My name is Roger Tanenbaum. I went to Pepperdine School Of Law. I last took the bar exam about 15 years ago. As we all know life hits us all hard and throws many obstacles in our way. My life hit a low, and now in my 40's, I wanted to start over and knock out an obstacle that was in my way of being a better man. I needed hope that I had better days ahead, and decided to go out all alone and take on the champ (being The Cal Bar Exam). I studied harder than ever, but in my heart and mind, even though I wanted to beat The Cal Bar Exam all alone, I knew I needed another set of eyes on my work. I went online and researched all the top names in The Bar Exam Coaching Field. I interviewed all of them, and ultimately went with, "The Strategic Bar Coach, Steve Zikman, Esq." I chose Coach Steve because having competed in sports my whole life I knew what I was looking for from a teacher/coach. Coach Steve, had great follow through and always responded immediately to my questions even before I hired him. Coach Steve, is reasonably priced with packages for all budgets, and knows this business inside and out. He has been doing this for many years and knows exactly what it takes to pass The Cal Bar Exam. Coach Steve can give you the formula, if you are open to listening and being open minded to new ideas and tactics to find success. I passed The Cal Bar Exam on my first shot with Coach Steve in my corner. If I can pass, you can too! If you really want this, Never give up on The Cal Bar Exam, just try to study differently. Thank you, Roger Tanenbaum read more

After my July results, I knew I needed a different approach for the February exam. From our first call, I felt confident Steve would get me to the finish line. His program is all about active practice--putting in the reps that this exam demands. Each week, he gave me tailored materials focused on what actually mattered. We'd review essays line by line on the phone, making every word count, and his use of consistent phrases drilled the fundamentals until they became second nature. Steve truly believes in his students and is invested in their success. He even adds motivational quotes to his materials, which helped me keep pushing on tough days. If you commit to his method, you give yourself a real shot at seeing your name on the pass list! read more

Steve was the most important part of my bar journey. After I did not pass the bar the first time, my older brother found Steve through Google, read what others were saying about him, and saw that many students were in the same boat as me: repeat takers who needed direction and a different approach. My brother insisted that Steve was the tutor I needed, and he was absolutely right. Steve gave me what commercial bar prep programs could not: tailored feedback, a realistic schedule while I was working full time, and a clear understanding of what bar graders are actually giving points for. The bar is not just about memorizing rules or surviving information overload. It is about knowing how to write, analyze, and "impress the grader." Steve's practice essays, line-by-line feedback, and template structure helped me identify my weak areas and taught me how to correct them. Steve's MBE method -- THE DRILLS -- improved my scores so much that I was scoring in the 80s and 90s toward the end, which I once thought was impossible. His method for Performance Tests is gold because he teaches you an approach that works across all PTs, and on the exam, I knew exactly what to do. If you are like me and struggle with the mindset aspect of the bar, Steve is the tutor for you -- he even assigns inspirational videos based on various Olympic sports, and one in particular helped me during the exam when I was stumped: get up and keep running. Steve knows there are going to be hard moments -- everyone does -- but Steve prepares you for those hard moments. When I passed the bar, the first person I called was my brother. read more

I don't usually write reviews, but Steve deserves one. He doesn't waste time with fluff or motivational speeches. He gives you real tools, real structure, and a strategy that actually works. His outlines are focused, his essay approach is clear, and his breakdown of the Performance Test was a total game changer. It went from being my weakest area to something I felt confident about. Like it or not, Steve keeps you accountable. He genuinely cares about your progress. During the exam, when I felt myself starting to spiral, it was his voice in my head keeping me steady. I passed, and I truly don't think I could have done it without having him in my corner. Thanks, Steve! read more

Thanks to Steve, I passed the February 2025 Bar Exam. I found Steve after I took the Bar Exam twice and prepared using "Big Bar Prep" company's materials and methods of teach. When I began working with Steve, he changed the game. His Flash Outlines are detailed and contain the law and tips needed to help organize your essays, and I used them predominantly for memorization of the black letter law as well. His drilldown method for the MBE's helped me increase my scores dramatically. His mental checklist and other tips are useful in everyday application of the law to the facts. Thank you Steve for helping me pass the Bar Exam! read more

