What can I expect from the Private Tutorial Program?

    We pride ourselves in customizing our programs for each individual student and their needs. Our approach takes you through a hands on essay writing course, which will have you writing 60-70 essays by the conclusion of the program. Understanding the differences in how to write for a contracts exam vs. an evidence exam is crucial to know what style to write in. In addition to practicing writing essays, you’ll be exposed to help in areas where your substantive law is weak. Tips, techniques and methods of memorization are also focused on throughout the course. The most important thing we stress is familiarity with the methods in which to write, and practice of the course of the program. This way, you walk into the exam with comfort and confidence. Please note that included with the Private Tutorial Program is a copy of The Bar Code: Cheat Sheets book, and admission into the Performance Test Workshop.

Do you provide tutoring on the MBE portion of the exam?

    We do not. Because our methodology was created by former bar graders of the written portions of the exam, we do not feel qualified to offer a separate program for the multistate portion of the exam. Nonetheless, most of the students who go through the substantive parts of our program (the Essay Intensive and private tutorials) see a substantial improvement in their MBE scores because of the time spent clarifying various points of law.

How many spots do you have in the private tutorial?

    We are limited to only 10 spots. Each season, there are many who sign up very early to secure a spot. Remember also, that we do not always take every candidate, as we believe it is important for us to assess whether each candidate will work will with the tutor. If interested, please fill out an application and we will contact you shortly to discuss.

How quickly does the private tutorial fill up?

    Given the limited availability of spots, our private tutorial spots fill up very quickly, typically within 5-7 days of the release date, if not sooner. However, our workshops and customized programs may be available longer.  

Who are the private tutors?

    Currently, the only tutor available is Patrick Lin, who has graded for the California Bar Exam for various sessions and taken the Arizona and Nevada Bar Exams (in addition to California in 1998), and passed all of them within the first attempt. 

Do I have to fill out an application to be considered for a private tutorial spot?

    Yes. The applications are used for informational purposes only. There is no application fee and they are not binding in any way. We use them to make it easier for the tutors to listen during their phone conversation with you as opposed to taking notes. Failure to complete any section of the application will result in a delay in processing.

I am working fulltime and can only take off two weeks of work before the exam. Is the private tutorial for me?

    The private tutorial program is our most intense exam preparation option. The study calendar requires a minimum of 9-11 hours of work per day (6 days a week) from each student. It would be almost impossible to complete the program while maintaining fulltime employment. For that reason, we give preference to students who have no work commitments and are able to meet during business hours.

For the February exam, we recommend that students take a leave of absence from work beginning in January. For the July exam, we recommend that students take a leave of absence after the Memorial Day holiday. Students who have failed the exam multiple times, have very low scores or come from non-accredited schools are encouraged to start even earlier.

While it is certainly possible to pass the exam while working (many of our graduates have done it!), the statistics are much lower than for those who take a formal leave of absence.

What is included in the Performance Test Workshop?

    The Performance Test workshop is divided into two parts. The first part (day one) covers the structure, set-up and organization of performance tests. We cover in detail how the performance tests are graded, where applicants can rack up easy points, how to spot the different types of performance tests, how to efficiently read through the library and file without falling for the examiners’ tricks and how to organize the material in a way that makes writing a performance test quick and easy.

The second part of the class (day two) focuses on how to implement the plan taught on day one and how to effectively write a performance test. During this segment of the class, we focus on writing a Statement of Facts, how to engage in effective factual analysis on a performance test (as opposed to the essays) and how to IRAC for the performance tests. 

For an additional fee, students also have the option of turning in a performance test to be graded by one of our staff. 

Do you offer essay review on a per-essay basis or exam assessments?

    We offer customized programs depending on your needs. Please fill out an application by clicking here. 

I am a first-time taker. What is the ideal program for me?

    The ideal programs for you are the Customized Program and the Performance Test Workshop. We have customized courses available to compliment where your current programs lack. Most of the time, full bar programs really don’t focus on writing enough, (oddly enough writing accounts for most of your grade). As such, we offer customized packages depending on how many essays you want to turn in for detailed feedback, and perhaps some private one-on-one time with a tutor to drive home the most important points. Costs of this program depend on how much time or services you want. 

I am not located in California. Are there any distance options for me?  

    Yes. Many of our previous tutorials were conducted via webcam or over the phone with constant email exchange of essays. In fact, many private tutorials were completely done over the phone with great success. Not having to drive to meet your tutor sometimes can save hours in commute, and are just as effective, as most of the materials are exchanged over e-mail and via the internet.

Can I speak to someone who has gone through your program before?

    Yes, we will provide you with the contact information previous students as well as other graduates who have agreed to serve as references (but are not listed here for personal reasons). As a courtesy, our references respectfully request that you refrain from contacting them directly at their places of employment. We will provide you with their contact information. 

Can I pay by credit card?  

    Yes, all our programs offer credit card processing. However, since we are still constructing our website, we will have to take your credit card either via email or by phone and input it ourselves. (We hope to have the ability to do e-commerce shortly). All your information will be inputted and immediately destroyed. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Do you recommend any supplements? 

    Yes, we recommend the use of the BAR CODE CHEATSHEETS book by Whitney Roberts (available at www.thebarcode.net) and have found the essays available on www.baressays.com to be very useful in preparing of the exam. The book gives you an overview on attacks for various subjects while the essays found on baressays a real way of looking at various passing and non-passing answers to previous bar exams. . 

To contact us: call: 323-747-5280 or email: mylawtutor@gmail.com