Try it and see what happens! The weather sure as HECK beats Chicago winters, right? You could live right on the water! Or Austin's supposed to be a really fun place to live.
I lived in St. Louis for years, and honestly I wouldn't move back there unless I were forcibly relocated. I'd take Texas any day. :)
Dear Legally Fabulous, You are a smart gal; smart enough to have known that you weren’t going to pass the bar this time around. You know the contents of your twitter feed and your blog; no one needs a spy cam to realize that you were a hard-partier throughout college and law school, and your bar exam prep was no different. You stated that you studied more/drank less on your second attempt and I’m sure you are being truthful in that statement; for your third go round, whether in TX, IL or some other state, you now know a bit more about what is required to pass. The exam is testing endurance, preparation, knowledge, intuition, inductive and deductive reasoning, and writing ability. I know you can write. Having taken and passed 5 bars in 5 different states, I know it takes me a minimum of 6 weeks to prepare to pass; if I have 8 weeks my numerical MBE score/state portion score will be excellent. During my prep time I’m not drinking/tweeting/blogging/surfing any media. All I’m doing is studying/eating/exercising/sleeping. Start the prep earlier if you have to fit work into your schedule so you have a solid 6 weeks of nothing but prep. Amy’s right about the bar/bri schedule. Don’t forget that Elle Woods was initially motivated by a desire to win back her worthless boyfriend; it wasn’t until she was doing it for herself that she was successful. Anything that deters you from your dream, be it well-meaning friends, drink, junk food, or procrastination is the enemy at this point. You have to give up six weeks of your life to get the life you want to live. Good luck.
As someone who passed 5 bar exams you should know that not everyone learns the same way. Not everyone retains knowledge in the same fashion and not everyone has the same study habits. Oh wait, you might not know about that. Was in on any of the 5 bar exams you passed?
I digress. While I am sure that your comments were well intentioned, they came off as bitchy and beyond arrogant. I suppose you think you have that right since you passed 5 bar exams.
But in the real world you would know that people have dreams, people get hurt, people dont always succeed when they wanted to. And in those situations decent human beings provide support, compassion and do their best to help said person out as much as they can. But compassion wasnt something that was on the 5 bar exams you passed was it?
I am sure you and another commenter from before had intentions of showing "tough love" but since this wasnt covered on the 5 bar exams you passed, let me lay a little knowledge down on human decency.
It is NOT your job to give LF ANY tough love.
You are not her mother, her sister, her cousin, or, form the likes of it, even a close personal friend. I understand the 5 bar exams you passed did not really cover relationships between people, so let me tell you, unless you KNOW her keep your tough love act to yourself.
As someone who passed 5 bar exams and clearly knows how to write, you should know that not everything that pops in your head should be documented. I guess one thing you did not learn from passing 5 bar exams was how to contain some thoughts and keep them in your head.
Actually, since you passed 5 bar exams and are a good writer, I take it back. You were not trying a tough love thing. If you were then using deductive reasoning one could figure out that you passed no bar exams.
Instead that makes you an egotistical bitch who clearly has some sort of problem with LF.
xoxo Lex
PS. if you dont feel like reading all that here is the best summary ever: If you dont have something nice to say then dont say anything at all.
I don't know what is wrong with people who somehow think it is okay to kick someone while they are down. LF is generous enough to share parts of her life with her readers, even when things are less than ideal and I'm sure she would rather not. She is going through a tough time, and only someone completely lacking in decency would use this disappointment as an excuse to elevate herself and make herself feel superior. People like Alegra are the reason why lawyers get such a bad reputation.
Legally Fab, don't give up on your dream. Texas sounds like a great idea.
LF, your writing style suggests that you are smart enough to assess what went wrong with bar exam attempt one and bar exam two and to correct it.
