The Waiting Game

Having studied for and taken the California bar exam once, I've unfortunately been in this situation once before.  The waiting period until bar results come out on November 16, 2012 is a form of torture.  The waiting period is also a rollercoaster ride of emotions that wreaks havoc on one's self esteem.  I fluctuate between feeling like I did much better the second time around and that I nailed the exam to feeling like I probably failed again and will have to figure out a backup plan for my life.  I know I am not alone in limbo land as a repeat bar exam taker because in February 2012 approximately 46% of bar exam takers passed the California bar exam. This means that 54% of us failed the exam, which means I am in good company.  

What's particularly awful about the waiting period in this economy is that recent law school graduates or attorneys from out-of-state are in limbo land for a few months and not able to practice law.  The letters J.D. are akin to scarlet letters on your resume if you don't have a legal job lined up because you are either overqualified for a law clerk, paralegal or legal assistant position at a law firm or underqualified for an attorney position.  If you want to work in the public interest arena, it's essential that you obtain your law license for a legal non-profit to hire you.  Law clerk positions at small to medium sized firms that transform into associate attorney positions with the magic bar card are slim to none.  Document review gigs are primarily staffed by licensed attorneys or career paralegals.  In this economy, recent law school graduates without jobs lined up are a sorry bunch, but there is a silver lining. There are things you can do during the waiting period that can help build your legal network, lead you to a job or that can keep you occupied in the interim.  It's smart to have a game plan otherwise it's easy to get depressed about your situation. 

During the waiting period, it's key to: (1) figure out what you are good at and what you love to do, (2) leverage your contacts, (3) volunteer in an area of law you are passionate about, (4) go on information interviews, and (5) find paid work where you can.

To stay sane during this stressful and uncertain time period, be sure to exercise on a regular basis, connect with friends and family, and do one thing every day that makes you happy.  

- Law Coach