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CHANGE IS COMING...

TO THE CALIFORNIA BAR EXAM –AGAIN

The State Bar has announced that it will add Civil Procedure to the Multi-State component of the 3-day General Bar exam. This means there will be 7 – but, really 8 – subjects that will be tested – including Criminal Procedure.

This change will purportedly take place by the February 2015 bar exam.

What this means: Simply put, there will be more that the General Bar applicant will need to know. In turn, the applicant will need to spend more time in preparation.

Although the passing percentage of applicants may remain about the same – this appears to have been the case with other changes the Bar has made over the years – greater expertise will be required to meet the new challenge.

What to do about it: Start your bar review preparation before your competition. Employ a strategy to accommodate the additional bar review material you will need to master. You will need more time to do so. Think about it: There are now 17 subjects – including the new ones added with the July 2007 bar – still the Performance Test – and by 2015, 8 subjects to be tested on the MBE. 35 years ago, there was no Performance Test, still the MBE, but “just” 13 subjects eligible for the essay. Before that, no Performance Test, even no MBE if you go back far enough.

If you are a repeat examinee, have a sense of urgency – pass the bar before the new change. There are 3 exams before the change occurs. Law schools will begin “building” the new change into their curriculums – acclimating their students to the ever-new changes.

The “great leveling” factor is “time” – spend more of it and to do so start earlier. At Cal Bar Tutorial Review, we are working with applicants – already – through 2014. And, with our “Law Student Program” beyond 2014.

Think outside the box given your individual situation – in working to put the bar behind you whatever your course of action. Letting the bar course you take dictate when you start your preparation can put you at a disadvantage. Start your preparation when it is right for you to do so. If you need some help in figuring this out, please call 800-783-6168 and leave your contact information. We will give you our opinion – at no charge. Good Luck!