Step 1: Understand the Exam Structure
The Ontario Bar Exams are open-book, multiple-choice tests, with the Barrister Exam covering Public Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, and Professional Responsibility, and the Solicitor Exam focusing on Real Estate, Business Law, Estates, and Professional Responsibility. Each exam lasts four hours, testing your ability to navigate materials quickly and apply knowledge under pressure. Familiarize yourself with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) materials, which are your only lifeline during the exam.
Step 2: Create a Study Schedule
With four months until November, break your prep into manageable chunks. Here’s a suggested plan:
July: Print your materials towards the end of July and begin tabbing and skimming through materials to identify topics you are good at and ones you anticipate would need to spend more time on.
August: Deep dive into one subject per week (e.g., Week 1: Public Law, Week 2: Criminal). Begin highlighting sections.
September: Practice applying knowledge with practice mock exams - some providers only allow you to take their tests twice so be sure to select a provider that has plenty of good questions with a good variety of sample exams. Aim for one timed practice exam per week to simulate exam conditions.
October: Review weak areas and refine your material navigation skills. Timing is everything so make sure you are comfortable with finding even the most obscure answers. Also, balance study with rest to avoid burnout. You’re not a machine, and that’s okay—consistency beats perfection. The exam is in November so you want to be ahead of the game and avoid 'cramming.'
Step 3: Prioritize Professional Responsibility
Professional Responsibility appears heavily in both exams. Start with the LSO’s Professional Responsibility and Practice Guidelines. Be able to understand the rules in your own words. This small step will save you precious minutes!
Step 4: Leverage Practice Exams
Practice exams are your secret weapon. They help you get comfortable with the multiple-choice format, spot tricky question patterns, and build stamina for the four-hour sprint. Start with one practice exam now to gauge your baseline, then increase frequency in September/October. Our practice exams are designed to mirror the real thing, with detailed answer explanations to boost your learning.
Step 5: Stay Human, Stay Balanced
The exam prep grind can feel overwhelming, but you’re more than your study notes. Make sure you study in a way that works best for you. Some people like the Pomodoro method while others prefer to blitz through. Make sure you schedule short breaks to stretch, hydrate, or chat with a friend. Share your goals with family or peers—they’ll cheer you on when motivation dips. Remember: You’ve tackled tough challenges before, and this is just another step toward your dream of becoming a lawyer.
You Can Do This!
The Ontario Bar Exam is a test of preparation and perseverance, and you have both in spades. Start small, stay consistent, and trust yourself. We're here to support you every step of the way. Check out our upcoming Bar Prep Masterclass for more tips!
