Bar Study Motivation Podcast - Ep 024 - Allen Williams II

The Bar Exam Drills Podcast

In this inspiring episode, Allen Williams II shares his journey to passing the California Bar Exam after previous attempts. A USC undergrad with master's degrees in public diplomacy and gerontology, Allen graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2022 while balancing multiple leadership roles and community commitments. Allen candidly discusses the challenges he faced during bar preparation while working full-time in litigation. He describes the emotional rollercoaster of studying after previous disappointments, the technical difficulties during the exam itself, and the nerve-wracking wait for results. Despite moments of doubt, Allen maintained a growth mindset and refused to quit, stating "I don't care how many times I have to sit for this exam. We are going to pass." His success strategy combined several key elements: focusing intensely on MBE practice through Bar Exam Drills, working with a private tutor to address specific knowledge gaps, creating flashcards for rule memorization, and maintaining honest self-assessment about weak areas. Allen emphasizes the importance of drilling questions repeatedly, especially those previously answered incorrectly, to build cumulative knowledge. Throughout his preparation, Allen prioritized mental health by meeting weekly with a therapist and incorporating breaks into his rigorous schedule. He surrounded himself with supportive people who understood the gravity of the exam and created space for his emotions during the difficult process. For future bar candidates, Allen offers practical advice: practice closed-book essays to test actual knowledge, use licensed NCBE questions, focus on weak areas rather than avoiding them, model answers after official examples, and don't neglect the performance test. He emphasizes that most failed candidates are closer to passing than they realize and just need to identify and fix specific weaknesses. Allen's story is one of perseverance, strategic preparation, and maintaining perspective through an extraordinarily challenging process. Now successfully admitted to the California Bar, he remains committed to helping others navigate their own bar exam journeys.