April 06, 2006
TJSL Bar Passers Offer Bar Exam Tips To Students
Thomas Jefferson School of Law welcomed back five recent alumni, all successful bar passers, on March 23 to offer tips and advice to students on passing the California State Bar, the toughest bar exam in the country. As part of the “Preparing to Enter the Profession” series at Thomas Jefferson, students had the opportunity to hear firsthand what the bar passers did to prepare themselves for the grueling exam. The presentation was sponsored by the Academic Success Program/Bar Pass Committee and Career Services.
The first alum to speak was Patrick Kearns (‘05), who passed the California Bar last July and was admitted in February. “I think it’s a passable exam,” Kearns said, even though he reiterated that one must prepare as much as possible before the three-day exam. Kearns, now an associate at the civil defense litigation firm of Neil, Dymott, Frank, Harrison & McFall in downtown San Diego where he handles primarily medical malpractice and employment law defense, also urged all students to get their moral character applications done as soon as possible.
Patrick Kearns '05.
Yahairah Aristy (‘04) reiterated the need for students to fully dedicate themselves to passing the bar and making it a top priority. Aristy, a deputy public defender at the San Diego Public Defender’s Office where she handles misdemeanors, said that doing outlines and having note cards are keys to success in law school and in passing the bar.
Yahairah Aristy '04.
One key element that Lorena Slomanson (‘03) says helped her pass the bar was finding an outlet to release stress when preparing for the exam, such as yoga, running and exercising. Slomanson, a second-time bar passer, has learned that it is wise to study with materials of quality and not quantity, and that it is important to study smart and not too hard. Slomanson, an associate at Simpson & Brenner doing civil rights litigation, personal injury and employment law, also urged students to take the highly successful Bar Secrets bar review program offered at Thomas Jefferson.
Lorena Slomanson '03.
Amelia Yurch (‘05) passed the California Bar in July 2005. She is presently interviewing with firms. Yurch presented a stunning visual by bringing in stacks of note cards she used during her study preparations. She said she also found BarBri and PMBR to be excellent bar review courses.
Amelia Yurch '05.
Last to speak was Chris Burk (‘04), an associate at Zimmerman & Associates in Las Vegas. The firm practices construction defect, insurance law, medical malpractice and personal injury. Burk passed the California Bar in July 2005, the Arizona Bar in February 2005, and the Nevada Bar in July 2004. Moreover, he is preparing to take the Utah Bar. Burk, a past Student Bar Association president at Thomas Jefferson, reiterated the need for students to make the bar exam preparation a full-time job from the time they graduate to the exam date, focusing on the task at hand and taking any necessary bar review courses. Like Slomanson, he also said that all bar takers should have outlets to relieve stress.
Chris Burk '04.
A Q&A session followed the panel presentation.