“The first time I took the bar, I used
BarBri. Unfortunately, the feedback I received on my BarBri essays was only a
score with the same comment “needs more analysis”, and no matter how much
analysis I added it was always the same comment. Since I worked full-time, I
thought I was going to be doomed in the eternal repeater cycle, because I
didn’t have time to parse BarBri’s feedback & model answers to determine
how to write a passing answer. Steve taught me his approach and he explained
how having a very clear and organized answer made it easier for examiners to
pass you. While I thought my answers using BarBri’s model was organized, it
very apparent that Steve’s approach was significantly better. He also showed me
that having an organized answer also made it easier for me to spot weaknesses
in my answer. I remember after doing a rewrite of my first essay I could see
that I missing analysis for some elements. More importantly, for each essay, he
would walk me through my response line-by-line to show me how I could
strengthen it. While I programmed by BarBri to think my analysis was weak,
Steve showed me that my analysis wasn’t always the problem and that sometimes
minor tweaking of my organization greatly increased my score. Steve’s
philosophy is to study smarter. By using his flash outlines and his feedback, I
saw a huge improvement in my essays/PTs and was able to pass the bar. Thanks
Steve!” --B.R. (University of San Diego, School of Law)
“The
name above [mine] does not appear on the pass list for the California Bar
Examination.” I had received those despised quoted words 5 times prior to Steve
Zikman becoming my Strategic Bar Coach to prepare me to take the CA Bar for the
last time. His step-by-step methodical approach is elegantly simple. Having a
full-time job and raising two children under the age of five-years-old, I felt
that Steve made himself and his Flash Outline material readily
accessible--making the very most of our phoned meetings and finally culminating
in those sweet words: “The name above [mine] appears on the pass list for the
California Bar Examination.” Failing to prepare is to prepare for failure.
Steve Zikman will prepare you to pass the CA Bar.” --Brandon Woodward
(Western State College of Law)
“I
turned to Steve Zikman after I wasn't successful in my goal of passing the
California Bar. Upon looking at my score report, I realized that I needed
substantial work related to the written portion of the exam. I was unaware how
to write for the graders and didn't know what they were looking for in an essay
or PT. Ultimately, I am extremely grateful to Steve for helping me achieve my
goal of passing the Bar. He has a clear, formulaic method in which to write
essays and PTs that are visually pleasing to the grader. He taught me how to write
an essay with confidence even when I had no idea where to begin. Steve will go through each
essay and PT with you line by line, giving you honest feedback that you use to improve
future essays. He is supportive throughout the whole process, is always
available by phone or email, and checks in with you twice a day when taking the
test. Looking back, I can honestly say that if faced with the task of retaking
the Bar I would choose Steve again.” --Neha Modi (Thomas
Jefferson School of Law)
“There are myriad ways to write a passing bar exam. Steve
teaches you a single method that can be applied in every circumstance, and then
coaches you through hours of rigorous edits until the method is second nature.
Steve's Flash Outlines break down the law into easily applied rule statements,
and the essay approach he taught me made me confident in writing a passing
essay even when I wasn't sure of the law. Furthermore,
Steve provides an invaluable service in illuminating the little mistakes each
individual makes in writing essays or performance tests, that add up to failing
scores. Particularly in the wake of a bar failure, Steve's coaching and
demeanor (from the time of hire through the last day of the exam) help to
bolster optimism and maintain sanity during an incredibly stressful process.” –J.B.
(Columbia Law School)
“As a first time bar exam taker who struggled through law
school final exams, I knew I had to make major changes to my test taking
process if I was going to pass the California bar exam on my first attempt. I
felt strongly that if I used a generic program like Barbri I would fail, which
would then lead to me seeking out a tutor for my second attempt. Instead, I
decided to just cut out all that wasted time, money, and heartbreak and go
straight to using Steve Zikman for my first attempt. It was one of the best
decisions I have ever made. I started working with Steve early - beginning in
March for the July exam. I found out quickly that Steve is very supportive but
really a no-nonsense guy. He won't waste your time or money with small talk -
he will contact you on time and get straight to the point. Steve will identify
your strengths and weaknesses and adjust the program specifically to address
the areas you need help in the most, while at the same time still giving
attention to the other areas of the exam to make sure all your bases stay
covered. By the time the exam was 2-3 weeks out, I had worked so hard with
Steve that things just became automatic. During the actual exam, knowing
exactly what to do the instant the proctor says "begin" is absolutely
invaluable. After working with Steve I knew exactly what to do from start to
finish on every section of the exam, including those times I felt slowed down
or stuck. I was able to relax and fall back on Steve's training to smash
through those roadblocks without letting precious time tick away. Steve will
have you writing in a way that allows you to tackle anything the bar examiners
throw at you. I have no doubt that his system is why I passed the exam on my
first attempt. I fully recommend Steve to anyone preparing for the bar exam
without hesitation.” --E.O. (Southwestern Law School)
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