Looking forward to November 16th when I'll hear from the next round of students who passed the July 2012 exam. Here are some pics of some students who passed in February, along with their testimonials. Again congratulations to all of you!
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| F.G., another successful Ventura College student, receiving a well-deserved bouquet of flowers from her husband |
“I can't believe that my name is on the PASS list for the CA Feb 2012 Bar Exam! I would
not have been able to do this without you. As a repeater, the thought
of taking the bar exam again did not appeal to me at all this time
around. YOU changed all that. You made me realize I can do
this and preparing for the bar exam while balancing kids, family,
activities, work, and life etc. was not easy but it can be done. Your
personalized review was perfect for me - your method helped me
structurally to keep my essays focused & to answer the call &
watch my time, the MBE review helped me improve my reading and
comprehension, and I very much appreciated your 1-on-1 feedback.
PLUS you made sure I stayed on track. I am proof that your bar review
approach works! I could not have passed the bar without you Steve! THANK
YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!” F.G. (Ventura College of Law)
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| Ashley from Cal Western getting admitted |
“I paid for BarBri for the July 2011 bar exam, and failed
it. I knew private tutors would be expensive, but if I wanted
individualized help to figure out what I was doing wrong I needed a one-on-one
tutor. There are a lot of different programs and tutors out there, but
after talking to a bunch of them, I liked Steve Zikman's methodology,
strategy, and attitude the best. He was very reassuring
and positive when I felt like passing the bar was impossible. His
teaching style is individualized and he was able to assess all my weak points after
reading my bar essays and performance tests from July. For me, the
cookie cutter Barbri approach wasn't working for me, which is why I chose
Steve. He developed a strategic and formulaic approach to essay writing
and performance tests which was easy to learn, easy to follow, and made a huge
difference in my essays and PT. I compared my essays from July 2011 bar
to the essays I was writing with Steve right before the Feb 2012 bar and the
difference is astounding. If I had known about Steve the first time I
took the bar, I would have saved myself a lot of grief. He's really worth
the money.”
--Ashley P. (California Western School of Law)
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| P.S., another successful USD student, shaking hands with the judge who swore him in |
“Steve helped me pass the bar after a near miss on my first
time. The best thing about Steve is his ability to spot your weaknesses,
and give you strategies, tricks, and reinforcement to shore up those
weaknesses. Because he had spent so much time drilling down with me
through my essays and multiple choice work, I felt confident in the potential
to get the job done by the time exam day came. Steve really takes the
time to talk you through his analysis of your work, and provides great insight
into how you can improve, pertaining to your specific areas that need work.
He got me to fight harder, and I fought my way to a pass with his help.”
P.S. (University of San Diego)
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| C.L., another successful student from Golden Gate, upon her admission |
“When I found out that I did not pass the bar exam on the
first try, like many others, I was utterly devastated. I had always been
a decent writer and knew the substantive legal material like the back of my
hand. I couldn’t understand why I received such low essay scores.
Steve taught me that it’s not about how much information you put down on
your answer, but it’s putting that information into the format that the bar
graders expect to see it in. Steve had me use a very specific formula for
answering all of the questions which helped to manage my time and strengthen
the structure of my response. I learned to not aim for the “perfect” answer,
but instead write the answer that would garner the most points instead.
