Episode Transcript
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Lee Burgess (00:02):
Welcome to the
Bar Exam Toolbox podcast.
Today we are talking about whathappens after the bar exam, and
how you can reclaim your life.
Your Bar exam Toolbox hosts are AlisonMonaghan and Lee Burgess, that's me.
We're here to demystify the barexam experience, so you can study
effectively, stay sane, and hopefullypass and move on with your life.
(00:22):
We're the co-creators of the Law SchoolToolbox, the Bar Exam Toolbox, and the
career-related website CareerDicta.
Alison also runs TheGirl's Guide to Law School.
If you enjoy the show, please leavea review on your favorite listening
app, and check out our sister podcast,the Law School Toolbox podcast.
If you have any questions, don'thesitate to reach out to us.
You can reach us via the contactform on BarExamToolbox.com,
(00:43):
and we'd love to hear from you.
And with that, let's get started.
Hi, this is Lee from the Law SchoolToolbox and the Bar Exam Toolbox.
Welcome to another "Quick Tips" episode.
If you are listening to this, you'velikely just completed the bar exam.
(01:04):
And first of all, congratulations!
Taking the bar exam is a significantachievement regardless of the
outcome, and you should be proudof yourself for making it through.
Today we're talking about somethingthat deserves more attention:
the post-bar recovery period.
Those weeks between finishing the exam andreceiving your results can be a strange
(01:24):
limbo time filled with a mix of emotions.
You might be experiencing relief,anxiety, exhaustion, or even a
surprising emptiness now that thisall-consuming goal is behind you.
So let's talk about how to navigatethis unique period with intention and
care, so you can recover physicallyand mentally while positioning
yourself for whatever comes next.
(01:46):
Many bar takers are caught off guard bythe emotions that hit after the exam.
So, let's normalize whatyou might be experiencing.
First, there's often the whiplash effect- the jarring transition from intense
structured studying to sudden freedom.
After months of eight to 10-hourstudy days and having every
minute planned, the abrupt stopcan actually feel destabilizing.
(02:09):
You might find yourself experiencingrelief mixed with anxiety about
results, a strange sense of loss orpurposelessness, guilt about enjoying
yourself while results are pending,physical and mental exhaustion finally
catching up with you, recurring thoughtsor dreams about missed issues on the exam.
(02:30):
These feelings are all completely normal.
In fact, I like to call it "post-barexam depression", and it's so
common it deserves its own acronym.
You've just come down from anadrenaline high that lasted for
weeks or months, and your brainchemistry needs time to recalibrate.
I find it helpful to think about post-barrecovery in three distinct phases.
So let's talk about Phase 1 (02:52):
the
immediate decompression of the first week.
This phase is all about physicalrest and mental detachment.
Your brain and body needimmediate recovery time.
Give yourself permission to doabsolutely nothing productive
for at least two to three days.
Sleep as much as your body needs.
Some people report sleeping10 to 12 hours after the exam.
(03:15):
Stay hydrated and reintroducenutritious foods if your diet
suffered during bar prep.
Avoid making major life decisionsin this immediate aftermath.
And consider a complete digitaldetox for 24 or 48 hours.
Engage in gentle physical movementto release tension, like walking,
stretching, yoga, something like that.
(03:37):
One thing I strongly recommend - packaway all your bar materials.
Don't leave them sittingout as a visual reminder.
Put them in a box, stick them in a closet,and make a conscious choice not to revisit
any questions or issues from the exam.
Now, let's be real.
Many of you don't have theluxury of a decompression period.
(03:57):
If you're heading straight back to yourdesk, you'll need a different approach.
First, carve out micro recovery moments.
Even 10-minute breaks throughout yourworkday can help reset your mental state.
Consider blocking your lunch houras non-negotiable recovery time.
Be strategic about your evenings byestablishing a firm work completion
(04:17):
time and dedicating at least one hourbefore bed to genuine relaxation.
And no, checking workemails doesn't count.
Importantly, communicate boundaries tocolleagues when possible, who might not
realize what you've just accomplished.
A simple, "I just finished the barexam so I'm still getting back up
to speed" can manage expectations.
(04:39):
Remember, recovery doesn't alwaysrequire large chunks of time.
Consistently protecting smallmoments can be surprisingly
effective for your mental resilience.
Weekend recovery becomes crucialtoo, so consider scheduling at least
one weekday as a bar exam detox day,where work is completely off limits.
Phase 2 (04:58):
let's call reengagement,
which is around weeks 2 to 4.
After that initial rest period, it'stime to gradually reengage with the
world and reestablish healthy routines.
So, reconnect with friends and familyyou may have neglected during bar prep.
Resume or start a regular exerciseroutine - many people find this
(05:19):
helps with residual anxiety.
Consider scheduling a physicalcheckup or other doctor's appointments
if you've been putting it off.
Gradually reintroduce intellectualstimulation through books,
podcasts, or documentaries.
Create a flexible daily structure toreplace your rigid study schedule.
And take on small, manageable projectsthat give you a sense of accomplishment.
(05:40):
This is also a great time to practicemindfulness about your thought patterns.
If you find yourself constantly replayingthe exam or obsessing over results, gently
redirect your focus to the present moment.
The results will come when theycome; ruminating won't change them.
Now, Phase 3 is future planningand waiting for results.
The final phase involvesthoughtfully considering your next
(06:02):
steps while maintaining emotionalequilibrium, if that's possible.
So create two simple plans - one forif you pass, one for if you don't.
Focus on career development activitiesthat are valuable, regardless of results.
Consider volunteering to keepyour legal skills fresh, if
you are not working at a job.
Network in low-pressuresettings - coffee meetings rather
(06:24):
than more formal interviews.