As a foreign attorney who did not study law in the U.S., I initially relied on a commercial preparation course like Barbri. However, I found the essay portion to be weak compared to the MBE, and the graders were too generous, leading to unrealistic feedback. Furthermore, my lack of experience with U.S. law school essay writing was a significant hurdle. I contacted Steve in early June (which was late for a July exam) and began working with him immediately. For two months, I studied his outlines, followed his direction, and applied his strategic and mechanical essay method. Steve's crucial advantage is that he provides clear, personalized feedback--a level of guidance impossible to get from software alone. I successfully applied his method on the exam and passed on my first attempt. This is not a magic trick; it is the result of hard work, dedication, and Steve's technique. read more

I am a lawyer that passed the bar in approx. 2000. I needed help because i needed to take and pass the bar exam again. I called Steve and went to work. Steve does an excellent job. He will help you stay focused, and you must do the work. His outlines are excellent, he provides great exam tips on each and every bar subject. I just took the Feb 25, 2025, exam and i feel very confident - I was well prepared. The essay exams I wrote and reviewed with Steve were very helpful. Steve provided me with approximately 7 sample performance exams, i wrote each performance exam under time conditions and reviewed them with Steve, this was extremely helpful and advantageous. I felt that his insight was very helpful. I got a little better after each performance and was well prepared. Thank you, Steve, God Bless read more

Steve was recommend to me by a colleague after multiple failed attempts at the California Bar. His straight forward and methodical approach was what I needed, especially after passing. Steven program gives you a clear and direct road map, it strips away the fluff that so many other "Bar Prep" programs contain-I know, i used them-and focused you on precisely what the examiners are asking in the call of the question. The one-on-one telephone calls are essential to keeping you on task and accountable, and it worked wonders for me. His Multiple-Choice question stratagies is like no other, focusing on what your missing and recording it to determine why, and what part are you missing. In closing, make the call! I did, and I passed the February 2025 Exam! read more

Steve was an incredible tutor who gave me personalized, one-on-one attention that made all the difference. He helped me overcome both mental blocks and test-taking challenges--issues I couldn't have addressed through a commercial program. For instance, I was consistently second-guessing myself on MBE questions, something I wouldn't have recognized without Steve's insight. His key piece of advice--"never second-guess yourself"--stayed with me throughout the exam and helped me approach each question with confidence. Steve's outlines taught me the substance of the law, but more importantly, he showed me how to approach the exam itself. His strategies for writing essays, especially in a way that's easy for graders to read and score, were invaluable. The approach he taught for the performance test made it manageable and clear, and his voice guided me through each MBE question. Thanks to Steve's tailored study plan and unwavering support, I felt confident throughout the entire process. I wholeheartedly recommend Steve to anyone aiming to pass the Bar on their first try, like myself,--or anytime after. read more

I have worked with Steve twice now. The first time, he was able to focus in on my weaknesses and teach me solid skills in beefing up my analysis on the essays. With his help, my score raised about 100 points but I was still 7 points off from passing. I decided to work with him again, and I am so glad I did. With his help, my essays improved even more, and I was scoring around 80% on MBE drills. He was even there to give me a pep talk that ultimately kept me from quitting. I'm so glad he did, because I passed this time around! read more

Thanks to Steve's targeted and supportive guidance, I passed the California Bar Exam on my second try after 3.5 years away from the law. I was especially worried about the MBE, but Steve helped my multiple choice score improve by over 15%. His method focuses on understanding the law behind every wrong answer so you can correct your thinking and retain it. For essays, his feedback was detailed and pushed me to really learn the concepts through each re-write. His PT strategy was especially effective--cutting the fluff and helping me get straight to the core, which gave me more time to write and ultimately score higher. Steve helped keep me accountable during the hardest weeks, which is something commercial bar programs mostly ignore. His realistic, no-fluff approach was exactly what I needed. If you're looking for real improvement and a tutor who understands the challenges of bar prep, Steve is the one to work with. read more

