The date of the next California Bar Exam has not yet been determined, but the Committee of Bar Examiners has held public hearings addressing this issue.  The “push” has been to postpone the administration of the usual July Bar to later this year; ‘possibly the Fall.  Law School deans and others may be in general support of postponement, although a definitive decision has not been made by the CA CBE’s.

Colorado and Oregon have evidently made the decision to proceed with the July administration of their tests – given their respective concerns that postponement would cause other unintended issues.

New York has evidently determined that they will postpone the Bar till September; specific dates of, alternately, September 9 & 10 – or – September 30 & October 1 is to be still decided.

My Opinion:  Given New York’s position – and given the evident “push” to postpone California’s Bar given the above – my opinion is that the CBE’s will follow suit with New York.  We shall shortly see.

More, later.

Paul Pfau

COST OF THE CUSTOMIZED TUTORIAL

REMOTE INSTRUCTION

In response to the social distancing remedy for Covid 10, Cal Bar offers complete or partial individually designed tutorial Bar Review programs that each offer (1) unlimited one-to-one attention and (2) materials.

Instruction is given remotely on an exclusive one-to-one basis with scheduled Face Time meetings for each student.  In addition, each student has unlimited Face Timeaccess beyond the scheduled meetings for both feedback purposes and to resolve any other Bar-related instructional needs.

Each student will work with Paul Pfau – who has over 40 years of experience in working with law students and both Baby and General Bar applicants in California and other states.  His experience is key in identifying each student’s specific instructional and testing needs – and in working to resolve and then elevate them to aBar-passing standard.  Think of it this way:  The testing methodologies that you are taught and then practice work to identify and then elevate your test-taking skills – in order to comprehensively elevate your test-taking standards for all three sections of the General Bar.  Or, for that section of the Bar you choose to work on.

You may customize your tailored program based on your need – and regardless of whether you are a First-time or Repeat Bar candidate.  This means you may work on all three sections of the exam – or – any part of it.

You may begin as soon as you wish.  Starting earlier than your competition is encouraged – and literally every hour of your individual study time, unlike virtually all other programs – will be programmed to assure the most efficient and effective use of your individual study time.  All essay and Performance Test practice is emailed.  Same day feedback is possible.

CUSTOMIZED COST

Cost will vary depending on (1) the length of your tailored program and (2) whether you choose to work on all three sections of the General Bar or some part(s) of it.  Cal Bar also has a long-standing “Pay It Forward” discounting policy – or – group discounts are also available.

WHETHER TO CHOOSE CAL BAR & TO DETERMINE YOUR COST

The best way to determine if Cal Bar is a good fit for your individual needs is to either email Mr. Pfau at:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – or – to text him at 818-333-6398 to arrange a no-obligation remote meeting with him.  There is no obligation in doing so.

Unlike a generic Bar review program, it is essentially important to describe your perception of your test-taking needs – in addition to understanding with particularity those methods you will be taught to mitigate and then improve them.  Mr. Pfau will be happy to walk you through a problem-solving exercise in order to more precisely enhance your understanding of how the instructional methodologies would work for you.  He will give you different options from which you can choose – and quote you a cost for each.  You may let him know any experience you have to discount your course – or – to discuss a possible group discount.

MasterCharge or Visa is accepted.  You may pay in full or by installment.  If you have any questions regarding the payment process – given your situation – please just ask.

Regardless of whether you want to proceed, Cal Bar wishes you all success for whatever course of action you may choose to help you succeed.  As noted, after 40 years of working with law students and Bar applicants, it is easy to empathize with your ultimate goal to “close the circle” and put the Bar behind you.

Have faith.  You will.

All Success!

Paul Pfau

The State Bar has noted “uncertainty” in administering both the June Baby Bar and July Bar exam given the current California prohibition of “large gatherings.”

Having worked through many different issues regarding the administration of these tests over the last 40 years, my best guess means that these tests will happen - with “how” and “when” the issues.

At the worst, you may have more time to prepare if there is delay - and perhaps to take your exam remotely or under improvised social distancing guidelines.

The State Bar is motivated to make these exams available given their many fiduciary relationships, including to all law schools and all applicants, and also as a part of its business function of the State Bar, too.

Like any challenge, look to the “positive” - they are there - as though nothing has changed.  Remain focused; don't overly worry about that part of the exam process you can't control.  There is rich opportunity in learning to adapt to a situation in which some will not.

In the meantime, stay healthy.  Like the Spring, the rest of life continues on the planet without interruption.  Continue to “be in a hurry” in taking advantage of the one resource you can't recover - your time.

I am working remotely with students now - including those coming into the process since the last bar.

Stay strong.

Pulling for you,

Paul 

For those of you anticipating February 2020 Bar results, my very best.  I know the C19 pandemic may have added another layer of anxiety - and regardless of the time remaining during this Bar results waiting period.  Please stay healthy.  And for your family and friends, too

Attached, is a letter I recently posted for those I am presently working with intending to take the June 2020 Baby Bar or July 2020 General Bar - or even a later - exam.  "Uncertainty" seems to be the common denominator for any of these Bar-related priorities - whether preparing for it or taking it - and this theme has also been formally adopted by the State Bar in announcing the "uncertainty" of administering  both the June Baby Bar and July General Bar.  Presumably, your Bar results will be posted on or about May 8th.  Regardless, given the fiduciary duty of the Examiners, (these) next exams, as well as your results are inevitable, and any new data will be posted soon.

I mention this in the same context I addressed it to those preparing for a future bar - that it is always productive to look forward - to be prepared for whatever outcome is presented by your upcoming May results.  Continuing to lightly study - with a goal, perhaps, of re-reviewing the 14 Bar subjects - can be a constructive way to spend at least part of your time through the duration of your remaining waiting period.  If you have a question about this - or how to more specifically utilize whatever study time you may have - please feel free to text me at 818-333-6398.

In the meantime, perhaps the greater takeaway, and born out, too, as a lesson learned in over 40 years of working with Bar review, is how utterly invaluable "time" is for each of us to achieve any of our life goals.  And one way to beat the Covid-19 pandemic - is not to let it deprive you of any more time than it may have already claimed.  Beyond its impact, to always have a sense of urgency in using the time you have been graced with - wisely.

All success,

Paul Pfau