After practicing dozens of essays and PTs with Steve, which he goes over
with you line by line, I knew that when exam day came, his formula would
work. And it did! I passed the exam on my second try. Steve
is without a doubt the reason that I passed, and the ultimate mastermind in
revamping your bar writing style.” –C.L. (Golden Gate University, School of
Law)
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| Ms. Lan, another successful Boston University student, shaking hands with the judge who admitted her |
“After I had failed the CA bar exam 3
times, I finally realized that it was time to face up to my weakest points on
the exam--the Essays and PTs. I had a passing score on MBEs on my 3rd bar exam,
but my writing was a disaster. I was confident that I would pass my 3rd bar
exam, but I did not, and my writing score was far below my expectations. After
feeling deeply frustrated, I decided to find help. I searched for essay tutors online
and read all the comments and reviews of all the tutors I could find, and I
decided to give Steve a try. It has proven to be one of the wisest decisions I
have ever made. The law was not a problem for me; I knew the law, but my
application was a mess. Steve taught me how to organize the layout
systematically in order to let the examiners easily find and understand all my
analysis, how to add more analysis to impress the examiners, and he taught me
how to do ‘real’ IRAC! After working hard with Steve for 3 months, my essays
were finally all looking like the same no matter what topic I wrote, and that
was so amazing! If you are in the same situation as I was (i.e. finding
yourself stuck in Essays and PTs and having no idea what's wrong or how to
improve them), I recommend you to Steve. He helped my out of the hell
that is the bar exam!” --H. Lan, LL.M. (Boston University Law)
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| Paul, another successful Golden Gate student being admitted to the practice of law |
“After failing the Bar for the third time; I knew something
had to change. I found Steve Zikman, and discovered that I had not really been
using a coherent strategy to tackle the Essays and Performance Tests. As a
person who happens to be blind it was important for me to find a tutor/coach
who would be totally comfortable working with me; Steve was that person--he
took me on as a client without any reservations whatsoever. A coherent strategy
from a professional, warm and caring person is what you get with Steve; I found
his approach to Performance Tests headings and Essay strategy particularly
useful. Thanks to Steve I succeeded! I
would highly recommend Steve to anyone seeking a highly structured approach.” --Paul W. (Golden Gate University School of
Law)
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| Congratulations James, another successful Southwestern student |
“After failing the Bar twice, I retained the services of
Steve for my third adventure with the exam. Steve assessed my
weaknesses, then provided me with specific strategies for both essays and the
MBEs. MBE's in particular were my weakness. Working with Steve allowed me
to approach the Bar with confidence--and I passed! Applying his methods, I
was confident going into the exam handling any essay they would throw at
me. I have no doubt Steve is the major factor for my present
success. He is both demanding and caring, and working with him
is the best move you can make.” –James G. (Southwestern Law School)
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| Matt from California Southern being sworn |
“The Strategic Bar Coach program helped me pass the
2012 February bar exam on my 4th try. Steve knows exactly what
these graders are looking for. His program is unique because he
offers one-on-one assistance and he's serious
about what he does. Something tells me he takes it personally when one of
his students doesn’t pass. Steve showed me how to properly analyze and apply the law--how each element is broken
down, analyzed and concluded, one element at a time. His style of writing makes
it easy for the graders to look at your answer and determine if you got it
correct right off the bat. His course made every subject
approachable. His method of writing provided fail-safes and checks
and balances so nothing got left out. His course provided a
great way to take down a Professional Responsibility essay. Before I took
Steve’s course I would just get an essay and go. My answers were all over the
place and I was not focusing on the areas that I needed to focus on. I was not
answering the call of the question. His approach made me answer the
question that was in front of me, gave me confidence, worked on my timing, and
formatting, corrected my major faults, changed my writing and tone, removed
words that graders hate, gave me a jumping-off points, and most of all, got me to pass. I could not
recommend this course more!” --Matt V. (California Southern Law School)
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| EJ from Cal Western taking the oath |
“Steve focuses not on whether how many essays or
MBEs you are practicing or touching before the test, but on whether
how thoroughly you are analyzing and attacking each essay and MBEs in great depth.
Steve's method for essays really forced me to do more analysis on each issue
more in depth, and his detailed advice on time management helped me timely
write on each essay. Steve's structure for essays was very helpful not
only to please the graders but also to keep me clear and focused on what I
was writing. Steve has never been judgmental, but rather, he always
helped me move on without frustration, even when I was stressed and not feeling
good. Steve was always keenly aware of my strengths and weaknesses.
When I walked into the test room, I felt prepared to attack any issues in any
subjects, and as it turned out I was confronted with essay questions in the
subjects that I had been most afraid of (Trusts/Wills, Constitution, Business
Association, and Evidence), but my name appeared on the Pass List for the Feb
2012 CA Bar! Thank
you Steve… you saved my life!” --EJ P. (California Western School of Law)
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| Priscilla, another successful student from California Southern, at her swearing in |
“I felt I knew the
law but needed help with my essay structure and analysis. Steve provided me
with his Flash Outlines for each subject. Going through practice essays, I
would find facts to match to each element. Steve taught me the rules of law and
also how to expand on my analysis. I was finding one fact when he showed
me there were multiple facts to support each element and also taught me how to
use outside knowledge and ‘common sense.’ Steve focused in on my weaknesses
right away and drilled me until those weaknesses became my strengths. After
just one session with Steve, I was ecstatic because I was learning.
Steve prepared me so much, after taking the bar exam, I knew I passed, thanks to Steve!” --Priscilla H. (California Southern Law School)
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| David, from UC Davis, being sworn in |
“Steve helped me pass when no one--and seemingly nothing--could.
