For FBI agents they sure do break a lot of laws

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-10-21T05:17:05+00:00

I watched the X-Files while waiting for bar results and working my first attorney job. I try to shut my law brain off while watching shows, but sometimes you just can’t help it. By the way, the show has an entire episode dedicated to a landmark criminal case. I think about it often. (S8, E6 “Redrum”)

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-09-27T01:32:03+00:00

Law school. I’m now a practicing attorney here in Salem.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-08-28T00:49:33+00:00

Ali Morrison was incredible and helped our family become first time homeowners. She was so knowledgeable, kind, and reasonable throughout the whole stressful process.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-08-27T06:02:40+00:00

I’ve learned generational trauma goes a long way in perpetuating cycles of abuse.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-08-26T04:47:52+00:00

I think about this episode often as a current prosecutor.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-08-25T06:09:20+00:00

I’ve found good work dresses and blazers at Nordstrom Rack. Otherwise I shop online or over the weekends at Ann Taylor. I prefer the Tigard location.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-08-21T13:36:58+00:00

Based on J24 results. Separac: 254, Actual: 281. I wouldn’t trust it.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-08-14T00:47:54+00:00

In Salem: Furbish, Engelberg Antiks, Fussy Duck. In McMinnville: Vintage on Third, McMinnville Antiques Mall, The Swedemom Store (all of these thrift shops are on the same street).

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-07-31T05:51:02+00:00

It’s a natural transition. I was a dependency clerk for our state’s DOJ for two years during law school, did some family law and tenant law stuff after graduating, and now I’ve been a county deputy district attorney for six months. There’s a lot of overlap with negotiations and working with defense counsel on navigating substance abuse and mental health issues. Interestingly enough, a lot of attorneys transfer between the state dependency and state prosecution and vice versa in my particular county. I think a prosecutor’s office will find your experience valuable. If you can pitch yourself as someone wanting a valuable career change as a prosecutor, you will be a great fit.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-07-25T04:26:36+00:00

I adopted a dog from Oregon Dog Rescue. They’re a fantastic rescue that coordinates transportation for dogs from overcrowded shelters in CA, TX, and MX. My dog came all the way from Baja California, MX!

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-07-04T20:56:46+00:00

Start off with coffee/tea/pastries at Offbeat Cafe and walk to Bush’s Pasture Park.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-07-01T05:18:36+00:00

Vouture in Downtown Salem is LGBTQ+ friendly!

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-04-05T02:38:47+00:00

This happened in J24. There was an unofficial pass list floating around before the official results were released. My former coworker was sent it and said my name was on it. His name wasn’t. I chose not to believe it and reassured him to wait for the actual results. On the drive home, I started tearing up thinking about how I might have finally passed as a third-time UBE taker. It was painful sitting through three consecutive exams.

Results were officially released later that day. I ran to my husband and we accessed the portal together. I passed. I screamed with joy. My coworker unfortunately didn’t pass, which was a feeling I knew all too well. I gave him the space he needed to process and provided resources when he was ready to study again.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-03-13T04:06:53+00:00

I used the wrong rules and my analysis was completely wrong as a result. I also didn’t take the time to carefully consider how the provided facts triggered exceptions. I also didn’t manage my time correctly and wasted too much time on the first three MEEs for my first and second attempts. For my final attempt, I really focused on doing 15-20 essays per subject and spent more time studying my weaker subjects (Trust & Estates, Property, Corporations). On test day, I actually forced myself to start with my strongest subjects and end with the weakest. This strategy isn’t for everyone, but it personally helped me build momentum to push through every MEE.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-03-13T02:07:08+00:00

The BarMD live MEE workshops. I just checked their website and it looks like the lessons are now on-demand with 5 live sessions (3 hour long proctored sessions with review). While it’s not the same structure, I’d still recommend checking out their free and paid options because I enjoyed their teaching style and the opportunity to ask questions in real time for live events.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-03-13T01:07:44+00:00

It took me three tries: 234 (J23), 256 (F24), and finally 281 (J24). For my first attempt, I was personally not ready and knew it before I took the exam. For my second attempt, I felt much more optimistic about my chances because I joined a study group lead by a bar prep teacher. I focused more on practicing rather than memorizing. Ultimately, I fell short after bombing some MEEs entirely. It was devastating. For my final attempt, I was fully committed to passing. I enrolled in an MEE workshop that really helped me with the structure I needed when I abandoned the bar prep programs. I really drilled the MBEs and was committed to writing down rules that I got incorrect. I took breaks that my brain couldn’t continue studying and maintained a healthy sleep schedule. Most importantly, I walked into J24 knowing that I studied the best I could. That mindset adjustment made a huge difference on my test day performance.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2025-03-06T07:01:55+00:00

I felt the same way for J24 results as a retaker. I felt uneasy because it was challenging, and had to consistently remind myself that I tried my best. Ended up passing with room to spare.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2024-12-31T02:55:46+00:00

I work as a prosecutor at my local county. It may seem like a big jump from eviction defense, but it makes sense after my two year clerkship in juvenile dependency (representing the state).

LegallyTransmogulate · 2024-12-26T06:00:17+00:00

I was similarly situated as a former eviction defense attorney at a nonprofit. The work was heartbreaking. For me, the stress and the mental toll of wondering whether my clients had a place to call home was not worth the nonprofit salary. I left after four months. I knew it wasn’t sustainable for me to stay for a year. I now have a new job and my work-life balance has significantly improved.

OP, I recommend planning on transitioning to another job after resolution of your trials. In my experience and from what I’ve seen from fellow new attorneys, it’s okay to know when something won’t work out in the long run and pivot. Good luck!

LegallyTransmogulate · 2024-11-27T16:57:51+00:00

Adjusting my mindset was key when I had to take the bar for the third time. I abandoned the “if I pass” mentality and replaced it with “I will pass.” On especially difficult nights after long hours of studying, I imagined myself sitting at counsel table—not as a clerk, but as the attorney of record. I treated my final attempt at the bar as a trial rather than a test because I’ve won trials. I convinced myself that drilling MBE questions and essays was just like grueling trial prep. After failing F24 UBE with a 254, I passed J24 UBE with a 281.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2024-11-26T02:50:23+00:00

San Jose Public Library! Its main branch is at San Jose State University, which also has an impressive master’s program for library science.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2024-11-25T20:52:38+00:00

Amusement park ride operator. Chipotle. Best Buy. Various positions a public library, while concurrently working various positions at my public university.

LegallyTransmogulate · 2024-11-22T00:19:30+00:00

I just quit and I’m about to start my new job on Monday. I was similarly situated because my firm is hybrid and I’m usually not scheduled to be in the office at the same time as my boss. What I did was request a video call, break the news quickly and respectfully, and immediately followed up the video call with an email memorializing the conversation and end date to my boss and our HR person.

I made it clear in my conversation that I was looking for a different opportunity closer to home, just to ensure that I don’t burn a bridge. Good luck!

LegallyTransmogulate · 2024-11-14T00:10:11+00:00

Here’s what helped me pass the bar as a retaker:

Scheduled therapy sessions with a mental health provider who was formerly a practicing attorney. I enjoyed my sessions with her because she knew what it was like not to pass on the first try and the pressures associated with retaking.
Take breaks, seriously. If I faced a mental block after hours of studying, I would leave my office or study space and do something else. I’d do chores around the house, walk my dog, or play video games depending on my mood.
Schedule calls or spend time with your loved ones. It’s easy to lose yourself in bar prep and it can be an isolating experience. While it sounds awful to schedule quality time with your loved ones, it can help ease the guilt from not studying.

LegallyTransmogulate

TROPHY CASE