i wanted to be an attorney my entire life, and i cannot pass the bar. i'm about to throw in the towel, because even if i pass, the traditional law firm model is stuck 50 years in the past, and it's sucking the life out of me. i'm not living anymore, i'm just a robot. we have to work a ton of hours, but nothing is efficient, and writing is so subjective, so your writing is never "good enough" for any partner. the constant berating and unnecessary negative comments is draining. i think i've had it

likehelpful
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I was admitted to the bar SIX years after graduation. It took me that long. Multiple failures, switching jurisdictions and a deferral later I finally passed. Not sure where you are in the process, but I can relate to what you are going through. It was tough to put it mildly. It can suck the life out of you, and looking back, I wish I hadn’t let it consume me, but that is easier said than done. Please don’t give up if you truly want to be admitted. It’s okay (and necessary) to take time away from anything bar related. You are not alone. My DMs are open if you want to chat.

likeupliftinghelpful

i'm in the same position, switching jurisdictions because i couldn't decide where to live and work. that emotional aspect has taken a toll too. thanks for the encouragement. i will sit again in feb. i'm more so just drained from my job than anything else.

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OP, you can pass the bar, but your other points are valid.

likeuplifting

I’m sorry to hear that! Truthfully, it is not for everyone. However, a lot of it has to do with your firm. I actually enjoy my job and the people I work with, and that has made a world of difference from my first year where I worked at big law. That year was so horrible that I quit and did an MBA to change careers. Ultimately came back to the law, but working at a mid sized firm now and I couldn’t be happier. How many times have you taken the bar already?

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I can’t wait to find my way out!

OP, honestly it sounds like you work in litigation. That's the real problem.

helpful

That does tend to be the biggest problem, the other lawyers you have to work with. And litigators can be real aholes, for pretty obvious reasons, high in narcissism. Fortunately, some firms and some practice areas are better than others. What’s your focus right now? What size firm?

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