Steve coached me to a win when the stakes could not have been higher. After failing the July 2023 exam, I almost gave up. I had been out of law school for 25 years and had not attended a U.S. law school. These obstacles felt overwhelming. Immediately upon starting with Steve, I felt in great hands. Steve set a schedule, focused me on the right material and taught me his essay strategy to get the points needed to pass. Steve is very direct and straight to the point because he is laser-focused on improving results. In particular, I found his subject outlines invaluable. With so much new law to cover, I struggled with how to narrow down and digest the relevant and necessary information. Steve breaks his outlines into issues and issue clusters that are essential for focusing on what the essay graders are looking for. He shows you how to spot the correct issues based on the common fact patterns presented. I was over-writing and getting in my own way. Steve corrected that. Based on strictly adhering to Steve's schedule and employing his MBE strategies, I did over 1900 MBE practice questions and drastically improved on my multiple choice results. His methods are not easy, there is no magic trick but his preparation reduced my anxiety during test days and got me across the finish line! I whole-heartedly owe my success in passing the February 2024 bar exam to Steve. Thank you Steve! read more

I am an attorney who was barred in another state but needed to pass the California Bar. It's tempting to think, "I'm an attorney already. Why would I need a tutor?" You probably need one. The California Bar is tough and Steve knows the tools to crack the code. Steve will not waste your time. His feedback is direct. He has very focused outlines, sample essays, and performance tests. He knows what the graders are looking for and he will help you transform your essays into passing essays. You can customize your program with Steve so you get as many practice essays and as much feedback as you want/need. read more

I discovered Steve after two failed attempts sitting for the California Bar Exam using Barbri and another commercial bar prep company. Unlike most generic programs that merely inundate you with the substantive law tested on the bar exam, Steve's approach goes beyond legal substance and teaches you how to pass the bar exam. Steve taught me how to work smarter and not harder on bar essays, with a focus on how to maximize my points using structure and strong analysis rather than merely regurgitating the black letter law. Steve quickly identified my habits, strengths, and weaknesses across all facets of the exam and helped tailor an approach that actually worked for me. Steve was instrumental in holding me accountable and keeping me motivated in the face of difficult personal challenges during my preparation. Even with the chaos of the February 2025 CBX, I navigated the exam with confidence and passed because of Steve Zikman and the tools he equipped me with to not just take, but pass the bar exam. read more

Fredrick S. I passed the bar exam after finding Steve. From day one Steve will guide you, communicate with you, show you how to analyze an essay, attack the MBE portion and unpack the performance part of the exam from the call of the question, to the body of your performance essay to the end of your conclusion, yes, he is that thorough. He will consistently hold you accountable for the work and make you redo an assignment until he is convinced that you are putting the necessary work that is required of you. The IRAC method is there but it isn't the way you learned it in law school. Steve will show you how to overcome old habits and familiar tendencies that have kept you from passing. I know, because after nearly 10 years of sitting on the sidelines, I jumped back in the game and Steve helped me pass when I took his course. STEVE is an acronym for "I WANT TO PASS THE BAR EXAM. It's that simple. read more

If you invest in any course to help you pass the bar exam, it should be this one. I had taken the bar once before, using just a generic self-run course but, I didn't perform well at all and of course, had to retake the bar. One of the greatest advantages of Strategic Bar is having Steve there to not only keep you accountable in a way (you really have to keep yourself accountable and commit to doing the work) but in this course you get immediate feedback about MBE performance, essays and PTs. Steve gives you the one-on-one instruction about your MBE mistake patterns, how to efficiently use the time for your essays, and how to actually answer the PTs properly.  I took the February 2023 bar exam and promptly had a panic attack, forgetting some of the law during the morning session. I used his tips on essays to help me power through it and override my inner-perfectionist that was screaming I was getting it all wrong. At that point, I honestly didn't think I'd pass, but during our call, Steve told me you never know and to go back and crush the afternoon session as if the morning session never happened. Low and behold, I passed the exam and I know I would not have passed this bar if I did a generic course. I couldn't recommend this course more, especially if you are struggling on how to tackle the writing portion of the exam!  The way Steve has you approach essays is by far, one of the most valuable things you can take away from this course. One of my professors used to say there are no cheats to the bar exam, but honestly, the way Steve has you structure your essays within each subject feels like one because he shows you how to ensure the grader can quickly and efficiently get through your essay and find the points of law you are hitting upon. He has a formula for each area of law, and the different issues within that area so you can efficiently get down what you need to have a passing essay and what will just take up time unnecessarily. He goes into depth about how to flesh out the elements and pull out all the necessary facts to support your analysis. If you want to give yourself the best shot at passing the bar, sign up for this course and COMMIT TO THE WORK - he doesn't assign anything that's not necessary. Everything is perfectly designed to challenge you, help you learn, and ultimately to help you pass the bar. read more

