One of the toughest things I hear from bar exam retakers is this feeling of being stuck—stuck between studying, job hunting, and waiting for results. It’s a tough place to be, and recently, one of my mentees opened up about her frustration with it.
She’s been going through the cycle of studying, taking the bar, applying for jobs, and waiting for results, but nothing seems to click. She described the pain of getting interviews for non-lawyer positions, only to be turned down because she has a JD and the employers are nervous that she’ll pass the bar and leave after six months. On the flip side, for the legal jobs she does want, she’s told she doesn’t have enough experience. It’s a double bind that’s all too familiar.
I asked her, “What would getting a job—any job—do for you?” And she told me that it would alleviate financial stress and help her feel like she’s building toward something. More than that, though, it would boost her confidence.
Confidence. That’s the real barrier.
Here’s what I’ve learned from mentoring retakers:
You can’t wait for someone to tell you you’re good enough. You have to start knowing it for yourself. The job hunt, just like bar prep, requires you to believe in what you bring to the table. Employers pick up on your confidence—or lack thereof—and it directly impacts whether they’ll take a chance on you.
I’ve had clients in her exact position who secured jobs while still studying for the bar and even received promotions—before they even passed the exam! It wasn’t because they were more qualified; it was because they projected confidence and competence. They knew they were an asset, even without a license.
For my mentee, the challenge was to stop waiting for external validation and to start seeing her worth. We worked on small, actionable steps she could take, like applying to temporary legal roles, reaching out to law firm owners, and networking in online groups. Bit by bit, she started to regain that confidence. It’s not about landing the perfect job right away. It’s about taking action, putting yourself out there, and knowing that each step forward builds your self-assurance.
So, if you’re feeling stuck between bar exams, know this:
The opportunities are there. You just have to get your confidence to match your qualifications. You’ve already come so far. It’s time to believe in what you can bring to the table.
Need to talk about your specific situation, coaching enrollment is now open--book a mini-consultation to discover your blindspots and your next steps.