It's great that you have cheerleaders (like Amy Walker and the other goofy friend who created a "legitimate google ID" -- though I am glad you have "galvanized a friendship") who are trying to support you, but you would really be best served by looking past them and being honest with yourself. You are the only person who knows if you partied too much, etc. Certainly, it is not a "character" flaw to suggest that someone needs to put in the hard work and hours to pass the bar.
But, as I said before, the only person who really knows that you did your best is you. Please go back to Barbri, or your school, figure out what went wrong and retake the bar (whether it's Texas or Ill.). The world needs more people devoted to law for the right reasons.
I have no idea why anyone would take five bar exams in five different states. Seems a bit like overkill to me unless you plan to practice in all five states and that really makes no sense since most people are not going to do something like that.
I digress. LF, if you decide to come to Texas, let me know. I passed the Texas Bar a few years back and can give you some excellent study tips for it. You can e-mail me at lawfrog@gmail.com
I was not implying that Alegra's "character" flaw was that she suggested that LF put in hard work and hours. Anyone knows that's part of the elements that it takes to pass the bar. It's that she didn't have the "character" to email Legally Fab privately and deliver her encouragement in a positive, helpful way instead of with the condescension she clearly displayed.
I would hardly call myself of a "cheerleader" of/for anyone...but I do have a problem with people who have strong opinions but are too weak to stand behind them.
You said it best when you stated that the only person who really knows if she did her best is LF. So really any opinions about what she should/shouldn't do don't really matter anyway.
I just think an "I'm sorry" in this case pretty much says it all.
What's wrong with taking five bar exams in five states? It seems perfectly logical and not unusual to me if you are a rising star at a high-profile firm. Nevertheless, both Amy and Lex have felt the need to comment on it in a negative way.
Look, the first Amy, Alegra and myself are trying to offer LF constructive advice with good intentions. EVERYONE who has commented since April 1 wants LF to succeed, and we believe she can do it if she sets her mind to it.
There is nothing wrong with taking five bar exams in five states if you want to do so or it has some career benefit. I was just saying that it is a rather unusual thing as even the partners at huge, international law firms that I am personally acquainted with have not done such a thing. It's generally a waste of time/money since you have to pay the bar fees in every state to keep the license active when it's really not that useful and would be cheaper in the long run to pay the Pro Hac Vice fee for the state you need to be in for the moment if you have a case there.
In any case, that isn't the real issue here. If someone wants to do that, go for it.
LF, once again I reiterate that if you want some Texas Bar tips or need to vent, feel free to contact me at lawfrog@gmail.com
I think it's interesting that people seem to be offering LF their opinions as to why she failed and how to do better next time. If I recall, I don't think she ever asked any of you for your "kind" help. I think there's a difference between putting yourself out there and asking for advice.
LF, I am a longtime lurker on your blog and I have to say that YOU are fabulous. I'm sorry people, well-intentioned or not, seem to forget that.
I like Amy's attitude: if you want to offer critical advice, perhaps it is best to email it to LF, and let her read or delete it at her choosing.
I think what makes LF's blog so appealing is that she truly opens herself up and shares her life. LF is much like Amy (whose blog I also enjoy following) in this respect: she opens up about her life, and shares the good and the bad. This not only makes her blog fun and interesting to follow; it also makes it very inspiring. As a law student who is dreading taking the bar this summer, and fearful about the prospect of failure, I know how hard it must be for LF to share this struggle with us, and I think she is totally courageous for doing so.
Will bloggers like LF and Amy (and the myriad other women who blog honestly about both their triumphs and struggles) continue to open their lives to the world and inspire women like me if they are attacked and instructed on where they went wrong? Maybe they will. But I think it's also likely that they will decide it's not worth it. I think it is safer to operate under the assumption that unless they ask for it, it isn't appropriate to offer critical advice or instruction on a particularly sensitive topic.
Maybe LF does need advice, and when/if she asks for it, I'm sure there will be no dearth of commenters eager to offer it. But it seems clear right now that she'd probably prefer support and encouragement and reminders that she is fabulous.
