Bar-tips (2)

BAR GAMEPLAN Gelo First things first,

PREMISES

(CAVEAT: if all or majority of my premises below are entirely different from your own premises, then this might not be the most helpful set of tips): -

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I’m the slowest reader. I may spend up to ten minutes or more on the same page if the topic is complicated. I assure myself, however, that once I turn the page everything is clear. I’m not a fan of memaid or anything similar to its format for the first reading. They tend to touch only the surface-level of each topic. That same format which seems very easy to study is the same thing which limits discussion and in-depth analysis of the topic. But as I’ve said, this holds true only for the first few months. On the contrary, question-and-answer format of review books works really well for me. They teach not just the legal basis (which we already learned in law school), but also the phrasing/style of answering (which I believe is a big determining factor in passing the bar). Everything which is sentence-based, I find really helpful. It is as if the material is talking to you, so there are higher chances of retention. I study at home or any place where I am alone. I could not accommodate weekday review classes because I was looking after my niece during my entire bar review period. Thus, I highly prefer weekend review classes coupled with online videos. REVIEW CENTERS

Albano Review Center – I entrusted almost everything (timeline, style of answering, materials etc) to this review center, and I’m happy that I did. (Top students will get 50% enrollment discount; discount rates may vary) Chanrobles Online – top 5 of the batch gets scholarship for this, so my advice is for you to ask records from the Registrar’s Office with regard to the ranking. Ask for a certification from the Dean’s Office, and then email everything to Chanrobles. TIMELINE AND GAMEPLAN I strictly followed the weekly schedule of Albano Review Center. Whatever subject/s is/are scheduled for the weekend, I made sure I have read the week before. I tried very hard to constantly attend lectures already knowing the topics to be discussed (para tango-tango and notes-notes na lang, no more confused/puzzled look). So after a weekend-lecture at Albano, I was already assured of (in essence) two readings of the subject: one for the week before, and another during the lecture itself. This, for me, builds strong retention of the topics. After the entire review sessions, I had about two months left. This was when I started my formal second reading. Second reading extended up to pre-week of the Bar because of my slow pace.

I attended the pre-week lecture only of the subjects/topics which I still find hard to understand. For the last minute lectures, I attended Albano Review Center for the first and third week. I attended Mendiola last minute lectures for the second and fourth week. MATERIALS (CAVEAT for the italicized material: either I wasn’t able to finish them, or I merely read the important chapters / my weaknesses.) POLITICAL LAW: First reading: Second reading:

LABOR LAW: First reading: Second reading: CIVIL LAW: First reading: Second reading:

TAXATION LAW: First reading: Second reading: Lumbera.)

Bernas – Constitutional Law Review Primer Red Book - only the topics not covered by Bernas Red Notes Albano handouts – ultimate lifesaver in Poli Ungos – Labor Reviewer Red Book – bulk of my review for Labor Red Notes Jurado – Civil Law Reviewer Red Book – only those which I have very little understanding of Red Notes Albano handouts – lifesaver din sa Civ Mamalateo – Tax Reviewer Lumbera – Jurist online vid (I owe my Tax bar exam to Atty.

COMMERCIAL LAW: First reading: Sundiang – Commercial Law Review Second reading: Recoletos Notes Atty. Zarah Notes CRIMINAL LAW: First reading: Second reading: REMEDIAL LAW: First reading: Second reading:

LEGAL ETHICS: First reading: Second reading:

Prosec Garcia Notes Boado – Compact Reviewer in Crim Prosec Garcia Notes Albano handouts – also from Prosec Garcia Albano – Remedia Law Reviewer Albano – Remedial Law Reviewer Red Notes Albano handouts Albano – Legal Ethics reviewer (the thin, brown one) CODAL Last minute tips (lunch time of the last Sunday) TIPS:

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Answer briefly. In all of the questions in the 2015 bar exams, I never exceeded one page in answering each item (except that one item in Civil Law where we were asked to rule on a psychological incapacity case). These are all with brief but complete explanations already. To let you visualize how concise I answer, I only consumed 2/3 of the ink of only one (1) Pilot v5 sign pen (blue) for the entirety of the bar exams. According to Dean Albano, the wisdom behind concise but complete answers is this: The examiner does not have the luxury of time to go through all of your answer. So grab the opportunity and leave a mark with your first two sentences. Make the examiner immediately realize – without even letting him finish all that you’ve written – that you understood the question, you have the answer, and you deserve to pass. During weekend-lectures, strive to sit in front. It engages you to the discussion. Take notes. Mind your grammar. Do not just be concise. Avoid run-on sentences. Mindset when studying: THIS TOPIC WILL BE ASKED IN THE 2016 BAR. Sleep. It refreshes the mind. Stay healthy. Bond with family. Pray for strength and wisdom. I was never a religious person before, but I completed nine Wednesdays of Baclaran Novena during review. I also completed Misa de Gallo after the bar exams. I just realized it doesn’t only work for one’s spirituality; it also helps a lot in building confidence that somehow, you can do this and you are definitely not alone.

All the best, future lawyers! 