Remember that on a bar essay, your time and space are often limited. Therefore, every sentence you write must effectively convey the precise information that you're attempting to convey to the examiners. To help determine whether your sentences are effective, proofread and edit your practice essays. Read each sentence you've written carefully, asking the following questions:
* Is the sentence effective at getting across the precise point or message that you're attempting to get across with the sentence?
* Is the sentence too "clunky" or "choppy?"
* Does the sentence contain your proper "buzz words:" the correct legal terms of art that you need to use?
* Is the sentence grammatically correct?
* Is the sentence otherwise raedable (for example, in terms of style and tone?)
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
S.O.U.N.D. Advice for the Bar Exam, 8.15.09
S.O.U.N.D. Advice on Thinking Ahead:
In your last semester of law school, or taking the next bar exam? Don't leave your preparation to the last minute. Start thinking about -- and getting answers to -- the following questions early on:
In your last semester of law school, or taking the next bar exam? Don't leave your preparation to the last minute. Start thinking about -- and getting answers to -- the following questions early on:
- In which jurisdiction(s) do you plan to take the bar?
- What are the jurisdiction's requirements to sit for the bar? (For example, what do you need to provide with your application? Do you need to have achieved a passing score on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam? Will you need to round up letters of recommendation or references?)
- What is the format of the jurisdiction's bar exam? Check www.ncbex.org for a comprehensive listing.
- What subjects does your jurisdiction's bar exam test?
- How much time will you have to study, and how will you allocate that time? Come up with a concrete study plan.
- What resources are available to assist you with your bar preparation?
Monday, August 10, 2009
S.O.U.N.D. Advice for the Bar Exam, 8.8.09
What do you need to suceed on your state's essay exam?
First and foremost (and not surprisingly,) state bar examiners emphasize one important point: in order to pass the essay exam, an applicant must exhibit superior analytical skills. The National Conference of Bar Examiners’ Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admissions Requirements asserts that a state “bar examination should test the ability of an applicant to identify legal issues in a statement of facts, such as may be encountered in the practice of law, to engage in a reasoned analysis of the issues and to arrive at a logical solution by the application of fundamental legal principles, in a manner which demonstrates a thorough understanding of these principles. The examination should not be designed primarily to test for information, memory or experience.”
First and foremost (and not surprisingly,) state bar examiners emphasize one important point: in order to pass the essay exam, an applicant must exhibit superior analytical skills. The National Conference of Bar Examiners’ Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admissions Requirements asserts that a state “bar examination should test the ability of an applicant to identify legal issues in a statement of facts, such as may be encountered in the practice of law, to engage in a reasoned analysis of the issues and to arrive at a logical solution by the application of fundamental legal principles, in a manner which demonstrates a thorough understanding of these principles. The examination should not be designed primarily to test for information, memory or experience.”
Congratulations July Bar Takers!
Congratulations to all who survived the July 2009 bar exam! May you receive good news this Fall!
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