When it comes down to it, LF did NOT ask for yours, amy's and alegra's opinion. She didnt ask for your help, she didnt even ask for sympathy or an opinion. Maybe you can offer your "help" when someone asks for it.
Ya know, I was reading your "about me" and noticed you had written that you would eventually see yourself going home. You wrote that a year ago. From a Kansas girl who has lived all over the place, I can truly say there's no place like home. Even though a lot of things about home make me crazy, I think I just might end up there. You have only take it twice. I know people who have taken it 5+ and still haven't passed. I'm just getting started on LSAT, but what I hear about the bar is that its like a full time job. Too bad most of us actually have to work and pay off some school loans. So, all these bitches can suck it. Thats you, 5-bar and your pretentious attitude.
LF, I'm a long time lurker/reader of your blog. I took the Texas Bar last summer. I still have all my BarBri materials, notecards, etc... Should you come back to Texas you're welcome to all of it. We need more people like you in our profession and I'm happy to help you succeed in any little way I can. Best of luck!
The blog is public, consequently anyone can read it and express an opinion, including the ibaby folks, legal practitioners in Chicago and elsewhere, employers, etc.
Time to light a candle rather than curse the darkness gals!
Legally Fab, I adore your blog. You make me laugh. I, like most of your readers, think you're fabulous! To the rude commenters--GET A LIFE and stop giving Legally Fab unsolicited advice.
I don't know if this would help you any, but I have two friends that were close to passing the bar - like needed a few points on an essay question or two - and they appealed their scores and both passed after appeal. Might be an option if you're close. My husband is a lawyer and I understand how hard the BAR is and how much time it requires in preparation. And my husband made just enough to pass...he did really well on the multi-state essay and not so great on the multiple choice :) All the best to you no matter what you decide!
So just thought, but could Amy, Alegra and Jean be the same person, seeing as none of them are actually brave enough to use a valid Blogger account?
Either way, could all three of you please just shut up and mine your own business and stop passing on your unwanted advice to LF and stop comparing yourselves to her. She's so much cooler than any of you could ever hope to be (even you with your 5 passed bar exams Alegra - tell me, do you actually have a life beyond studying for exams? Are you just jealous that LF has so many people who genuinely wish her well?)
Some of you are pouring a lot of negative energy into attacking people you don’t know (namely Alegra, Amy and Jean), but a more objective read of their posts shows that they are actually trying to give LF constructive ideas for improving her performance.
You might consider the fact that blogs that are publicly available can be viewed by ANYONE including potential employers and character and fitness committees. Employers routinely research the backgrounds of job candidates and they can connect LF to her blog through photos she has posted and other personal information. Any blogging job-seeker should ask herself what her blog tells a potential employer about her, especially when she tells someone to “go fuck yourself.”
I am licensed in two states (IL and NY) and I believe that professional behavior is key to professional success. If LF and/or her friends want to complain about failure and criticize other people, they’d do well to consider what that behavior says about them.
Energy spent bashing successful and goal-oriented folks doesn’t help you. Do something to help yourself!
Jamie - what exactly was constructive about any of the suggestions these people gave me???? Stop blogging??? Do you have any idea how long a blog post takes to write??? About 5 minutes. Do you know where I do the majority of my blogging? Sitting on the bus. Ditto tweeting. And a lot of the time I write blog posts while I soak in the bath tub. So as "helpful" as Alegra thinks she's being by telling me to stop tweeting and blogging while studying, it's misguided and NOT helpful. I did not fail the bar exam because I blog.
Similarly, I did not fail the bar exam because I was out partying. I WASN'T. I hardly saw my friends at all for the entire months of January and February. Alegra IS correct that it's not a secret that I partied plenty during college and law school. I also worked hard during college and law school. Alegra is DEAD WRONG in her statement that I partied too much during bar prep. Hell, I haven't even been partying much at all since the bar exam because I just don't have the money to do much of anything besides pay bills. I went out six times in the month of March, which had 4 weekends. (yes, I keep track). This may seem like a lot to those who have spouses and children, but I'm a single girl in my 20's who basically lives alone. That's what single girls in their 20's do. I also work out six days a week, work 3 days a week at a law firm, babysit two days a week, and volunteer.
