5 Things to Know (or Do) Before Taking the 2024 Bar Exams

Summary

The video script prepares viewers for the 2024 bar exams, discussing the schedule, digital format, and study tips. It highlights a potential increase in examinees and a voluntary withdrawal issue from the previous year. The speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on the bar, choosing an exam venue wisely, and creating a disciplined study plan. The video also suggests attending bar review lectures and anticipates Criminal Law being a significant focus due to the expertise of the bar exam Chairman, Justice Mario Lopez.

Takeaways

• 📅 The 2024 Bar Exams in the Philippines are scheduled for September 8, 11, and 15, covering various subjects including Political and Public International Law, Commercial and Taxation Laws, Civil Law, Labor Law, Social Legislations, Criminal Law, and Remedial Law with practical exercises.
• 📈 Last year, out of 10,816 examinees, only 3,822 passed, resulting in a passing rate of 36.7%. The presenter hopes this year's batch will perform better.
• 👨‍🏫 There is a debate about the saturation of lawyers in the job market, with some suggesting there are already too many lawyers and that some recent bar passers are struggling to find work as lawyers.
• 🏢 Despite the perception of over-saturation, there are still areas with a shortage of lawyers, including small towns and barangays, and many government positions that require legal expertise are unfilled.
• 💻 The 2023 Bar Exams, like the previous ones, will be administered digitally and regionally, eliminating the need for pen and paper, and focusing on typing skills and time management.
• ⏰ Examinees are advised to allocate 8 to 10 minutes per question to ensure they have time to review all answers before submission.
• 📍 Choosing an exam venue that is most convenient and cost-effective is important, and examinees should secure their preferred venue as soon as possible.
• 📚 A recommended study plan is provided, suggesting 4 hours of study in the morning and afternoon, 6 days a week for 12 weeks, with Sundays as rest days.
• 📘 Bar review lectures are recommended to validate and confirm readings, but examinees should be selective and prioritize their time wisely.
• 👨‍⚖️ Justice Mario Lopez, the Chairman of the Bar Exam, is known for his expertise in Criminal Law, which may influence the focus of the exam, but a comprehensive study of all subjects is still essential.
• 🔍 Criminal Law principles may be integrated into all exam subjects, not just the Criminal Law exam, so examinees should be prepared for questions related to penal provisions across different laws.

Q & A

When are the 2024 bar exams scheduled to take place?

The 2024 bar exams are scheduled on September 8, 11, and 15, 2024.

What is the significance of the passing rate of the previous year's bar examinees?

The previous year's passing rate of 36.7% provides a benchmark to gauge the performance of this year's examinees and to see if they can achieve a higher passing rate.

What is the recommended daily study plan for the bar exams according to the script?

The recommended daily study plan includes studying 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the afternoon, with practice on previous bar exams in the evening, except for Sundays which should be a rest day.

Why is it suggested to block the entire month of September for the bar exams?

Blocking the entire month of September ensures that examinees do not make any plans immediately after the bar exam, allowing them to focus solely on the exams without distractions.

What is the significance of the digital and regional administration of the 2024 bar exams?

The digital and regional administration of the bar exams eliminates the need for pen and paper, reducing concerns about poor penmanship and making the examination process more efficient.

What is the recommended time allocation per question during the bar exam?

It is recommended to allocate ideally 8 to 10 minutes per question, allowing time to review all answers before submission.

Why is it important to choose the exam venue that is most convenient to the examinee?

Choosing a convenient exam venue reduces travel time and stress, making it easier for examinees to focus on the exam and potentially lowering costs associated with travel and accommodation.

What is the significance of the hashtag #MostValuableLaban for the 2024 bar exam?

The hashtag #MostValuableLaban is the official social media hashtag for the 2024 bar exam, derived from the initials of the Bar Exam Chairman, Justice Mario Villamore Lopez.

What is the role of Criminal Law in the 2024 bar exam according to the script?

Criminal Law is expected to be a significant part of the exam due to the expertise of the Bar Exam Chairman in this area, and it may also have principles that could be applied across other subjects.

Why is it suggested to be selective when attending bar review lectures?

Being selective in attending bar review lectures helps value time efficiently, ensuring that the focus is on areas where additional clarification or review is needed, rather than attending every lecture without discrimination.

What advice is given for those who may not wish to practice litigation after passing the bar exams?

The advice given is that there are various opportunities in government or private companies where legal knowledge is valued, and it is up to the individual to decide what career path to take after passing the bar exams.