Failing Out of Law School: Now What?

Did you fail out of law school or wondering how people fail law school? Here are the top four reasons for failing and what you can do if it happens to you.
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[@TechnoloG84]

I failed out....took a year off.....worked the da’s office.....came back. Graduated. Took the bar in my state twice. Failed. Went to DC for the UBE. PASSED! I’m an attorney now.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Congratulations! Glad to see that perseverance paid off.

[@TechnoloG84]

Learn Law Better thank you.

[@mandeecorner6372]

hey, I'm in the same boat. I failed out due to my mom getting sick a couple times and I had to take care of it then I got an infection before finals week and kept ignoring it till I collapsed on my property final day. I worked for a few months as a tutor and now I work at a litigation firm and am retaking my lsat in a couple weeks. Hopefully, when I reapply I can get in because I cant see myself doing anything else. I've always loved working in the legal field and wanting to be an attorney.

[@TechnoloG84]

Mandeecorner you can do it!

[@BanesBasement]

That’s awesome. I’m on probation and at risk of failing out. Hopefully I can pull my GPA up to the requirement so I can stay in and pursue my dream. Your story tells me even if I fail out it’s always possible to dust yourself off and try again. Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@lawstudentencourager1796]

I was dismissed in Spring 2017 with a 1.29 GPA after two semesters, waited the mandatory two years to reapply to my same school, got reaccepted, now I have a 3.27 GPA after two semesters in Spring 2020. It is possible to be better than ever the second time around!

[@Learnlawbetter]

That is awesome! Congratulations! Would you mind sharing here what you did differently the second time?

[@lawstudentencourager1796]

@@Learnlawbetter practice problems and simulating more time-pressured exam conditions in advance of final exams was key this second time around.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Thank you for sharing. And again, job well done the second time around.

[@lawstudentencourager1796]

@@Learnlawbetter Thank you for the continued value you bring to us all!

[@OMGiTsDydy]

Hi Law Student Encourager, do you mind giving me your email. I am in the same boat currently. I need some advice and I feel really lost.

[@jenniferg.9017]

I just got my grades back for my first semester in Law school and they were abysmal. It was definitely, a wake-up call, I had such a hard time with the increased workload, did not keep up with my readings, and crammed for my finals. Lesson learned. Will improve next semester!!

[@josephthabomaluleke]

I'm a first year law student from South Africa. Great channel.Thank you👏

[@punbishal5874]

Law school requires a lot of discipline and rigour and certainly isn’t for faint hearted. You will be buried in cases, prepping for lectures, taking notes, revising and editing the notes, assignments, tutorials and exams. Have a game plan and take it like a sport. You have to be mentally and physically fit. Be disciplined and practise smart not just hard. It’s like a short sprint and break and short sprint again. To those who made it congratulations, to those who didn’t or couldn’t I just wanna say there is no shame as long as you gave your all. Failures happen and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Develop perspective in life and don’t just magnify your life with attending law school. It’s just a part of your education. You have to go to work, serve your clients and community. Besides don’t take anything in life for granted cuz you never know when curtain comes closing on you. Learn to enjoy challenges in life, not being anxious. Enjoying challenges enhances your growth, your earning power and status while anxiety robes you off your mental health, drive to succeed and chance to grow. Relax and enjoy the struggle when you can.

[@aileenfowler3967]

Thank you for your advice.

[@DonnyBrook762]

Excellent video. I failed contracts my first year, got dismissed, started and completed my MBA over the next year and a half, went back, and just graduated on May 10, 2019. Bottom line, the problem was my wife, she was taking all of my study time.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Unfortunately, most marriages don’t survive law school. I know of one professor, when she finds out she has a married student in her class, gives them her business card and tells them to call her when they need a divorce attorney. As the saying goes, law is a jealous mistress.

[@manofculture467]

Dang

[@hayleyh.6989]

A lot of my law classmates (over 40%) were married during law school and are still married today.

[@jkholtgreve]

After my business has foundered in the wake of COVID my girlfriend is actively encouraging me to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. After watching dozens of these videos I’ve told her point blank that if I pursue this it’ll be the worst strain our relationship has ever suffered, so we have to tread very lightly and take this seriously. She still seems enthusiastic, but after a semester of 2+ hr commutes each way coupled with the workload I’m not sure that’ll last.

[@Learnlawbetter]

It’s a roll of the dice. But if she is supportive now maybe it will last. No way to know in advance. But ask yourself: if I don’t do this now, will I regret it for the rest of my life.

[@cathyfrance4959]

I hope our law school dean was as understanding as you. I failed law school because I wasn’t able to focus on my studies due to a cancer scare that I wasn’t able to address immediately due to the pandemic (strict hospital protocols in the Philippines) I tried to request to be readmitted citing my circumstances, unfortunately he denied my request. He explained that the school has to uphold its strict standards. I don’t know what to do with my life now.

[@alexhill4757]

I failed out of law school 2 years ago and I still have no idea why. My professors were so full of shit in regards to grading.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Every faculty member should be able to explain his or her grading method to a student. Sorry you had this experience.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Some law schools have policies that force a few grades below a C-

[@Learnlawbetter]

No, bottom tier schools struggling with bar passage rates.

