This morning, I saw one of my students with his cap and gown, and we were both beaming. I am so excited for all of you who are graduating. It’s a huge milestone. Congratulations to you if you will soon have earned your J.D.
But as you well know, graduating from law school is uniquely anti-climactic. Maybe you get to toss your mortar board in the air, have a few drinks and a nice meal or two with family and friends. Then what? Another test! Crazy, right? You accomplished perhaps the biggest goal you have ever achieved and you hardly have time for congratulations. Would be nice in a way if you could take the Bar first and then have the big party and festivities. But, for most people it doesn’t work that way.
So, acknowledge this graduation with your one or two days of celebrating. Then, gear up again, this time in the highest gear you’ve ever been in for your July bar exam. Trust me, the joy you will feel when you learn that you that you pass this bar exam will more than outweigh the delayed gratification of waiting to really and fully celebrate your graduation.
In just a few weeks, you will walk into Bar Review classes. You will deal with yet again with ridiculously heavy outlines. (You thought carrying casebooks would kill you!) You will spend two months review more than a dozen subjects. But you will do it. And, in about July you will feel so strong, so empowered. Everything that may have seemed vague in law school will come clearly into focus. You will be ready to answer any question the examiners throw at you.
So, after finals, clear your calendars of everything that is not essential between now and the exam. No more distractions, no more errands, parties, etc. Eliminate or reduce obligations unless they are absolutely essential. Read Pass the Bar for success on the exam.
And, one more thing. As soon as possible, if you haven’t done it yet, plan the most fun thing you can think of for August!
Sara J. Berman 