back of your mind, these repeat exam takers may not be prepared mentally to hear what you have to say. If you recognize that they have not already reached a level of acceptance with their results, they may not be ready to move forward with the rest of the meeting.
However, it is counterproductive to merely tell these grads what they want to hear. They are in my office for my honest opinion about what they did wrong and how they can remedy those defects. Thus, I offer constructive criticism and try to deliver it with a spoonful of sugar (…it helps the medicine go down). As mentioned in my earlier post, I always have a basket full of chocolate nearby and that seems to help.
Likely, there are high points in their exam file. I focus first on a good example or concentrate on a higher scored essay. Then, I move to an essay that may need more work. By evaluating their strengths and weaknesses, they have a better understanding of which features to maintain and which to change. In recognizing their strengths; they build confidence. In understanding their weaknesses, they build up their determination and resilience, which they will need in order to move forward.
Together, once we have diagnosed the flaws in their past exam and identified their strengths, I instruct them to put that exam away and stop thinking about it. They can no longer change what happened during that 2 day exam. It was a snapshot in their life, which will be filled with a million more. In order to move forward, one must let go of the past. It is time for them to destroy their self-doubt. It is time for them to destroy the negativity around their past experience. They cannot make a new plan without first destroying any uncertainty that they have in their ability to pass.
Lisa Young
December 5, 2012 in Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation, Bar Exams, Encouragement & Inspiration | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Friday, July 20, 2012
Don't "Choke" on the Bar Exam
Recently I had the opportunity to attend a lecture given by Sian Beilock, Associate Professor of Psychology at The University of Chicago and author of Choke: What The Secrets of the Brain Reveals About Getting It Right When You Have To. The lecture focused on the science of why individuals choke under pressure and how to best avoid performance anxiety. While the lecture did not focus on the stress applicants feel taking the bar exam, it was wholly applicable.
When pressure and anxiety to perform is high (like the bar exam), the brain's prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for our working memory, focuses on the anxiety instead of recollecting essential information for successful performance. When a student is filled with too much anxiety, regardless of their aptitude, the anxiety interferes with their thought process and almost turns off their working memory to anything other than the stress of the event. This is why we often see highly intelligent and capable students perform below expectations in testing situations.
There are several ways to help students avoid this prefrontal cortex reaction. One, which is often employed by commercial bar reviews, is taking practice tests under timed conditions. These simulations help the brain overcome stress and will likely prevent students from "choking" during their actual test because they have established coping mechanisms to deal with their stress. Therefore, during the real test, they can practically operate on autopilot without stress interfering with their working memory.
Additionally, positive self-talk is an important aspect of testing success. Professor Beilock suggests that writing about your stress for ten minutes before an exam will free working memory. This cognitive function can instead be applied to performing well on the exam.
The simple act of acknowledging fear and stress prior to taking the bar exam could make the difference between passing and failing. I have told each of my students, especially those struggling with intense testing anxiety, to try the writing exercise each morning of the bar exam. I am hopeful that it will calm their fears and help them reach their highest potential next week.
Lisa Young
July 20, 2012 in Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation, Bar Exams, Exams - Studying, Stress & Anxiety | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Friday, May 25, 2012
Bar Prep Before Bar Prep
At the end of the semester, students often ask me if they should begin their bar preparation prior to the official start date of their commercial bar review course. Little did they know, my answer to this question is quite lengthy. I do not have a simple response because every student has unique needs and varying circumstances.
Some students should get started studying for the bar exam directly after graduation because the earlier they get started, the easier bar prep will be for them during the summer. These students may have struggled with essays writing, IRAC format, memorization, or simply take longer than most to grasp the law. If they do know how to get started, they should discuss their needs with their commercial bar prep provider or their Academic Support team. Since most bar prep courses have online components (lectures, workshops, MBE practice etc.), it easy to begin studying before your scheduled course begins.
Some students finish law school feeling completely exhausted and totally drained. Unlike the students who need to begin bar study early, these students really need a break after graduation. Using the week or two interim between graduation and bar review to renew, recharge, and refresh is the best way for them to ensure success during their bar prep. Not everyone will be lucky enough to spend a week in an exotic destination or on the beach, but even taking a short break from their daily academic routine is just what the doctor ordered.
For both groups of students, it is a great time to get organized. They should create a positive study environment by clearing clutter and cleaning out their living space. They should buy a large paper desk calendar and add the classes for their summer bar review schedule and any essential items or events that they are unable to delegate or eliminate over the summer. Seeing what their life will look like on paper will help ease the shock.
While calendaring, it is easy for students to fall into the trap of filling every second with bar study. Instead, prior to bar review, I encourage students to think of a few ways to find respite from their upcoming, countless hours in the library. Joining a yoga class, carving out time for a date night, or sitting in the sun with friends for a few hours a week can be hugely beneficial. If students plan and calendar these breaks and treat them like a reward for their hard work, they are more likely to stave off distractions during their study time. While I am the first one to tell them that they need to devote 10+ hours a day to studying for the bar exam, I am also a huge proponent of finding balance. (Lisa Young)
May 25, 2012 in Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation, Bar Exams | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Isolation and Disconnect in the Midst of Family Support
We just had our hooding ceremony this past weekend. Many of you are in the graduation mode as well. The celebrations are joyous - even though brief with the start of the bar review courses.
I talked with many students' parents, spouses, and children. Some for the first time. Others were family members that I have known for the three years. In many cases I knew stories about the family members even if I had never actually met them.
As I walked through the reception areas after the ceremony, I was once again struck by the isolation that law students often feel during law school even when they have lots of supportive family members. The isolation is caused by the fact that unless you have gone through law school yourself, you cannot fully understand what the law student is confronting.
Many of our students are not only the first lawyers in their families, but also the first family member to graduate from college, let alone a graduate school. They are trailblazers for all of the family members coming behind them.
They have achieved in their academics without their family members understanding the academic milieu. Some of them have had cultural expectations that they had to overcome as well - especially women students whose cultures expected them to get married at an early age and have children rather than go on in their education.
The disconnect with their families will continue for several more months. Non-attorney families expect their new graduates to act "normal" again and participate in all of the family events now that law school is over. They do not understand why one has to study for the bar when three years of law school were just completed. They do not understand the level of anxiety that attends sitting the exam and waiting for results.
We need to help our graduates as they maneuver their bar review to deal with any sense of isolation or disconnect from their families and support systems. Denise Riebe and Michael Schwartz's book, Pass the Bar!, has a short chapter on preparing your significant others. It is a useful resource for us and our students. (Amy Jarmon)
May 24, 2012 in Bar Exam Issues | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Monday, May 14, 2012
Two Most Common Bar Exam "Confidence Traps" by Ronald Dees
The Two Most Common Bar Exam "Confidence Traps" and How You Can Avoid Them
By Ronald D. Dees
Building and maintaining a healthy confidence level is an important component to overall bar exam preparation. There are typically two "Confidence Traps" that cause examinees to be at risk of performing poorly on the bar exam. Students can either be so paranoid about failing that they lose confidence and literally allow their fears to overwhelm them, or on the other end of the spectrum a student can be too confident and thereby underestimate the level of preparation necessary to be successful. By knowing the traits of students who typically fall victim to these "Confidence Traps," you can evaluate your bar exam confidence level in order to avoid falling into the traps.
The most common confidence trap is the "paranoia trap." This student is the one who allows his lack of confidence to overwhelm him. The causes of the lack of confidence can be many things. Perhaps the student performed somewhat poorly in law school, or for some reason just does not feel like he can handle the stress and difficulty of preparing for the bar exam.
The key to success for students who lack confidence for any reason is to develop a study plan designed to build confidence through self-assessment and feedback.
If you find yourself in this category, know that you are not alone and the best way to overcome these feelings is to construct a study plan that will help you build a healthy confidence level over time. Doing so will cause you to reach a point where you will know in your heart and mind that you are ready to perform well on exam day.