Not to mention - I didn't ask for suggestions for why random strangers who don't know me and don't know my study habits think I failed the bar exam. I actually DO have a post written for tomorrow for suggestions on preparation. THAT would be an appropriate time to offer ACTUAL SUBSTANTIVE SUGGESTIONS on how to change my prep. But when I put my life out there and admit how absolutely DEVASTATED I was by this failure, I don't need to be kicked while I'm down. And that's exactly what was done. "You need to give up six weeks of your life" is not a constructive criticism. And suggesting that I failed because I did NOT give up 6 (way more than 6 weeks actually) weeks of my life is not only NOT helpful, it's assuming something that simply isn't true.
Oh the number of posts I've written in my head in response to blog comments like some of these. It never works to write them (though kudos for trying), but I will never understand why someone feels a need to virtually kick someone while they're down. Do they really think some tough love form an anonymous commenter will help? It does not. It can make you feel like shit, but that's about it. The internet can be so wonderful, but it can give some people the anonymous courage to say things they wouldn't tell a friend in similar circumstances 48 hours after they were devastated by a personal setback.
Anyway, Texas. It's the only Bar I've taken, but I'd be happy to offer any tips, etc. if you decide to come down here! I know the Austin legal market is pretty tight, but it always is, and I've heard very good things about the market in Dallas and Houston. Feel free to email me any time about it! and I hope you're getting lots of support IRL.
Just because you are physically able to visit a public website and express an opinion does not mean that it is kind, decent, useful, appropriate, acceptable, wanted, or otherwise worth doing.
Further, since you insist that Legally Fabulous accept your shitty comment due to this being a public site, you MUST accept all the responses pointing out just how shitty you are because you put your shitty comment on a public site. Congratulations! You are a dick. Now, fuck off.
LF, for purely selfish reasons I do not want you to move to Texas. But that's 'cause I really like you and like having you around. But, if Texas is what you want, and if it will make you happy, then that's what I want for you. xo.
You just don't understand that your blog is public space! Potential EMPLOYERS can see it! They may judge you based on what you post here! Help yourself by not telling people to F** off here!
Alegra's constructive advice was to be more focused in your studies!!
Since this post has turned into unsolicited assvice (oh, wait, that was just a few people....) I thought I'd throw this out there:
- the only people I know who have taken 3+ bar exams are people who work for bar prep companies. - I know people who partied during the entire study period and passed. - I know people who partied during the entire study period and failed. - I know people who studied during the entire study period and passed.... - But (shocking I know) I know people who stuidied during the entire study period and failed.
My point is, as much as some jerks would like to terrify everyone into the idea of "study for 23 hours a day, do nothing else, and even then you might not pass" they are wrong. Everyone does it differently and acting like your method (one way or the other) is the only way to do it is just presumptious.
I took the PA Bar because I went to Pitt. I took the Texas Bar because I moved to Texas I am going to take the Arizona Bar because I will need it for business.
Kind of shoots holes in your 3+ theory doesn't it..
Try it and see what happens! The weather sure as HECK beats Chicago winters, right? You could live right on the water! Or Austin's supposed to be a really fun place to live.
