Completion of the Ontario Bar Exams is a significant milestone in the journey to becoming a licensed lawyer in Ontario. Preparing for the bar exams requires dedication, organization, and a well-thought-out plan. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the essential steps to prepare for the Ontario Bar Exams and increase your chances of success.
Understanding the Ontario Bar Exams
The Ontario Bar Exams consist of two exams: the Barrister Exam and the Solicitor Exam. Both exams are administered by the Law Society of Ontario and are typically held in March, June, and November each year.
Items assessed on the Ontario Bar Exams:
Each exam assesses the following three levels of cognitive ability:
- Knowledge/Comprehension
- Application
- Critical Thinking
For additional details about the cognitive abilities that are tested on the Ontario Bar Exams, visit the LSO website.
Types of Questions on the Ontario Bar Exams:
All questions on the Ontario Bar Exams are multiple choice in nature with four possible options. There are no “all of the above” or “none of the above” multiple-choice options. The multiple-choice questions can be independent or case-based (where a case scenario applies to multiple questions).
Preparing for the Ontario Bar Exams
Now, let’s delve into how to prepare effectively for the Ontario Bar Exams:
Start Early: The bar exams are not something you can cram for in a couple of weeks. Make sure to allow for sufficient time to read the licensing material that is provided by the Law Society of Ontario at least once.
Create a Study Plan: Develop a well-structured study plan that includes a daily or weekly schedule along with several pages of the licensing material you want to cover daily or weekly. Make sure to allocate time for practice questions and reviewing/updating your index/summaries in your study plan.
Study Resources: There are several study resources that test writers utilize in preparation and on the day of the Ontario Bar Exams. These include indices, summaries, charts (incl. appeal route charts), and/or practice questions. Determine which resources you’d want to utilize and make sure to invest in them early. Speaking to individuals who have already written the Ontario Bar Exams can be a good way to understand how individuals use various resources. Alternatively, please reach out to us and our tutors can assist in creating a study plan and discussing the study resources.
Join Study Groups: Collaborating with fellow bar exam candidates can be incredibly beneficial. Study groups can provide motivation, clarify doubts, and offer diverse perspectives on complex concepts.
Read, highlight, and make notes: We highly recommend that you read all of the licensing materials at least once. Try to utilize ‘active reading’ strategies when reading to ensure you stay engaged and make the most of your time, including highlighting key items and making notes in the margins after every few paragraphs.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Complete as many practice questions as possible. By doing practice questions, you will learn to effectively navigate your indices and summaries, improve your time management, test your familiarity with the licensing material, and identify areas where you need to improve your study resources and clarify concepts.
Professional Responsibility: Given the inclusion of professional responsibility topics in both exams, make sure you thoroughly understand the rules of professional conduct and professional responsibility sections.
Summary
Preparing for the Ontario Bar Exams is a challenging but rewarding process. With dedication, thorough preparation, and a well-structured study plan, you can increase your chances of success. Good luck with your bar exam preparations!
