Top Law Schools

So, I have a gap on my resume over the last two years because of my struggles with the bar exam (which I passed this year).

I'm applying to jobs and had an interview where I was pressed on what I'd been up to the past two years. I kept it vague ("passed the bar and took care of some personal and family matters"), but I was then asked if I had struggled with the bar exam and how many times I took it. I answered that I took it 5 times. I didn't like the vibe of this exchange, so I'm re-thinking how to address this issue.

Do I only talk about it if directly asked about my time gap? Or should I consider volunteering this information on my own first (e.g. answering 'passing the bar exam' when asked about what my greatest challenge was).

And if I do address it, should I talk about how the experience taught me grit/perseverance and that this time also allowed me to address personal things (e.g. physical health) for the better?

Thoughts?

So I am in a similar boat - I failed the first time I took the bar and also had a gap of 8 months recently in a resume.

I would not tell a future employer about the bar. I don't think that will come up in the same way as it did in your previous interview. As stupid as it is, I think it's hard for an employer to forget that fact, so I would not volunteer that.

I also began by saying family issues for the gap, but also did not enjoy doing that because it felt so personal saying that in an interview and changed the dynamic. I would start a startup if I were you - even if it's only a few hours each week - to get something on your resume. You can describe what you do for your startup - esp any legal issues - without specifically mentioning that it's just you working at the place. That worked for me.

Don’t ever mention that passing the bar was your greatest challenge. That’ll be a red flag to many employers, since most people pass in their first try.

Honestly, employers are probably just going to assume you didn’t pass, so I wouldn’t mention it at all. If it comes up in conversation, just riefly mention the fact and move on.

You do not want to focus on it at all.