Many bar takers lack confidence and almost everyone feels overwhelmed by the volume of material they are presented with during bar preparation. Don't allow such feelings to defeat you. First of all, you must remind yourself that no one gets every question correct or writes perfectly edited script on the bar exam. Secondly, everyone who has ever taken the bar exam felt like they could have used a few more days or weeks to prepare. No student can possibly know "all" of the law. However, if you prepare diligently, on exam day you should feel that you are as well prepared as anyone else in the room and are probably prepared better than most. That feeling itself is a great confidence booster.
Self-assessment and feedback are the keys to building a healthy level of confidence. Throughout your bar preparation, track your progress as you improve on your MBE test questions and take note as you succeed in memorizing more and more law. Write essays and turn them in to someone in your school's Bar Services or Academic Support Program for review and feedback. If your school does not have such a program, find a professor who is willing to look at your essays and give you feedback.
Another facet of avoiding the paranoia trap is to make a study plan that you feel confident about. It should be one that you know will work for you based on your past success. Stick to your plan, work hard, and work smart. Identify the things you have done in the past that were not helpful or were detrimental to your studying or study habits, and eliminate those things. Constantly assess your plan and be willing to get rid of things that are not working and do more of the things that are working well for you. Keep in mind that you don't have to have the best score on the bar exam, you just have to pass. However, you want to prepare like you are trying to earn an A, so that even if you have a bad day, you can still be confident that you are capable of scoring a C and passing the exam.
Not as common, but still worth discussing are those bar takers who fall into the "overconfidence trap."
The student who may fall into this trap underestimates the difficulty, complexity, and demands of proper bar exam preparation. This student typically self identifies as very intelligent and falls into one of two personality types. She may have been either a top-of-the-class "Law Journal Type," or she was what I refer to as the "Voluntary Under-Achiever."
The key to success for both of the above types of students is to develop a healthy respect for the difficulty of the bar exam.
The Law Journal Type thinks to herself, "I am one of the top law students in my class, so passing the bar exam is not going to be a problem for me. I will study for it a little, but I am smart enough to pass the bar exam without much real effort. I mean, after all, it is just a test of minimal competency. No problem for a smart girl like me."
The Voluntary Under-Achiever has trouble staying devoted to studying and typically does just enough to get by. She is smart and knows it. After all she was smart enough to make it through law school with average or above average grades while putting forth only moderate effort. She thinks to herself, "I am a smart girl and I pretty much skated through law school with no problem, so I can do the same on the bar exam. I'll put in a few hours of study time here and there and maybe cram a little just before the exam, but I don't need to study for hours and hours, day after day, week after week. I never had to study that way in college or law school and I still passed, so the bar exam should be no different."
Both of the above types of students need to develop a healthy respect for the difficulty of the bar exam. If you fit into either of these personality types, you need to realize early on that the bar exam is a lot like law school finals, except that it is about five to ten times as difficult. You see, final exams in law school are usually tested over a two week period and you may even have some time to prepare between tests. Furthermore, you typically take four or five classes per semester, so you only have to prepare for four or five legal subjects. Also, many times one or two classes might be a "paper class" where turning in a paper is the final, and one or two classes might also have an open book exam. So, you actually only have to memorize the law for one to three subjects to prepare for finals.
On the bar exam, you will need to memorize the rules of law for 15 to 20 subject areas depending on what is tested in your state. Thus, it will take five to ten times as much work to prepare for the exam as it did to prepare for finals. If you spent three to four weeks preparing for finals, you would need thirty to forty weeks to prepare for the bar if preparing at the same pace that you used in law school. Now, obviously you don't have that many weeks between graduation and the bar exam, so you are going to have to devote more time per day and per week to studying for the bar than you did in law school, even though you are really smart. Otherwise, you risk being poorly prepared and having an unsuccessful result on the exam.
Developing a healthy respect for the difficulty of the bar exam will help you avoid falling into the overconfidence trap and will motivate you to develop and stick to a study schedule that reflects the time commitment necessary to properly prepare.
In conclusion, the key to this success for all students is to balance a healthy respect for the difficulty of the bar exam with the confidence that comes from being well prepared on exam day. You can allow that healthy respect to motivate you to prepare properly, and in turn, knowing that you are well prepared will help you maintain your level of confidence, reduce stress, and improve your performance on exam day.
May 14, 2012 in Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation, Guest Column | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Guest Post on Bar Prep by Courtney Lee
This is a blog post I share with my students on the Monday before the bar exam, when they need that final push to go forth and conquer. I write with the California Bar Exam in mind, but the general ideas can transfer to other jurisdictions.
Tant que je respire, j'attaque!
It's finally here! Hopefully you set a time today to stop studying so that you can relax and attack the exam with a fresh mind tomorrow morning. Trust me, you've been studying for months and a few hours will not make much, if any, difference. As you start to wrap things up, here are a few last-minute reminders:
Mind the clock!
It's the cardinal rule of bar prep: Do not exceed 60 minutes on any California Bar essay question! No matter how difficult a particular question may be, no good can come from spending more time on one answer at the expense of others. A graduate once admitted to spending extra time on a question that was complex and contained a lot of issues. He received an 85% on his answer – a terrific score – but it was not enough to compensate for the scores he received on the other essays that he had to rush through.
Follow IRAC!
You have no greater friend on the California Bar Exam (aside from your watch) than IRAC. Even if you encounter a "throat-clearer" issue, you can still use IRAC and make your grader happy. For example:
Personal Knowledge
A witness may not testify to a matter unless the witness has personal knowledge of the matter. Here, Wit saw the accident occur, so Wit has personal knowledge.
That is a very short analysis, but it still follows the IRAC format. IRAC keeps your answer organized and is what your graders want and expect to see, so don't deviate.
Zip your lips!
No matter how tempted you are to rush out of the testing center at lunch and double-check every detail of your answers with your friends before you forget, resist! Graders look at your answer holistically, so why bother comparing your thoughts with someone else? There is a Contracts question on file where the two released answers each decide differently on the UCC/Common Law issue. Can you imagine if those two applicants had discussed their answers with each other after the exam? Each would have spent the next four months fretting about failure, when in reality they wrote the two published answers.
Don't panic!
This one is difficult, but important: If you encounter a question on which you draw the dreaded blank, do not panic. All panicking does is waste time. Instead, there are a couple of proactive measures you can take:
What would my mom say?
When I took the bar, the second essay question covered a topic our commercial review professors promised would hardly be anywhere in the MBE, let alone in the essays – yet there it was. Instead of freaking out and thinking about how certain I was that I would fail (okay, maybe I did that for a minute), I thought about the question from a lay perspective: what would my mom, who never went to college, say if I asked her this question? Remember, the examiners are not trying to trick you. If you think about it logically, you probably will kick-start your brain and be able to pick out the issues and even remember some (or all) of the rules.
Reverse Engineering
If you can't remember a rule, read through the facts again with a critical eye. Why was Fact A included? Why was Fact B included? The examiners tailor their questions so that almost every fact can be used in an applicant's answer. By reading through the facts and hunting for clues, you can probably "reverse engineer" the rule by picking out the facts that illustrate the elements.
Finally, and most importantly: NEVER, EVER GIVE UP!!
I was reasonably sure that I failed that second question; in fact I'm still not convinced that I got a passing score on it. Unfortunately I also encountered a couple of other questions (not just one) concerning subjects that I did not expect to see at my sitting. On top of all of that, I felt completely confident about five MBE questions – literally, five out of two hundred! But none of this matters because I stayed calm, answered to the best of my ability, and passed the exam as a whole.
So you encounter a curve ball, and you swing and miss. So what? That's only one strike. If you throw down your bat and walk away, you might miss out on hitting the game-winning home run! Cheesy analogies aside, you simply have to stay positive and keep attacking each question with confidence, even if you have to fake it.
The title of this entry is a quote from Bernard Hinault, who won the Tour de France five times in the 1980s. Translated to English, it means, "As long as I breathe, I attack." Take that attitude with you into the bar exam for the next three days, and no matter what they throw at you, don't let it phase you. As long as you breathe, you attack!
I will be thinking of and rooting for every one of you this week!!
