Blessed & Barred® | Faith, Law School, and the Bar Exam

8. Instantly Improve Your Bar Exam Essays & Performance Tests With Big Esquire Energy

Hey there, in this episode I’m diving into how you can instantly boost your bar exam essays and performance tests with what I like to call Big Esquire Energy (BEE). If you’re tired of feeling like a scared student during bar prep, it’s time to start showing up as the anointed attorney you’re called to be.  
 
Here’s what we’ll cover today:  
 
- Learn how to shift your mindset and step into faith over fear using inspiration from 2 Timothy 1:7. It’s time to show up during bar prep—and on exam day—with confidence and capability.  
 
- The Blessed and Barred 3-Step Bar Exam Writing Framework:  
I’ll introduce you to the framework that’s helped so many of my students conquer the written portions of the bar exam. This includes:  
On Point Organization: The foundation for organizing your mind, thoughts, and answers so you can create a clear, effective response.  
Amped Up Analysis: Where you show your legal reasoning, argumentation, and logic—this is where the points are!  
Exquisite Editing: How to ensure your final product meets a high-quality standard and leaves a lasting impression.  
- We’ll talk about why students often avoid practicing essays and performance tests and how avoiding them impacts your success. I’ll also share tips on how to embrace the process and refine your skills.
 
 - I’ll share insights from over 10 years of teaching legal writing—from working with JD and LLM students at GW Law to training law clerks and attorneys in judicial opinion writing.  
 
If you’re ready to take your bar exam writing to the next level and show up with Big Esquire Energy, listen in for actionable tips, mindset shifts, and practical advice!  
 
Get connected:
- Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com  
- Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community
- Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter
- PSA: Your Bar Prep Doesn’t Have to be Hell (Plus a Case Study of Passing the Bar Exam After the First Try): https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/ 
 
Leave a review and email the screenshot of it to roberta@robertaoroberts.com to receive the replay of my exclusive 3 Building Blocks of Bar Exam Prep presentation!

7. Study for Law School and the Bar Exam With EASE

Today, we’re diving into a topic that I know will resonate with a lot of you: how to study for law school and the bar exam with ease. That’s right, E-A-S-E, ease. I mean, doesn’t that sound refreshing? Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the grind, we’re talking about a framework that makes this process lighter and more manageable.
 
Fun fact: "E.A.S.E." is actually an acronym! It’s not just about making things easy—law school and the bar exam are tough! But there are ways to approach it that can take some of the weight off. And I can’t wait to share this with you.
 
So, before I break down what each letter stands for, let me give you a little backstory. The "Study With Ease" framework is actually the very first lesson in my Blessed and Barred® Bar Prep Bootcamp. Why? Because it sets the tone and introduces a structure that you can follow throughout your prep, making everything feel so much more manageable.
 
Now, for today’s episode, I’m giving you a sneak peek into this framework so you can start incorporating it into your study routine. And if you’re interested in learning more, definitely check out the Blessed and Barred® program. Inside, I’ve got videos, checklists, templates—all kinds of tools to help you really dive in and make the most of this method.
 
The Study With E.A.S.E. Framework
 
Here’s what EASE stands for:
- E: Early
- A: Accountability
- S: Strategies and Systems
- E: Evaluate Energy and Emotions
 
Let’s dive into each of these a bit.
 
E: Early
Starting your prep early can make a massive difference. And no, I don’t mean starting so early that you’re burnt out before you even get close to the exam! Instead, think about setting the stage, building foundational skills, and starting with lighter, consistent habits. I call these the "Three Building Blocks of Bar Exam Prep":
 
Lifestyle, Mindset, and Identity Shifts – Building the right habits and mindset before you even dive into content.
Academic, Legal, and Professional Skills – Honing your skills like legal writing and issue-spotting, which are crucial for exam success.
Substantive Study – Only once you’ve set the foundation do you dive into the "knowing the law" part.
 
This block-building approach helps you avoid that frantic, last-minute rush and instead creates a solid foundation for your study journey.
 
A: Accountability
Accountability is key, and I actually did a whole episode about it (check out Episode 5 if you haven’t!). For me, accountability has three main levels:
Higher Power and Values – Staying aligned with what drives you at a deeper level.
External Accountability – Finding study buddies or mentors who can keep you on track.
Self-Accountability – Holding yourself to your goals and recognizing your own progress.
 
Accountability is what keeps us going on those days when motivation is low. And I know we all have those days!
 
S: Strategies and Systems
Let’s be honest: having the right strategies and systems in place can change the game. When we talk about studying "smarter, not harder," this is where it happens. Systems for note-taking, review cycles, and time management help you optimize your efforts and keep you from getting bogged down. And it’s all about finding what works best for you!
 
