My office is open year-round rather than the two-month period prior to each exam. This allows individuals who need more time, or those who have not recently prepared for the exam, adequate planning and preparation time. Because study/work schedules can vary, I am available as needed, as early as 7:00 a.m. or during evening and weekend hours.
The following are descriptions of some of the services I provide:
Initial Consultation: I offer a free initial phone consultation in order for us to get acquainted. It is a chance for you to give me some brief information on your experience: what the bar exam process has been like for you, your past preparation, scores, and what you are looking for in additional preparation. We can also discuss what I may be able to offer you. Many repeat-takers just need a brief discussion to determine that they are on the right track, or few suggestions (or a pep talk!) and they are back to studying. If you decide that you would like some additional time after our phone discussion, we can schedule an office consultation.
Full Office Consultation: My office
consultations last between 1-1/2 to 3 hours. During this consultation we will
cover everything from the past preparation process, the exam itself,
medications, diet, exercise, physical limitations, injuries, the need for
special accommodations......in other words anything
and everything that could be costing you points on the exam. I will ask
you to bring a copy of any past scores and your exam books (if you have copies
from past exams). By the end of this consultation, we will have a fairly clear
idea about where you should be focusing your time and energy. I
charge a flat fee for this appointment.
Out-of-Area Students: While
a face-to-face consultation is generally the most effective way to work, it is
possible to cover the same materials via fax, mail and telephone. I also consult with out-of-state attorneys preparing for the Attorney's
Examination.
In-Depth Analysis and Coaching: I review past exams and/or critique practice essays and performance exams. You provide me with your writing by fax, mail or delivery to my office. I review your writing prior to our appointment. We then discuss in detail all aspects of your writing from style and organization to content. Feedback is immediate--I generally can provide same day or day after appointments. I also offer help with the MBE. Many applicants schedule weekly or bi-weekly appointments. These services are offered on a sliding scale at my Santa Rosa location or by telephone.
Individual Study Plan: Thorough preparation is the key to passing this exam and you must have a plan. For a study plan to work, it must address an individual's learning style, deficiencies on previous attempts, work/life schedule, all testable substantive areas, and practice in the different ways you may be tested. This consultation requires two sessions. In the first session you will provide me with your life schedule for the preparation period. This includes work hours, appointments such as medical and dental, and family obligations (birthdays, anniversaries, other commitments). You will also decide the hours and days which work best for you. In the second session I will provide you with a personalized study plan which has both a daily schedule as well as an approach for each type of testing practice.
Preview for First-Time Takers: While the most of my work is with repeat-takers, I meet with bar applicants who have not taken the bar exam. The focus of this type of consultation is information on how to avoid the mistakes that lose points and how to effectively use the traditional bar preparation courses. The suggested time for this type of consultation would be during the final year of law school prior to beginning a review course. I am happy to meet with law students on a individual basis or in small groups.
Coaching for First-Time Takers: Coaching is available for those who are currently taking a traditional review course and desire more individual feedback than is available in a group course. Feedback is generally available within 24 hours of receipt of your writing.
(I strongly urge the use of a traditional bar review course for any first time taker. The established courses have years of experience and extensive course materials. I do not provide the substantive review which is necessary to "pull together" three to four years of law school education.)
Bar Exam
101: How to Survive Life with Someone Studying for the Bar: This is available for
small groups of parents, spouses, and significant others. Through an interactive
discussion we will look at what the three day bar exam entails, what the review
process is like, and what to expect during the eight week preparation period and
at some suggestions on how to be supportive at a time when you may feel that
everything you say or offer is wrong.
Monitored Testing
Sessions:
Timed testing sessions are available upon request in three or six hour
increments. (There will be a one hour break during a six hour session.) You may
provide your own materials or I can provide you with past bar questions and/or
performance exams. MBE sessions are also available. There is a fee for some
materials. The fee for a monitored session depends upon the number of
participants.
Small Groups: Consultations are available to small groups at a reduced fee.
Phone Check-ins: I am willing to
provide an occasional short phone check-in free of charge after an office
consultation or for those who continue with additional analysis and/or coaching.
However, if you are in need of frequent check-ins or a lengthy discussion,
I will ask you to schedule an appointment.
Payment: Payment is due at the time service is
provided. I accept cash, personal checks or
credit card payments through PayPal. To access PayPal, click on the link at
the bottom of this page.
Kaylan
Thornhill
Attorney at Law
1108 College Avenue,
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Office: (707) 546-3840 or (800) 461-3840
Fax: (707) 537-8580
Email: calbarexamhelp@sbcglobal.net
For directions to my office, click here.
Please note: I do not offer in-depth substantive law tutoring or psychotherapy. Should you desire this type of assistance, I will ask you to seek advice from experts in these areas.
