Sixty-Five-Year-Old Man Takes Bar Exam

While I wait for the results of last month’s marathon test, I thought that I’d give you the answers to a question that friends and family have been asking me since I started on this journey last winter: Ken, after leaving law practice three decades ago and building a successful career as a law librarian, why are you doing this now?

There are a few answers to this question. Some are serious, some may be slightly whimsical. First, when I look at the state of progressive politics around the country, and particularly in my soon-to-be again home of North Carolina, I see opportunities for a lawyer to help advance progressive ideals. For example, at election time parties often ask for attorneys to volunteer in ensuring that would-be voters are not unlawfully denied their right to exercise this fundamental right. I would like to answer that call for help.

Next, following my Jeopardy! appearance, I started thinking about what else I would put on my “bucket list.” Having been a lawyer, I felt that I’d again like to be able to call myself one. I also knew that taking a bar exam would be a formidable challenge, one worthy of my time and effort.

Third, if I ever were to again become a lawyer, circumstances made 2019 the time to do it. Thanks to a gift from my sister, I had the funds needed to apply for admission to the bar and enroll in a review course. I have been living by myself for nearly three years (thankfully that is about to end) and my study time would be mine to plan and schedule.

Finally, for nearly fifteen years I have been teaching law students about applying technology to the practice of law. The “gig economy” has fundamentally changed the logistics of operating a small law office since I last practiced. I would like to take what I taught and try to put it into practice. I may learn a thing or two in the process, and it will make a great topic for a conference presentation. So there you have my answers!