What Happens to Law School Graduates who Fail the Bar Exam

So you go to law school, graduate, and take the bar exam.  Unfortunately, you fail the exam and cannot practice law.  What happens then?  Well, this article examines that question, and the results aren't all that promising for those who fail.

Before we detail some of the consequences of failing the bar exam, let's mention that failing is not the end of the world.  Plenty of successful people have failed the bar exam - Hillary Clinton, California Governor Jerry Brown and the former Dean of Stanford Law School among them.  Many students go on to find successful careers in business after failing - or not even taking - the exam as well.

However, those who fail, as compared to their counterparts who pass:

• Make less money - both in the short and long term
• Are less satisfied with their jobs 
• Have less stable jobs 
• Are more likely to get divorced
• Are less likely to get married
• Are less likely to have kids

Now I don't think all of these consequences should be 100% attributed to failing the exam itself.  Those who do not pass in general do not have the same work ethics as those who do pass.  That would explain both why the fail and why they end up not being quite as successful in life.  

At the same time, I don't think anyone would disagree with the fact that there are dire consequences to failing the exam, both the first time and ultimately.

So study hard, pass the first time, and enjoy your success!