I am an attorney that had practiced for 10 years in California after passing the Bar exam on my first sitting in July, 1992. Prior to passing the Bar, I graduated Cum Laude from my law school in New York and, after passing the exam, I tried over 70 cases to jury as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. After 10 years of practice I decided to move on to something else but the law was were I belonged so I chose to return. Unfortunately, the legislature decided to enact legislation requiring anyone that has been away from the practice of law for 5 years or more had to prove a present ability to practice by re-taking the Attorney exam. I started with Barpassers. The Barpassers team told me that Attorneys have difficulty passing the exam, so I took off from work and spent the entire day and evening, (from May-July), studying...I failed. I went with Barpassers again and failed. I do not fault Barpassers as I think they are a good program but they weren't helping me and I was at a loss. I had never been in a position like this before so I started searching for an answer. I came across Executive Bar Review"s website, read a yelp review similar to this one and gave them a call. A staff member answered the phone and I went through my story. The stand member was quick to say she could help, told me that practicing lawyers were a particular favorite of theirs, that she was sure that EBR could make a difference. EBR sent me the materials and sent me a schedule for 1 week, with enough work to fill up 1/2 a day (or evening) and gave me at least Saturday off. I was shocked and told my tutor that I didn't think this type of schedule was enough to get me through...it was just too damn easy. I was told that I would be evaluated weekly, adjusting my schedule as needed and visit the LA office (or connect via Skype), several times (whatever was necessary), before the exam. My commitment to EBR was that I will follow her instructions to the letter...a complete buy-in. Contrary to my usual modus operandi, I did what I was told. I completed and submitted assignments, (Honestly, I did not complete everything) and, based on the work I submitted and the work I failed to get in, My schedule was adjusted weekly. I continued to work at my job and study after work. I met with EBR 3 times to review some things in person and took the week before the Bar examination off to commit to studying. I did not divorce my wife and my kids (4) did not forget my name. Make no mistake, this was a difficult task that took an enormous amount of work but we were able to overcome several emergencies at work and family issues at home to complete the studying. However, at the end of the process, I still felt I hadn't done enough. Frankly, I had worked less (but worked smarter) under EBR's tutelage and was concerned going into the examination. I sat for the exam, for the third time, in July 2014. On Friday, November 21, 2014, I was informed by my computer screen that I had passed the examination. I left the exam believing that I had passed and I did. I can't say enough about the system that Executive Bar Review uses, nor can I praise enough the skill, caring, and commitment of my tutor and the staff. EBR quickly recognized my weakness and we did not waste a second on work that I did not need to do. As far as I am concerned, EBR is a trailblazer in Bar exam prep, whether you're a practicing lawyer or recent graduate. This is the part where I say that I recommend Executive Bar Review but I'm not going to do that. I'm going to tell you that if you took the time to read this review and fail to let EBR help you pass, you're nuts. read more

Very tailored, efficient materials and tutoring that teach you what you need for the exam and keep you on track with personalized schedules.

Executive Bar Review was truly amazing! When I decided to take the February 2025 California Bar Exam, I had only about eight weeks to prepare--and before starting, they reassured me that this was just enough time to effectively prepare. They were right. First and foremost, their bar prep materials were concise, well-organized, and laser-focused on the major points of law most likely to appear on the exam. They provided exactly the right amount of depth without overwhelming me with ancillary or irrelevant information. The materials were carefully curated, highly effective, and made studying significantly more manageable. But it wasn't just the prep materials that helped me pass--the instructors themselves played a pivotal role. As we approached exam day, I wasn't feeling particularly confident. When the State Bar of California offered candidates the option to withdraw from the exam for free due to significant logistical issues, I seriously considered (and almost took) the offer. Thankfully, my instructor knew better. She encouraged me to press forward, reassuring me--based on my practice exams, hypotheticals, and coursework--that I was ready. She was absolutely right: I passed on my first attempt! I strongly recommend Executive Bar Review, especially for practicing attorneys looking for a targeted, efficient, and highly effective bar prep experience. For what it's worth, I'm a practicing out of state attorney with six years of experience one bar exam under my belt (Illinois). read more