Steve's help and guidance is why I passed the February 2024 bar exam! I had previously done a commercial bar prep course for the July 2023 exam and it was generic and unhelpful and I ultimately didn't pass. Steve created a plan tailored to what I needed to help me work through MBE questions, essays, and the PT. Steve kept me accountable and helped create a structured schedule so I could study effectively and productively. I worked full time while studying so this structure was crucial for maintaining an efficient study schedule. We scheduled one-on-one calls to go over my daily assignments. During these calls, we identified patterns in my incorrect MBE responses which helped me build so much confidence in my prior weaknesses. Steve also has a formulaic approach to essay writing with helpful subject tips and an incredible approach to issue spotting. He not only helped me work through the mechanics of the exam but also through my test anxiety. I couldn't have done it without Steve. If you want a coach to guide you through the beast that is the bar exam, I couldn't recommend Steve more. read more

I'm very grateful to Steve for guiding me to success in passing the Nevada bar exam on my first attempt. I was introduced to Steve by a close friend who also achieved success by working with him. I graduated law school 5 years ago and never took the bar before. When I graduated, I decided to put off the bar exam due to being unsure of my readiness and overwhelmed by the challenge. Steve helped me overcome this by offering personalized guidance tailored to my specific needs. Unlike the cookie-cutter programs offered by larger bar-prep companies, Steve's approach addressed my weaknesses head-on, particularly my writing skills. Reflecting the leadership qualities I admired in my military service, Steve struck a balance between tough love and unwavering support. His high standards challenged me to exceed my own expectations, while his empathy provided crucial encouragement during moments of self-doubt. For anyone seeking a tutor who combines personalized attention with a genuine commitment to their success, I wholeheartedly recommend Steve. His guidance transformed my apprehension into confidence, and I am appreciative for his help. read more

Steve has a direct style of teaching the bar exam with no fluff and no filler. He has a mechanical approach to attacking the essays on the exam. This is good because you don't want to show up on exam day and waste time on figuring out  how you're going to structure an essay. You just need to write it. Steve teaches you how to do this effectively and efficiently.   Steve gives you a study plan and pushes you to stay on track. He doesn't babysit or hold your hand, but he does push you to help you live up to your full potential and pass the exam. His outlines are well-structured and simpler than major bar prep outlines. This was immensely helpful because it makes the law much easier to memorize for exam day.   If you're looking for a bar coach for the next bar exam I strongly recommend Steve. I don't know how I would have passed without him. read more

I'm so grateful to Steve for his guidance in helping me prepare for and successfully pass the February 2024 bar exam. I appreciate Steve's ability to recognize my strengths and weaknesses in bar preparation and test-taking. I used a generic bar prep course for my first bar attempt, but I was struggling with understanding the bar and how to best tackle it and the generic bar course just wasn't able to provide the personalized guidance that I needed for success. Steve helped me understand the best approach to studying; taught me how to write for the bar; how to attack multiple choice problems; and most importantly, held me accountable and on-track every step of the way. The first time I took the bar, I struggled with staying on a good study schedule because I was preoccupied with personal matters, and when I did study, I wasted so much time trying to memorize everything the first time around rather than getting through all the materials. Under Steve's tutelage, I learned that the bar is about breadth, not depth, so it's vital to cover more material rather than get stuck in the weeds in one area of a topic that may not even end up being tested. Steve kept me on-track every step of the way, making sure that I didn't get tunnel vision and that I was sticking to a schedule to keep moving forward. I, personally, also appreciate Steve's honest and straightforward teaching approach. He was encouraging but, as needed, would tell me what I needed to hear rather than waste time and tell me what I wanted to hear. Thank you, Steve. read more