My essays for Barbri and law school were never a problem, but the bar examiners
continued to disagree. From our first session, Steve broke down my essays and
showed me exactly how to write an essay that bar graders would appreciate. Steve
helped me: (1) Use a bar-specific IRAC
method. It gave me a completely different writing style geared toward bar
readers and meant to quickly highlight elements and analysis for points. Too
many other programs simply ask you to recite carefully memorized rules and then
tell you to IRAC it like you did in law school; (2) Optimize my organization
and format. I used to think presentation for all 6 bar essays wasn't as big a
priority as getting out all my memorized points, but Steve taught me otherwise.
His organizational format helped me effectively lay down my points and gave my
essays a strong and consistent frame that I could depend on to get my analysis
out quickly and fully. This also helped during the bar exam, when I was able to
continue writing even though I had blanked out from a confusing fact pattern
and nerves; and (3) Improve my analysis. The bread and butter of the scores,
Steve helped me focus and strengthen my analysis with every essay so that I
would be able to wring out every point from every single fact. Steve has years of experience and coaching. I
appreciated his consistency and his time-honed practice, and Steve's confidence
and support carried me through the ups and downs of the process while always
making sure that I got better every week. When the typical essay scores cluster
around an incredibly narrow range of 50 to 75, being able to improve so steadily
was huge and helps explain Steve's phenomenal success rate.” --David Chang, (University of California,
Davis)
“After several failed attempts at taking the
CA bar exam, I decided I needed one-on-one help. Steve Zikman's name kept
coming up in my searches...and I'm so glad it did because I just found out I
passed the February 2012 Bar Exam!!!! Steve's program is very simple and
direct--for the essays and PTs he teaches you a basic format to use for any
subject, any topic, ANYTHING the bar exam throws your way. The formula
for the essays and PTs just became second nature-- so when it came to the
actual exam, I had the confidence to know that I could conquer anything they
threw at me. Steve has a program that is simple, straightforward and
helps build your confidence to be able to take on the bar exam. He targets
individual weaknesses and is able to get you to a point where taking the bar
exam just feels routine. It was through Steve's methods and tutoring that
I was able to conquer the California Bar Exam!” --S. Taylor (Western
State University College of Law)
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| S. Taylor, from Western State, being sworn in |
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Renee (left) at the Santa Rosa court
with the Honorable Brad J. DeMeo,
one of her former professors, and her
classmate Greg (to Renee's left) |
“Steve provides an invaluable, strategic writing approach
for the CA bar exam essays and PTs. The repeated, subject-specific
writing practice helped me to develop the writing style needed to pass the
exam. Preparing for the exam is undoubtedly an arduous and time-consuming
endeavor. But Steve's method helped me to focus my time and energy on the
skills needed to write passing essays and PTs, in addition to my reviewing the
law covered on the exam. Rather than simply a grade or generalized
comments, he provided detailed, line-by-line review of my writing. His
feedback was specific yet concise. He gets to the point, challenges you
to do better with each writing assignment, and tells you how it is (not what
you want to hear). I found his writing templates and subject-specific approaches
to be very helpful as well. Further, I really appreciated the ability to
speak with him personally on each evening of the exam. Those conversations
helped me to focus on each remaining day of the exam and inspired me to give it
my best, regardless of how I felt about the previous day. Steve truly
acts as your ‘personal bar coach’ throughout the whole process.” --Renee P.
(Empire College School of Law)
And here are a few more testimonials from the February exam (pics to follow):
“I was a repeat taker who consistently fell into the re-read
and even the triple read (yes it does exist) category until I signed up
with Steve, the Strategic Bar Coach. Steve's coaching program is
unique in that it is specifically tailored for each student. There is no ‘one
size fits all’ coaching. He helped me pass by helping me improve
in every area of the bar exam to ensure a clear pass. I totally
trusted him and he taught me how to write above passing essays and
performance exam answers. I am a firm believer in ‘timing’ so if you
are blessed enough to know about Steve's bar coaching program then I truly
believe that it’s your time to pass. I highly recommend The Strategic Bar
Coach, without reservation. If you follow ALL of Steve's instructions,
passing the Bar will be your dream come true! To your success.” S. D. (San Fernando
Valley College of Law)
“Thank you for all of your help preparing me for
the CA attorney's bar exam and for gently, yet persistently,
encouraging me to leave the perfectionist out of this test! One of my biggest
fears was that I would get a question on the exam and have absolutely no
idea what was being asked or what to write. You helped me overcome this fear
with your consistent encouragement to just write what I thought. And having
practiced your structured and organized essay approach over and over again,
despite the question, I always knew how to at least start writing. Equally
helpful was your approach to the performance tests. I believe your tips
for this portion of the exam distinguished my answers from those of other
test takers and aided me and making my first attempt at this exam successful!”
