1. Time management
It is virtually impossible to succeed in any law exam without mastering the concept of time management. The California bar exam is no exception. It is not what you know. It’s what you know in an hour. Budget your time or perish. The same is true for the multiple-state multiple-choice exam. In fact, the time budget in the multiple-choice section of multiple states of the test is so important that you should make a special effort to pre-mark your computer answer sheet with times written in pencil.
For example, in question number 17, dial 9:30, in question 34, at 10:00, etc. This helps you to be very aware of whether you are answering multiple-choice questions on time.
2. Response format against IRAC adversaries
IRAC stands for Problem, Rule, Application and Conclusion. It is a writing style of answers to writing questions from law school. When combined with a contradictory answer format, it is an ideal way to write the bar exam. Therefore, you identify a problem and discuss it by pointing out what the plaintiff would say and then what the defendant would respond. You then indicate the rule of law that applies. Then apply again the rule that establishes the views of each party in the dispute. Finally, it states a conclusion that indicates how the court would rule on the matter. Using this approach, where appropriate, can substantially increase your scores.
3. As you read the questions on the bar, write your ideas in the margins
Recording your ideas as they occur to you while reading an exam question is very important. Please do this directly in the exam booklet you are reading. If you don’t, most of the time, you will forget these ideas. Capture them on the spot. Waiting until you start typing your answer will be too late.
4. Diagram the parties in a dispute, use ladder timelines
If a question is about a dispute between a plaintiff and a defendant, diagram this immediately with the symbols: P v. D. Since the question refers to other parties, such as a witness, for example, mark the initial of that witness next to the supporting party. Therefore, if you support the plaintiff, check: W-Pv.D. Drawing lines to show a link between two parties also helps keep things in order. Use vertical timelines that mark important dates in the margin of a question rather than across the page. This is more conducive to the bar exam format and looks like a ladder going up the page when completed.
5. Use a leading note style on identified issues and feedback facts
Write a paragraph opening note style to summarize the applicable issues identified in the question you read. This can be your outline for your later written response. Then, to ensure that you have reported all the facts of the question to the examiner in your answer, highlight each fact of the question that was included in your essay answer with a yellow magic marker. A similar quick review of your draft notes will allow you to identify any facts and ideas that you forgot to include in your answer.
6. State the general rule before discussing exceptions
The most surprising discovery I made when reviewing my old bar exams that I got from state bar examiners and compared to the model answers they provided was that I was unable to establish the general rule of thumb in my rush to discuss a certain exception. Thus, for example, I was unable to define rumors before entering into a discussion about the admission exception to the rumor rule. You have to assume that you are writing the answer for someone who knows nothing about the law to get the best marks.
7. Answer the question exactly the way it is asked.
Particularly on performance reviews, the key tactic to employ is to answer the question exactly the way it is asked. Just as a medical diagnosis is halfway to a cure, following the question requirements on a law exam is halfway to a passing answer. As incredibly simple as it may sound, you sometimes tend to get wrapped up in your answer at the expense of not following the format required by the question. Do not miss this.
8. Discuss your test answers during breaks.
Once you leave the exam area, what you have done is history. You cannot change history, whether you did it right or wrong. But you can correct any misconceptions you have about the issues raised on the test by discussing the answers with your fellow students. By moving on to the next part of the exam, you will gain a better understanding of concepts that you may have previously overlooked and may come up again. If you have a sensitive ego, be careful; otherwise, check in with your fellow students to sharpen your understanding of the issues you faced.
External influences
There is no doubt that at some point in your preparations you will become discouraged. You will seriously doubt your ability to withstand pressure. After all, for several months your life will be out of balance as you sacrifice valuable time to focus on the bar exam rather than elsewhere. Personal problems can get worse. Your family and friends may suffer. These are some of the problems associated with your goal of becoming an attorney in the state of California. However, in the end, this is a short-term pain for a long-term gain. If you hold on, sooner or later you will. In fact, maybe the next time you look at the shortlist in the Daily Journal, your name will appear. Then it will be time for you to step out into the legal world to make us all proud.
Good luck.