ReplyDeleteI lived in St. Louis for years, and honestly I wouldn't move back there unless I were forcibly relocated. I'd take Texas any day. :)
WHY NOT?!?! :)
ReplyDeleteDear Legally Fabulous,
ReplyDeleteYou are a smart gal; smart enough to have known that you weren’t going to pass the bar this time around. You know the contents of your twitter feed and your blog; no one needs a spy cam to realize that you were a hard-partier throughout college and law school, and your bar exam prep was no different. You stated that you studied more/drank less on your second attempt and I’m sure you are being truthful in that statement; for your third go round, whether in TX, IL or some other state, you now know a bit more about what is required to pass. The exam is testing endurance, preparation, knowledge, intuition, inductive and deductive reasoning, and writing ability. I know you can write. Having taken and passed 5 bars in 5 different states, I know it takes me a minimum of 6 weeks to prepare to pass; if I have 8 weeks my numerical MBE score/state portion score will be excellent. During my prep time I’m not drinking/tweeting/blogging/surfing any media. All I’m doing is studying/eating/exercising/sleeping. Start the prep earlier if you have to fit work into your schedule so you have a solid 6 weeks of nothing but prep. Amy’s right about the bar/bri schedule. Don’t forget that Elle Woods was initially motivated by a desire to win back her worthless boyfriend; it wasn’t until she was doing it for herself that she was successful. Anything that deters you from your dream, be it well-meaning friends, drink, junk food, or procrastination is the enemy at this point. You have to give up six weeks of your life to get the life you want to live. Good luck.
Alegra,
ReplyDeleteAs someone who passed 5 bar exams you should know that not everyone learns the same way. Not everyone retains knowledge in the same fashion and not everyone has the same study habits. Oh wait, you might not know about that. Was in on any of the 5 bar exams you passed?
I digress. While I am sure that your comments were well intentioned, they came off as bitchy and beyond arrogant. I suppose you think you have that right since you passed 5 bar exams.
But in the real world you would know that people have dreams, people get hurt, people dont always succeed when they wanted to. And in those situations decent human beings provide support, compassion and do their best to help said person out as much as they can. But compassion wasnt something that was on the 5 bar exams you passed was it?
I am sure you and another commenter from before had intentions of showing "tough love" but since this wasnt covered on the 5 bar exams you passed, let me lay a little knowledge down on human decency.
It is NOT your job to give LF ANY tough love.
You are not her mother, her sister, her cousin, or, form the likes of it, even a close personal friend. I understand the 5 bar exams you passed did not really cover relationships between people, so let me tell you, unless you KNOW her keep your tough love act to yourself.
As someone who passed 5 bar exams and clearly knows how to write, you should know that not everything that pops in your head should be documented. I guess one thing you did not learn from passing 5 bar exams was how to contain some thoughts and keep them in your head.
Actually, since you passed 5 bar exams and are a good writer, I take it back. You were not trying a tough love thing. If you were then using deductive reasoning one could figure out that you passed no bar exams.
Instead that makes you an egotistical bitch who clearly has some sort of problem with LF.
xoxo
Lex
PS. if you dont feel like reading all that here is the best summary ever: If you dont have something nice to say then dont say anything at all.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what is wrong with people who somehow think it is okay to kick someone while they are down. LF is generous enough to share parts of her life with her readers, even when things are less than ideal and I'm sure she would rather not. She is going through a tough time, and only someone completely lacking in decency would use this disappointment as an excuse to elevate herself and make herself feel superior. People like Alegra are the reason why lawyers get such a bad reputation.
ReplyDeleteLegally Fab, don't give up on your dream. Texas sounds like a great idea.
Yikes, Yikes, Yikes.
ReplyDeleteLF, your writing style suggests that you are smart enough to assess what went wrong with bar exam attempt one and bar exam two and to correct it.
It's great that you have cheerleaders (like Amy Walker and the other goofy friend who created a "legitimate google ID" -- though I am glad you have "galvanized a friendship") who are trying to support you, but you would really be best served by looking past them and being honest with yourself. You are the only person who knows if you partied too much, etc. Certainly, it is not a "character" flaw to suggest that someone needs to put in the hard work and hours to pass the bar.
But, as I said before, the only person who really knows that you did your best is you. Please go back to Barbri, or your school, figure out what went wrong and retake the bar (whether it's Texas or Ill.). The world needs more people devoted to law for the right reasons.
