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The Anxiety that preceeds the Bar Exam

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published April 07, 2009

By CEO and Founder - BCG Attorney Search left

Ms. McDermott says she can meet with a client and determine the problem in the first interview. Here is list of the most common problems that arise for bar exam candidates:
 
The Anxiety that preceeds the Bar Exam

1. Issues about identity.

When a young adult has been a student for so long, it is a big leap from student to professional. In addition, a promising student can be leery of the legal profession's bad reputation, which she might have confronted sometime during the years in law school. Some students don't want to become a bad legal stereotype.

2. Effects of a significant increase in income.

Often people have fears of making more income than their parents or siblings. Will the income increase some how set them apart from family and friends?

3. Knowing that they deserve it is another issue for people who have failed the bar exam.

Some of the deepest and most challenging barriers come from self-esteem when a client believes he doesn't deserve the recognition or honor of passing the exam and becoming a lawyer.

4. Other issues can come up when interviewing a client about the bar exam.

United States
It is a stressful time where the bar exam candidate feels like she is under the microscope. It's the culmination of a long course of study and this is the icing on the cake. The determination if a graduate will go on to practice in that dream job. These issues need to be put aside and dealt with after the exam so a keen focus on the test ahead is demanded.

5. Perfectionism and Procrastination interfere with study and thoughts about the exam.

You don't need to score perfect on the entire exam to pass it. This fear can cause procrastination in preparing for the exam and even the inability to complete the exam.

Patti suggests not developing any bad habits during this stressful time because they can become problematic later. The statistics for attorneys using alcohol and drugs is shocking. Eat a good diet to prevent overdosing on sugar and going on a high or crashing without it. There are lots of positive habits to develop during your preparation time.

This article lists only a few of the nasty little skeletons that can drive a bright young person to potentially fail the bar exam. If you have passed the test exams then you know the law. Find those underlying fears and defeat them to complete the path you started. Don't let these things distract you from your future. You can look on the internet or ask around for therapists who work with students to overcome their fear of failure, perfectionism or procrastination. It's not a long process, as Patti McDermott says, she uses a technique to detect the problem and get the student in the right direction for success on the bar exam in as little as four sessions. Give yourself every chance to pass, it's your life!

Resources:
'Removing the Mental Barriers', © 2007 by Pati McDermott.

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About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations—from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

  • Immigration law
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  • And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

  • Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
  • Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
  • Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
  • Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success – The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm’s unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison’s legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here.

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials—he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison’s work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

  • Finds and creates job openings that aren’t publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
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This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney—no matter their background, law school, or previous experience—has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

  • Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
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  • Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options—only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
  • Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist—often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today – Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison’s expertise will help you take control of your future.

? Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Alternative Summary

Harrison is the founder of BCG Attorney Search and several companies in the legal employment space that collectively gets thousands of attorneys jobs each year. Harrison’s writings about attorney careers and placement attract millions of reads each year. Harrison is widely considered the most successful recruiter in the United States and personally places multiple attorneys most weeks. His articles on legal search and placement are read by attorneys, law students and others millions of times per year.

More about Harrison

About LawCrossing

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