Law Preview? & BAR? Forum

[Moonlight]

Hey guys,

How useful is Law Preview by Barbri?

Is it worth it to take it?

Also do we need to do anything for the BAR exam as a 1L? Whether it be register or whatnot?

[rinkrat19]

Law Preview is marginally helpful if it's free. It is definitely not worth the $1200 or whatever it is.

'Bar' is not an acronym, nor do you need to shout it. No, there's nothing to do as a 1L for the bar, except make sure you know all of your past addresses and employers for however far back the state in question requires you to know them. I have also heard of states (IL?) who want names of undergrad professors. You can look up the states you think you might end up in and see what's on their bar application if you're really worried. (Google 'X state bar exam')

[Moonlight]

Law Preview is marginally helpful if it's free. It is definitely not worth the $1200 or whatever it is.

'Bar' is not an acronym, nor do you need to shout it. No, there's nothing to do as a 1L for the bar, except make sure you know all of your past addresses and employers for however far back the state in question requires you to know them. I have also heard of states (IL?) who want names of undergrad professors. You can look up the states you think you might end up in and see what's on their bar application if you're really worried. (Google 'X state bar exam')

Appreciate the insight on Law Preview.

Ah yes fair point. Not sure what I was thinking when I capitalized Bar lol. Thanks!

[TLSanders]

You should take a look at the bar application and requirements for the state(s) you're interested in. Though it's technically true that you probably don't have to take any action as a 1L, different states have specific requirements regarding your law school credits. If you're attending a law school in the state you're applying to the bar, those requirements will likely be built into the core curriculum. But, if you're going to be practicing in a nearby state, you may be in a bind. For example, Indiana requires a second Tort class that neighboring Illinois does not. With a large number of law schools in Illinois, it's not uncommon to attend school in IL and return to IN to practice...but, if you don't have that additional Tort class, you may not be eligible to the bar.

Re your other questions, I'm not familiar with the program you reference, but the single most useful thing you can do to prepare for law school is learn to read case law. Taking a substantive law class that relies on a case book rather than a traditional textbook as an undergraduate (or more than one, if you have the opportunity) is a significant leg up.