Because of Steve's help, I passed the July bar exam! I started working with Steve back in March after failing the February exam. While my MBE scores were good, the writing portion of the exam was another story and the reason why I failed by a few points. Steve and I worked both on my writing and MBE. There were times which he was REALLY hard on me and I guess it worked. Regardless of whether this would be the first time or you are a repeater like me, I recommend spending the money. There is no feeling like knowing you will NEVER have to take this nightmare exam. read more

The Strategic Bar Coach - Private Tutors Near Me

I cannot recommend Steve enough!!! I am eternally grateful for his support and coaching. Seeing "PASS" on my screen was an amazing moment! I worked with Steve to prepare for the July 2019, February 2020, and October 2020 CA Bar Exams. Steve has a curated study program for Essay's, MBE's, and the PT, all of which I utilized, and recommend. I knew from early on in my academic career that standardized tests were not a strong suit, and I would need to work hard to achieve this goal. I chose to continue working with Steve after not passing because I saw the improvements from his coaching each time. I had taken the exam and used Barbri before working with Steve. I loved that Steve's outlines were designed by commonly tested topics on the exam, rather than the exhaustive and overwhelming generic outlines I had previously worked with. Steve's study materials felt manageable, thorough, had useful tips, and clearly noted CA distinctions. Steve's coaching style was the right amount of accountability for me. I was able to create my own schedule and stick to it while the coaching sessions gave me deadlines to structure my schedule around. I appreciated Steve's ability to effectively communicate feedback about my writing, and follow up with tasks to assist me in spotting my own errors as well as strengths. I am excited to recommend Steve as a tutor to anyone serious about passing the exam. Trust his expertise, his process, and follow instructions. Good luck! read more

After not passing the July 2023 exam, I was disappointed and dejected. I looked into private tutors after using Barbri for the first time, and I found Steve through a Google search. After our first phone call, I knew his program was exactly what I needed. The material he provides is very streamlined and extremely helpful, and the exam tips are top notch. I struggled with the MBE the first time around, but Steve's MBE drilldowns encourage you to thoroughly review the questions you've missed, which allowed me to feel confident in my approach to questions on test day. Further, you'll get plenty of practice doing essays and performance tests, which teaches you how to effectively use the facts and continuously look for ways to improve your writing until you achieve a passing score. Learning how to take to test is half the battle, and Steve provides everything you need to succeed. read more

Steve's help was essential for me to balance a demanding job and keep me on track studying for the bar exam. For me, the self guided online course was not enough - especially since it comes with hours and hours of passive learning. Steve emphasizes exclusively active learning, where you are either writing or taking practice questions. He keeps students on a study schedule with specific milestones and tasks to achieve each week. And he provides detailed feedback on your writing and legal analysis. Highly recommend!! read more

I reached out to Steve after I failed the July 2023 California Bar Exam. I was (and still am) a working mom. When results for the July 2023 exam were posted, my daughter had just turned 1 year old and I was working full time as an attorney practicing in Washington state, where I had been licensed since 2016. Steve's line by line methodology for the essays and performance tests exposes all the mistakes you're making that you may not even realize you're making. He then teaches you how to fix your mistakes using a teaching style that is intense, sometimes harsh, but always with an intent to get you to pass. He will likely dismantle a lot of what you thought were the best ways to write or study for the exam, and if you're lucky, he'll also dismantle any inflated sense of ego standing in your way. Commit to the work, trust in Steve's process, and like me, you'll see your name on the pass list. read more

After failing the bar exam twice with Themis bar prep courses, I needed to change how I studied and approached the bar exam. I needed to be held directly accountable and receive personal feedback from someone, not a website. My Director of Bar Passage Support recommended Steve and a few other possible tutors. I chose Steve because, after our phone call, it was clear he cared, was direct, and would push me to recognize and fix how I approached taking the exam. I chose the Conquering Kilimanjaro Premium Package because I needed personal and specific guidance on writing and organizing my essays, PT, and strategies for the MBE. By having phone calls after each essay and rewriting them, I could recognize patterns in my writing and how to improve my weaknesses. The MBE drilldowns pushed for reviewing the questions and identifying why I selected the wrong answer. Learning how to take the exam is half the battle, and with Steve's help, I finally passed the bar exam. read more

