As summer begins, so does one of the most critical periods in the journey to becoming a practicing attorney—the bar exam preparation season. At Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS), Dean Goins and the Academic Achievement and Bar Success (AABS) team have officially kicked off the summer with renewed energy, strategic programming, and an unwavering commitment to student and alumni success.
Since the May 2025 Commencement, the AABS team has already hosted six bar prep workshops, totaling over 27,000 minutes of active engagement. These sessions have drawn a record average attendance of 54 alumni per workshop, a trend Dean Goins is pleased to see but hopes will continue to grow.
“The more our alumni attend and engage, the better their outcomes tend to be,” said Dean Goins. “Participation is a significant difference-maker when it comes to bar success. We know how capable our graduates are, and we’re here to support them every step of the way.”
A Refined and Strategic Approach
The AABS summer workshop series, which began in 2020 and has evolved annually based on student needs, offers two main days of programming each week:
- Work-on-it Wednesday focuses on essay writing, Multistate Performance Tests (MPTs), and targeted practice opportunities.
- Score More Saturday provides in-depth reviews of black letter law, strategies for improving Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) scores, and exposure to high-yield questions with guided feedback.
In addition to helping bar takers sharpen their legal knowledge and test-taking skills, these workshops serve a larger purpose—combating the isolation and stress that often accompany bar exam preparation.
One-on-One Mentoring for Meaningful Support
Beyond the structured workshops, each member of the AABS team is assigned a cohort of bar applicants to mentor throughout the summer. These mentorship relationships often include clarifying complex legal concepts, reviewing practice exams, and holding small group discussions. Most importantly, they offer personalized support during what can be one of the most intense periods in a legal professional’s journey.
“Bar prep is demanding,” noted Dean Goins. “It takes long hours, deep focus, and unwavering resilience. That’s why our team is committed to being present, engaged, and supportive. We are here to help our alumni succeed—not just academically, but emotionally as well.”
A Call for Community Support
Dean Goins also emphasized the importance of community support for those preparing for the bar exam. Whether it’s a text, a phone call, or a few words of encouragement, small gestures can have a big impact.
“A kind word or gesture goes a long way when someone is spending hours each day studying and reviewing,” he shared. “We all play a role in helping our graduates succeed.”
As the July 2025 bar exam approaches, AJMLS remains proud of its alumni and the hard work they are putting in. The AABS team, faculty, and staff are all standing behind this year’s bar takers—cheering them on, guiding them forward, and believing in their success.
To the alumni preparing for the exam: We believe in you, and we are with you every step of the way.
Questions about bar prep resources or upcoming workshops?
Contact the Academic Achievement and Bar Success Office at aabs@johnmarshall.edu or click here for more helpful resources to aid in studying for the bar exam.