January 29, 2012 in Advice, Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation, Bar Exams | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Monday, December 12, 2011
Teaching Bar Takers the Importance of Accurate and Complete Rule Statements
A guest post from Ron Dees, of Washburn Law School:
A tool for teaching bar takers the importance and value of accurate and complete rule statements:
As you all know, many times students fail to memorize and/or transcribe accurate and complete rule statements into their exam essays. This almost always leads to incomplete analysis due to missed issues and missed opportunities to discuss facts relevant to those issues. It can also lead to incorrect conclusions. Incomplete analysis and incorrect inclusions in turn lead to lower overall scores on exams. This is an issue that is relevant throughout law school, but is even more important on the bar exam because bar exams are rule based exams. That is to say that legal theory and policy are not heavily tested. What is tested on bar exams is the examinee's ability to reach a well-reasoned conclusion by applying the rules of law to hypothetical fact situations.
Even after three years of law school, some bar takers simply don't seem to realize the importance and usefulness of rule statements. They sometimes seem to think of rule statements as nothing more than a technicality to be placed at the "Rule" place marker section in their IRAC or CIRAC format. Thus, it is often necessary to show them the importance of using accurate and complete rule statements. Doing so will help the student do a more complete analysis, and the student will begin to realize the added value of rule statements when shown how using rule statements as outlines for analysis makes formatting and writing essays easier. That in turn can help lower exam stress levels, because the student will feel confident that the rule they memorized during study can be used to easily format essays on exam day.
A simple table can be used as a tool for teaching the importance of accurate and complete rule statements. As the table below shows, breaking down the rule statement into its individual parts or elements allows the student to quickly form an outline for the analysis portion of their essay before they begin writing. This outline allows them two advantages. First, their writing will be well organized and secondly the outline serves as a checklist of items that should be discussed in the analysis. If the rule statement is accurate and complete, the checklist will be accurate and complete, and the likelihood of missing necessary parts of the analysis is lower. If the rule statement is incomplete, the analysis may still be well organized, but vital parts of the analysis may be missing, which will cost the student potential points.
The rule for "piercing the corporate veil" is used here in IRAC format as an example:
Student A |
Student B |
Essay Roadmap using complete rule statement |
Essay Roadmap using incomplete rule statement |
Issue: Can the corporate veil be pierced to reach the personal assets of the shareholders? Rule: The corporate veil protecting shareholders from personal liability can be pierced to reach the shareholders' personal assets if: (a) corporate formalities are ignored and injustice results; (b) the corporation was undercapitalized at the time of formation; or (c) the corporation was formed to perpetrate a fraud. Analysis: (1)Were corporate formalities ignored? (2) If so, did injustice result from the lack of formalities? (3) Was the corporation undercapitalized? (4) If so, was it undercapitalized at the time of formation?; or (5) Was the corporation formed to perpetrate fraud? Conclusion: The corporate veil may not be pierced to reach the personal assets of the shareholders |
Issue: Can the corporate veil be pierced to reach the personal assets of the shareholders? Rule: The corporate veil protecting shareholders from personal liability can be pierced to reach the shareholders' personal assets if: (a) corporate formalities are ignored; (b) the corporation was undercapitalized; or (c) the corporation was formed to perpetrate a fraud. Analysis: (1) Were corporate formalities ignored? (2) Was the corporation undercapitalized; or (3) Was the corporation formed to perpetrate fraud? Conclusion: The corporate veil may be pierced to reach the personal assets of the shareholders. |
Student A uses the complete rule as an outline, and we can see that a complete analysis will discuss the existence or non-existence of facts relating to five issues. Student B uses an incomplete rule statement, and thus is missing two sections of analysis that should potentially be included in the analysis. The missing analysis sections result directly from the missing portions of the incomplete rule statement. This represents a lost opportunity to earn points on the essay. The potential points for discussing resulting injustice and capitalization at the time of formation will likely be lost because the student failed to use a complete rule statement as an outline for their analysis.
Furthermore, Student B may reach an incorrect conclusion on the issues discussed due to the same shortcoming. As an example, the hypothetical may contain a fact stating that the corporation has recently become undercapitalized. Student B may thus incorrectly conclude that the veil may be pierced on the grounds of undercapitalization, because the incomplete rule statement does not contain the associated requirement of "at the time of formation." Student A will be able to use checklist issue number four to cause her to recognize that the undercapitalization came about at a later time in the corporation's existence and that timing must be considered. Thus, the undercapitalization in the given hypothetical does not fulfill the requirement of "at the time of formation." Therefore, Student A will correctly conclude that the veil may not be pierced on the grounds of undercapitalization.
An example such as this is often helpful in teaching students the importance of using precise and complete rule statements. First, it highlights how the rule statement can be used to provide a roadmap to success in the form of a complete outline for essay answers. Secondly, it highlights how the resulting outline can aid the student in formulating a complete analysis and reaching accurate conclusions.
December 12, 2011 in Advice, Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation, Bar Exams | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Monday, December 5, 2011
Change is in the air...The Uniform Bar Exam
The temperature is cooling and the brightly colored leaves are beginning to lose their hold. Autumn vividly embodies transition and change. However, the leaves are not the only things changing; changes are also underway with regard to the bar exam.
The Uniform Bar Examination is gaining popularity. Recently, Nebraska and Colorado became the latest jurisdictions to adopt the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE). Other States that have begun administering the UBE or have adopted it for future administrations are: Alabama, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana (conditional approval), North Dakota, and Washington. Susan Case, The National Conference of Bar Examiner's Director of Testing, announced at this fall's NCBE's Anatomy of a Bar Exam Conference that several other jurisdictions are currently considering adopting the UBE as well. Decisions are still pending for Utah, the District of Columbia, and others.
The biggest news regarding this significant change is that Washington State (my home state) will begin administering the Uniform Bar Examination in the summer of 2013. Washington has been a holdout state (along with Louisiana, who is also now considering changes to their exam) until now. Washington State's current bar exam is essay only. Yes, it is true, presently WA does not require the MPT, MBE, or the MPRE; at least not until the summer of 2013 when the UBE will first be given in Washington.
Some of you may be asking, "What is the UBE and how it is different from what states are currently administering?" Although, the Uniform Bar Examination does not differ greatly from what most states are administering twice a year, there are a few exceptions and some potential benefits with its adoption. The Uniform Bar Exam consists of the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) (200 multiple choice questions), the Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) (six essays), and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) (two 90 minute closed universe legal writing tasks). For the UBE, the MBE is worth 50%, the MEE is worth 30%, and the MPT is worth 20% of the overall score. The overall score, or the "UBE score", is the important number in this equation.
Score portability is the major selling point for this exam. But it is important to remember that the UBE score is portable, not the applicant's pass status. Therefore, if an applicant passes the UBE in one jurisdiction, they may not pass in another. Admission is not automatic. An applicant needs to reach a passing UBE score in each jurisdiction for which they are applying. Therefore, a higher score on the UBE allows for greater ease of portability.
Other factors may also influence whether the creation and adoption of the UBE produce a positive impact on the ability to move from state to state in search of legal work. For one, UBE scores do not last forever. Thus, once a student takes the UBE, the score is only portable for a time frame determined by the state accepting the UBE score. What this means in reality is that portability may be short lived unless the applicant obtains licensure in multiple jurisdictions soon after taking the UBE.
While maintaining a license to practice law in multiple jurisdictions could be a positive step in one's legal career, it is also fraught with possible hardships; namely, financial ones. According to the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements (produced by NCBE and The American Bar Association), applications fees for bar admission cost between $100- $1500 depending on the jurisdiction. Additionally, in order to maintain multiple licenses, yearly license renewal fees, pro bono requirements, and mandatory Continuing Legal Education credits may be required in each jurisdiction. In light of the state of the US economy, fees and requirements such as these may pose a genuine disadvantage to holding multiple bar licenses.
Will the advent of the UBE create more lawyer migration and/or provide more job opportunities for new law graduates? Potentially, yes. Here is the bright side of the UBE. The UBE could create more opportunities for new law grads by giving them more flexibility in where they are able to seek employment. Considering the legal job market, this could be a huge benefit for new attorneys willing to migrate to more marketable jurisdictions.
