As a UC Law SF LLM Alumna and a foreign-trained attorney, I began my California Bar journey with very little understanding of what to expect. The bar exam felt overwhelming. However, Professor Harris’ Critical Studies class changed that. The course provided a clear, accessible introduction to the exam, and it made bar prep far less intimidating. The focus on essays and the Performance Test was exactly what I needed. The structured approach, practical strategies, and repeated focus on how to think and write like a bar taker gave me a foundation that paid off every single day of my studies and during the exam. When it came time to prepare for the bar by writing practice essays, and “Stoplight Guy” was always at the forefront of my mind. I was able to use the mantra of “you are writing for Stoplight Guy” to remind myself to slow down, organize, and execute a passing answer.
The book WINNIN’ TIME! was equally invaluable. It helped me understand the rules in a way that finally made sense. Initially, I felt so overwhelmed by the content and I had no idea what rules I had to remember and what rules did not matter as much. The book was great because it helped me to see how all the rules worked together and what rule statements I had to remember. The clarity of the explanations and the emphasis on exam-oriented thinking were game-changing for me.
The Critical Studies class at UC Law SF and the accompanying materials were essential to my success, and I am grateful for the guidance that helped me pass the July 2025 California Bar Exam. Thank you Professor Harris! — UC Law SF LLM Alumna, Esq., passed the July 2025 California Bar Examination
