Performance Review

Performance Exam Description

The California Bar examiner’s description of the Performance examination is as follows:

The Performance examination test questions that are designed to test an applicant’s ability to understand and apply a select number of legal authorities in the context of a factual problem. Each question consists of a file and library, with instructions advising the applicant what task(s) should be performed. Performance test answers are graded on the applicants responsiveness to instructions and on the content, thoroughness, organization and persuasiveness of written tasks.

The description above, at first glance, appears quite overwhelming. To add more fire to the fury, most students do not even know what a Performance exam is until their last year of law school and only if Performance is tested at their school. Students coming from other jurisdictions have an even bigger disadvantage as most have never had any exposure to a Performance exam.

Why Doing Well On Performance Will Help You Pass The Bar

As important as the Performance section is on the bar, students do not give it the necessary attention that they should. Each Performance exam grade is equivalent to two (2) one (1) hour essay questions on the California Bar exam. Since two (2) Performance files appear on each California Bar exam, their total score is equivalent to four (4) one (1) hour essays.

Let it be said that each portion of the California Bar exam is important; however, if a student is well prepared in the essay and multistate portion and does poorly on Performance, the overall result can be negative. Look at it in another light. If the overall essay score is borderline, positive Performance grades will favorably tip the scale and allow the student to pass. Believe it or not, this area of the bar could end up being the most favorable section as it can help you with your essay and/or multistate scores.

Why Bar Made Easy

Bar Made Easy recognizes the importance of Performance and provides an excellent approach to mastering this area of the California Bar exam. Bar Made Easy provides step by step instruction how to succeed in Performance, prior tested Performance exams taken from the California Bar exam, model answers written by Bar Made Easy and constructive feedback on your work.

With proper instruction, “hands on” guidance and detailed review of your outline and answers by an attorney who specializes in Performance, you can look forward to Performance with confidence and without hesitation.