E: Evaluate Energy and Emotions
Finally, this last "E" is so important—especially as exams get closer. It’s all about tuning into your own energy and emotions. Are you feeling burnt out? Are there any underlying stresses that need attention? By checking in with yourself regularly, you can catch burnout before it hits and keep yourself feeling as balanced as possible.
 
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If you’re curious about diving deeper into this framework, I’d love for you to join the Blessed and Barred® program. I also offer live Prepare to Prep Productivity Power Sessions each year in November and April to help you jump-start your early prep. And, if you want to see the "Three Building Blocks of Bar Exam Prep" visual I mentioned, I’ve got it available for those who’ve left a review for this podcast and shared a screenshot of the review with me at roberta@robertaoroberts.com!
 
Thank you so much for tuning in, and remember: you don’t have to go through this journey alone. We’ve got a community here to support you every step of the way. Make sure to check below for links to the Blessed and Barred® program and ways to connect with me.
 
Happy studying, and I’ll see you next time!
Get connected:
 
Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com
 
Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community
 
Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter
 
PSA: Your Bar Prep Doesn’t Have to be Hell (Plus a Case Study of Passing the Bar Exam After the First Try): https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/
 
Leave a review and email the screenshot of it to roberta@robertaoroberts.com to receive the replay of my exclusive 3 Building Blocks of Bar Exam Prep presentation!

6. Encouragement to Keep Going After You Didn't Get What You Prayed For

Hey friends, it’s Roberta here! Today, I wanted to give you a dose of encouragement, especially if you’re in a season where you didn’t get the results you prayed for. I know firsthand that we often pour our hearts into prayer, whether it’s for the bar exam, law school applications, or even job opportunities—and sometimes the answer doesn’t come as we’d hoped. So in this episode, we’re diving into how to keep going, even when the journey takes an unexpected turn.
 
In the free Grace for the Grind community, we’ve recently been celebrating with people passing the bar exam—and I love that I can rejoice with them. But on the other side, there are also those who haven’t passed yet, who are feeling discouraged. This episode is for them and for anyone feeling disheartened. As I share, remember this: delay is not denial. Sometimes, not getting what you prayed for now is setting you up for something even better down the line.
 
I also share one of my own “failure” stories, and how looking back, I can see it was a setup for something far greater. There was a time I didn’t make the moot court board, and it stung. I wondered why I had worked so hard, prayed, and still didn’t achieve what I was striving for. Yet, by not making it that first year, I pushed myself to try again—and ultimately succeeded beyond what I’d originally aimed for. It’s a reminder that setbacks can be setups for future victories.
 
In this episode, I also share a few reflections from my chapter in *The Road to Esquire* and a beautiful testimonial from our annual bar exam prayer call. If you’re feeling the weight of “why not me?” remember that your journey is still in progress. God’s timing is better than ours, and sometimes, we’re simply being prepared for the next level.
Key Takeaways:
- God’s Timing is Perfect: Sometimes, delay isn’t denial. God may be working on you for something greater than what you currently see.
 
- Failure Isn’t Final: Not reaching a goal right away doesn’t define your entire journey; it’s often a stepping stone to something greater.
 
- Celebrate the Journey: Whether you’re currently “blessed and barred” or still on the road, it’s important to maintain faith, positivity, and persistence.
  
I hope today’s episode lifts your spirit and reminds you that every “no” can ultimately lead to a better “yes.” If you haven’t joined us yet, check out our weekly group devotionals in Grace for the Grind, or grab a copy of The Road to Esquire 
 
Thank you for listening, and remember, God is at work even in your waiting.
 
Get connected:
 
Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com 
 
Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community
 
Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter
 
PSA: Your Bar Prep Doesn’t Have to be Hell (Plus a Case Study of Passing the Bar Exam After the First Try): https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/ 
 
Links mentioned in episode:
The Road to Esquire: Empowering Stories of Black Women Attorneys: https://www.amazon.com/Road-Esquire-Empowering-Stories-Attorneys/dp/B0CCCVCD29
 
Real Talk About Retaking the Bar Exam: How This Single Mom Passed the Bar Exam While Working Full-Time with Blessed & Barred Alumna Natsha Snell, Esq.: https://robertaoroberts.com/real-talk-about-retaking-the-bar-exam-with-blessed-barred-alumna-natsha-snell-esq/
 
Real Talk About Retaking the Bar Exam: How This Wife & Mother of Young Children Passed the Bar Exam with Blessed & Barred Alumna Myeedah Leslie-Green, Esq.: https://robertaoroberts.com/real-talk-about-retaking-the-bar-exam-with-blessed-barred-alumna-myeedah-leslie-green-esq/
 
