From Bar Exam to Financial Bust? -- Make Sure You Force Yourself to Learn How to Run a Business

Twice a year, in February and July, thousands of aspiring attorneys sit for the bar exam. They’ve spent months mastering case law, refining their writing, and learning to think like lawyers. But here’s what the bar exam won’t test: how to run a law firm, attract clients, or grow a sustainable practice. Law school trains you to practice law. It doesn’t train you to run a business. In my 25+ years as a forensic audio and video expert, I’ve worked closely with attorneys during trial, investigations, and behind the scenes.

I’ve seen brilliant lawyers stumble, not because they lacked skill, but because they were unprepared for the realities of running a firm. If you’re starting your own practice, remember: you’re not just a lawyer anymore. You’re also the strategist, the operator, and the communicator. Know when to bring in help; whether it’s a bookkeeper, marketing pro, or a forensics expert. Good luck to future lawyers taking the bar, and here’s to your success beyond the exam!