The Ontario bar exams are not just about knowledge—they’re about strategy. The bar exams are open-book exams, meaning you can bring printed materials into the test (subject to the requirements set out on LSO’s website). But there’s a catch: if you can’t quickly find what you need, your notes are useless.

The LSO outlines the exam structure here, detailing the barrister and solicitor licensing examinations. Candidates must navigate an overwhelming amount of information on family law, civil litigation, public law, real estate, and more. How you organize your bar materials can make or break your exam performance.

Loose Papers Are a Disaster Waiting to Happen

Imagine flipping through hundreds of loose pages under time pressure. A missing page? A misplaced chapter? A shuffled index? The stuff of nightmares. 

Binding the bar material by topic keeps everything in place, letting you efficiently move between subjects. Your exam process becomes smoother, helping you focus on answering questions—not fumbling with scattered notes.

Speed Matters—Binding Enhances Accessibility

The Ontario bar exams demand speed. The questions aren’t designed to be impossible, but they test your ability to consult and apply your materials efficiently. Using appropriately bound bar material and study resources can make a significant impact on your speed on the day of the exam. 

The Right Binding Makes a Difference

Not all printed materials are created equal. Some students opt for staples, hole-punched binders, or coil binding. Each has pros and cons:

  • Stapled documents: Good for short sections but terrible for large exam materials. Pages can tear or get lost.
  • Binders: Seem practical but take up unnecessary space. The constant opening and closing wastes time.
  • Coil binding: The best option for bar exams binding. It’s sturdy, pages turn easily, and it lays flat for quick reference.

If you’re printing and binding your bar exam materials, choosing the right format matters. Get your bar exam materials printed and bound here.

Final Thoughts

Studying for the Ontario bar exams is tough. But the way you organize and bind your materials can give you an edge. Efficient preparation leads to better results—and in an open-book exam, that means binding isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Don’t leave it to chance. Print and bind your bar exam materials today and set yourself up for success.