Has anyone taken both the California and the Washington Bar exams? I am already a practicing attorney in California, but my husband may be re-located to Washington area. How difficult is the WA Bar compared to the CA Bar? What is the recommended study method for attorney applicants who also have to work? Thanks in advance!
Category: WA - Washington Bar Exam
I have a whole bunch of friends (party of 5) who did it together (took CA and then WA)
They all thought that WA is a bit easier except for one who is really really good at MBE, she thought WA is harder.
WA has no MBE, which means all the subjects are tested in the essay format. For an attorney, the easiest way is to get the bar outlines for the subjects you need ( you are exempt from a lot of it if you have practiced for more than 5 years) and just practice on your own.
good luck
Washington is much easier.. especially if you struggle with MBE.
Thanks for the info. I am encouraged a little because the MBE's were difficult for me. How different is the law between CA and WA? Are there some subjects that I will only need a refresher on (such as Con Law), or will they all be very Washington-law specific?
I took Washington's first, and I just took California's a couple days ago. I passed Washington's. Not sure about California. Washington's is GRUELING, but does not seem as DIFFICULT. If you take BarBri and do what BarBri tells you to do, you will likely pass in Washington. The pass rate is solid (around 70%) and the bar examiners usually test on issues previously tested, so if you do the essays of the past years you will have a strong likelihood of passing... I felt pretty good after taking the Washington exam... not so much about California. Hope this helps.
Has anyone used Rigos or Tendahl's WA State bar review courses or materials? (I will take the Feb. 09 exam.) In addition to Barbri, these two regional exam prep classes are listed on WA Bar Examiner's website, but I have never heard of them (or their reputation). I am purchasing Baroutlines.com outlines, reviewing a 2007 Multistate Barbri book, and the old WA State exams and model answers. I hope this is sufficient preparation as I work for Legal Aid and cannot afford to shell out thousands of $$ for a prep course.
Any thoughts are welcome. And if anyone wants to sell their WA state July 08 materials, please drop me a line at katefiorillo@yahoo.com.
Kate
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