Bar Exam and Chill
Education & Explainer
About
Conquer the Bar Exam without the burnout. If you’re tired of overly dry lectures, and want the key rules and elements drilled down on real past exams, welcome to Bar Exam & Chill . Hosted by a licensed attorney who’s navigated and passed both the California and UBE bar exams, this podcast is designed to help you master the "heavy lifting" of the exam in a way that actually sticks. After practicing for years, I recently moved from California to a UBE jurisdiction and to my horror I was forced to take the bar exam again . I did not want to pay for the overly expensive bar exam prep courses, so I self studied using AI and the available podcast resources. However, no podcast was quite what I was looking for and the experience was somewhat miserable. When I took the California bar exam I relied on Barbri and passed the first time. But for the UBE bar exam I was able to achieve a score that is passing in every single UBE jurisdiction state without a prep course. I want to bring this ability to you, without the feel of dry law school outlines that make you want to... not be a lawyer. In these episodes, I dive deep into actual past essay hypos (California as well as UBE past exams - the test and jurisdiction is noted in each title for your convenience). I don't just read the hypo; we are going to attack it together and break down high yield legal concepts in plain English. We’ll walk through the facts, identify the trap-doors, and drill the critical rule elements you must memorize so they become second nature by exam day. Repetition of the rule elements and some relaxed vibes are coming your way. I will also provide some general study strategies and tips, including AI prompt ideas, that allowed me to pass the bar exam without expensive prep materials. This is the podcast that I was searching for but it didn't quite exist yet. What you can expect: • Detailed Essay Walkthroughs: Step-by-step analysis of real exam questions including essay structure and fact highlighting with application. • Rule Element Drilling: Precision-focused reviews of core MBE and Essay topics. This is the key for passing on exam day, we will be drilling down on the key rule elements you need to have down cold so you can reproduce them come bar exam time. Repetition of the exact elements is clutch here. • Strategic Insights: Pointers on how to approach the graders and maximize your points. I know the feeling of being in your shoes, and I don't envy where you are right now. My goal is to help those suffering the existential dread of confronting the Bar Exam. I'll be keeping it as fun as is reasonably possible given the reality of the subject matter at hand. Whether you’re commuting, at the gym, or just need a break from the library, grab a coffee (or your favorite "chill" beverage) and let's get you licensed.
Episodes
- Kidnappers, Closets, and Cocaine: The Feb 2018 CA Criminal Law Essay
This episode of Bar Exam and Chill breaks down the February 2018 California Criminal Law and Procedure essay. It focuses on Fourth Amendment analysis, including warrantless searches and the "plain view" doctrine, as well as the distinction…
- The Arsonist’s Admission: Hearsay, Non-Hearsay and Confrontation on the UBE October 2020 Exam MEE 2 (Evidence)
This episode analyzes an arson case from the UBE October 2020 Exam MEE 2, focusing on evidence rules. It discusses the admissibility of the defendant's phone call, a waiter's statement, and an investigator's report under hearsay exceptions…
- The "Bar" Exam Favorite: Signs, Statutes, and Specially Manufactured Goods - UBE Contracts Hypo July 2024 Exam
This episode analyzes the July 2024 UBE Contracts MEE question involving a custom neon sign, exploring UCC Article 2 definitions, the Statute of Frauds exception for specially manufactured goods, and the rules and exceptions for delegation…
- Procedural Pitfalls & Sovereign Shields: The July 2016 California ConLaw Hypo
This episode analyzes the July 2016 California Bar Exam Constitutional Law question, covering procedural due process regarding teacher termination, Article III standing requirements through the lens of Bob vs. Paige, and the implications o…
- Hearsay and Hospital Bills: Diving into Federal Evidence on the California February 2017 Bar Exam
This episode examines Federal Evidence rules relevant to the California February 2017 Bar Exam. It breaks down hearsay within hearsay in medical records, vicarious admissions by employees, and the public policy exclusion for offers to pay…
- The Rule Against Perpetuities and Easements Nightmare: California July 2024 Bar Exam Hypo Breakdown
This episode dissects the July 2024 California Bar Exam Property essay, covering the Rule Against Perpetuities, Defeasible Fees, and Easements. It provides a breakdown of key concepts like Fee Simples, Future Interests, and the five types…
- The Heroin, The Handoff, and The Handheld: Breaking Down the CA July 2021 Bar Exam Crim Pro Hypo
This episode analyzes Question 4 from the July 2021 California Bar Exam, focusing on criminal procedure. It details the Miranda Ambiguity, the digital privacy rules under Riley v. California, and the limitations of the Automobile Exception…
- The Cheesecake Slip: July 2021 Torts Negligence UBE Bar Hypo Breakdown
This episode breaks down a July 2021 Uniform Bar Exam Torts essay concerning a dropped piece of cheesecake. It details the tripartite classification of entrants, exceptions to the standard of care (specifically for minors), the elements of…
- Soda Displays & Discovery Drills: July 2019 CA Bar Review (Civil Procedure)
This episode reviews the July 2019 California Bar Exam's Federal Civil Procedure essay, focusing on a grocery store accident scenario. Key topics include the scope of discovery, interrogatories, motions to compel, physical and mental exami…
- The 100-Mile Bulge: Personal Jurisdiction, FRCP 14 Impleader Claims, Interlocutory Appeals and Final Judgment
This episode analyzes the February 2023 UBE Civil Procedure essay, focusing on FRCP 14 impleader claims, personal jurisdiction including the 100-mile bulge rule, and exceptions to the Final Judgment Rule for appeals. It is relevant for Bar…
- Freight Trains and Fairness: Breaking Down the July 2018 California Constitutional Law Essay - Applicable to UBE (Dormant Commerce Clause vs. Privileges and Immunities)
This Bar Exam and Chill episode analyzes a July 2018 California bar exam Constitutional Law essay, covering the Dormant Commerce Clause, Privileges and Immunities Clause, and standing requirements. It also reviews Equal Protection, Substan…
- Winery Contracts Essay - Parol Evidence & Non-Competes | UBE July 2022 MEE2 Deep Dive (with California Distinctions)
This episode of Bar Exam and Chill analyzes a July 2022 UBE essay question on winery contracts, focusing on the Parol Evidence Rule and non-compete clauses. It details California-specific rules and offers strategies for maximizing essay sc…
- Bar Exam Foundations: Strategy, Mindset, and the 10,000-Foot View (Roadmap Outline of Every MBE Topic)
This foundational episode of Bar Exam and Chill introduces TJ and covers essential bar exam preparation strategies and mindset shifts. It provides a comprehensive outline of the seven MBE subjects and key takeaways for effective studying.