April 2022

Meet Madaleine Gray, a 2020 graduate of Belmont University College of Law. She took the bar in October 2020 and was unsuccessful, but she achieved success on her second exam date in February 2021. Below she shares about her journey and gives advice for future bar exam takers—whether it be their first, second or fifth attempt.

1. How did you feel when you found out you were unsuccessful after the October 2020 exam? At first, I felt disappointed because I scored a 266 on the October exam and Tennessee requires a 270 to pass. I got the news in the middle of my workday as a judicial law clerk for a trial court judge. I took a few minutes to absorb the news, tell my judge and colleagues, and get back to the docket. Everyone offered extremely kind words and some of the other judges came by to share their stories about the bar exam. I learned that a lot of talented lawyers had to retake the bar exam, including several judges. In being open about my exam results, I found solace in the fact that many lawyers did not pass on the first attempt. Transparency gave me the opportunity to get great exam tips and encouraged me to apply to a jurisdiction where 266 was a passing score.
2. What did you do differently to prepare the second time? I predominantly focused on using my time efficiently. Primarily, I focused on active learning activities such as practice MBEs, MPTs and essays. I found that I was less responsive to video lectures and reviewing outlines, and that over-studying is just as dangerous as under-studying. The second time I was preparing to take the bar exam, I set a daily goal to complete 25 practice MBEs and one essay while timing myself, and then go over the sample answer and answer explanations. This would help me get the ball rolling on days I didn’t feel motivated, give me an idea of what subjects I need to focus on, and allow me to rest without feeling guilty. Rest days were an important part of my success the second time around. I also trained for stamina and confidence by aiming for a pace of 1.5 minutes per MBE question instead of the suggested 1.8 minutes per MBE.
3. What are you doing now? After I finished my clerkship in August 2021, I joined a national law firm, Lewis Brisbois, as a data privacy and cybersecurity associate attorney.
4. How about advice for current students studying for the bar or those who have been unsuccessful? Evaluate what worked for you on the first time around and what didn’t. Don’t avoid subjects because they’re hard or you’re not comfortable with them. Create a plan and stick to it. Look at the subtopics that are most frequently tested and strategize around that information. Don’t be afraid to admit that you failed—I was given several prep resources like Critical Pass flashcards and lectures on tape. I even received an encouraging letter from a Senior Judge who shared their experience with the bar exam and reminded me that sometimes it takes a second try to get things right. I got a 281 on the February exam, and the highest UBE score in America is 280 in Alaska—so having to retake the exam actually put me in a situation where I can apply to be licensed in a number of states.

This Q&A was conducted by the TBA Young Lawyers Division Bar Exam Committee as part of an initiative to provide greater support to Tennessee law school students preparing for the bar exam. Learn more about Madaleine and her career. The Tennessee Bar Association also offers resources and member benefits to Tennessee law school students. Read more about law student programs and member benefits here.