--Holly B. (American University, Washington College of Law)
“I consider myself the ultimate proof that Steve's system
works. I graduated law school in 2007. Because of my full time job,
getting married, and having a kid, I didn't take the bar until two years later.
Using one of the ‘big names in bar prep, I went through the motions, and ended
up with a score in the 1200's. Disappointed, I decided to move on without the
law. Two years later, needing a change, I decided to take the bar again,
and somehow I found Steve. We spoke throughout the decision-making process, and
then my wife and I made the commitment. However, now four years removed from
law school, I was essentially starting from scratch, so I decided to invest in
the unlimited package. We started in September and never looked back. I trusted
Steve, his process, his system, and did what was asked. I passed the bar, and
truly believe my score was in the top percentile; and if not, who cares… because
I passed the bar. Good luck!" –D.M.
(Trinity Law School class of '07)
“I can't express enough how essential Steve’s bar prep
services were for me passing the bar the 1st time. I know I would not
have passed if I had taken one of the traditional bar prep courses. My
writing needed improvement and I only would have gotten that through the
special attention of Steve’s one-on-one tutoring sessions. Steve was able
to spot my weaknesses early on, so that I was able to overcome them and be
successful. He not only helped me analyze the facts in order to
write a passing essay but how to do it so I was actually finishing
them within the time frame. It also helped that he started working with
me early on. Thanks again!” --S. Seyb (Trinity Law School)
“After failing the July 2011 bar by a small margin I decided
I wasn’t going to take any chances in February. I hired Steve Zikman to
help strengthen my essay writing and performance test skills. Steve has a
very clear and methodical approach. He helped me to deepen my analysis
and to be more thorough when issue spotting. I’m thrilled to report that
my name was on the pass list for the February 2012 exam.” –R.D. (Loyola Law
School)
“As a repeat-taker, I was in need of some personalized,
guided assistance to finally eradicate this burden from my life; I didn't need
another run-of-the-mill bar prep course. During the convenient telephone
sessions (I was working while studying), Steve helped me to discover patterns
in the MBE questions I was getting incorrect and therefore ingrain in my mind
so I would not make the same mistakes on test day. Further, the PT sessions
greatly increased my confidence - after receiving constructive criticism and
helpful writing and organizational tips (using key phrases in strategic areas,
creating a chart as a roadmap, etc.), my writing and structure progressively
comprised not only a simple 65 passing PT answer, but those that look like 70
and 75 answers with further feedback on how I can improve. In all, Steve was a
tremendous resource in making this my last bar exam--he was always available,
via phone or email, to answer any question or provide additional guidance I
needed. Give him a call--his services are absolutely worth it!” --Mark I.
(California Western School of Law)
“I’m a full time attorney with a demanding practice, my wife
is a full-time student, and we have three kids—in addition our church and
community activities. While juggling all of this, I decided to take the
California bar. A traditional bar review course did not seem like the
answer. I needed someone who could prepare me to actually write for the
bar examiners--not just learn the law. I learned the law in law school
and knew I could get back up to speed. However, it had been over 12 years
since I had written a bar exam answer. Steve Zikman and the Strategic Bar
Coach was the perfect fit for me. His outlines were extremely insightful,
he kept me on a consistent schedule, and most of all taught me how to write for
the bar examiners. That is the first rule for attorneys--write to your
audience. I highly recommend him to anyone taking the bar and most
especially to out-of-state attorneys taking the California bar for the first time.”
–Kris Bailey (California Western School of Law)
“After getting over the shock and disappointment of not
passing the California Bar the first time around, I searched the internet for
private tutors. Steve's name came up and all of the reviews were very
positive so I decided to give it a shot. We went through my scores to
find out the areas I needed to work on and came up with a schedule.
Steve helped me understand that on the essays it’s not necessarily how much law
you can memorize, but how you present what you know to the grader. On the
PTs, he taught me a great method for working my way through the file so I
wouldn’t have to keep flipping back and forth trying to find what I was looking
for. Well worth the investment!” --Travis S. (University of Oklahoma
School of Law)
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