Testimony: Steve is a phenomenal tutor--he knows how to pinpoint your problem while providing with a roadmap to correcting them. If you have used Barbari or Themis and have received cookie cutter responses, such as: "needs more analysis" or "do IRAC", you are not alone. My biggest problem with Themis was that I did not know what I was doing wrong. As such, I would keep repeating the same mistakes over. However, with Steve's approach it became evident what my problems were after my first essay, and with some work, I was able to understand and correct those same mistakes. Aside from the general tips and tricks Steve's program provides (structure, layout, into, conclusion, transition words), Steve's program also provides students with a plan that is tailored for them. For example, after a few essays, it became apparent to me that I was too vague--rather than spending the time to explain the importance of a fact, I would move onto the next issue, leaving behind a general, none passing answer. However, using Steve's approach, I was able to delineate the power and importance of analyzing's key facts. Over time, I developed the ability to quickly pinpoint: key issues, facts, and even words, which in turn allowed me to attract points many test takers do miss, resulting in a passing score. In addition to the tangible skills I picked up using Steve's program, I also entered test day with a new found confidence. Rather than worrying about what essay topic's I may receive, or pondering on what I didn't know, I walked into test day ready to tackle anything that was coming way. read more

After sitting for the California Bar three times, using three different prep methods, I can honestly say that Steve's structured yet personalized approach is what made the difference and helped me ultimately pass. I had previously used a large commercial course and a different personal tutor and trusted that as long as I followed those test taking approaches, put in the work, did all of the practice questions and essays that I could, that I would be fine. By the time I found Steve, I had lost my job due to failed attempts and was incredibly demoralized and defeated. I felt that I knew the information being tested, worked tirelessly, and adjusted my study approach, but it was not reflected in my scores. I did not understand what I was doing wrong and why others taking those same courses were able to pass. After speaking with Steve, I knew his approach would be a better fit for me. Throughout our time working together, I felt that Steve saw me as a person, rather than a statistic. He helped me to better understand the exam and see it for what it is (and is not). Steve's approach struck an effective balance between teaching me to apply the material in a manner that would receive credit from graders and providing personalized feedback and insight that helped pinpoint my specific roadblocks. I appreciated that the physical materials he provided were organized in a way to help me easily memorize and effectively apply the rules. For me however, the biggest difference was that Steve had me immediately rewrite practice essays and write down detailed, guided reflections that helped me focus my improvement. This approach proved more effective for me than trying to get through as many essays or questions as possible and forced me to make space for much-needed personal reflection. I am grateful for Steve's support and care as I learned the best way for ME to pass this extremely difficult exam. His approach gave me the skills and self-confidence necessary to feel more in control of the test and be the best exam-taker I could be. I felt confident that I knew what a highly-graded essay or performance exam looked like and confident that I had a plan of attack for the essays that I could put into action immediately and avoid wasting time spinning my wheels. His approach helped me to not feel lost. I highly recommend him and his approach to anyone, particularly to re-takers. read more

Steve is a great tutor and coach. He will teach you not only how to fight, but also how to beat the bar exam. I didn't pass on my first attempt, and I sought out Steve for help. It took me more than one go, but I can proudly, and quite happily, say I have now passed the California Bar Exam during the July 2023 sitting. I know what it is like to fail and the great feeling of finally beating the bar exam. My main advice if you go with Steve is to trust his process and follow his advice. Steve helped me tremendously in improving my MBE and Essay scores. I often would overthink or focus on minute details. For my essays, I would sometimes "go down the rabbit hole" or go "bushwhacking". In other words, I spoke at length about an issue that didn't hold much weight or over-explained a simple matter that I otherwise could quickly explain and then move on from. Steve really helped guide me and train my attention on where it needed to be to pass. For the PTs, he will teach you the skills and steps you should take to impress the graders. He is professional, compassionate, and really cares about you. I 100% recommend Steve to anyone struggling or needing help focusing on the Bar. Work hard, and he will get you across the finish line. Zachary Topkis American University Washington College of Law read more

