Cal Bar Tutorial Review

Testimonial from Salomon Zavala

Dear Paul:

May 30, 2006

I hope all is well with you. As I am sure you know by now, I passed the bar!!! I am so excited and feel privileged to join such a prestigious and influential profession. This is an especially significant accomplishment for me because I am the first in my family to become an attorney. Although I certainly worked hard to achieve this goal, it would not have come into fruition if it wasn't for the support and encouragement of others, including my family and mentors.

I want to thank you for all your advice and guidance during bar review. It was disappointing not having passed the first time, but I knew after speaking with you that there was hope. You helped me put things back into perspective and provided me with practical tools that I utilized during the exam.

I recall during the exam feeling rushed for time and immediately switching my writing style to an informal or minor approach. I religiously followed the writing style techniques you taught us and consequently was attentive to presentation. I mentally referred to the ICOs during the exam and identified several jurisdictional splits - just as you had taught us in class. This time, unlike the first, I didn't dismiss negative issues in my head, but rather on paper. Essentially, I felt that I had more tools to work with than the other test takers.

In retrospect, I think the first time I had enough knowledge of the law to pass as I studied a great deal and was disciplined in my preparation. I remember feeling demoralized after learning that I failed the exam because it was one of the first times in my academic life where I worked hard for something and didn't achieve my desired outcome. I now know that it isn't all about how much time you spend studying. Rather, as your course so effectively taught me, it is about understanding the nature of the exam and learning the skills and approaches to succeed at it.

Again, thanks for all your help. You are an inspiring individual whose personal approach I appreciated. Best of luck with all your future endeavors and feel free to give your students my contact information should they have any questions about your course.

Sincerely,

Salomon Zavala, Esq.