FAQ

Faq

If I’m already taking a bar review course, how could I benefit from this program?

The focus of most bar review courses is substantive. They focus exclusively on “content.” Over the Bar Exam emphasizes both presentation and content. Remember, the person reading your bar exams can only gauge your knowledge of the subject area by your presentation. Unless you are prepared to present your answers to the essay questions, your base of knowledge does not matter.

How many areas of law does Over the Bar Exam cover?

The course covers the seven core essay questions of Torts, Contracts, Criminal Law, Evidence, Property, Constitutional Law and Civil Procedure.

During this program, will I be tested in each of these areas of the law?

Yes. Each student, during the course of the program, will answer questions in each of these seven areas.

Would your course benefit someone taking a bar exam in any state?

Absolutely. First, we deal in majority and minority positions around the country, without any deference to, or even acknowledgement of, the law in any particular state. Second, proper and improper writing and analytical techniques have universal applicability whether you're taking the bar exam in California, Maine, Florida or points in between.

Who makes up the essay questions?

Each essay question has been taken from recent bar exams. Thus, students will be answering actual questions that were given to prospective candidates taking the bar exam.

How does the tutoring program work?

Once a student's designated session begins, we email to him or her a Torts essay question. The student emails back an answer (within 24 to 48 hours; see below for details) that is then critiqued on form, substance and writing approach. This critique is then emailed to the student. At the same time and in a separate email, the student is sent a Contracts essay question. Once we receive the Contracts answer, a fresh critique is provided and, in a separate email, the student is sent a Criminal Law essay question. The process continues until the student has answered and been critiqued on all seven core areas of the law.

Is there any particular order to the questions?

Yes. Historically, Torts is the subject with which students are most comfortable, so we use that one first. Next is Contracts, again because of comfort level. The remaining order is Criminal Law, Evidence, Property, Constitutional Law and Civil Procedure.

If I have questions after reading your critique, may I email you at no additional charge?

Yes. We will gladly answer any questions regarding our critiques at no additional cost to the student.

How long does the entire program take?

Most sessions are three weeks long, although a few sessions in the early summer are two weeks long. The shorter sessions, given during the weeks prior to the July bar exam in most jurisdictions, allow greater access to the program at times of peak demand. During a three-week session, the student has 48 hours in which to answer each question. During a two-week session, that time is reduced to 24 hours.

How long should the student take to answer each question?

We strongly recommend that the student take a total of no more than 45 minutes to read and respond to each question. That’s the length of time, on average, that the student will have to answer each question during the actual bar exam. It’s important to re-create the time frame the student will have when it counts.

Does Mr. Halden delegate any of the work involved?

No. Mr. Halden personally reviews and critiques each and every essay response.

How much does the program cost?

Information on costs and enrollment procedures is detailed on the Sign-Up page of this web site.

When is Over the Bar Exam offered?

The program is available throughout the year in two-week or three-week sessions. We accept only a pre-determined number of applicants for each session to avoid over-booking. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

How can I pay the enrollment cost?

Payment can be made using a major credit card or via a PayPal account. All payments are processed through PayPal's secure payment processing system.

For those who prefer to enroll by check, payment should be mailed to Peter M. Halden, Esq., 4 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033. Please allow three business days from receipt of your check to receive confirmation of your enrollment.

Click Here to Enroll