Thread: NY Exam - Study - Irish Student

Hi All,

My name is Darren and I'm sitting the New York Bar Exam in July... I'm from Ireland and to be honest fairly intimidated by the thought of taking the exam but also excited in a way.... The chance to become a New York attorney is genuinely a dream of mine...

I'm doing the Micromash home study course and its got a good software system to practise MBE q's. I was advised to read the condensed outlines (one book) in relation to the 6 mbe subjects and just practise the mbe q's on the software.

The Main Q's I have are as follows:

What I am confused with is the essay part... The materials for the 15-22 subjects is quite vast and I would like to know how ppl studied for the essay portion of the exam. Should one practise essay questions and read over sample answers or shoul you read through all th material on the state part?
Has anyone any study advise in relation to the above and the MPT?


Also in relation to an issue that is worrying me, do ppl tink that if I have two full months off work to study for the exam, is that enough to sufficiently study for the NY exam, considering I am only just starting to study now for the exam.

Cheers,
Appreciate greatly any replies,

Darren

Category: NY - New York Bar Exam

Category: NY - New York Bar Exam

I think 2 months is a perfect time for studying!

For me, I studied the essay portion subject by subject. I first read the bar outline, then I read 1 question with model answer, then I practice an essay question of that subject by outlining an answer and match it up with the model answer. Everyday I do about 2-4 practice essay questions of a subject.

Right before the bar exam, I used my bar outlines to refresh my memories and use my old essay practices for review.

I passed and so will you!

I also work FT and am studying for the bar (New Mexico). I have been out of law school for a long time, so I began reviewing outlines for MBE subject areas to refresh my memory in March. In April, I listened to a friend's recorded MBE lectures on my Ipod. I will be using MicroMash to practice the MBE. If I do well on the practice MBE, I will probably just keep practicing. General tips for MBE: Make flashcards for difficult areas (Future Interests, for me). Someone advised me to try to do more than 2,000 practice Qs (MBE), esp. helpful in familiarity with fact patterns likely to show up on the bar. But I'm not sure that is feasible for me, given my work schedule (my boss is giving me only 3 weeks off to study and take the bar).

Essays: MM does not have NM essay materials, but I found some NM outlines on the Internet (baroutlines.com) for a fraction of the cost of Barbri. To practice NM essays and the MPT, I have downloaded old questions from the NM Board of Bar Examiners website (you might wish to check out the NY Board of Bar Examiners to see if they post old essays online) and I will practice answering them, then compare my answers to the "model" answers.

I opted out of the BARBRI package/class in favor of home study because I am pretty disciplined, organized, I just could not afford to pay $1,500+ in addition to bar exam fees and travel costs (I live out of state, will be driving to NM and staying in a hotel). I plan to do about 30-60 practice MBE Qs after work and during the weekend.

I am sure if you study diligently, practice, practice, practice, and have confidence in yourself, you will pass!! And welcome to America!! Ireland rocks!!

Hey guys,

Thanks for your replies, really appreciate it.

So i could just ask if ppl wud agree with this plan:

MBE: Do loads and loads of practise q's and take note of all the lessons learned with wrong questions.

State: Glance over the materials in relation to the state subjects and just do loads of sample questions as well as looking at sample answers.

I have two full months off as i said prior to the exam and its reassuring that you say thats enough if I study efficiently. I really hope it is.

In relation to the qualification itself, apart from absolute pride and joy that one would get passing the exam, in NY is it hard to get a job as an attorney. I'm just curious myself because I know that it is acknowledged greatly here in Ireland.

Thanks guys,

Darren

Hey Darren,
I think that's a great plan. However, having an outine really helped me, and I think you should have a set of New york bar exam outlines

I used these baroutlines to refresh my memory, practice essays, and calm myself down before the exam. They are invaluable I tell you! Having a set of outines can give you a sense of structure, a better grasp of the black letter rules, and help you see the big picture.

Good luck

ps. I heard it's really hard to get a job as a foreign attorney in New York even if you have passed the NY bar

Hi Darren,

I am Irish and sat the exam in February but didn't get it. I came very close though. I got the Barbri materials from Friary Law but didn't stick to their advice re practicing MBEs and highlighting the Essay answers. I obviously can't give you any advice on how to pass or study techniques as I didn't pass it but I am planning on sitting this again in Feb 09 and plan on doing about 2000 MBEs prior to then and highlighing the black letter law in the essay questions along with the format of previous essay answers.

In terms of getting a job in NYC, you will need to have a contact in a law firm as it's tough for US citizens to land a job there in the current climate. There is also an Irish Lawyer affiliation set up (can't recall the name) so perhaps do a few google searches and when you pass get in contact with them about helping you out.

Best of luck,
Dave

It has been my experience that unless you graduate at the top of your class in a top tier (i.e., Ivy League) law school, you will have a bit of a challenge finding a decent job as an attorney. I believe that is true for NY or any other state in the U.S. Of course, the more attorneys and law schools in your city, the greater the competition. If you can afford the dismal pay and are just beginning your legal career (or have tried and failed to find work), I would suggest you consider a legal aid office in your town. The pay sucks, it can be very stressful because many clients are desperate, homeless, have issues with violence and substance abuse, but the experience is invaluable.

Have you considered other States? Florida's Bar Exam is much easier than New York's. I live in Sarasota and there are a lot of Irish people here. I think you could get a job here, depending on the area of law you wanted to practice in, because you would be a good liason with some law firm and the Irish clients and potential clients. There is some fellow from Ireland that is doing a big bayfront residential project here that will probably bring more Irish people here in the future. Email me if you have any interest in Florida.

David Finkelstein
DavidF@AttorneyCPA.com

You might also consider Washington State. The climate is similar to Ireland: lots of rain year round, lush green foliage, and near the ocean. Best of all, the bar exam is ALL essays; no evil MBE or MPT! I considered sitting for the NM bar in July but, after needlessly torturing myself with weeks of MBE practice questions and worry, just decided to chuck the three format hell in most jurisdictions--MBE, MPT, and essays--and just focus on essays for the upcoming WA state bar. If I pass--please God--I will either get a federal job (federal jobs just require any state bar) or move to WA.

what an interesting thread.

Several thoughts:

1. agree with the outlines comment
2. agree with the Washington state comment regarding how wonderful the state is, but finding a job in Washington state is very very difficult these days I tell you. The market is not good, and they just want people from Seattle. Very little positions left out there for outsiders!