I have no idea why anyone would take five bar exams in five different states. Seems a bit like overkill to me unless you plan to practice in all five states and that really makes no sense since most people are not going to do something like that.
ReplyDeleteI digress. LF, if you decide to come to Texas, let me know. I passed the Texas Bar a few years back and can give you some excellent study tips for it. You can e-mail me at lawfrog@gmail.com
Stay strong!
Jean:
ReplyDeleteI was not implying that Alegra's "character" flaw was that she suggested that LF put in hard work and hours. Anyone knows that's part of the elements that it takes to pass the bar. It's that she didn't have the "character" to email Legally Fab privately and deliver her encouragement in a positive, helpful way instead of with the condescension she clearly displayed.
I would hardly call myself of a "cheerleader" of/for anyone...but I do have a problem with people who have strong opinions but are too weak to stand behind them.
You said it best when you stated that the only person who really knows if she did her best is LF. So really any opinions about what she should/shouldn't do don't really matter anyway.
I just think an "I'm sorry" in this case pretty much says it all.
What's wrong with taking five bar exams in five states? It seems perfectly logical and not unusual to me if you are a rising star at a high-profile firm. Nevertheless, both Amy and Lex have felt the need to comment on it in a negative way.
ReplyDeleteLook, the first Amy, Alegra and myself are trying to offer LF constructive advice with good intentions. EVERYONE who has commented since April 1 wants LF to succeed, and we believe she can do it if she sets her mind to it.
I have nothing to apologize for.
I am taking the Texas bar in July. Why not! We could commiserate together.
ReplyDeleteJean,
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong with taking five bar exams in five states if you want to do so or it has some career benefit. I was just saying that it is a rather unusual thing as even the partners at huge, international law firms that I am personally acquainted with have not done such a thing. It's generally a waste of time/money since you have to pay the bar fees in every state to keep the license active when it's really not that useful and would be cheaper in the long run to pay the Pro Hac Vice fee for the state you need to be in for the moment if you have a case there.
In any case, that isn't the real issue here. If someone wants to do that, go for it.
LF, once again I reiterate that if you want some Texas Bar tips or need to vent, feel free to contact me at lawfrog@gmail.com
I think it's interesting that people seem to be offering LF their opinions as to why she failed and how to do better next time. If I recall, I don't think she ever asked any of you for your "kind" help. I think there's a difference between putting yourself out there and asking for advice.
ReplyDeleteLF, I am a longtime lurker on your blog and I have to say that YOU are fabulous. I'm sorry people, well-intentioned or not, seem to forget that.
I like Amy's attitude: if you want to offer critical advice, perhaps it is best to email it to LF, and let her read or delete it at her choosing.
ReplyDeleteI think what makes LF's blog so appealing is that she truly opens herself up and shares her life. LF is much like Amy (whose blog I also enjoy following) in this respect: she opens up about her life, and shares the good and the bad. This not only makes her blog fun and interesting to follow; it also makes it very inspiring. As a law student who is dreading taking the bar this summer, and fearful about the prospect of failure, I know how hard it must be for LF to share this struggle with us, and I think she is totally courageous for doing so.
Will bloggers like LF and Amy (and the myriad other women who blog honestly about both their triumphs and struggles) continue to open their lives to the world and inspire women like me if they are attacked and instructed on where they went wrong? Maybe they will. But I think it's also likely that they will decide it's not worth it. I think it is safer to operate under the assumption that unless they ask for it, it isn't appropriate to offer critical advice or instruction on a particularly sensitive topic.
Maybe LF does need advice, and when/if she asks for it, I'm sure there will be no dearth of commenters eager to offer it. But it seems clear right now that she'd probably prefer support and encouragement and reminders that she is fabulous.
How do we even know if Alegra(who the f names their kid a musical name) even is a registered lawyer with Aba?? Just saying.
