Document Type
Article
Abstract
Law school graduates preparing for the bar exam often face isolation, leading to mental health challenges, decreased motivation, and impaired performance. This sense of loneliness, coupled with the known mental health and substance abuse issues in the legal profession, underscores the urgent need for change. Research shows that community engagement enhances mental and physical well-being, fosters motivation, and improves educational outcomes. However, little scholarship addresses the role of community in bar exam preparation, leaving a critical gap. This Article explores the transformative power of community during bar preparation. It provides a detailed view of a law school that has successfully implemented a communal bar study model, offering insights into its structure, benefits, and replicability. Drawing from psychological theories, motivational science, and past scholarship, the Article demonstrates how mentorship programs, structured group activities, gamification, and wellness initiatives can foster meaningful peer and institutional support. Practical examples illustrate how law schools can adopt similar models, with attention to overcoming challenges and tailoring efforts to meet student needs. Ultimately, the Article asserts that fostering community during bar study enhances academic performance and contributes to healthier, more connected graduates.
Recommended Citation
Armstrong, Katherine O.
(2025)
"Passing the Bar in and Through Community: The Science Behind Why We Truly Do Better Together,"
University of Dayton Law Review: Vol. 51:
No.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/udlr/vol51/iss1/2
Publication Date
12-1-2025
Comments
Assistant Director of Bar Preparation at the University of Dayton School of Law.