Real Talk About Retaking the Bar Exam: How She Passed the Bar Exam While Working Full-Time with Blessed & Barred Alumna Paulette Eze, Esq.: https://robertaoroberts.com/real-talk-about-retaking-the-bar-exam-how-she-passed-the-bar-exam-while-working-full-time-paulette/
 
How She SUR-passed the Bar Exam with a 302 on the Texas UBE: A Testimony: https://robertaoroberts.com/how-she-sur-passed-the-bar-exam-with-a-302-on-the-texas-ube-a-testimony/
 
 
 
 
Leave a review and email the screenshot of it to roberta@robertaoroberts.com to receive the replay of my exclusive 3 Building Blocks of Bar Exam Prep presentation!
 

5. Fun Ways To Stay Consistent With Bar Prep, Studying, Spiritual Growth, Personal Development

In the last episode, we talked all about the big challenge of time management. Today, we’re diving into another challenge that so many of us face: consistency. Yep, staying consistent is something that touches us all, whether it’s in school, work, bar exam prep, personal goals, or spiritual growth. In fact, in a poll I did in our Grace for the Grind Career Mastermind community, "consistency and discipline" were at the top of the list of things we all want to get better at. I get it — I feel that pull to be more consistent, too.
 
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
Why Consistency Matters: Just like with time management, being consistent is key in so many areas. It’s about showing up, not just once, but repeatedly for things that matter. Think of it like training for the bar exam, nurturing spiritual growth, or even building a healthy routine at home. Consistency is the bridge between where we are and where we want to go.
 
Accountability – A Key Ingredient: Accountability is a powerful way to stay on track, and we dive into how community and partnerships can help us stay consistent. We look at some scriptures (like Proverbs 27:17 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) to remind us why it’s helpful to have people around us who lift us up when we fall and push us toward our goals. I also share some real-life strategies on confessing our "false steps" as we move toward accountability.
 
Breaking the Isolation Cycle: We talk openly about the shame and embarrassment that often hold us back when we feel like we’re not measuring up or not doing things “perfectly.” I remind us all that God’s grace covers those moments, and isolating ourselves can sometimes make things harder. We discuss how opening up with a trusted friend or accountability partner can help break this cycle and keep us moving forward.
 
Tools to Make Accountability Fun: Here’s the exciting part — accountability doesn’t have to be boring! Inside Blessed and Barred, we’re doing “Prepare to Prep Productivity Power Sessions” four Saturdays in November and April. These are interactive, live sessions designed to get you pumped up and ready to dive into bar prep! Because, let’s be real, we can all use a little more excitement when studying for something as intense as the bar exam.
 
Weekly Implementation Challenges: Another fun thing we’re doing in Blessed and Barred is gamifying consistency with weekly implementation challenges! Every week, there’s a new task, and at the end of the 10 weeks, there’s a prize for whoever completes the most challenges. It’s a simple way to keep consistency engaging and a little competitive too!
 
If you’re looking for practical ways to build consistency with accountability and a bit of fun, you’re going to love this episode. And remember, whether it’s the bar exam, school, or your personal goals, it’s not about perfection — it’s about showing up, even imperfectly, and having the right people around you.
 
 
 
Get connected:
 
Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com 
 
Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community
 
Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter
 
PSA: Your Bar Prep Doesn’t Have to be Hell (Plus a Case Study of Passing the Bar Exam After the First Try): https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/ 
 

4. Time Management for Law Students & Bar Exam Takers

In this episode, I dive deep into a topic that many of us struggle with: time management. But this isn’t your average talk about planners, to-do lists, and Google calendars. I challenge the traditional view of time management, reframing it as “taming your time” — a holistic approach that includes life, home, energy, and health management.
 
Whether you're a pre-law student, law school attendee, bar exam taker, or practicing attorney, I give insights that apply to managing not just your time but the many aspects of your life using the Blessed & Barred® Bar Exam Success System’s 3-step approach, highlighting step two: “Tame Your Time.” 
 
Time is more than just a construct—it's about managing what fills those units of time, from schoolwork to relationships to personal passions. I go into common barriers like distractions, procrastination, and even personal boundaries, explaining why time management is also about setting priorities and creating routines that work for you.
 
Join me as I explore how law students and bar exam takers can better manage their time, energy, and even spiritual lives in the process. If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling to find balance, this episode is for you!
 