ReplyDeleteJean,
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes down to it, LF did NOT ask for yours, amy's and alegra's opinion. She didnt ask for your help, she didnt even ask for sympathy or an opinion. Maybe you can offer your "help" when someone asks for it.
Lex
Ya know, I was reading your "about me" and noticed you had written that you would eventually see yourself going home. You wrote that a year ago. From a Kansas girl who has lived all over the place, I can truly say there's no place like home. Even though a lot of things about home make me crazy, I think I just might end up there. You have only take it twice. I know people who have taken it 5+ and still haven't passed. I'm just getting started on LSAT, but what I hear about the bar is that its like a full time job. Too bad most of us actually have to work and pay off some school loans. So, all these bitches can suck it. Thats you, 5-bar and your pretentious attitude.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm taking the Texas bar in February of 2012 ... party city, bish.
ReplyDeleteLF, I'm a long time lurker/reader of your blog. I took the Texas Bar last summer. I still have all my BarBri materials, notecards, etc... Should you come back to Texas you're welcome to all of it. We need more people like you in our profession and I'm happy to help you succeed in any little way I can. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThe blog is public, consequently anyone can read it and express an opinion, including the ibaby folks, legal practitioners in Chicago and elsewhere, employers, etc.
ReplyDeleteTime to light a candle rather than curse the darkness gals!
Legally Fab, I adore your blog. You make me laugh. I, like most of your readers, think you're fabulous! To the rude commenters--GET A LIFE and stop giving Legally Fab unsolicited advice.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if this would help you any, but I have two friends that were close to passing the bar - like needed a few points on an essay question or two - and they appealed their scores and both passed after appeal. Might be an option if you're close. My husband is a lawyer and I understand how hard the BAR is and how much time it requires in preparation. And my husband made just enough to pass...he did really well on the multi-state essay and not so great on the multiple choice :) All the best to you no matter what you decide!
ReplyDeleteSo just thought, but could Amy, Alegra and Jean be the same person, seeing as none of them are actually brave enough to use a valid Blogger account?
ReplyDeleteEither way, could all three of you please just shut up and mine your own business and stop passing on your unwanted advice to LF and stop comparing yourselves to her. She's so much cooler than any of you could ever hope to be (even you with your 5 passed bar exams Alegra - tell me, do you actually have a life beyond studying for exams? Are you just jealous that LF has so many people who genuinely wish her well?)
Some of you are pouring a lot of negative energy into attacking people you don’t know (namely Alegra, Amy and Jean), but a more objective read of their posts shows that they are actually trying to give LF constructive ideas for improving her performance.
ReplyDeleteYou might consider the fact that blogs that are publicly available can be viewed by ANYONE including potential employers and character and fitness committees. Employers routinely research the backgrounds of job candidates and they can connect LF to her blog through photos she has posted and other personal information. Any blogging job-seeker should ask herself what her blog tells a potential employer about her, especially when she tells someone to “go fuck yourself.”
I am licensed in two states (IL and NY) and I believe that professional behavior is key to professional success. If LF and/or her friends want to complain about failure and criticize other people, they’d do well to consider what that behavior says about them.
Energy spent bashing successful and goal-oriented folks doesn’t help you. Do something to help yourself!
Jamie - what exactly was constructive about any of the suggestions these people gave me????
ReplyDeleteStop blogging??? Do you have any idea how long a blog post takes to write??? About 5 minutes. Do you know where I do the majority of my blogging? Sitting on the bus. Ditto tweeting. And a lot of the time I write blog posts while I soak in the bath tub.
So as "helpful" as Alegra thinks she's being by telling me to stop tweeting and blogging while studying, it's misguided and NOT helpful. I did not fail the bar exam because I blog.
Similarly, I did not fail the bar exam because I was out partying. I WASN'T. I hardly saw my friends at all for the entire months of January and February.
Alegra IS correct that it's not a secret that I partied plenty during college and law school. I also worked hard during college and law school. Alegra is DEAD WRONG in her statement that I partied too much during bar prep.