While in theory the UBE appears to have many benefits, more seasons of UBE test taking need to pass before this question can be precisely answered. Missouri and North Dakota administered the first UBE in February 2011, Alabama in July 2011, Colorado and Idaho will administer the UBE in February 2012, Nebraska anticipates the effective date of adoption to be January 1, 2013, while Washington will administer the UBE in July 2013. Once the UBE is underway in more jurisdictions and UBE transfer data is compiled by the NCBE, we will likely see the true benefits of the Uniform Bar Exam.
Until these benefits emerge, it is important to have students thoughtfully consider where they would like to live and work before applying to take the bar exam. The UBE will likely allow law grads greater mobility but not without a potential price. Although an essential rite of passage, the bar exam is not a task worth repeating and if the UBE makes that possible I hope we see more states sign on.
*Information regarding the UBE and UBE jurisdictions obtained from the NCBE and ncbex.org.
December 5, 2011 in Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation, Bar Exams | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Friday, August 26, 2011
1L's, Strong Arm Your Fears!
There is no doubt that you have been caught up in the flurry of activity that accompanies the beginning of the academic year. Heavy meddlesome casebooks; jam packed orientation; a throng of new faces; and the cacophony of perplexing terminology bombarding you in each lecture- Welcome to Law School! Although the first days and weeks (or even your entire first year) of law school may seem overwhelming, there are ways to ease your transition and maintain a positive outlook.
Here is one way to get started on the right track with your law school journey. Grab a sheet of paper and a pen (yes, this requires a little work). Do this when you have about 30+ minutes of quiet, uninterrupted time to devote to it. Now, open your mind and focus on yourself…
First, take a few minutes to reflect on your personal strengths. These could be anything from having a friendly smile to being a great basketball player. Create a list of as many positive attributes about yourself that you can think of. Do not shy away from being excessive or even exaggeratedly vain. This list is for your eyes only- so go for it!
Next, write down your fears related to law school. Is it hard for you to meet new people? Are you nervous about the infamous Socratic Method? Are you scared that you do not have what it takes to succeed? Do you think the workload will be too challenging? Again, write it all down. This too is for your eyes only- so try not to limit your list.
Finally, take the remaining time to think of how you can put your strengths to work on your most dreaded fears. This may take some work. Connecting your exquisite knitting ability with your debilitating fear of being called on in class may not seem feasible. However, with a little creativity anything is possible. Such as: if you could knit while being called on in class or while in a study group (possibly with other stitchers), you may find that your anxiety has decreased.
Use your strengths to overcome your fears. If you are a great communicator one-on-one but fear speaking in large groups, try sitting in the front row and pretend you are conversing with only the professor. This may help you in more ways than you can imagine. Grab a seat in the front row and you will likely be more actively engaged and less intimidated or distracted by other classmates.
Acknowledging your strengths and your fears will help you determine your best personal strategy for success in law school. Putting your strengths at the forefront and focusing on them (instead of being destroyed by your fears), will lead to more productivity, less stress, and better mental and physical health (and likely a higher GPA).
Therefore, above all, remain optimistic even on your darkest day. If you need a reminder of how great you are, ask your significant other, best friend, or a close relative. They will help you see through the self doubting haze that many law students acquire their first year. Of course if you need to hear it from an unbiased, trustworthy source, I suggest that you read your list.
August 26, 2011 in Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation, Bar Exams, Encouragement & Inspiration, Orientation, Stress & Anxiety | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Giving 3L's a time line
On the heels of my last post, I realized that a time line is appropriate for 3L's planning on taking the bar exam next July. This is especially important if your school does not offer bar prep; every year I hear about students who miss the deadlines for bar exam paperwork because they didn't know when they were due. The best resource when creating a 3L time line is Denise Riebe and Michael Hunter Schwartz's Pass the Bar!; I would strongly recommend it to all 3L's.
A few pointers for 3L's and the ASPer's who work with them:
1) Know the state where you plan to sit for the bar and and the paperwork deadlines.
2) Know what paperwork is required for character and fitness and how long it will take to get the required documents. If students need to request their driving records from a state DMV or work summary from Social Security, they need to know how long this will take.
3) If a student is moving before the bar exam, they need to know when graduation is scheduled and when the commercial bar prep course starts. If graduation is on a Sunday and bar prep starts on Monday, it is good to be packed and ready to go before Sunday night.
4) Know the deadlines for signing up for commercial bar prep courses, and decide if they will need additional loans in order to pay for a course.
5) Ask recommenders how much time they will need to submit a reference.
There are many other pointers for 3L's that are state-specific. These are just a sampling of the things that trip up students and add stress to the 3L year.
August 18, 2011 in Advice, Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Final Stretch
The last week of bar exam preparation is upon us. While everyone studying for the bar exam will need to spend their precious last days slightly differently,all bar applicants need to focus on staying positive and prioritizing their individual study needs. One size does not fit all. Here are a few helpful tips to assist those in their final bar study stretch this summer.
- Make a plan for your last week and stick to it. Prioritize your weaker subjects and/or the sections of the exam that are most difficult for you. Try to gain a minimum level of competency in each subject area and on each section of the exam.
- Clear all non-essential tasks from your schedule. If it does not involve essay writing, MPT practice, or MBE review, do not do it.
- However, it is best to incorporate some physical activity into your day even if it is a just a short, brisk walk. Leave the library or your study area to get some fresh air at least a few times a day.
- Remember that memorization is necessary but without practice, memorization is futile. Memorize, practice, and evaluate your progress.
- Remain positive! Tell yourself daily or even hourly that you can do this. Find strategies to stop negative thoughts. Think about prior graduates who passed on their first attempt, think about all of the long hours you have put into your study, and, most importantly, believe in yourself. Repeat out-loud: "I will pass the bar!"
- Although nothing seems balanced right now, try to maintain a balanced diet. Make good food choices and stay away from the empty calories. Load up on protein and stay hydrated. This will help you stay focused, give you lasting energy, and keep you healthy for your big week.
- Spend 12-14 hours each day studying but do not forget to take care of yourself. Sleep is essential. Do not miss out on the regenerative power of a good nights sleep to learn more about the rule against perpetuities.
- Ask for help when you need it. There are many resources available to you. From friends and family to your law school and bar prep, everyone is invested and committed to helping you achieve success on the bar exam. Reach out, we are here to help!
July 21, 2011 in Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The Dog Days of Bar Preparation
The 4th of July is over. Students have now been studying for the bar exam for at least a month and a half, and they still have weeks to go. Students are tired, and there isn't a break in sight. These are the dog days of bar prep. Many parts of the country are in a heat wave, which means beaches and pools beckon even devoted students.
It is important to keep students going through the dog days of bar prep. Encouragement and strategically timed breaks are critical.
1) Encourage students to mix up their study routines to keep things fresh. It's easy to get bored of bar prep.If they haven't been using flash cards, they should try them now. Study in a different room. Students who try novel ways to mix up their routine recall information better than students who stick with only one method.
2) Breaks are encouraged, but should not be abused. Students need to understand they don't want to peak before the actual exam. If they feel like they are at their very best right now, they need to slow it down. Many super-achievers focus too hard, too soon, and are burnt out before the bar. That is not good.
3) Expect a dip in performance for a week or so. Everyone goes through a period where their progress feels stalled, and they can't find the focus to keep going. It's important to realize that a dip in performance on practice questions is okay if they are still studying.
4) Have an ice cream social for bar studiers, or a movie night that reminds them of why they want to be licensed. Sponsor a night of Legally Blonde or To Kill a Mockingbird. Remind them of why they are putting themselves through this. If money is an issue at your school, ask the development office to sponsor the event. This may be one of the law students last contacts with the school.
5) Shopping should not be a bar prep relaxation technique. This is something I have heard more about recently, in light of the economic challenges facing many law students. Students cannot afford to use shopping as a release, even if they have a job lined up after the bar.
