What I Learned from business by taking the California Bar
When I decided to take the California Bar Exam, I expected to dive deep into constitutional law, torts, and civil procedure. What I didn’t expect was to come away with a clearer understanding of business—how it works, how it fails, and how it survives. Yes, the Bar Exam is a legal test, but embedded in its rigor is a masterclass in strategic thinking, discipline, risk management, and adaptability—qualities essential not only to attorneys but to anyone running a business.
Here’s what the bar exam taught me that transformed the way I approach business:
1. If You Don’t Take the Test (or start a business), You Can’t Pass (succeed)
I actually began bar prep about 9 years ago before I moved to California. I hired a tutor and he said “you can’t think like a lawyer.” This bothered me greatly, after all, I have been an attorney for over 25 years at that point. I also learned the pass rate was 33% for attorneys. I was disheartened and quit. You can’t succeed in business if you quit or don’t start.
2. Belief
This time around, I hired another tutor. He suggested to write on a piece of paper each night “I am so happy and grateful now that I passed the February 2025 California Bar Exam. This is paramount. You have to believe you can succeed and then take the action to succeed. If you don’t have the belief you can do it, you won’t. My favorite saying is if you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you can’t. Either way, you are right. (Henry Ford) I would rather be right thinking I can.
3. Discipline Outperforms Talent
To pass the California Bar, you can’t rely on intelligence alone. Success demands structure—meticulous planning, consistency, and a long-game mindset. The same goes for business. Entrepreneurs often romanticize the hustle, but without a disciplined plan, even the best ideas can fall flat. A business built on daily habits and disciplined execution will always outlast one that’s fueled solely by passion or charisma. You have to do the work to get the results. There is no way around this. I outworked others in studying for the bar and in my business.
4. You Must Know the Rules Before You Can Bend Them
Law school teaches theory; the bar exam tests application. In business, it’s the same. You can have a brilliant vision, but if you don’t understand the regulatory landscape, contracts, employment law, marketing or intellectual property protections, you’re flying blind. The bar reminded me that understanding the rules—really knowing the “why” behind the systems—gives you a powerful edge when building a successful business.
5. Time Management Is a Non-Negotiable Skill
Studying for the bar means juggling dozens of topics and formats: essays and performance tests—all within limited time. You can’t afford to spend too long on one subject. Business owners face a similar dilemma every day. Where do you focus your energy? How do you balance urgent tasks with long-term strategy? The ability to prioritize and pivot effectively became second nature—and it’s saved me from countless wasted hours (and dollars) in business. I was able to study for the bar running 2 businesses and planning an in person conference, Inside Litigation.
6. Pressure Reveals Character—and Weak Points
The stress of the California Bar is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s a psychological battle, and how you respond to that pressure teaches you a lot about your resilience. Business is full of high-stakes moments too—launches, setbacks, decisions that carry financial and reputational weight. The bar taught me to stay grounded in chaos and recognize my triggers and blind spots so I could lead more effectively when it really counted. My coach told me to “be the lion”. There was lots of drama going on with this bar as it made national news. I needed to focus on the prey/prize and say to myself if anyone is going to pass, it’s going to be me and not get sidetracked with all the drama.
7. Invest in the Right Tools—and Know When to Ask for Help
Bar prep is a multi-billion dollar industry for a reason. The right resources—tutors, courses, practice exams—make a massive difference. I also learned to reach out when I was stuck, rather than wasting hours trying to muscle through alone. In business, this lesson has been invaluable. Don’t be afraid to invest in tools, mentors, consultants, or training. Time is your most valuable asset—use it wisely.
8. Confidence Comes From Preparation
On test day, I realized that true confidence doesn’t come from hype or bravado. It comes from knowing you’ve done the work. That’s equally true in business. Whether it’s pitching to potential clients or launching a new service, preparation turns anxiety into assurance. It’s not about being fearless—it’s about being ready.
Final Thoughts: The Bar as Business Bootcamp
I didn’t expect the California Bar Exam to sharpen my business acumen, but it did—brutally and beautifully. The experience forced me to become more strategic, more focused, and more resilient. Because at the end of the day, both law and business demand the same things: clarity, discipline, strategy, and a relentless drive to improve.