I worked with Steve for the July 2019, February 2020, and October 2020 bar exam. Each time I worked with Steve, I improved over 100 scaled points from my initial scores, and was able to ultimately pass the October 2020 bar exam. I truly believe that I owe my bar exam success all to Steve. Working with Steve changed the way I approached the bar exam and also how I viewed the test. Steve not only teaches you the pertinent subjects/issues, but HOW to take the exam. Even small changes in analysis can make a big difference in regards to scoring higher. Also, the MBE drill downs help to change the way you approach the MBEs and helps to mitigate the common mistakes that occur when picking a wrong answer. Steve can be tough, but it is because he truly wants you to learn and succeed. Additionally, Steve understood the moments where I was overwhelmed and second guessing myself and was able to help me through those tough moments so I could continue to successfully study. I greatly trust and respect Steve, and am thankful that I chose him as my tutor/coach on my bar exam journey. read more

As a third time retaker, I had to switch up my strategy. I contacted Steve for an initial consultation and I instantly knew he was my saving grace. I failed both the essay portion and MBEs my first two attempts. I decided to go with the Package that reviews Essays, PTs, and MBE. Steve had a strategy that was simple, and extremely effective. He changed my whole approach to the bar exam. Heading into the bar exam I was confident. It did not matter what the bar examiners were going to throw at me. I walked out of the exam knowing I passed. Steve pushed my limits, only having 2 weeks off from work to study, and a baby that was born just 3 days before the exam. I cannot thank Steve enough for the guidance, and toughness that I needed. I highly recommend his tutoring if you want to take the bar exam, pass, and move on with your life. 10/10. read more

Steve helped me prepare and pass the February 2023 bar exam. I had just moved across the country, started a new job, and had about eight weeks to study for the exam. Steve was prompt and responsive even during the holiday season, and helped me choose the right program for my unique situation. I signed up for the 6 week intensive program, which focused on the essay portion of the exam. Steve's approach to answering each essay question is fool proof-- you learn to focus on the question being asked, learn to pick up on key facts, ensure that you address each element of the rule, and do so in a way that is "easy on the eyes" (as Steve would say). Steve also incorporates reflection into your study, which helps point out patterns in your essays and where to improve, and he keeps on track with moving through the essay subjects. And if you are a perfectionist like me, Steve also teaches you to write about you think, instead of being stuck on what you don't know. Steve was kind enough to offer a few pointers on the MBE, even though MBE prep was not part of my particular program. Trust Steve's program and commit to the process and you, too, will make this bar exam your last! read more

After using a generic bar review course on my first attempt, Steve took the guess work out of studying for the bar. I came to Steve knowing my multiple choice strategy was weak and my essays were decent but disorganized. Steve provided a complete outline for every subject and a step-by-step method for approaching any essay question. It took time to master this new system but once I did, I felt more confident and heard Steve's voice in my head as I typed. Steve listened to my personal interests and made analogies to the content, as well as making the study process feel like a "ski race" or "cooking a meal." When studying for the July 2023 exam, I passively watched videos and wrote each essay only once and moved on. I tried to write average essays in a range of topics without a clear structure. With guidance from Steve, it was game-changing to have this new and organized approach. We rewrote each essay and reviewed sample answers for each and every essay, line-by-line. On the multiple choice, I was able to dramatically improve my timing and mastery by going through error analysis every week leading up to the exam. It was frustrating to analyze the same mistakes repeatedly, but I know confronting the difficulty was what led to my ultimate success in February 2024. read more

I would not have passed the CA bar, if it were not for Steve Zikman. Steve tells you what you need to know and shows you how to do it. He teaches a clear writhing method. SZ keeps you on track. I do not find other bar prep courses effective. Steve's techniques transformed me into a lethal weapon/ effective legal writer. This is the easiest way to surely pass. Don't get me wrong, you still have to put in the discipline and effort, but Steve's rubric ensures success. Steve schedules your essay to always finish. Steve narrows in on your weak areas through "drilldowns" and individualized feedback. When issues arise on the exam, you already know what to do because you apply the "flash outline". I never felt hurried working with Steve. I felt lightbulbs going off on a regular basis. I promise Steve's method works. I wish I went with Mr. Zikman sooner. Steve makes sure you answer the call. Michael R. University of San Diego School of Law read more

