petersond wrote:Hi all, first post ever, hoping you can answer a question.
I'm already a licensed attorney in one state, and now I am preparing to take the Illinois bar. The bar exam I took in 2012 didn't have MEE or MPT (or IEE, obviously.) I read somewhere that the MEEs can be graded as to Illinois law, or as to common law, and it's up to the jurisdiction to decide which. I have not been able to figure out whether Illinois uses common law or Illinois-specific state law.
Also, my strategy this time was to focus on the MBE, as I did exceptionally well on that last time, and I know that if I score well enough on the MBE again, I'll have a lot of leeway on my essays. In this final home stretch, how would you suggest I allocate my remaining time? I am also working full time, but my job isn't SO demanding, as far as hours. (I have my old materials from my current state's 2012 bar, as well as a bunch of Illinois BarBri materials from 2012 that I was gifted. I also have compiled some resources on civ pro, since that wasn't tested when I took the bar the first time.)
Any guidance would be appreciated! Taking the exam in a state I didn't go to school in, don't know any lawyers in, and is so different from my own state's....it's interesting. Thanks!
You don't have to spend one minute studying Illinois law (at least the specific distinictions). With regards to IL essays, just cite what you know from the MBE subjects. For example, a "contract needs an offer and acceptance." However, on the Illinois part of the exams simply state, under Illinois law, a contract is formed when there is an offer and acceptance. Or state: "Illinois recognizes comparative negligence. Under Illinois law, (then simply cite the rule from the MBE subjects).
Also, a lot of points can be gained from the IL essays so I wouldn't foregoe those easy points. The essays are easy and you don't have to be pefrect. Even if you don't know one or two subjects, you can still pass if you know enough of the other topics.