From Skeptic to Supporter: The Case for the Bar Exam by Emily Warnimont

Up until a few weeks ago, if you had asked me whether all law students should have to take the Bar exam, I likely would have said no. However, having now gone through it myself, my perspective has changed.

The Bar exam is undeniably daunting. After three years of law school, students are expected to devote another 8–10 weeks to studying for a single test. The exam spans two full days and, in Ohio this year, was administered in three locations: Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus. I traveled to Cleveland on July 28, solely focused on completing this final step.

The exam took place at Cleveland State Law School, which had been divided into rooms holding around 30–40 students each. The tension in the room was palpable. Stress over computer issues only added to it – I witnessed one girl’s laptop die within minutes, forcing her to handwrite the entire exam. Fortunately, thanks to the support from Cleveland State staff, we all made it through.

After 12 hours of testing over two days, I left Cleveland feeling like I had entered a new club – those who have faced the Bar. Upon returning to work, the first question I was asked was, “Now that you’ve taken it, do you think everyone should?” I was surprised how quickly I answered: yes.

Admittedly, part of me feels this is a selfish answer – if I had to take it, everyone else should too. But it goes deeper than that. While it’s often argued that the Bar exam doesn’t teach you how to be an attorney, I believe it teaches other critical qualities.

For one, it improved my legal analysis. I worked through thousands of multiple-choice questions and hundreds of practice essays. Over time, I began thinking more like an attorney and less like a student. More importantly, it taught me discipline. Studying over 40 hours a week was grueling, especially when tackling topics like Secured Transactions. But lawyers must be disciplined – they’re expected to put in substantial work for their clients, often under immense pressure.

Some states – California, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington – offer alternative paths to licensure, such as apprenticeships. I do think real-world experience is crucial. While clerking at Charles Boyk Law Offices, I gained knowledge I couldn’t have gotten from a textbook or exam. But I also see the Bar exam as a rite of passage. It is challenging, and at times feels unnecessary, but it forces a level of preparation and endurance that mirrors the demands of legal practice.

Ultimately, the Bar exam isn’t just about proving what you know – it’s about proving you can persist. While I understand the push for alternatives, I believe the Bar plays an important role in shaping lawyers. It may evolve over time, but I believe the Bar exam is here to stay.