How Law Firms Can Support Associates that Fail the Bar Exam

We put together a short guide on how law firms can support associates who fail the bar exam. A supportive firm environment is important for associates during this time. It can make the difference between an associate passing and failing the bar exam. And it can also make a difference in retention efforts. Associates that do not feel supported by their firm typically look for a job elsewhere, even after passing the bar exam.

JD Advising works with Am Law firms and law schools, including top-14 law schools, to help their at-risk, first-time, and repeat takers pass the bar exam. We have tutored thousands of hours and have helped thousands of students pass the bar exam. In addition, We have worked with associates who have a supportive firm environment—and those that do not. We have direct knowledge of what a firm can do to best support its associates in the event that they do not pass the bar exam.

Note that recently there appears to have been an increase in Biglaw associates who have failed the bar exam. This may be due to challenges presented by the pandemic including virtual learning environments.

During many recent meetings with our law firm partners, a recurring question we have heard is, “How can we best support our associates that failed the bar exam?” Here, we have put together a list of recommendations for you to support your associates who have failed the bar exam.

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