[@thomaslibbey5694]

Hey I was born blind in my right eye, too! You’re amazing!

[@tdofeldt5742]

Hello, As someone who studied law with a visual impairment too, how did this impact your studies in your opinion?

[@isoccerpluse]

How has a student never written a college essay.... that's hard to believe...

[@Learnlawbetter]

I was shocked the first time someone told me. But it is becoming more common.

[@peaches1535]

I still watch your videos about law school despite being astronomically discouraged to going due to expenses but I find your videos very insightful & comforting!

[@Learnlawbetter]

You might want to consider a value priced law school, like North Carolina Central or the University of North Dakota.

[@peaches1535]

Learn Law Better Thank you! Isn’t going to a value law school though kind of discouraged because finding a job after is hard due to the school you go to?

[@Learnlawbetter]

This is a great question! And in usual law professor style, the answer is “it depends.” You need to determine where you want to practice law and what kind of practice you want to get into. For example, in North Dakota, graduates are finding good jobs. But many of those jobs are in rural communities. Others are becoming solo practitioners. It really depends on what you want to do after law school.

[@BindingOmen]

Thanks for all the good videos. Love your channel.

[@sarahdanielle969]

Thank you Professor Baez for the video on a taboo subject rarely discussed.

[@aileenfowler3967]

Hi! That was happened to me. When I Study now, I forget later. I am a 3rd year student taking philosophy. I am planning to proceed law, that is why I'm reading comments here.

[@juancarlosaliba4866]

In short: There are many ways to succeed in life and it's not always limited to a JD or a law degree or even becoming a lawyer

[@annereilley4892]

I always enjoy your videos, you are very reassuring on all matters.

[@moleash6465]

Going to UK for LLB in Sept. Love your channel.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Thanks for watching and hope you do well at your law school.

[@moleash6465]

@@Learnlawbetter Professor, any significant difference between North American and UK Law school?

[@Learnlawbetter]

Yes, quite different in the classroom. In the US, professors use the Socratic method for teaching cases. The UK is still primarily lecture. Also, the types of exams we give on this side of the pond are different from those you’ll find in the UK.

[@moleash6465]

Thank you, professor. I heard there is a seminar every week apart from the lecture, I guess this is where they use the Socratic method? Hope you can make a video on the UK law school in the future!

[@williammurphy6428]

Thank you for the video. So in the fall of 2020 I was academically dismissed from law school. Since then I’m wrapping up my MBA with a 3.8 gpa. Do you have any advice on how to be readmitted?

[@luisfontanez1991]

Hello, Mr. Beau Baez, is recently got dismissed from law school. Is there anyway I could try one more time. I was struggling during my first semester due to depression ,working a job, and a close family member passed away. Was on probation in my second semester but i had two ds even if I actually tried to improve. I always wanted to be a lawyer and feel like my dream is over. I need help.

[@Learnlawbetter]

First, take a year off to regroup. Think about what you hope to accomplish. Second, work on developing the skills you need to succeed. So many students go back a second time, only to fail again. Even if you don’t have a job and solve the depression, you still need to develop new study and writing skills.

[@davidsoto4394]

I think I want to go to law school but I am afraid to do it because I am afraid to fail and get kicked out.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Life is about risk. All you can do is learn as much as you can, like you are doing with my channel, then prepare, and finally do it. No shame in failing if you gave it your all.

[@JosephBrown-cw9ml]

I’m not sure how I recommend students feel about this video, namely because the professional gives academic and psychological advice without credentials to such end. I do appreciate the “lessons from the field” feedback, which is invaluable. But, other pieces do more harm than good.

[@juancarlosaliba4866]

Thank you for reading this differently. Some of the pieces of advice here do more harm than good. And given human nature, relentless hearts can't be stopped by videos like this if they truly want it. Also, this video rubs salt to a wound.

[@littletintin8163]

I watch your videos because I want to become a lawyer

[@superjfbm]

... i don't know... i think i should take time off from law school... something's not working

[@Learnlawbetter]

That is good advice for some. I’m glad I started law school in my mid 20’s. Would have flunked out if I had stayed at 22.

[@shariecebrewster5962]

Yes i'm failing all my class right now::::!!!! Need to talk to teacher's on my grade for the year's

[@areebahabib1935]

I don’t know if I have what it takes to pass law school 😕

[@Learnlawbetter]

Apprehension is common. The key is to decide whether it’s your path and then put the time into it.

[@areebahabib1935]

Learn Law Better your videos have probably been the biggest factor in reducing my apprehension. It’s just ALL of the horror stories from L1 students that freak me out 😅

[@itsme-pu8bf]

Ive got a question for practicing once graduating. I've got a very thick southern accent, even for my area. Could this hamper my career if I want to be a trial lawyer?

[@Learnlawbetter]

If you’re in the South and the accent is southern you should be fine. Living in the Deep South, I see heavy, light, and accents from other parts of the country.

