The Bar Exam Writing Process

Here is a suggested list that you might want to try as you continue to practice your bar exam essays.

Allocate your time for each question

When you start to read:

• Begin with the call of the question;


On reading the entire question for the first time:

• Read through the fact pattern to get a sense of the issues
• Re-read the call of the question so you can focus on the issues

On reading the question for a second time, read “actively” to:

• Identify the area of law and the legal relationship between the parties

• Circle amount of money, dates, locations, quantities, and ages
• Note key words as “oral”, “written”, “minor”

Outline your answer before writing


When writing an essay, follow an IRAC-based analysis and conclude