Research CLE opportunitiesor legal areas of interest.
Establish healthy habits that willserve you in your legal career.
And consider looking atfinances - something that may have
been set aside during bar prep.
Do you not have a budget?
We'll link to our episodes from YouNeed a Budget about how to set up
(06:45):
your life before you start working.
This balanced approach keeps youmoving forward while acknowledging
the reality that bar results willimpact your immediate next steps.
Now let's talk about some specificstrategies that we recommend.
Your body has been through more thanyou realize, so here're some ideas
(07:06):
about how to nurture it back to health.
You may have a sleep deficit - I know Idid after my bar exam - so, really aim
for seven to nine quality hours nightly.
Establish a consistent sleep schedule,because your body still needs a routine,
even if you're not studying for the bar.
Make sure you move your body, andtry to do something fun - maybe
(07:27):
something you didn't have timeto do while you were studying.
Gradually go back to more intense exerciseif that's something that you like to do.
Watch out for increasedalcohol consumption.
It's common to celebrate,but moderation is key.
And if somebody's looking for away to congratulate you on passing
the bar, ask for a gift certificateto get a massage or other body
(07:49):
work to release physical tension.
Now, your brain needs just as much careas your body, so you're going to have to
create some boundaries around exam talk.
Limit time discussing or ruminating.
Practicing saying, "I'm takinga break from thinking about the
bar" when people ask you about it.
Engage in activities thatrequire presence, like cooking,
(08:10):
gardening, hiking, or that's oneof the reasons I play tennis.
Reconnect with hobbies and interestsyou set aside during bar prep.
Consider journaling toprocess the experience.
And if it sounds good to you,explore meditation or breathing
exercises for anxiety management.
It's also important to reconnectwith your social support system.
(08:32):
Express genuine gratitude to those whosupported you during this bar prep time.
Plan quality time with people who don'tneed to talk to you about the exam.
Consider a small celebration to markthe accomplishment of finishing, even if
it's just a dinner party with friends.
Be selective aboutsocial media and Reddit.
It can increase anxietyduring the waiting period.
I want to say that again (08:55):
Please be
careful about spending time on Reddit.
Reconnect with non-law schoolfriends who can provide perspective.
And communicate your needs clearlyif people are pressuring you about
results or want to talk about the exam.
And if you don't already have a job linedup or you are not working, this is also
(09:16):
a time to thoughtfully think about thetransition towards your legal career.
If you haven't done so recently, updateyour resume while the accomplishment
of completing the bar is fresh.
Reconnect with professional contactsthat you may have been neglecting.
Think about doing informationalinterviews to explore areas of interest.
(09:37):
Think about developing skills thatcompliment your legal practice.
Take a public speaking class ora writing workshop, or even learn
some new technology or study AI.
Create a reading list of booksrelevant to your practice area, and
look into pro bono opportunitiesthat might match your interest.
Your recovery needs will vary dependingon your personal circumstances.
(10:01):
If you're starting a job soon, makesure you communicate clearly with
your employer about start dates.
Make sure you have clothes to wear to yourjob if you're going to start it as well.
Use any remaining time to preparementally for the transition back to work.
You can research your employer andeven think about potential assignments.
And consider developing relevantskills before you start, or refreshing
(10:24):
your recollection if you haven'tdone this sort of work in a while.
If you're job searching, create asustainable schedule for job applications.
Develop a pitch that acknowledgesyou've taken the bar, but
doesn't dwell on pending results.
Focus on networking rather thanjust submitting random applications.
And you can even consider temporarylegal work to build experience.
(10:46):
Now, if you are worried you failed,just recognize that this fear is
normal and doesn't predict results.
Everyone is sure theyfailed at some point.
Create a concrete contingencyplan, as that can reduce anxiety.
Connect with attorneys who didn't passon their first attempt or read some posts
(11:06):
like we'll link to in the show notes,about folks who didn't pass on their
first attempt, on the Bar Exam Toolbox.
Remember that many successfulattorneys took the bar multiple times.
Now, what about a bar trip?
Many people try to travelafter the bar exam.
I got on a flight the morningafter I finished the exam.
This can be fun but also overwhelming.
(11:28):
I barely remember thefirst few days of my trip.
Also, your finances may not bein a place where you can spend
money on something like this.
If not, I still think it'sgreat to try and plan something
special to reward yourself.
Could you take a road trip,drive to see friends, crash
with family, take day hikes?
It doesn't need to be expensive, buttraveling or getting out of your typical
(11:50):
routines usually can help us feellike a better version of ourselves.
As we wrap up, remember that the post-barperiod is an opportunity not just for
recovery, but for intentionally designingthe next chapter of your legal journey.
The skills that you got through barprep - discipline, perseverance,
and focus - they're going toserve you well in your career.
(12:12):
Trust that you've done everything youcould to prepare for the exam, and now
it's time to prepare for what comes next.
Whether you're celebrating passingresults or regrouping to try again, how
you use this interim period does matter.
The bar exam is a milestoneand not a destination.
Your legal career will be filledwith challenges and accomplishments
that far outweigh a single test.
(12:33):
Use this time to recover,reset, and position yourself
for the meaningful work ahead.
And if for some reason thingsdon't work out, you can always
reach out to us and we're happyto talk to you about next steps.
If you enjoyed this episode of theBar Exam Toolbox podcast, please
take a second to leave a review andrating on your favorite listening app.
We would really appreciate it.
(12:53):
And be sure to subscribeso you don't miss anything.
If you have any questions or comments,please don't hesitate to reach out to
myself or Alison at lee@barexamtoolbox.comor alison@barexamtoolbox.com.
Or you can always contactus via our website contact
form at BarExamToolbox.com.
Thanks for listening, and we'll talk soon!