[@Heymanitsme1]

Damn just took one exam and youtube pushed this on me

[@daylightcomet6958]

Ten pages in 90 minutes is B/S.

[@Learnlawbetter]

I am amazed at how much students can type in 90 minutes--I'm sure I couldn't write that fast.

[@mikeylejan8849]

@@Learnlawbetter what if their hand writing sucks?

[@JosephBrown-cw9ml]

This comment is so perfect and on point. Anyone who expects 10 pages in 90 minutes is an imbecile. Admittedly, I would never hire an attorney who could write so carelessly in practice. How unreasonable.

[@9doggie12]

I was .02 points below the required gpa

[@Learnlawbetter]

Bright line rules are tough. Wish you well.

[@whoisdesirtv]

You’re helping me with my law school journey. I don’t think it is wise to go to law school without looking at videos like this. Too many law school acceptance videos. Lol 😂

[@marino3926]

does anyone know. lets say one went to law uni but only came half way and then drop out. is there some school or uni that recognizes some of the subject one passed from law uni so that one can finish some kind of school?

[@Jodonho]

Given the tuition charged by law schools, the students should do the math first before applying.

[@Learnlawbetter]

But no one goes to law school expecting to fail.

[@davidsoto4394]

Professor, do you beleive that someone with learning disabalaties in mathematics, brain damage, cerebral palsy , seizures and someone who is a stroke survivor can succeed in law school with support from the students with disabalaties services office and from the professor?

[@Learnlawbetter]

The challenge isn’t just law school, but also the bar exam and then the practice of law. You could avoid the bar exam by attending a Wisconsin law school, where graduates don’t have to take the bar exam. But even then, it will be hard with all the reading-even students with no disabilities struggle. I wish you well.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Some who flunk out end up as paralegals. Keep in mind that paralegals are not regulated in any way, so a lawyer can train someone to be a paralegal. A paralegal certificate or degree is helpful in finding a job.

[@davidsoto4394]

Professor, I have a question. Are they allowed to reject someone for a judgeship on the state or federal level only based on the fact that the person has learning disabalaties?

[@rafanadal4856]

Hey, love your videos, can you please tell me what percentage of students in a class get A grade? I'm studying law in Mumbai and here only about the top 5 percent are given first class. Just want to know for reference

[@Learnlawbetter]

It depends on the law school. Most law schools have a mandatory curve. But even then the curve can vary widely between schools. At the schools where I’ve taught, it’s been around 10%

[@user-de7bo4nq4s]

Do have counseling sessions that people could sign up for?

[@christopherbarham4402]

Start my journey next year. I am 25 you think I am too old? I am getting my undergrad in civil engineering

[@Learnlawbetter]

I think 25 is the ideal age. The human brain doesn’t fully develop till age 25, and you also have some real world experience.

[@samanthajean7761]

I'm watching this the night before my first semeser, 1L final contracts exam. I pray that my fear of this exam isnt a self-fulfilling prophecy

[@Learnlawbetter]

Hope it went well.

[@ECO473]

How did it go?

[@tyranitar4246]

How long are you practicing sir?

[@Learnlawbetter]

Practiced for 8 years and have been teaching for 20.

[@mandingo959595]

That’s one cool as pirate

[@Learnlawbetter]

Arghhh, thank ye matey.

[@gautumb]

i failed law sku. i am a worthless pos.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Failing at something doesn’t make you worthless. It is an opportunity to reflect and decide next steps. Lyndon Johnson dropped out of law school, deciding it wasn’t for him. He went on to become President of the United States.

[@AAMarc]

arrrg mateyy

[@danv4299]

Is this video serious or a comedy skit? The eye-patch+all those stock videos+the patronizing tone (you say some people have problems with memory retention and retrieval and then you gesture at your head as though talking to someone mentally-disabled who needs to follow accompanying hand gestures)+downright odd examples for dropping out (dropping out due to having sexual problems due to anxiety).

[@Learnlawbetter]

The vast majority of people graduate from law school without any serious difficulties. This video was made for the small group of people who don’t make it. Those who fail also don’t tend to be at elite law schools. And there are many reasons people fail-my examples aren’t exhaustive.

[@danv4299]

@@Learnlawbetter Okay that's all good and well but it has nothing to do with my point: the video is an unintentional parody of itself and its crazy that you didn't have the common sense to realize this

[@Learnlawbetter]

A parody, by definition, requires that I imitate something or someone else. For example, I wear an eye patch because that eye started to wander. That's not a parody, but something I do to keep my audience from being distracted by the wandering eye. Now, if I was trying to imitate a pirate, that would be a parody. Would get a hook hand and parrot too, if that was my goal.

[@danv4299]

@@Learnlawbetter The eye-patch is just the cherry on top...re-read my comment and re-watch the video to see what I mean. Thank you for providing the definition of parody because it only further proved my point: the video is a parody of ITSELF.

[@chritophermiller3554]

There was no patronizing tone and sexual problems is an example of a frivolous excuse. I don’t see the merits of this argument

[@forever_golfer1981]

If you were a STEM grad, you wouldn’t know much about essays.