My family moved around the globe a few times since 2008. I studied law in a Common Law jurisdiction in Asia. After finishing law school, I joined the family business and moved to the U.S. for a few years. During that time, I took the three-year Accelerated Master of Architecture Program at the Florida International University in Miami and applied the knowledge to the family business. When I graduated, the family business was well established. We were ready to move back to Canada.
With my J.D. and M. Arch degrees, I doubted what to do next. One may say being an architect is more fun than being a lawyer. These two professions are similar—both require long hours, perseverance, and creativity. Finally, I picked law instead of architecture.
The next thing I had to do was to take the NCA exams. I started self-studying and took the exams accordingly. Then, a friend helped me attain an articling position after finishing all NCA exams. So far, my licensing process has lined up perfectly.
I attempted the Ontario bar exam during articling, and the storm began. It was also the first time the LSO disciplined some dishonest candidates who cheated before the actual exams. Because of this, all Ontario candidates were ordered to take the bar exams in Toronto. I took a five-hour train to Toronto one day before the exam. It was pitch black when I arrived at the hotel. I quickly unloaded my luggage and took a quick bite at the cafeteria. Immediately, I returned to my room and studied late into the night. The next day, I went to the exam and freaked out. I was exhausted and felt weak to the point that I almost fainted. Of course, I did not pass the exam and felt utterly defeated.
After failing the bar exams, I looked hard at myself and figured out what went wrong. I searched online and watched YouTube videos to look for tips on how to pass the bar exams. Please do not listen to the people who say they passed the Ontario bar exams by studying for only one month. You cannot pass the Ontario bar exams by studying for one month, especially if taking the NCA route. I contacted some universities looking for courses to help me pass the bar exams. An academic advisor recommended that I take the Emond bar preparation course.
Five Benefits of Taking Emond Exam Prep Courses:
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PowerPoints as a study aid.
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Live webinars and recorded videos to clarify concepts.
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Continuous support.
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Joining the community.
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Peer support.
Self-studying worked for me at the beginning. Now, I appreciate taking the Emond bar preparation course as an excellent investment. I know many candidates are struggling with work, families, and studying. Do not despair; you can get help from many sources to pass the bar exams.
Having graduated from law school many years earlier, I must re-learn how to manage an effective study schedule. Studying architecture is hugely different from studying law. The legal concepts are far more abstract. Understanding and applying legal concepts takes lots of effort. I enjoyed the live discussion when I took the Emond Barrister Webinar. The instructors simplified the complex legal concepts and helped us to understand them by giving examples and practice questions. I also benefited from other participants who contributed more questions that magnified my learning experience. I passed my Barrister exam this summer because of my diligent studying, resolve, and additional tools!
Currently, I am preparing for the Solicitor exam. The Emond bar preparation course is a game-changer for me! They provide continuous support and answer any questions whenever needed. I recognize that any bar exam candidate should not study in isolation and should seek help whenever needed! Many people are willing to help you and see you succeed. I have no fear and begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.