Well, here I am. I just finished taking the Bar exam. It’s over. This long road of 4 years of law school, graduating, then filling out that application to take the Bar exam, then signing up for the bar review courses. Then spending those endless hours of study and drudgery writing practice essays and practicing answering multi-state questions.

It’s behind me now. Why don’t I feel better? Actually, I’m not sure how I feel, or should feel? My life changed the day I entered law school, at least from the standpoint that my personal and social life all but disappeared. I had detached from the human race from a social and cultural level because all I had time for was studying. It got worse the deeper I got into this journey. I began to feel more and more like the Hobbit evading the Orks in the endless battle of good over evil.

Even though the exam is finally over, my torment isn’t. There is one more daunting task to complete. That is to sit and await the results of the exam for the next 3 months. What do I do in the meantime? I have no idea whether I have achieved my goal or not. Did I pass? Will I be an attorney or not? At this moment I have no idea. I’ve read the stats. I know the odds, and they’re not good. Less than 50% probability of passing. If I don’t pass, should I take the exam again? The odds of success go down even further then. What did I get myself into?

On top of everything else I, like everyone, I have to deal with this corona virus pandemic lock-down. Will that impact the timeline for receiving the Bar results? Will the results be delayed? Will my career be winding down and I’ll qualify for social security before I get the Bar results? Oy vey!

Now What?

With all that is happening, do I look for a job in the legal industry. Should I go back to my old job? What will my family think and say? How can I afford to stay detached from any semblance of a normal life for another six months, or longer, while I prepare and take the exam AGAIN? How can I afford it?

I still wake up thinking, “issue, rule, discussion, conclusion”, the magical formula for writing a legal exam essay. This, and many other processes like this have become so deeply en-grained in my thinking. I tried that approach in a discussion with my wife recently. I nearly got hit with an the iron skillet in response.

How did I get in this position to begin with? I decided to go to law school because I wanted to help people, to advocate for them. I had to endure the rigors of classes and the endless hours of studying. I came out of Law School knowing the law, but I wasn’t taught anything about the business of running a law firm. If I do pass what will I do? I suppose I can get a job at a law firm. I’ve heard jobs are often available at the District Attorneys office or the Public Defenders office. Is this all going to be worth it? I need to launch this career thing to build a future, to create a legacy toward retirement.

Wait a minute. I need to step back and re-assess my situation.

I made it through law school.
I got a masters degree.
I learned the process of factual analysis and to problem solve with critical thinking.
Moreover, I learned a lot. Not only the law but I’ve grown and matured personally-I think.

Overall, this is a good achievement and foundation. I am equipped to engage at some level in the legal field. I’m not ready to give up yet. I have skills. I can contribute. The question is can I get a legal position based on my degree that can support me and my family?

next Steps

If I do pass the Bar I need to be prepared to hit the ground running. I can’t just sit around waiting for the results, good or bad. There is too much going on in the world right to now. Court closures, remote workplace, physical distancing, online communication. What does it take to start a law firm, especially considering the covid outbreak.

I’ve spoken to some people I took the Bar with. Some of them are of the opinion that this is a perfect opportunity to start a law practice. In response to the outbreak circumstances have triggered a paradigm shift in the way law practice is structured. Many existing law firms will cease operations altogether. On top of that it is likely that there will be a surge of new cases in almost very area of law. And all I thought I had to worry about is passing the Bar Exam. Like Buckminster Fuller once said “Don't fight forces, use them.”

Don't fight forces, use them.

R. Buckminster Fuller

EXPLORING the Options in my JOURNEY

No matter what the outcome of the Bar Exam, I need to see this through. I need to explore my options in the legal field in case I don’t pass this time. I need to contact law firms for how they can utilize my skills in pre-attorney positions. I also need to start looking into what it takes to open my own office if I do pass. Either way, I have options. Options that can start supporting me financially and promote growth and development throughout my my journey in the legal industry. The legal profession can be financially rewarding, and I can help people with their legal matters and cases regardless of where I start (law clerk, legal assistant, document preparer, associate attorney, etc.)

So what do I do if I don’t pass. Well, I do have a new marketable skill set. That has to be worth something in the legal industry. I could get a job as a law clerk or legal assistant with a law firm. If there is an attorney out there needs some help and wants to train me that would be a win win (mentor/apprentice relationship). Hey, I’m pretty good on the computer and very comfortable with Mobile Apps. I’m also familiar and comfortable with digital online tech, and application portals we use everyday to get work done. That skill set and know-how has value with this paradigm shift in the way business is conducted online. Wow, I could actually be able to really help older attorneys transition to the new tech procedures while they help teach me the practice of law. Hmmm, I’d better not say “older”. I’ll go with “more mature” (and help bring the old dinosaur into the 21st century). I need to update my resume and started by connecting with attorneys to offer my services.

So is it worth it?

So is it worth it? There are times that I’m still not so sure. However, digging through the doubt, anxiety, anguish and frustration, I have to say, “yes”, it has ALL been worth it. Especially now that I have a mental plan whether I pass the Bar or not. My options are bright. Things are definitely looking up even if I need take the Exam again to achieve my ultimate goals.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

As I take a moment to look beyond my current circumstances, maybe there is a silver lining. Sure, my life is still filled with the daily anguish of not knowing about the Bar Exam, but right now seems to be the best opportunity to enter the legal industry, for existing attorneys in law practice to leverage the new attorneys with their contemporary skill set to help them transition while mentoring. What's your end Game? and the best opportunity for new attorneys to seek out and help law firms that are struggling Stabilize - Reset Your Law Practice Life is a journey. I’m going to enjoy the journey. I’m even starting to speak plain English again

As always, Contact us with any questions or for help in rebooting your law practice.