WAITING FOR BAR RESULTS?

I remember having horrible anxiety as I waited for bar results to be released. Most of the jobs I applied for required a license and would not hire me before the results. I had colleagues that were hired before graduation, but keeping their job was dependent on them passing the bar. I also applied for some JD advantage positions, but ultimately knew I wanted to practice. But what should you do while you wait on your bar results? Here are a couple of tips.

1. Reach out to a practicing attorney and clerk for them. You do not have to have a license to clerk. Find a solo practitioner or ask attorneys in your network if they need some help. Reach out to offices you clerked for during law school. This gives you an opportunity to develop new skills and keep your skills sharp. This can also serve as a resume builder.
2. Prepare writing samples. If you don’t already have a writing sample ready, take this time to get a writing sample together and edit it so you can be prepared for whatever job application that comes your way. Some applications have a quick turn around time. Prepare a writing sample while you have time.
3. Look for gigs. Maybe this should be no. 1, lol. Look for jobs. Pay attention to when the announcement closes. Contact the hiring manager to determine if they will consider an applicant waiting on bar results.
4. Be kind to yourself. Start exercising, take walks. Try to de-stress from law school and bar prep. Binge watch a show you’ve missed due to endless studying. Go out with friends and family. Try to relax.
5. Continue to network. I don’t think you ever stop networking. Check in with your mentors. If you have a job, start developing meaningful relationships at your place of employment. Keep in touch with your law school professors.
6. Look for free CLE’s. The American Bar Association has free CLE’s available to its members. Don’t worry membership is likely free for law students and first year associates. https://www.americanbar.org/cle/free_cle.html

To all of the J.D.’s out there, what did you do while you waited for your bar results?