Did You Pass?

The Number One Question of This Year For You Will Be, "Did You Pass?" How do you answer this simply, loaded question? Do you reply with a basic yes or no? Or, is it yes or no, with explanation? Do you ask the person, "why do you want to know?" Or do you not indulge the question at all, and just bypass it, with laughter, a grin, or awkward grimace?

Let us begin with a question to the person asking the question. Is it bad manners to ask at all? I'll answer that. It is. It is bad manners to ask someone a question that you know could have a not-so-good ending. But, people ask it anyway, because in some circles it is supposed to be expected that you can ask someone about the bar exam. I mean you did graduate from law school and you did take the bar examination. Some would look at it as part of a general conversation. So, guess what. Your gonna have to answer it.

1. Answer the question (with no explanation). Yes or No. Now the conversation is over and done with (which it never is).

2. Answer the question (with explanation). Yes or No. Yes, with an explanation regarding plans for the future. Yes, I passed and I have a job. Yes, I passed and now I need a job. Yes, I passed, and I am placing the license in the drawer for a year, two years, or forever.

No, with plans to take the examination again. No, I did not pass; I will take the exam again. No, I did not pass, I will never take the exam again. No, I did not pass, I will take a break from bar examination tests for a year.

3. Probably the best way to answer the question regarding the bar exam is to acknowledge that you passed or that you did not pass, supply some cursory thought that really has no meaning. Allow the person to be happy or sympathetic for you, then move on to the next question.

4. Remember the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Regardless of the outcome of your exam, some people will feel very happy for you (even if you are not successful). Those people will paint a nice picture for you about life, and make you feel hopeful when you leave them.

The bad will say something similar to who they really are. It will just be something awful, like do you think you can really pass it. Or, do you really think you can be a good lawyer. It will be something ridiculous like that. How should you handle that? Cut 'em (not with a knife). Just cut that person loose from your life. Quickly. Don't explain. Don't give them an opportunity to say something to change your mind. Let them go.

The ugly are just a little bit more crazed than the bad. The difference between bad and ugly is this: bad people say things to make you feel bad; ugly people do things to interfere with your life so that you never move forward. The word, again, is interfere. You do not have a chance. So, watch the person that is trying to ask you to do things to create havoc in your life if you have to prepare for the bar exam again. Then run from them. Move, give them a bad e-mail address, Facebook reference, or something. Keep running. These people never let up. Ever. You got it? Good.

5. If you need to reach me, please do so at TheBarExamCoach@aol.com. The best to all of you.

Prof. Smith