If You Didn’t Pass the Bar

It’s hard to talk about failing the bar.  First, because nothing we say will really remove the sting for those that didn’t pass. Second, because it’s so unfair how not passing upends your life for another six+ months, and even if you have a clear head now that the news has settled, it still doesn’t change the fact that you have to put in more time to pass this test.

If you receive bad news like this, it’s important to give yourself time.  Don’t make rash decisions right away (unless you really have to)–you need the time to bounce back mentally and emotionally.  Slowly, you’ll come to terms and you’ll realize that it doesn’t mean you’ll never achieve your goals or that you won’t be a good attorney.   Then you’ll have to decide on how to improve for next time.

Here, it’s important to use a critical, but objective, eye.  What part did you do poorly on? How did you study that portion of the exam? Why do you think that method didn’t work?  What can you do differently?  Can you do it differently?   The answers will depend on honest assessment.  Ultimately, your self-awareness minus emotional self-abuse (i.e. i’m an idiot, so stupid, etc) will help you clearly see a better way to achieve your goal.  Use whatever tools you have at your disposal.  For example, at my law school, some professors were available to walk students through their essays to give them pointers on what to do better next time.  Embarrassing?  Maybe.  But likely very useful and worth your consideration if it will help you improve.

Most importantly, if practicing law is your goal–don’t give up!  Think of all the hard work you had to put in to get to law school, and realize that this is just a small obstacle that you can overcome.  Don’t let this derail your goals because we really need more people like you in the profession!