Hell, I haven't even been partying much at all since the bar exam because I just don't have the money to do much of anything besides pay bills. I went out six times in the month of March, which had 4 weekends. (yes, I keep track). This may seem like a lot to those who have spouses and children, but I'm a single girl in my 20's who basically lives alone. That's what single girls in their 20's do. I also work out six days a week, work 3 days a week at a law firm, babysit two days a week, and volunteer.
Not to mention - I didn't ask for suggestions for why random strangers who don't know me and don't know my study habits think I failed the bar exam.
I actually DO have a post written for tomorrow for suggestions on preparation. THAT would be an appropriate time to offer ACTUAL SUBSTANTIVE SUGGESTIONS on how to change my prep. But when I put my life out there and admit how absolutely DEVASTATED I was by this failure, I don't need to be kicked while I'm down. And that's exactly what was done. "You need to give up six weeks of your life" is not a constructive criticism. And suggesting that I failed because I did NOT give up 6 (way more than 6 weeks actually) weeks of my life is not only NOT helpful, it's assuming something that simply isn't true.
Oh the number of posts I've written in my head in response to blog comments like some of these. It never works to write them (though kudos for trying), but I will never understand why someone feels a need to virtually kick someone while they're down. Do they really think some tough love form an anonymous commenter will help? It does not. It can make you feel like shit, but that's about it. The internet can be so wonderful, but it can give some people the anonymous courage to say things they wouldn't tell a friend in similar circumstances 48 hours after they were devastated by a personal setback.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, Texas. It's the only Bar I've taken, but I'd be happy to offer any tips, etc. if you decide to come down here! I know the Austin legal market is pretty tight, but it always is, and I've heard very good things about the market in Dallas and Houston. Feel free to email me any time about it! and I hope you're getting lots of support IRL.
Alegra:
ReplyDeleteJust because you are physically able to visit a public website and express an opinion does not mean that it is kind, decent, useful, appropriate, acceptable, wanted, or otherwise worth doing.
Further, since you insist that Legally Fabulous accept your shitty comment due to this being a public site, you MUST accept all the responses pointing out just how shitty you are because you put your shitty comment on a public site. Congratulations! You are a dick. Now, fuck off.
Amie
LF, for purely selfish reasons I do not want you to move to Texas. But that's 'cause I really like you and like having you around. But, if Texas is what you want, and if it will make you happy, then that's what I want for you. xo.
ReplyDeleteLF, be careful, your character is showing!
ReplyDeleteYou just don't understand that your blog is public space! Potential EMPLOYERS can see it! They may judge you based on what you post here! Help yourself by not telling people to F** off here!
Alegra's constructive advice was to be more focused in your studies!!
I wish you the best. I really do.
Since this post has turned into unsolicited assvice (oh, wait, that was just a few people....) I thought I'd throw this out there:
ReplyDelete- the only people I know who have taken 3+ bar exams are people who work for bar prep companies.
- I know people who partied during the entire study period and passed.
- I know people who partied during the entire study period and failed.
- I know people who studied during the entire study period and passed....
- But (shocking I know) I know people who stuidied during the entire study period and failed.
My point is, as much as some jerks would like to terrify everyone into the idea of "study for 23 hours a day, do nothing else, and even then you might not pass" they are wrong. Everyone does it differently and acting like your method (one way or the other) is the only way to do it is just presumptious.
Daisy
ReplyDeleteI took the PA Bar because I went to Pitt.
I took the Texas Bar because I moved to Texas
I am going to take the Arizona Bar because I will need it for business.
Kind of shoots holes in your 3+ theory doesn't it..
Brian Cuban
Forget the most important thing-I don't work for a Bar Prep company
ReplyDeletei just wanted to remind you that you ARE going to be an AMAZING attorney one day. Don't forget that. love you friend!
ReplyDeletePS ppl need to get lives. for real.