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Lawyers of the OT: Debating on retaking the Bar Exam

Posted on 11/10/21 at 11:33 am
Posted by Tigers1868
Member since Nov 2021
55 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 11:33 am
I graduated law school in 2016 and took the Bar Exam that summer and missed the pass rate by around 5 points or so. I got a really good job(Labor & Employee Relations) with a Fortune 500 company in Arkansas and so never retook the Bar. My current employer is offering to pay for me to retake the Bar next July. Here are some factors at play:

1. I am fully remote so would be able to study/prep during the day.
2. It has been over 5 years since law school so there would be a lot to relearn. Hoping it would be like riding a bike.
3. My wife is due for our first child in late May so this may be my last time to take it for a while. I would have time at home with paternity leave to also study.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated!
Posted by LZ83
La
Member since Sep 2016
17444 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 11:35 am to
I’m no lawyer. But sounds like you should based on time to study and employer paying for it.
Posted by MudCatMatt
Louisiana
Member since Dec 2018
238 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 11:36 am to
quote:

I got a really good job(Labor & Employee Relations) with a Fortune 500 company in Arkansas and so never retook the Bar.


I would take a few English classes first....
This post was edited on 11/10/21 at 11:38 am
Posted by HailToTheChiz
Back in Auburn
Member since Aug 2010
53674 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 11:40 am to
quote:

My current employer is offering to pay for me to retake the Bar next July


My first question would be why is your employer wanting you to do it? And how would it affect your job
Posted by Tigers1868
Member since Nov 2021
55 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 11:42 am to
It would allow me to eventually move into the legal department and the company is very big on continuing education for employees.

For affecting my job now, it wouldn't necessary affect it too much as my manager is supportive.
This post was edited on 11/10/21 at 11:43 am
Posted by LZ83
La
Member since Sep 2016
17444 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 11:43 am to
If nothing else do it for you.
More options if you ever have to leave that current position
Posted by Tornado Alley
Member since Mar 2012
28443 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 11:44 am to
quote:

My wife is due for our first child in late May so this may be my last time to take it for a while


This is a compelling reason to get it over with, IMO.
Posted by cable
Member since Oct 2018
9735 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 11:45 am to
How the frick did you fail the bar?
Posted by HailToTheChiz
Back in Auburn
Member since Aug 2010
53674 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 11:46 am to
quote:

would allow me to eventually move into the legal department and the company is very big on continuing education for employees.

For affecting my job now, it wouldn't necessary affect it too much as my manager is supportive.


If you want that path and would benefit you, then yes no reason not to do it really.

If you have no interest in moving or promotion or it's not substantial, I'd say no

Just depends on what you want advancement wise
Posted by texn
Pronouns: Y'All/Y'All's
Member since Nov 2019
4057 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 11:51 am to
In which state are you looking at taking the bar exam? If it was any state other than LA, I can see how passing might aid your rise up the corporate ladder.

Will your employer pay for a bar review course? I would recommend sitting for the exam only if you sign up for a good review course.
Posted by Epaminondas
The Boot
Member since Jul 2020
5774 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 11:51 am to
How much of a negative effect would it have on your current job if you take it and fail?

How much did you study/prepare the first time you took the bar? If you figured you would pass and just kind of blew it off, then it seems like you would have a good chance at passing now with a lot of preparation.

But if you really studied the first time, your chances of passing this time may not be very good. It doesn't get any easier the longer you have been out of law school.
Posted by IceTiger
Really hot place
Member since Oct 2007
26584 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 11:53 am to
I'm a game rules lawyer, I'm pretty certain I could pass the bar before you...
Posted by O
Mandeville
Member since Oct 2011
6740 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 11:56 am to
I'm just a small town pizza lawyer...

Posted by ShermanTxTiger
Broussard, La
Member since Oct 2007
11309 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 12:01 pm to
No brainer. Get your arse studying! Good luck. Post the results when you get them.
Posted by greenbean
USAF Retired - 31 years
Member since Feb 2019
6090 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 12:30 pm to
quote:

How the frick did you fail the bar?


^^^^^this.

Mississippi and Louisiana have some lawyers who have passed the bar who are borderline retarded.
This post was edited on 11/10/21 at 3:46 pm
Posted by WDE24
Member since Oct 2010
54836 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 12:32 pm to
Take a prep course and take it
Posted by HDAU
Member since Nov 2014
1668 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 12:35 pm to
If you are going to do it, do it now. Take a reputable bar prep course. The material is a mile wide and an inch deep.
Posted by Pettifogger
I don't really care, Margaret
Member since Feb 2012
85873 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 12:37 pm to
I hope this doesn't come off like a dick

There are apparently practical, advancement reasons why you should take it. And add to that increased viability on the open market should you go elsewhere.

But you went to law school and you didn't pass - isn't that a box you'd like to check? I put no great stock in the legal profession, but having put in the work, I think I'd feel a bit incomplete. And with a kid on the way, finishing one of the biggest undertakings you started in life seems like a good thing to add to your parenting resume.

And all of the above aside, being a non-attorney in L&E sounds awful
Posted by theronswanson
House built with my hands
Member since Feb 2012
3194 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 12:37 pm to
You have a good job and want to voluntarily enter the legal profession?? Even if it’s with the same employer I would pass.
Posted by dtmb
Member since Mar 2013
696 posts
Posted on 11/10/21 at 12:40 pm to
Take it.

Make sure that your employer will also pay your annual bar dues and CLE expenses after you pass the bar exam.
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