While searching for a tutor after failing the Bar in July 2019, I came across Steve's Yelp reviews and the positive feedback. I was skeptical but I contacted him. The first thing that impressed me was Steve's willingness to send me a contact list of former students who previously hired him. After speaking at length with 3 of his former students, I hired him. I knew I needed a tutor who would scrutinize every line of my essays and question why I wrote certain things, etc. Steve meticulously reviewed each of my answers on practice essays and helped me change my writing style. He was a coach in every way because he also counseled me when I became discouraged. Steve will not mince words and he will push you. But that's what good tutors do! By the time I took the Bar in February 2020, I wrote and analyzed the issues with the tools Steve taught me. I passed! read more

I could not have passed the February 2023 CA bar exam without Steve! After passing the NY bar exam right out of law school, I thought CA would not be too difficult. I was wrong! I had two unsuccessful attempts on the CA bar and knew I needed to try something different the third time. Finding Steve changed the game for me! I work 60+ hours a week at my job and Steve helped me figure out a study rhythm that would allow me to keep working (full and part-time) while studying. I loved working with Steve because both his instruction and his materials are to the point- this is what you need to get on the pass list! Not only did I get on the pass list, my legal writing also improved thanks to Steve's teaching. Steve is the real deal!! read more

As an Australian qualified lawyer, seeking admission in California, Steve supported me to completely transform my essay writing style and problem solving skills to maximise my chances of passing. Steve helped me understand the little details that, when aggregated, add up to a pass or fail, and how to use them to help myself pass. I was working full time while studying for the exam, but Steve ensured I stayed on schedule through my studies, so that on exam day I was as prepared as possible for the challenge of the exam. His direct feedback on my work allowed me to pivot quickly away from habits and tendencies that were reducing my chances of passing, towards ones that increased my chances of passing. read more

Steve helped me a lot with my MBE preparation for the bar exam. He taught me a structured and methodical approach to tackle that part of the exam. He showed me effective strategies to answer MBE questions and improve my skills in that area. He assisted me in turning the MBE into my strong point. He also provided valuable guidance on how to organize and structure my essays and PT portion of the exam, ensuring that I could write well-structured and passing essays. His flash outlines for each subject were concise, straightforward, and to the point as opposed to a commercial program's outlines in the market that only wasted my time and energy without reaching to the point that was required for passing the bar exam. Thank you so much Steve for helping me through this journey. read more

I was in a pretty dark and hopeless place with regards to bar prep until I started working with Steve. I had turned the bar exam into my own professional boogieman and lost all confidence in myself. While it didn't happen over night, Steve changed all that. The best way to explain Steve is tough but fair. Overall, I took the bar 3 times. The first time was right out of law school and I wasn't particularly close. Steve taught me to simplify my writing and always focus on what I thought. I can still hear him say "it's not that deep, leave the perfectionist behind." On the MBE's he helped me identify the patterns behind my mistakes. Once we identified the patterns, it allowed me to focus on my problem areas and hone in on my weaknesses. After I started working with Steve and took the bar again, I fell short approximately 20 points. I went from not being close to 20 points shy. Although I was still devastated, Steve helped me bounce right back. He continued to believe in me when I didn't believe in myself. At that point, I wasn't too sure if I wanted to take the next administered bar but with Steve's advise and support, I did, and finally passed! I am beyond grateful to Steve and his time. I would not gotten to this point without him. My biggest regret is not having found him right out of law school. If you are looking for a tutor and willing to put in the hours, follow directions, and stay disciplined, Steve is your guy and the next bar exam will be your last. read more

I passed the February 2022 CA Bar Exam. Steve is an excellent bar tutor. After an unsuccessful attempt in July 2021, the bar exam left me feeling defeated and demoralized. I had studied with Barbri for my first sitting and thought that if I followed their lead, I'd pass. What I didn't realize while studying with Barbri was that I really needed personalized help with essays, performance tests, and my testing anxiety. This is where Steve's guidance was most helpful. He spent quality time reviewing each sentence of my essay and challenged me to improve on all aspects of my writing. He taught me his specific method for organizing my thoughts so that my rule statement, analysis, and conclusion for each issue directly addressed each essay and performance test question. He also helped talk through my testing anxiety and encouraged me to apply for an ADA accommodation and seek professional guidance for those issues. His help made a world of difference for me. I know he'll do the same for you! read more