To put into one succinct statement: I passed the CA bar on the first try, I'm still married, my kids still spent quality time with me, and I'm still employed. I could not have done it without the support from EBR. I used EBR to study for the February 2024 California Bar Exam. As an attorney licensed out of state, I was eligible to take the Attorney's exam, which does not include the multiple choice portion given on the second day. As an attorney applicant, I was also studying for the bar with competing priorities for my time: I'm employed, a parent of young kids, married, and disabled. I met with EBR in October, intending to take the July 2024 exam and study a little at a time over a long period of time. After meeting with EBR, however, they presented to me a study plan that, if I followed it, would enable me to take the February 2024 exam. They shared their average pass rates for their clients, gave me references from prior clients, and spent time with me on a demo of how they work. They sent me a section of their outline and set of hypotheticals and then met with me to go through them, as they would throughout the process. For me, it was obviously a good fit, and I decided to go forward. I like to call my EBR rep my bar "coach" because it was a far closer relationship than a teacher. From October through to the exam, I received a study plan that took into account my busy schedule, including a holiday trip where I did no studying over New Year's. The study plan was manageable and flexible. They sent me their own books, and while they did not have bells and whistles, they were complete and accurate. In addition to the books they provided, I received soft-copy outlines, essay approaches, and supplements along with audio files of the materials so that I could listen to them while commuting. I wrote upwards of 50 essays during the study process, in addition to short form hypotheticals and essay outlines. EBR reviewed and responded to every one of them, including what I was missing from a "perfect" answer, how to reframe my thoughts to address issues, and what was correct. Some of those were done live in calls with my coach, and some were done via email or within the draft itself. When it came time to sit for the exam, my coach prepped me for what to expect, what to do in the event of all contingencies, what to bring and have with me, and how to handle day-of logistics. They checked in with me via text (I had arranged to text them rather than call) both at lunch and afterwards. During the exam, I never felt like I didn't know where to start. I knew how to handle issues where I couldn't remember the exact law to apply, how to structure my answer innately, and how to manage my time. read more

I started my own law practice a few years ago. I relocated to California unexpectedly in November of 2011. Even though my practice focuses on patents and falls strictly under Federal law, I knew that I had to take and pass the February bar exam the first time in order to ethically practice law in California. I had several active clients at that time and as a solo had very little time to focus on taking a bar exam. I had not taken a bar exam in 10 years and knew I needed help. EBR came up in one of my searches. I choose EBR even though it was about $5000 more than Kaplan and other "group" bar prep courses frankly because my license to practice law is pretty important to me and I did not want to jeopardize that. Not only was my law practice and license at stake, but I was also financially cautious as my income flow was not as predictable as it would have been had I worked for a firm. EBR was worth every penny. Fedora knows the bar exam inside and out and knows how busy professionals (or newly graduated law students) need to study. It's up to the student to be willing to listen and do the work. I began studying in the beginning of November. I met with Fedora about once a week and studied about 2-3 hours each day, with only a few days off, until the end of January. It was stressful and took a lot of time and devotion, but I never would have had the discipline to make myself study that way. Beginning in February, about three weeks before the exam, I met with Fedora twice a week and begin studying about 8 hours a day, no days off. It is intense but I knew it was my best shot at passing. Taking the exam is nerve-racking, but Fedora had completely prepared me. I finished every section 5-10 minutes early and KNEW I passed the exam walking out of it. I would listen to the other applicants who had taken courses such as Kaplan talking among themselves about the answers they gave on the test. None of the answers they gave even began to address the issues raised by the questions in the detail that I had been able apply to the exam. And none of those students sounded confident about passing. Unlike the group programs, Fedora had targeted my weak areas and had been able to focus my studying on those areas rather than just throwing everything at me. Fedora could not take the exam for me - I had to be willing to do the work. And the work is hard. But I know the work would have been a lot harder had I taken any other course and I probably would not have passed. I cannot say enough good things about EBR. I happily share my experience with others because I know how overwhelming taking the exam can be, and I know that I was fortunate to have found Fedora's website. I would recommend EBR to any student or professional who is serious about passing the bar exam. read more

I am an out of state CPA and had failed the bar exam while taking the traditional bar review courses. Fedora reviewed one essay and in 15 minutes identified my weak areas where I needed to improve. I spent about 4 hours per day during the week studying and 8 hours on Saturday and Sunday. But my time was focused not on searching for explanations and improvement, but where my errors were and HOW to improve. I took the exam and finished all sections on time (performance tests actually 5 minutes before time expired!). I knew walking out that I had passed the exam, and I did. I recommend Fedora to help all working professionals pass the California Bar. Mark Klecka read more

I am a Mexican licensed attorney who just passed the CA July Bar with the tutoring and guidance from EBR and in particular Fedora Nick. As a lawyer trained in a civil law jurisdiction the CA Bar Exam was particularly challenging for me. The majority of the subjects on the exam were completely foreign to me. Fedora helped me break down the subjects in a way that I was able to understand and later memorize them. She also helped me improve my writing skills in a way that I was able to show the graders my knowledge of the subject and my ability to spot and discuss the issues. When selecting a study method I looked over all options from the traditional prep courses to other tutors, but I felt EBR was the best option for me given their ability to work with my complex work schedule and to provide me with one on one guidance. Each week EBR would send me a calendar of the work I needed to complete for the week. Fedora adjusted my schedule based on my progress and work obligations, putting special emphasis on the areas that I was having the hardest time with (Evidence and Civil Procedure for me). I'm based out of San Diego so phone and email communications were key to my study. Fedora was available by either on a need to basis. I could just send emails with questions as I studied and would get immediate responses back. I studied for about 6 months combining work and study with the last 5 weeks of study only. By the last two weeks before the exam I had already gone through the subjects a couple of times (Particular emphasis on the MBE Subjects) and I was spending my time more in the memorization process. The process was excruciating but I'm confident I would not had been able to successfully complete it if it hadn't been for Fedora and her guidance. I strongly recommend EBR and Fedora. read more

Fedora Nick of Executive Bar Review worked with me, patiently, to study for and pass the California Bar. It had been 27 years since I had last taken a bar exam but with Ms. Nick's assistance, I passed! She was an invaluable counselor and resource in guiding me through my studies to success. I highly recommend her to any practicing attorney who decides to take the California Bar Examination. read more

After 25 years of law practice in NY and Colorado I moved to California, and needed to take a bar exam again. A daunting task to say the least. Fortunately, I found Executive Bar Review. I wanted a bar prep program that focused on the essays only - as an attorney I did not need to take the MBE - and EBR is the only bar exam tutorial program that offers preparation specifically for practicing attorneys. The written materials are thorough and easy to use. More important, EBR combines issue spotting and essay writing so that both these necessary skills are honed. The immediate and detailed feedback after each homework assignment is invaluable for learning and efficiency. The memorizing was a huge hurdle for me, but EBR has tried and true techniques that work. The study schedule is personalized and flexible. I started studying in October for the February exam; because I had almost 5 months of prep time if I needed a few days off my weekly schedule would be adjusted. If a topic was hard for me, extra time could be added. EBR can provide a thorough study protocol in less time if needed. My tutor was available by text, email and phone. She was patient when I was confused, provided detailed feedback on my practice essays, and knew exactly how to focus me on areas I needed to study. EBR is worth every penny. You could save money on a less expensive class. But factor in the cost of needing to take the exam a second time--in expenses and lost wages-- and EBR is worth the cost. read more

Dear Fedora Nick, Executive Bar Review, I am sincerely grateful for your excellent program with individualized tutoring, clear and organized materials and your energy. You helped me excel in legal analysis and writing, You effectively explained the process that I had not received in several other bar review programs. You kept a tight schedule to meet the deadline and provided much needed encouragement throughout the bar preparation process. I highly recommend your program to anyone interested in passing the bar exam. You are excellent at your job! Sincerely, Elizabeth Furlow, Esq. read more

Ok.... to get this straight, Im not reviewing the course. It may be an excellent program. However, I wouldnt know because they did not get back to me as promised. I had a conversation with the owner before the weekend. She seemed very knowledgeable about the bar. The price of the program is steep at $8700~ putting it at the most priciest ones ive heard of but not necessarily the most expensive. It may in fact be cheap because she claims there is lots of one on one time. (hope they would be on schedule once youve paid) So this bar review being named executive bar review would make one think that they would probably cater to executives right? Well... this bar review company probably realizes that executives or not, all bar students do not have time to waste especially at bar review time. After my lengthy and enjoyable conversation with the knowledgeable owner, I became interested and therefore scheduled the second conversation to go more in depth into the program. She told me I would get an email for us to go over and I waited for all weekend for it. I gave this company the benefit of the doubt when I didnt receive it. Perhaps my email was taken down wrong or she had a bad assistant who forgot or maybe there was another reason. Which brings me to today. I purposely arranged my busy schedule to take her scheduled phone call and I didnt hear from her or the company. So.. no email, no phone call. Again, I hope they would be more reliable to future prospects whom are all busy at bar time. Thats my 2 cents. read more

Wow. I was also a 3rd time California bar taker having gone down several points the 2nd time from the first. I has about 100+ points to make up to pass the exam. I chose Executive Bar Review and Fedora basically because our 'chemistry' was good and there was a lot of common life patterns.In retrospect I chose well. I spoke with another tutor on the phone and it was obvious there was no chemistry and she rejected me without even a meeting. Executive Bar Review basically told me that my writing style was unfocused and all over the place. She actually suggested that i skip the next bar and keep studying instead. That was unacceptable to me but it was difficult to wrap my head around all the wonderful hints that she imparted. At my age, memorizing can be challenging depending on the day of the week I am trying to 'get it'. We finally hit a subject, Procedure, that i was strong in and my writing evidenced it. Being able to see the writing nuances in a subject i 'knew' really helped get a better grip on the other subjects. It was at that point that confidence rapidly escalated. The best part was being able to visit Executive Bar Review on an 'as needed' basis and she knew better than I what i needed and I followed her lead. After, the Procedure section, it seemed that I needed more time since I was seeing and understanding more in each subject. At the end of the prep time, I was told that i could pass the exam if the 'Bar G-ds" were with me. And they were and i did pass the exam solely because Executive Bar Review was good for me and pushed me in the directions I needed to go that I didn't know for myself. Communication with Executive Bar Review was excellent and she was always available at our ever changing tutor times. Emails were always responded quickly. i spoke with Executive Bar Review during the exam days and moaned that i had strayed form the 'path' but she assured that my writing was good and not to let down on the last day. I didn't. My conclusion from my experience with Executive Bar Review is that if the chemistry is good and the prep time can be available as needed, then go for it with this tutor. She has the experience and really knows what she is doing and knows how to get us to pass. read more

I had a terrrific experience working with Executive Bar Review and Fedora Nick. I was studying out-of-state and managing a busy full-time practice during my preparation. Fedora sent me clear and specific study assignments and always gave me quick and very helpful feedback on the practice exams we worked through. I found the study materials to be very user-friendly. The live tutoring was essential and tremendously helpful. When I walked out of the exam I was confident I had passed. For me, Executive Bar Review was easily worth the investment. read more

CAVEAT EMPTOR. Take a close look at the EBR website, past its "siren song" -- i.e, that this "unique" review course will enable a practicing attorney to prepare for the toughest bar exam in the country through relatively limited study when you're not working. There's no information about the principal of the review course or any posted testimonials. The site claims that high-rated reviews are somehow screened out by Yelp. That seems incredible. For that reason, the site says that it posts testimonials on the site itself, instead (hogwash -- none are listed). Shop around the web and you'll easily find other tutors who provide much greater transparency about themselves and their courses, and who draw many more positive -- even glowing -- reviews, including right here on Yelp. I paid the exorbitant price for the EBR course and didn't obtain what was promised. The law outlines were mixed in quality. Most were riddled with typos. At least one contained too many cryptic abbreviations to follow (surprisingly, the principal of EBR admitted that "it was not their best" product). The principal told me that we would do a minimum of 60 practice essays before the exam. We didn't come close, and I did everything that the principal prescribed, and then some. She invited me to call her after I sat for Day #1 of the exam; I did, left a voice message and then never heard from her. In fact, I didn't hear from her ever again, including after the exam and receiving the results. I graduated from a top 14 law school, by the way, so I'm not a dumb-dumb. read more