I took the bar exam. Now what?

The period after taking the bar exam and waiting for results can be a stressful

time for new law school graduates. Here are some tips to cope with the stress:

1. First, celebrate that the exam is OVER! Go out to dinner or for drinks with

friends and family. It is especially meaningful to celebrate with fellow bar

takers. They know what you have gone through firsthand.

2. Plan to take at least one week OFF! Catch up on sleep; rest; take a trip;

or spend time with family, friends, and pets. You worked hard and paid a

lot to get to this point. You deserve a break.

3. After your short break, continue to take good care of yourself. Make sure

you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly. Taking

care of your physical & mental health can help you feel more grounded

and better able to cope with stress.

4. During the long waiting period, stay busy. Keep yourself occupied with

other activities, such as volunteering, traveling, or taking on a part-time

job. This can help take your mind off the results and make the waiting

period feel shorter. If you have a new law graduate job lined up, ask if you

can start after your initial (i.e., one week) break. If not, definitely line up

other activities. If you have not secured a position yet, consider editing

your resume. Contact me if you want a recommendation for a Certified

Professional Resume Writer.

5. Stay connected with others: Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues

about your feelings and concerns. They can offer support and

understanding during this difficult time. Avoid people who are not

supportive or do not seem to understand the process.

6. Try not to obsess over the results: While it’s natural to be curious about

the outcome of the exam, try not to obsess over it. Instead, focus on other

aspects of your life and trust that you did your best. Again, I recommend

that you keep busy. If you don’t have your first position out of law school

secured, work on securing it.

7. Plan for different outcomes: Consider the possibility of not passing the

exam and have a plan in place for what you will do next. This can help

alleviate some of the anxiety you may be feeling. Remember, many, many

practicing lawyers did NOT pass the bar exam the first time they took it.

You will have another chance. Not passing on your first attempt does not

mean your life, or your career, is over.

8. Seek professional help if needed: If you find that you are struggling with

anxiety or depression during this time, seek help from a mental health

professional. They can provide support and guidance as you navigate this

challenging period.