Key Topics:
- Why traditional time management methods (planners, to-do lists) aren’t enough- The concept of taming your time: life, health, energy, and home management- Prioritizing tasks: must-dos vs. should-dos vs. want-to-dos- How law students and bar exam takers can balance studying with life’s other demands- Handling distractions and procrastination with a “Prevail Over Procrastination” (POP) plan- The importance of boundaries and managing relationships during busy seasons- How energy management (especially for women) can transform your productivity- A holistic approach to managing time that considers your personal, professional, and spiritual well-being
 
 
Get connected:
 
Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com 
 
Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community
 
Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter
 
PSA: Your Bar Prep Doesn’t Have to be Hell (Plus a Case Study of Passing the Bar Exam After the First Try): https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/ 
 
 
 

3. Don't Let These Be Your Blessing Blockers

In this episode, I explore three major barriers that can hinder law students and bar exam takers from achieving success: inadequate study time, lack of self-belief, and ineffective study strategies.
 
I define Bar Exam Blessing Blockers™ and explain how these obstacles can prevent you from passing the bar exam or excelling in law school. I also introduce the Blessed & Barred® Bar Exam Success System, designed to help overcome these blockers and activate success through mindset, time management, and strategic study techniques.
 
Whether you're in law school or preparing for the bar exam, it's crucial to identify and tackle these obstacles to ensure a smooth journey toward being blessed and barred. Join me as I offer insights and solutions to help navigate these challenges effectively.
 
Get connected:
 
Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com
 
Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community
 
Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter
 
PSA: Your Bar Prep Doesn’t Have to be Hell (Plus a Case Study of Passing the Bar Exam After the First Try): https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/ 

2. Why Being a Law Student & Bar Exam Taker of Color Is So Stressful & What You Can Do to Feel Less Stressed

In this episode, Roberta discusses the unique stresses faced by law students and bar exam takers of color, sharing shocking statistics on bar passage rates for different racial groups.
 
Highlighting that Black examinees had a 57% first-time pass rate in 2022 compared to 83% for White examinees, Roberta delves into potential psychological causes, including stereotype threat. She touches on and reviews research and studies, including a mindset intervention program that significantly improved pass rates for underrepresented minorities.
 
In this episode Roberta reminds you of the importance of focusing on mindset, affirmations, and prayer, using the "MAP" strategy from her Blessed & Barred® program. Through scientific and testimonial evidence, Roberta stresses that a right mindset can significantly enhance chances of passing. We wrap up with prayer, encouraging listeners that with faith and the right approach, they can transcend statistics and achieve success.
 
Get connected:
 
Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com
 
Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community
 
Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter
 
My Article on Seven Stress-Defeating Spiritual Disciplines: https://app.graceforthegrind.com/posts/stress-defeating-spiritual-disciplines-for-the-stressed-out-overwhelmed-christian-lawyer-my-feature-article-in-the-christian-lawyer-magazine

1. What It Means For You To Be Blessed And Barred

In this inaugural episode of the Blessed & Barred® Faith, Law School, and the Bar Exam Podcast, I dive into what it truly means to be "blessed and barred."
 
This concept is more than a mere label; it's a transformative mindset, identity, and movement for aspiring and practicing attorneys. In the episode we discuss the biblical foundations of being blessed, referencing the Beatitudes, and emphasize the importance of approaching law school and the bar exam from a blessed rather than stressed perspective.
 
With over a decade of experience in the legal profession, I outline a three-step program to support your journey, highlighting how a faith-based approach can safeguard against the profession's common pitfalls.
 
Join me in embracing this powerful mindset and explore the journey of becoming a licensed attorney nourished by faith, rather than plagued by the world's stresses. 
 
Get connected:
 
Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com 
 
Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community
 
Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter
 

Welcome to Blessed and Barred®

Blessed & Barred® | Faith, Law School, and the Bar Exam Podcast is the go-to podcast to help Christian law students and Bar exam takers approach law school and Bar exam prep with faith, peace, and strategy instead of fear, anxiety, and overwhelm.
 
In this podcast you'll hear guidance, lessons, advice, Biblical teachings, and prayers, plus you'll learn how to get through law school and the Bar exam with increased faith in God and confidence in your abilities, improve your time management skills, and refine your study strategies so you can become Blessed & Barred® instead of stressed and barred!
 
Because Blessed & Barred® is not just a catchy name but it's a mindset, a lifestyle, a movement for the next generation of Christian law students and attorneys to change the way you approach your legal studies and pursuit of the legal profession and show you how to use this time of preparation for truly transformative personal, professional, and spiritual development.
 
Hosted by Roberta Oluwaseun Roberts, Esq., a legal research and writing adjunct professor at a top law school in Washington, DC, a licensed attorney since 2015 who passed two Bar exams, and a Bar exam success coach and creator of Blessed & Barred® Bar Exam Success System + Christian Bar Exam Coaching Program.
 
Get connected:
 
Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com
 
Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community
 
Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter