Blessed & Barred® | Faith, Law School, and the Bar Exam

12. Elmo Was Right: Why You Need to Ask Yourself How You Are Doing During Law School, Bar Exam Prep, & As An Attorney

Hey, hey, hey! It’s Roberta here, and welcome to the Season 1 finale of the Blessed and Barred: Faith, Law School, and the Bar Exam Podcast!   In this final episode of the season, we’re diving into a topic inspired by an unlikely source: Elmo! Yes, that red, furry friend from Sesame Street. Earlier this year, Elmo asked a simple but powerful question on social media: How’s everybody doing? The post went viral, sparking a huge conversation about mental health. Even President Biden chimed in, reminding us all to check in on ourselves and each other.   It may seem lighthearted, but Elmo’s question hits on something profound. Whether you’re in law school, preparing for the bar exam, or navigating life as a practicing attorney, taking a moment to evaluate how you’re really doing is essential. And that’s exactly what we’re exploring today.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1. The Study with EASE Framework    - If you’ve been with me for a while, you know about my Study with EASE framework (check out Episode 7 for the full breakdown!). Today, we’re focusing on the last "E" in EASE: Evaluate Energy and Emotions    - Elmo’s question serves as a fun reminder to check in with yourself. It’s a practice we should be doing daily—especially during high-stress periods like finals, bar prep, or wrapping up casework as an attorney.   2. Why Reflection Matters in High-Stress Careers    - Did you know that 96% of law students report *significant stress*? That’s compared to 70% of med students and 43% of other grad students. And it doesn’t end there. Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse rates are disproportionately high among lawyers, too.    - Research shows that law students enter school with strong mental health but experience sharp declines within their first year. This stress carries over into bar prep and even into legal practice.    - Taking time to evaluate your energy and emotions is not just a "nice-to-have" but a critical tool for maintaining your well-being in this demanding profession.   3. The Role of Faith and Reflection    - As we’ve discussed in previous episodes, faith is central to navigating the ups and downs of legal life. One definition of "blessed" from Matthew’s *Sermon on the Mount* is "to be refreshed by God’s grace."    - Are you operating from a place of stress or from a place of blessing? Evaluating your energy and emotions is a way to move from stressed and overwhelmed to blessed and empowered.   4. Practical Tips for Evaluating Energy and Emotions    - Regularly check in with yourself: How are you feeling physically? Emotionally? Spiritually? Do certain tasks drain your energy more than others? Take note and adjust your schedule and mindset accordingly.    - Use this time of year to reflect deeply. December is perfect for looking back at what you’ve achieved and setting intentions for what’s next. If you haven’t already, listen to Episode 9 for a deep dive into goal setting!   A Final Word for Season 1   I’m so grateful for each and every one of you who’ve tuned in this season. As we close out Season 1, I encourage you to take Elmo’s question to heart: *How are you doing?* And don’t just answer it for today. Make it a habit. Reflect. Evaluate your energy and emotions. And most importantly, allow yourself to be refreshed by God’s grace.   If this episode (or any from this season) resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a review or drop me a message—and don’t forget to share this podcast with others who could use some encouragement on their law school or legal journey.   Until next season, stay blessed, not stressed! Amen! The article referenced in the episode: The Full Weight of Law School: Stress on Law Students is Different, by Shawn Healy, PhD and Dr. Jeff Fortgang, PhD: https://www.lclma.org/2019/01/18/the-full-weight-of-law-school-stress-on-law-students-is-different/ [https://www.lclma.org/2019/01/18/the-full-weight-of-law-school-stress-on-law-students-is-different/] Get connected:   Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com    Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community [https://blessedandbarred.com/community]   Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter [https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter]   PSA: Your Bar Prep Doesn’t Have to be Hell (Plus a Case Study of Passing the Bar Exam After the First Try): https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/ [https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/]

