By: Lorraine K. Galvis, Esq.

Whether you passed the bar exam this season or not, I want to take a moment to speak directly to you.

For those who passed, congratulations. You have accomplished a significant milestone that required countless hours of dedication and focus. Celebrate fully—you earned it.

But this post is especially for those who did not pass the bar exam.

First and foremost, I want you to know: you are not alone. And more importantly, you are not less than.

The bar exam is a unique test. It is not only a test of legal knowledge but also a complex science with its own strategies and structure. It challenges endurance, mental stamina, and test-taking techniques in ways that most standardized exams simply do not. When I sat for the New York Bar Exam over 10 years ago, I had to master 28 different areas of law. I also had to learn how the test worked—how to spot trick questions, when to skip and come back, and how to differentiate between good answers and the best ones.

Passing or failing this exam does not define your intelligence, your dedication, or your worth as a future legal professional.

Over the years, I’ve worked with many talented individuals who did not pass the bar—or who chose not to take it at all—and they have built extraordinary careers. Some have become successful business owners, nonprofit founders, consultants, educators, and event strategists. Many of them use their legal training every day in creative and impactful ways, helping organizations scale, supporting clients, and creating change well beyond traditional legal settings.

And I’ve also known lawyers who took the bar exam multiple times before passing. One of my own previous employers sat for the exam 6 times before becoming in-house counsel at a sizable media company. They are now a leader in their field.

If you’re facing disappointment right now, allow yourself to grieve—but don’t sit in shame. There is no embarrassment in this moment. The stigma surrounding bar exam results is one we must continue to dismantle.

This may also be a time to pause and reflect. Do you still want to pursue law in the traditional sense? If the answer is yes—then regroup, reassess, and prepare again with fresh focus. Get feedback, learn from your past attempts, and craft a new study strategy. You are capable.

But if your heart is uncertain—or if you’re retaking the exam only for the sake of checking a box—this could be a powerful opportunity to dream bigger. What other passions or callings have been tugging at you? How can your legal skills serve a broader vision? Whether it’s launching a business, working in advocacy, entering academia, or building a creative career, there is no limit to the value you can bring to the world.

Personally, even after ten years of legal practice, I still hold big dreams that go beyond my law firm—writing a book, public speaking, expanding my family, studying theology, or even living abroad for a season to teach or explore art and photography. My legal background will always be part of that journey, no matter where it leads.

So, to the test-taker who didn’t pass: you are still on a path with purpose. And whether you decide to retake the bar or redirect your course entirely, know that there is more ahead for you. A setback is not the end—it’s simply a crossroads.

Thank you for reading. I would love to hear from you. If this message resonated with you, please leave a comment or share your thoughts. And if you’re reading this on LinkedIn, I invite you to visit my website for the full article and more reflections on the legal profession, career growth, and life after law school.

Until next time, keep going—you are not behind, you are just becoming.

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