Good luck to all my colleagues who are helping students prepare for bar exams! (RCF)
July 12, 2011 in Advice, Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Gearing students up for bar prep
I haven't worked on bar prep for a couple of years, but I speak to many colleagues at other law schools who spend most of their summer working with alumni on preparing for the bar exam.This is a short list of recommendations based on what I have heard from colleagues and my own experience preparing students for the bar exam:
1) Never take the bar exam "for practice"
Look at the bar exam for what it is--THE bar exam. Students who worry about anxiety getting in the way of performance sometimes tell themselves they will take it once "for practice" to become acquainted with the exam. However, this can lead them to sloppy study techniques. I hope this attitude becomes more rare with the changes in the economy. Students do themselves a disservice when they try to alleviate anxiety by telling themselves they can take it again, because it removes ALL the pressure. Some pressure to perform is good, because it focuses study. There is a middle ground between paralyzing anxiety and dismissing the exam as practice. Students should focus on that middle ground.
2) Don't let practice tests scare you--let them guide your study
Early practice exams frequently come back marked up with significant suggestions. Students need to realize that they have time to fix the errors. Making mistakes in May and June does NOT mean they are not ready to take the bar exam. It usually means they need more focused practice on the areas that are difficult for them. Don't let students give up if they are struggling.
3) Practice your writing under timed conditions
Some students will take practice exams without the time constraints to test how much they know. This is a mistake because it gives them a false sense of confidence. It does not help a student if they know all the law, but it takes them too long to recall it. Knowledge of the law is critical, but being able to recall the law accurately while under pressure is essential to bar exam success.
4) Stay away from gimmicks
Oh, the gimmicks. There are too many to list. Students hear all about how to "game" the test, strategies to do well on one part and ignore another, or spend disproportionate amounts of time on some area of the law. I am not talking about smart studying based on examination of long-term trends on the exam, which is valid and helpful. I am referring to the word-of-mouth, unsubstantiated gimmicks that students hear about from people who took the bar decades ago, or from friends-of-friends-of-friends. These gimmicks almost always lead to problems. Studying for the bar exam is, for the most part, straightforward. Students need to know the law. Students need to be able to perform under timed conditions.
5) Don't over-study and burn out before the exam
Another tactic of students with exam anxiety is to study 12-14 hours a day, every day, and plan to keep up that schedule for over two months. It is not realistic that your mind or body can maintain that type of schedule. Focused, meaningful study, with breaks and time to enjoy life, is the path the success. It's all about balance. Overstudying means that by the time the exam comes, students won't have the stamina necessary for a 2-3 day test.
6) Don't beat yourself up over minor slip-ups in bar prep
Just like in life, stuff happens. You get sick. You just have a bad couple of days when you can't focus. Your car breaks down and you spend all day waiting for the mechanic to tell you what is wrong. While a bar prep schedule is critical, be sure that the study plan is flexible enough to accommodate life. If something throws the bar prep schedule off course, just get back to the schedule and plan to make up what was missed a little bit at a time, until it's all covered.
7) Don't talk to anyone about the exam during breaks or after it is finished
It is tempting for students on exam day to rehash what was difficult. DON'T LET THEM DO IT! It will freak them out and make them think they failed the exam. What is done is done. There is no point in rehashing the exam, because it leads to unnecessary anxiety.
June 30, 2011 in Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation, Bar Exams | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Friday, May 27, 2011
Working Nine to Five
Many students have the notion that studying for the bar exam is a nine to five venture. "Just like a full-time job…" is what they tell me. There are two major flaws in their understanding. First, am I really the first one to clue them in to the fact that practicing law is not a nine to five gig? Do they truly think that they will be home nightly by 5:30? Sadly, some still believe that they will have more time on their hands when they are working full-time practicing law than they did in law school. I briefly enlighten them to the realities associated with the practice of law but then I focus on a more imminent concern- their bar exam preparation.
Since my main function is to lead them on a path to success on the bar exam, I first need to wipe away any misunderstandings that they may have about the exam or the process of studying for it. Urban myths regularly seep into the law student's psyche gnawing at their self confidence and challenging their fortitude. Debunking these myths and separating fact from fiction is a strategic starting point as I gradually replace their vision of a nine to five schedule with a more realistic nine to nine one.
For example, end of semester conferences just wrapped up with my Bar Exam Skills Lab students. We have fifteen minutes in which to discuss a myriad of issues. Discussions range from how do I pay for my bar prep class, to how do I study, to lessons in IRAC. But repeatedly the question du jour was, "How long do I really need to study each day during bar prep? Nine-five should really be enough, right?" I was not shocked the first time I heard this but after a few dozen conferences and many similar sentiments, I knew I had some work to do.
First I must ask, is this generational? Unlike many of my students, when I was preparing for the bar exam I understood that my life (my complete existence) would be devoted to bar prep during the summer after graduation. I knew lazy mornings with a cup of coffee and the newspaper, sunny days filled with berry picking and beach-combing, and long weekend camp-outs would be impossible given the shear amount of work ahead of me. For current students (my California dreamers), it was time for me to deliver a cold, harsh wake-up call.
During one of my last classes of the semester, I discussed how to create an action plan for bar exam success. With years of experience helping students through this process and the many useful ideas from the textbook I use, PASS THE BAR by Denise Riebe and Michael Hunter Schwartz , I formulated a snapshot view into the life of a bar student. What an eye opener these soon to be bar takers! Most were shocked by the intensity and length of time necessary to adequately study for the exam. But overall, they were grateful to know how they should be spending their time this summer.
By knowing what to expect and establishing a routine before bar prep begins, students increase their likelihood of success on the bar exam. By heading off procrastination before it starts, delegating unnecessary tasks when necessary, and taking all non-essential items off their calendars, students will free their time and their mind from needless worry.
While their focus this summer is studying, I also encourage them to balance their bar prep with their personal needs. Reminding students that sufficient sleep, good nutrition, and regular exercise are priorities seems a bit paternalistic but I have found that gentle prompting is always welcomed and needed. Balancing and prioritizing our needs and responsibilities is difficult (for all of us). However with careful planning and advanced scheduling, students should still be able to stay healthy, connect with their loved ones, and have some down time while studying for the bar. Although bar prep is not a "nine to five gig", "it's enough to drive you crazy if you let it"[i]. Instilling confidence in your students and teaching prudent time management strategies should make the bar prep process more manageable and less unpredictable.
(Lisa Young)
May 27, 2011 in Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation, Bar Exams | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Bar Applications: Deadlines, Disclosures, and Determinations
Even though I teach a two credit class to 3Ls for early bar preparation, as Director of the Bar Studies Program at Seattle U, I also need to make sure that students unable (or unwilling) to take my class get the same important information regarding the bar exam before they graduate. Therefore, I provide several workshops during spring semester introducing them to the bar exam and the bar application process.
As weknow, the bar exam application process is time consuming and can pose significant challenges for some students. However, without our prodding, some students do not realize this until the eleventh hour. In light of the AALS presentation "Character and Fitness: To Disclose or Not to Disclose, That is the Question" and the ensuing discussion regarding our role as academic support professionals and the counseling we give to students, it seems necessary for all schools to adopt a similar workshop revolving exclusively around the bar application process.
While meeting with every 3L to discuss their bar application is nearly impossible, holding a short workshop for all 3Ls is easily doable and accomplishes the same goal. Providing accurate information regarding the application process and deadlines and conveying the importance of full disclosure, serve several objectives. Students will be more apt to meet the application deadlines (and not line up outside your office the day they are due), feel supported by their law school during this somewhat tedious process (a good way to end their law school career), and to understand that professional ethics is not just a class they took their second or third year of law school (instead they are standards by which they will be called to live by…starting now). Above all, students in attendance with additional questions or past indiscretions will know whether to schedule a one on one appointment to discuss their application further.
Essentially, the best advice we can give our students is to be open and honest when completing their bar application. During the AALS presentation, Margaret Fuller Corneille, Director of the Minnesota Board of Law Examiners, stated that successful applicants are candid, show no malice when mistakes are made on their law school/bar exam applications, accept responsibility for their past conduct, and show that they have made positive social contributions. Bar Associations act at as "Gate Keepers" to the legal profession. In this capacity, they are determining whether an applicant has the ability to handle the responsibilities of being a lawyer. Instilling the notion that candor on their applications reflects on their present moral character is crucial.
Our role as educators in this process is significant. However, this role may vary depending on how you define your purpose and what your institution determines to be their responsibility. Questions presented by Susan Saab Fortney, Interim Dean and Professor of Law at Texas Tech University School of Law, at the AALS presentation are good starting points as you (and your institution) consider how to characterize this role. I have paraphrased some of Professor Fortney's thoughtful questions below.
- Are we partners with the bar associations when it comes to character and fitness determinations?
- Should law schools be "Gate Keepers" to the profession?
- Should we be concerned with our law school's reputation regarding the character and fitness of our students?
- Should law schools take the "ostrich approach" with the character and fitness issues of their students?
While all valid and though provoking, some of us may have differing opinions as to whether we should squarely align ourselves with the bar associations or whether our main goal is to be a "gate keeper" to the profession. David Baum, Assistant Dean in the Office of Student Affairs at Michigan Law School and a member of the State Bar of Michigan's Standing Committee on Character and Fitness, raised equally compelling issues at AALS that uniquely influence our perspective regarding these bar application disclosures. He acknowledged that in our roles as educators, it would be difficult to engage in open conversations with our students if we were required to disclose every detail discussed within said conversations. He further stated, that these conversations are the vehicles by which we deliver sound advice and help shape the personal and professional development of our students. In turn, as Dean Baum points out, if we are obligated to disclose these details, a negative chilling effect could result and students in need of support, advice, and possibly further professional help may not reach out for it.
Contemplating the questions posed and viewpoints presented during the AALS presentation, as well as, considering your state bar's requirements and your institution's policies, should help you create a helpful and informative bar application workshop for your students. During the workshop, I walk through the application and instructions while pointing out areas where students typically have detailed questions or concerns. For example: how to request an accommodation; how to list past traffic infractions/citations/criminal charges or convictions, and how to disclose treatment for mental impairment or alcohol or drug dependency.
Although carrying this out in a group setting can be challenging, I have found that the group dynamic diffuses the potential stigma that a student may feel as a result of an affirmative answer to one of these questions listed on the bar application. Once again, this workshop opens up the opportunity for students to see me as a trustworthy resource and to understand the importance of taking this step seriously. I believe there is a way to be a dedicated advocate and guide for our students while maintaining the integrity of the legal profession…finding that middle ground is up to you or your institution to determine.
(Lisa Young)
February 23, 2011 in Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation, Bar Exams, Professionalism | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Writing Multiple-Choice Questions
Did you miss the e-mail on the ASP Listserv sent by Barbara McFarland regarding the NCBE handout on drafting rules for multiple-choice questions from Dr. Susan Case, Director of Testing for NCBE?
Several common techniques used by law professors in composing multiple-choice questions are specifically mentioned in the drafting rules. Dr. Case is currently working on an article for the Journal of Legal Education on this same topic. I know that all of us will be interested in reading the article when it is published.
You can read the PDF file for the Dr. Case's handout here: Download multiple_choice_drafting_guidelines_by_s_2. Case of NCBE.pdf . (Amy Jarmon)
November 24, 2008 in Bar Exam Issues, Bar Exam Preparation, Bar Exams, Exams - Theory | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Monday, October 20, 2008
More on evaluating research on new programs
Based on some of the feedback I have received about my post from Wednesday, I am expanding my discussion about why we need to consider our students when we are implementing new programs based on research. This is an area where I have personal experience, in two different ways. I am in the unique position of having attended classes at or worked at six different law schools in four areas of the country; UNC Law (my alma mater), Duke Law, UCONN Law, Whittier, ASU--Sandra Day O'Connor, and Vermont Law School. But I also have personal experience evaluating the research from peer institutions when making decisions about new initiatives and classes. Based on my experience, the single most important variable when evaluating whether a program will achieve desired results is the students. Students aren't a monolithic, one-dimensional variable. There are multiple sub-variables to consider.
It would be more than a blog posting, more like a journal article, for me to detail why I would suggest considering each and every factor I listed in my last post. I will examine a couple of key factors as examples of how and why to careful evaluate research before implementing new programs based on research from other schools. I will be making some generalizations based on my experience; your experience may be different. My goal is to encourage you to look carefully at how students may impact the research results, and how this may impact the success of a new program.
One of the critical factors to examine is whether the research was conducted at a school with day only, or day and evening students. Day and evening students have some dramatic differences. Demographically, evening students tend to be older, have more work experience, are more likely to be supporting a family, and much more likely to be working while in law school. There are great benefits to schools having evening programs; my experience is they are more focused students, devoted to becoming lawyers, and more mature than their daytime counterparts. But time is at an even greater premium for these students than for day students. Evening students with families or working even part-time don't have any extra time to relax, let alone participate in supplemental programs, even when it will be of great benefit in the long run. Time and money constraints have a dramatic impact in the programs they will attend, how they respond to new programs, and the time they can put into extracurricular programs, such as Bar/Bri and PMBR. I haven't seen any research on the success of evening students as compared to day students on the bar exam, but my guess is there would be a difference. If a supplemental bar program or bar prep class is evaluated using evening students or day and evening students, I would expect the success rate to be much lower than if the same class is evaluated using day law students only. It's not a measure of the program, but an outcome of the time constraints of the students.
The location of the law school is also a significant factor to be considered when evaluating research. A city school with numerous other schools in the area is going to be very different from a rural school with few or no other law schools within hundreds of miles. A school without other schools in the area is more likely to serve a student body with a diverse range of abilities. If a law school is the only one within a hundred mile radius, some students will attend, even if they could have gone to a higher-ranked law school, because they are locked to the region. Evaluating programs in a school that has an LSAT range of 147-165 is different from evaluating programs at a school where the LSAT ranges from 150-153. Let me emphasize that LSAT is not destiny, but it is a factor when evaluating whether a program will work with your students. Teaching to a wide variety of abilities results in different teaching methods, and in some cases, different outcomes. This factor overlaps with the public/private issue; if the only other law school in the area is private, or much more expensive, you will see some of these effects as well.
The history of the law school is a very important factor, with multiple variables. A new law school is creating a culture and a legacy. They don't have alumni war stories about the bar exam to rely on for student buy-in of programs. Without a strong culture and legacy, students also don't have misinformation to the same degree as students who have a wealth of bad advice built into the culture of the school. New law schools also don't have the stigma, or burn-out, if they don't have a great record with the bar exam. An older law school with more than a few lackluster years can develop a culture of failure than sends self-defeating messages to the students. One such message is that no one from Law School X passes the bar exam on the first try, so take it the first time as a trial run, or just for practice. If a school is implementing a new program while simultaniously trying to overcome the burden of law student stigma, the results of a new program will not be reliable for a couple of years. The results of the program need time to be decoupled from the efforts to change the law school culture.
Another variable relating to the history of a law school is the history of the academic success program. A law school with a well-established, reputable ASP program that has outreach during the 1L year will find it much easier implementing a program for 3L's. When the students already trust ASP, they will buy-in sooner, and put more effort into what you are asking them to achieve. Similarly, if a law school has not had ASP, but is looking to establish a 3L bar prep program for the first time, they need a different marketing strategy and should expect a more conservative student response. I am a strong advocate for starting ASP programs incrementally, starting with 1L's, and gradually introducing programs for upperclass students. The other effect ASP will have on the success of a new program relates to the skills base of the students. Law schools with a well established 1L ASP that focuses on basic skills will have 3L's with a better foundation for bar courses. It's hard to build a foundation when students have already made it through 2-3 years of law school; you wouldn't try to pour a foundation after building a superstructure. Any program that is starting with 3L's without a 1L program will need more time to achieve results, and an even longer time if the school isn't planning on creating a 1L program to introduce skills to students at the beginning of law school.
This is not an exhaustive list of factors to consider when thinking about implementing a new program. I hope I have provided an illustration of the kinds of factors to consider when considering implementing new programs based on the research of other schools. I made some generalizations about students based on my experience, and you may disagree with some of them.
Lastly, if your school is considering implementing a new program, and would like to talk to me about some of the things to consider, I would be happy to chat with anyone on this topic. (RCF)
October 20, 2008 in Advice, Bar Exam Issues, Program Evaluation | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)


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- Poll of the Day
- Partners
Aug. 27, 2014, 1:09 pm EST – While bad news has hammered retail stocks across the sector, don't overlook potential bargains that are poised for a comeback. More
Aug. 21, 2014, 12:38 pm EST – Solid third-quarter earnings show that Hewlett-Packard is at least beginning to recover, but does that make HPQ stock a buy? More
Aug. 21, 2014, 12:23 pm EST – Although Canadian banks face headwinds from mortgage lending, they are differentiating their offerings, expanding into higher growth areas like wealth management and boosting fee income. More
Aug. 20, 2014, 10:36 am EST – Find out which jobs could be taken over by robots as we continue to make advancements in artificial intelligence. More
Aug. 15, 2014, 2:00 pm EST – Health insurance stocks have posted strong gains so far in 2014, but the entire sector has faced some headwinds with the rollout of Obamacare. More
Aug. 12, 2014, 11:28 am EST – Could we see new management steering Cisco stock forward? A thinner CSCO? Here are the key things to watch in the Q4 Cisco earnings report. More
Aug. 11, 2014, 2:25 pm EST – Reeling from disappointing earnings and myriad challenges, Target named former PepsiCo (PEP) executive Brian Cornell as its new CEO, while Walmart tapped Walmart Asia CEO Greg Foran to head up its critically important U.S. operations. Can either one deliver a turnaround? More
Aug. 8, 2014, 10:54 am EST – Duke Energy on Thursday reported strong earnings growth and an attractive 4.5% current dividend yield. But is DUK stock a buy after these scorching hot earnings? Here are three pros and 3 cons: More
Aug. 6, 2014, 8:54 am EST – Real estate web portal Zillow (Z) reported Q2 earnings that missed Wall Street expectations, but there's still plenty to love about Z stock. More
Aug. 5, 2014, 6:00 am EST – The good news for casino stocks:Nevada gaming revenue soared by more than 14% in June. The bad news: Macau is becoming a drag in the short term. More

subset: commoncrawl


text: Closest matches found: Manufacturer / StyleMaidenform Girl H2122Product NameOne Fabulous Fit Strapless Convertible BraCurrent StatusOut of production / no longer available.Alternative Styles Maidenform Girl Softie Contour Bra$12.00Reviews Lula Lu Petites Wireless Push-Up Bra$56.00Reviews Comes in AA Cup Sizes The Little Bra Company Sascha Petite Lace Strapless Bra$47.95Reviews The Little Bra Company Strapless Convertible Push Up Underwire Petite Bra$47.95Reviews Lula Lu Petites Essential T-Shirt Bra$58.00Reviews AA & A Cup Sizes Only Lula Lu Petites Strapless Bra$58.00Reviews Comes in A, AA, & AAA cups Still didn't find what you're looking for? Try one of these: • Product Search Help • Guided Search • Discontinued, Hard to Find & Special Order Styles Don't see a specific style that you're looking for? Enter the manufacturer's style number here to search our huge database of discontinued, hard to find and special order items: Manufacturer's Style Number:


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Haven't been active for a while so I thought I would post a couple of new guns
Took a used HK P7 PSP and sent it to Robar for refinish and NP3 on the frame and internals
I still cannot believe how nice the recoil is on this gun
and it loves 124 grain gold dots
I've been really wanting a 5 inch bobbed 1911. Took a new Kimber Super Carry custom with the aluminum frame and sent it with the P7 to Robar for matte Roguard on the exterior and NP3 in the internals. Added a set of grenade grips from VZ and its all set.
Shoots 230 grain HST into a couple of inches at 30 feet (good for me)
And the function and action have been totally flawless, I've heard a lot about Kimber quality lately but this one shoots very well.
With KD Kydex


text: My Profile RondaKay77 Minneapolis, Minnesota Member since Nov 2009 Flag This ProfileFlag as Inappropriate All Activity | Comments & Reviews | Uploads Flag This Profile? Please provide the reason why you think this profile is inappropriate. Flag Profileor Cancel Saved Recipe Quiche by bullwinkleJul 17, 2011 on Food.com Load More


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You know, we make a lot of fun around here of the people on the game show who say the stupid thing. This is because these people are ridiculous and very funny. But the simple fact that these people understand but which we ourselves so often gloss over is that sometimes in this life you have to attempt to solve the puzzle. That is what we are here for, after all. And OK, the lights are in your face, and your left armpit is sweating more than your right armpit for some reason, and you keep touching your hair to make sure it looks OK but now you think you've crossed the line into touching it too much to the point where if your hair does look bad it's going to be from the touching, and you can hear your best friend screaming at you from the audience but it would be just like your best friend to steer you in the wrong direction so that next week she can tell everyone how you totally biffed it on TV and she was there to see it, and Pat Sajack is standing in front of you waiting for a response and you notice for the first time how thick the layer of pancake make up on his face is and the entire artifice of the entertainment industry begins to crumble in front of your very eyes, and as it falls you begin to wonder if we are even still talking in metaphors anymore or if somehow this blogger is simply describing the highly specific and uncommon experience of literally being on The Wheel of Fortune, but we'll never know because the answer clock is ticking and rules are rules and so you just put yourself out there. You are, after all, in this to win this.
Of course, if you're going to put yourself out there, which you should, it helps to have a smarter self. (Via Dlisted.)
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Holy Hell, did you see this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jNOm9Y_Ve40
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see
A heavyset woman of color not familiar with the Johnny Cash songbook sounds about right. It's not like she flubbed an Anita Baker clue.
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text:
Sleeps | 6 |
Bedrooms | 3 |
Bathrooms | 3 |
Property type | house |
Minimum Stay | nights |
High on a beautiful hillside, situated on three hilly acres, is this beautiful home with breathtaking views. There is not a room in this home that does not have a stunning view. To the east one overlooks the Santa Lucia Mountains, to the south Los Padres National Forest, and to the west the beautiful valleys and hills toward Carmel-by-the-Sea. The home also overlooks beautiful Stonepine Resort and Equestrian Center. It is not unusual to awaken to the sound of the gentle thumping of hooves and the neighing of horses. Horseback riding is also available at nearby Holman Ranch.
The home is a three bedroom, three bath, interior Tuscan-style home. Many custom touches, such as a 60 inch television, the finest in faux finishes, and a gourmet kitchen abound. The kitchen boasts amenities such as Wolff/Bosch/Kitchen Aid appliances. It is finished with granite countertops, tile and travertine floors. Large exterior decking provides a panoramic view and a fully functioning outdoor bar for entertaining with a patio heater for the (rare) cool evenings outdoors. The other levels of the home offer decks and alcoves for private sittings. The stunning entry of pavers, pergolas, and foyer welcome you to the beginning of a peaceful vacation.
This home is approximately twenty minutes to Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is known for its dog-friendly beach, stunning views with unparalleled shopping. Several golf courses are nearby, including Carmel Valley Ranch, Quail Lodge, Rancho Canada, Pebble Beach, and Laguna Seca. Carmel Valley Village is home to many fine wine tasting rooms and elegant dining abounds throughout the Village.
Owners, Mike and Cindy Thatcher, live nearby and will be happy to assist guests with sightseeing, dining, Aquarium passes, and any other need that may arise.
Keywords: Home
Mike and Cindy Thatcher have lived in Carmel Valley for over thirty years. They are both involved in many community activities and in addition to working full time, they volunteer their time through Carmel Valley Community Chapel, Carmel Valley Kiwanis, Therapy Dogs International, and the SPCA of Monterey County.
Cindy purchased this house in 2004
We chose to buy this home because we have always been drawn to homes with beautiful views, away from the fog, yet a short driving distance to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We love the rural feeling and sense of community that only Carmel Valley provides to us. We are so close to wedding destinations, wine tasting, and beautiful weather!
High above the fog, quiet, cozy and, have we mentioned the views?! We also enjoy the wonderful relationship with some close neighbors. They easily recognize the kindness of visitors! We strive to adhere to the homeowner rules.
Fifteen minutes to Laguna Seca Raceway, thirty minutes to Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach, Cannery Row, and Fisherman's Wharf. One hour to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and to Big Sur. Golfing is as close as ten minutes away! There are over ten courses within thirty minutes, such as Carmel Valley Ranch, Quail Lodge, Pebble Beach, Poppy Hills, Syglass, Spanish Bay, and more. Hiking at Beautiful Garland Ranch is close by. Carmel Valley Village now has approximately 15 wine tasting rooms, including Talbott's who makes my favorite Kali Hart chardonnay!


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Do they make some sort of frame to permanently mount to the drywall on a ceiling to attach air registers to? Some of the registers in my house are pulling out of the drywall. They are secured by short screws that have worked their way out. I took one out completely to paint around, and now the screws don't want to stay in. |
Follow-Up Postings:
The screws should be long enough to hit the metal on the outlet attached to the ductwork. If you have a system using the stud bay or joist bay as a duct, you may have to use Molly bolts to hold the grates on. |
Thanks! It sounds like I need to drill pilot holes through the drywall and into the metal. I like my frame idea better, though. |
The frame should be behind the drywall. They are often refereed to as a 'register boot.' The reason the screws holding the grill are often very long is to make sure they can reach all the way to the register boot that comes off the duct work |
- Posted by energy_rater_la (My Page) on Sat, Mar 31, 12 at 22:46
try changing the angle of the screw. usually works for me. and you should use some mastic tape best of luck. |
What is the supply box? Is that another term for air register? |
- Posted by energy_rater_la (My Page) on Sun, Apr 1, 12 at 21:47
inside the house you see the supply grill or register inside the attic is the supply box the supply grill is attached with screws through the sheetrock & into the supply box.(usually 2 1/2 to 3" screws) the duct attaches to the supply box at attic floor the other end of the duct attaches to supply plenum. and the knee bone is connected to the leg bone best of luck |
If I understand this correctly, the supply box is the same as the register boot. |
- Posted by woodbutcher_ca (My Page) on Sun, Apr 8, 12 at 18:58
Hi, Make a frame to fit. I once bought a house where the previous owner paneled one wall. Instead of removing the register, he cut a hole around it. Looked terrible. I built the frame to fit the hole and mounted the register on top the frame. Problem Solved. Good Luck Woodbucher |
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Media Piles On Jay Carney Over Obamacare Website Debacle
Submitted by ProudAmericanFirst on Tue, 10/22/2013 - 12:49"ABC's Jon Karl pressed White House press secretary Jay Carney on charging people a fine for not enrolling in Obamacare when the website didn't work."
Full article and videos:
The exchange became tense over the causes of the problems, as seen here:
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Where do I sign up??? I
Where do I sign up??? I cannot wait... YEEPEEE!!
If you disagree with me on anything you are not a real libertarian...
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What's not being said
The ACA, is a whole lot more complicated than a sign up website. If they can't get the easy part right, what happens when this becomes operational? I would imagine hundreds of millions of medical transactions, each unique, tests, operations, MRIs, EKGs, procedures, a third of the economy is involved. Has the government ever tried to ran anything as complicated as this? Has the government ever ran anything effectively? The post office, Amtrak, DMV, SS, medicare, Congress? I am afraid this little website screw up is just the tip of a very large iceberg.
A most interesting man quote: I don't always seek medical attention, but when I do, I bring gold coins!
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Gotta give Carney
credit. He has an answer for every question. I get the feeling peoples' computers could have started exploding and he would have said they expected it.
"As I've said, the president isn't satisfied but is committed to improving the process so millions of Americans can safely get the healthcare they want."
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I also love how he starts off answering questions to reporters
seemingly "genuinely", as his eyes slowly slide back to his talking points while still attempting to sound as if he's genuinely answering the question. Even throws in some hand gestures to drive the points home.
It's all theatre. He has a pre-written answer to everything these "hard-hitting" journalists ask.
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience"—Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
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Carney tries Wag The Dog as stand-up comedy, almost...
Like most Prez. Press Secretaries before him, Carney tries to look and sound sincere, while covering for a man who want us to believe he really ought to be respected as legitimately being as big and powerful as he acts; regardless of any plain reading of the Constitution which Obama swore to uphold and defend; especially when his hand rested on that Holy Book that he professed to the world, genuine faith in.
Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have the exact measure of the injustice and wrong which will be imposed on them. - Frederick Douglass
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Consumer Reports: 'Don't even bother trying' Obamacare site yet
A magazine that tests and rates products and reports the results monthly had harsh words of advice for those trying to enroll in Obamacare via the official website, Healthcare.gov: Don't even think about it yet.
Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have the exact measure of the injustice and wrong which will be imposed on them. - Frederick Douglass
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Clever psycho(logical?) manipulation being done here.
Obamacare itself is no longer the issue of controversy, right? Right, now it's the website glitches that are the issue preventing people to sign up for the scam itself.
So, once they fix the site they expect people to be like, "Finally, I can log in and sign up for the scam! Yay!"???
Nice try.
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience"—Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
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Just you wait..next alibi from spokesholes like Carney, some
"right wing" hacker got in the Obamacare website and sabotaged the enrolling process or a virus was planted. They will lie and blame someone else for the debacle.
Just you wait..
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You're telling me the "wealthiest" nation, with the most money
to throw around, invested in a sketchy Canadian-based tech company that wrote crappy code and even used stolen code from a UK firm... BY "ACCIDENT"???
Oh, ok. I'll just shove a fist-full of GMO Corn into my face, flip on CNN and shut it, I guess.
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience"—Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
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I would of loved to ask this question.....
So Mr. Carney, if half of America does not want this healthcare law, the Affordable Care Act that is, why would the president still want to enforce this against the liberties of 150 million people?
kind people rock
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Gee, I wonder what Jay's talking point was?!
When their lips move, they're lying.
When Jay says, "We want to make sure that everyone has access to affordable healthcare insurance," he means just the opposite, "We want to force people to pay more taxes for worse healthcare."
When he says, "Nobody will have to pay a penalty if there are no AFFORDABLE options in their state," he means, "Everybody will ultimately pay this tax because your money is our money, YOU are the state's property, and YOU will "afford" it because the alternative is jail or tax liens, so oh yeah, you slaves will agree it's affordable when faced with the punitive options we'll give you."
"It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a rEVOLution before tomorrow morning." - Henry Ford
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Can these ass clowns ruling over us not see that we have all
figured out that everything that comes out of their mouths are lies and deceptions? They use carefully selected words that they "think" will keep the sheeple from noticing the gigantic rod being shoved up where the sun don't shine.
It used to be funny watching them lie as if "we the people" didn't know we were being lied to. Now its just disgusting. Everyone knows the entire political system is just a ruse to transfer wealth from the people to the banksters and the politically connected. No one is fooled anymore but the show goes on. They all look SO STUPID by continuing to ACT as if the jig is not up.
What a bunch of stupid, ignorant, criminals.
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I think some have figured it out
which is why they're now CREATING more and more "Useful Crises" to pillage billions from the people. It's that awkward moment when you see a lovely looking man/woman make eye contact with you in the store and you're thinking, "wow, they're so good looking and looking right at me" and then you see them shoplifting right in front of your face as they continue to smile at you as if nothing were wrong with this picture and you're about to decide how to act, either by getting the attention of an employee or tackling them to the floor yourself.
Not sure I illustrated that very well... but you get what I mean, right?
You almost want to smack yourself in the face in disbelief that they're still gripping to their illusion.
No one told me the Apocalypse was going to be this fun!
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience"—Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
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No One Is Asking You What You're Focussed On, Jay
Stop answering difficult questions with an answer to a question that no one has asked.
"Bipartisan: both parties acting in concert to put both of their hands in your pocket."-Rothbard
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"If you do not have access to affordable insurance, you won't be penalized for not buying affordable insurance."
Well none of this is affordable for me...guess I'm good!
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Wait a minute Wizards of Words!
Sounds like there should be a "BUT" in there...
"...but you WILL be penalized for not buying unaffordable insurance?"
If they meant what he implied then he would simply say, "You will not be penalized for not buying insurance."
That is clearly not what he said, however. Snakes!
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience"—Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
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Some say there is low volume because of lack of interest. Then why is it 'overloaded'?
"What if the American people learn the truth" - Ron Paul
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