11. The Power of Community for Law Students, Bar Exam Takers, & Attorneys

Hey there! It’s Roberta, and welcome to Episode 11 of The Blessed and Barred Podcast. This is a bittersweet moment because next week’s Episode 12 will mark the season finale of Season One! After that, we’ll take a short hiatus to prepare for Season Two. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to stay connected while we’re on break. The Blessed and Barred Bar Exam Success System and Christian Bar Exam Coaching Program remain open year-round, offering you the resources, encouragement, and guidance you need to navigate your bar exam journey. And for even more support, the Grace for the Grind™ Community is open to Christian pre-law students, law students, bar exam takers, and attorneys. This free online community hosts weekly group devotionals in the YouVersion Bible App, provides discussion forums, and offers bar exam resources to keep you inspired and motivated. I also want to give a shout-out to our sister organization, the Anointed Attorney Alliance, created by Anya Goldsby Wells, Esq. They offer monthly meetings for prayer, fellowship, and networking with like-minded legal professionals. Be sure to check the links in the show notes to connect with these communities—they’re great ways to fill your support system! What You’ll Learn in This Episode In today’s episode, we’re talking about the power of community and why it’s essential for law students, bar exam takers, and attorneys. We’ll explore: * The importance of community in your law school, bar prep, and legal career journey. * Why many in the legal profession isolate themselves during challenging times—and how to overcome that. * Insights from scripture on the role of fellowship and support. * Practical tips from a clinical psychologist on managing bar exam stress with the help of community. Community is vital at every stage of your legal career, whether you’re just starting out in law school or you’re a seasoned attorney. However, many of us tend to withdraw when life feels overwhelming, either because we don’t want to appear vulnerable or because we believe we should “handle it all” on our own. But even as lawyers, we are human. There will be moments when we don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. I shared personal reflections and scriptures like “two are better than one” and “iron sharpens iron,” emphasizing how God made us for fellowship. I also highlighted insights from Bar Examiner Magazine, where Dr. Sondra Thebald, Ph.D., notes that social isolation during bar prep can lead to loneliness, difficulty concentrating, and reduced productivity. Her advice? Seek out a supportive network of peers, mentors, and study groups to stay motivated, exchange ideas, and celebrate progress together. Inside Blessed and Barred, I see the transformative power of community every day. From members supporting one another in group chats to shared study sessions and prayer, the camaraderie uplifts everyone involved. These interactions not only boost productivity but also remind us that we’re not alone in our challenges. As you reflect on today’s episode, take some time to evaluate your own support system. Who or what are the people, groups, and organizations you rely on in your journey? If you notice any gaps, consider joining one of the communities I mentioned earlier to fill those spaces. Finally, if you’re preparing for the bar exam or law school finals, remember to check out Episodes 5 and 9, where I share more practical tips, spiritual insights, and Bible verses to help you navigate your studies with faith and grace. Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to check the show notes for all the links to join these amazing communities. Let’s keep lifting each other up!   Get connected:   Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com    Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community [https://blessedandbarred.com/community]   Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter [https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter]   PSA: Your Bar Prep Doesn’t Have to be Hell (Plus a Case Study of Passing the Bar Exam After the First Try): https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/ [https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/]

10. Ten Tips For Studying For The Bar Exam As A Re-Taker And/Or Working Full-Time

Hey, it’s Roberta here!  Welcome to the 10th episode of the podcast—whoop whoop! To celebrate this milestone, I’m sharing 10 essential tips for tackling the bar exam, especially if you’re retaking it or studying while working full-time.   I know the struggle firsthand. I’ve passed two bar exams, and for one of them, I was working full-time. On top of that, I’ve helped students who’ve faced multiple retakes—some up to six times—finally pass. Whether you’re a first-time test taker or juggling work and study, you’ll find nuggets of wisdom here.   Here’s what I’ll cover today: * My 5-part framework from the Blessed and Barred system. * Actionable strategies that I and my students have successfully used. Key Takeaways: 1. Conduct a Bar Exam Audit: Reflect on past performance to pinpoint what worked and what didn’t. 2. Assess Your Time Usage: What did you prioritize last time, and how did it impact your prep? 3. Adopt the Right Mindset: Build your faith and confidence to create a productive study environment. 4. Set Boundaries: Protect your study time with firm boundaries. 5. Personalize Your Study Approach: Find the learning methods that work best for YOU. I’ll break these tips into categories that align with my proven system, so stick around! By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more empowered to crush the bar exam, no matter your circumstances. If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. And if you’re ready to dive deeper, check out the Blessed and Barred program for personalized coaching and support. Get connected:   Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com    Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community [https://blessedandbarred.com/community]   Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter [https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter]   PSA: Your Bar Prep Doesn’t Have to be Hell (Plus a Case Study of Passing the Bar Exam After the First Try): https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/ [https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/]

9: Godly Goal-Setting and Achieving: What It Is and How to Do It

Hey there! It’s Roberta, and in this episode, we’re diving deep into godly goal setting and achieving. You might be wondering, “What does godly goal setting even mean?” Well, I’m sharing my journey and breaking it down into three key principles that have guided me in aligning my ambitions with God’s will. Whether you're a driven professional, a student, or someone simply seeking purpose, this episode has something for you.     Here's what we’ll explore:   1. Do Nothing Out of Selfish Ambition or Vain Conceit      Inspired by Philippians 2:3, we discuss the importance of checking our motivations. Are we striving for God’s glory or just chasing accolades and recognition? I open up about how this truth has shaped my journey as an attorney in a field that often glorifies ambition and competition.     2. Aligning Your Goals with God’s Will      How do you know if your goals align with God’s vision for your life? I share practical ways to assess your strengths, passions, and past experiences to uncover the unique purpose God has for you. And don’t worry—if you’re unsure, I’ll remind you that clarity often comes as you step out in faith.     3. Obedience Over Fear, Pride, or Doubt     Are you saying “yes” to God’s call or letting fear hold you back? I’ve been there. From starting Grace for the Grind to launching this very podcast, I share how stepping out in obedience (despite my own hesitations) led to growth, blessings, and impact.   Setting goals God’s way isn’t just about achieving—it’s about being intentional, obedient, and aligned with His greater plan. Whether you’re pursuing career milestones, personal development, or spiritual growth, godly goals bring a deeper sense of purpose and peace.     Take Action:   - Pray and reflect on the three principles discussed.   - Journal your thoughts—because, as I always say, “we forget what we don’t document!”   - Need help with goal setting? Check out my Graceful Goal Setting & Achieving Mini-Course, complete with a workbook, interactive goal tracker, and audio lessons.   Finally, if this episode encouraged you, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. As a thank you, send me a screenshot of your review to roberta@robertaoroberts.com to receive a free training replay: The Three Building Blocks of Bar Exam Prep.     Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, let’s keep striving for grace-filled, godly goals together!  Get connected:   Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com    Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community [https://blessedandbarred.com/community]   Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter [https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter]   PSA: Your Bar Prep Doesn’t Have to be Hell (Plus a Case Study of Passing the Bar Exam After the First Try): https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/ [https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/]

8. Instantly Improve Your Bar Exam Essays & Performance Tests With Big Esquire Energy

Hey there, in this episode I’m diving into how you can instantly boost your bar exam essays and performance tests with what I like to call Big Esquire Energy (BEE). If you’re tired of feeling like a scared student during bar prep, it’s time to start showing up as the anointed attorney you’re called to be.     Here’s what we’ll cover today:     - Learn how to shift your mindset and step into faith over fear using inspiration from 2 Timothy 1:7. It’s time to show up during bar prep—and on exam day—with confidence and capability.     - The Blessed and Barred 3-Step Bar Exam Writing Framework:   I’ll introduce you to the framework that’s helped so many of my students conquer the written portions of the bar exam. This includes:   1. On Point Organization: The foundation for organizing your mind, thoughts, and answers so you can create a clear, effective response.   2. Amped Up Analysis: Where you show your legal reasoning, argumentation, and logic—this is where the points are!   3. Exquisite Editing: How to ensure your final product meets a high-quality standard and leaves a lasting impression.   - We’ll talk about why students often avoid practicing essays and performance tests and how avoiding them impacts your success. I’ll also share tips on how to embrace the process and refine your skills.    - I’ll share insights from over 10 years of teaching legal writing—from working with JD and LLM students at GW Law to training law clerks and attorneys in judicial opinion writing.     If you’re ready to take your bar exam writing to the next level and show up with Big Esquire Energy, listen in for actionable tips, mindset shifts, and practical advice!     Get connected: - Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com [https://iamblessedandbarred.com]   - Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community [https://blessedandbarred.com/community] - Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter [https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter] - PSA: Your Bar Prep Doesn’t Have to be Hell (Plus a Case Study of Passing the Bar Exam After the First Try): https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/ [https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/]    Leave a review and email the screenshot of it to roberta@robertaoroberts.com [roberta@robertaoroberts.com]to receive the replay of my exclusive 3 Building Blocks of Bar Exam Prep presentation!