Testimonials
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"I didn't know what I didn't know until I met Professor
Harris. Steven showed me that it wasn't about the law I
knew, but instead it was all about how I put that law down
on paper. The graders want to see something specific and
Steven showed me exactly what that was. I took his 4-month
course, during which he graded numerous essays and
performance tests and gave me specific individualized
feedback on every one. It didn't take long for me to
incorporate that feedback and start turning failing answers
to easy passes. I know I would not have passed the bar
without him!" - Jennifer, University of San Francisco Alum,
passed February 2009
"Steven gave me the best advice I heard regarding the bar exam:
'Don’t be creative!'
I’m a ‘right-brain’ person, i.e. I’m better at conceptual and creative
thinking than ‘left-brain’ people, who are better at linear thinking
and at applying recipes to solve problems. The bar exam is very
much a left-brain exercise: applying rules to facts patterns and
arrive at sound conclusions. Steven’s technique really helped me
focus on the mechanics of the bar examination, and adapt my
right-brain style to what the examiners want to see: the ‘model’
answer. In addition to Steven’s personal tutoring, his WINNIN’
TIME book was very valuable because I didn’t have to reinvent the
wheel and come up with my own formulation of the rules. Steven’s
recipe worked!" - Sebastien Raoux, Ph.D., Esq., tutored from
France and California via Skype, passed February 2009
"I highly recommend Steven for anyone who 'learns by
doing,' thrives on personalized feedback, and doesn’t learn
well in large group environments. I suffered through
lectures, and spent countless hours making mountains of
flash cards, but I was ill-prepared for the July exam; as a
result, I passed one performance test—and nothing else.
The second time around was much different: I was able to
work part time and study fewer hours, but I studied much
more effectively. During the exam, I knew how to spot and
approach all the major issues (yes, there are a limited
number of issues they can test). The boilerplates were
especially effective because they allowed me to switch to
auto-pilot when I saw certain issues arise -- personal
jurisdiction and evidence objections, for example. I also
liked WINNIN’ TIME! because it was manageable, as
opposed to the tons of books I used previously.
Realistically, there’s only so much one person can retain,
and Steven recognizes this. The rules are short, to the
point, and easy to memorize.
I truly don’t believe I could’ve passed without Steven’s
academic and emotional support. He never made me feel
stupid for asking questions, I looked forward to meeting
with him each week, and during the exam I actually pictured
him at one point cheering from the aisle. I never felt alone
or lost, like with my prior course. My only regret is that I
didn’t go the tutor route the first time around. I hope no
student has to struggle through flashcard hell like I did last
summer. Make your first time a Winnin’ Time!" - Katherine,
UC Hastings alumnae, passed February 2009
"Simple and direct is the path to passing the bar!
I had tried other commercial prep courses with little success.
When I first started the system, I was skeptical because it almost
seemed too easy. The program was reasonably paced, the
assignments were direct, and the weekly discussions helped
crystalize what was expected to gather enough points to pass the
Bar exam. During my Bar preparation, I was also working as
Mayor of a City of 40,000 that was undergoing a serious budget
reductions and significant labor negotiations, therefore I only had
about three and a half weeks to completely focus on studying for
the February 2009 Bar. Steven worked with me on focusing my
study time to achieve the best results. We acknowledged the
challenges with this schedule, but I remained committed to
completing (and passing) the Bar.
When I took the Bar Exam this time, I was at ease. My mind was
focused and the issues were clear so I knew what issues I needed
to write about to get a passing score. Forget the major
commercial prep courses with their boxes of books, Steven
simplifies the rules and puts you into a system that is easy to
memorize and apply with only two texts and great personalized
instruction. Thank you Steven!
In addition, during my preparation for the Bar, The Trigger List
helped me identify logical extensions of issues. I took the week
and followed the instructions and it helped me generate the points
I needed to pass the Bar. Even if you don't take Steven's 1-on-1
tutorial (however, the tutoring service is top notch and I would
recommend you at least consider taking the tutoring if at all
possible because it is tremendously helpful), you should purchase
The Trigger List to review the way in which issues arise on the Bar
Exam. This resource helped me focus my efforts so I could pass
the Bar! Follow the instructions, take a week, cheat, and generate
the points to pass the Bar!" - Spencer Short, Esq., Mayor of
Lincoln, CA, passed the February 2009 Cal Bar Exam
"I absolutely owe my having passed the bar to Steve Harris
and his program. Without a doubt, his study program
works, but that’s only the half of it. His positive attitude
and his confidence in his program are what really carried
me through even when I had no confidence in myself.
The first day I walked into Steve’s class, I was in a very dark
place. I had flunked the bar twice, and I felt utterly
hopeless. At that point, every one of my study techniques
had proven to be worthless, and I thought there was no
way I was ever going to pass the bar. I just thought I
innately lacked whatever it took to pass the California Bar.
When I enrolled in the class, my expectations were low
because of what I experienced with other bar prep
programs, but after my first day in his class, I felt an
immense sense of relief. At the beginning of class, Steve
said that he had a unique study regimen that would work
for anyone. Right then, I didn’t know if that were true or
not, but he had such strong convictions about it, I felt
comfortable putting my fate in his hands. Steve also
presented an efficient study regimen that—unlike other bar
prep programs—seemed livable, let alone humanly
possible.
After that first session, I took it day-by-day, accomplishing
Steve’s study tasks one by one. After a month, I felt it
“working.” I began to feel capable with both the
substantive material and also with the strategies required
to pass the bar. Gradually, I began to develop confidence
in my own abilities instead of relying on Steve’s confidence
in his program.
Make no mistake; it’s not easy. Steve’s program requires
hard work that spans a period of two months, and your end
result will stem from whatever you put into it. However, his
program is straightforward, it’s doable, and it works. I
believe I would never have passed the bar if I had not met
Steve Harris." - Theresa Anne Stein, Esq.
“WINNIN’ TIME! is, hands down, the best bar study resource
available! Because of Steven's outlines I was prepared and
confident when I took the July ’07 exam.” - Rachel Gezerseh, Esq.
"WINNIN’ TIME! contains essential information in a format
that is easy to memorize. During the exam, I could recall so
much law that I imagined a bell ringing each time I
generated points." – Kerianne Steele, Esq.
“The Evidence Boilerplate made the difference between being a
5th time repeater and a practicing attorney!" – Nerisha Soodeehul,
Esq.
"The Essay Review Week was revolutionary. It conditioned
me to be like Pavlov's dog -- spotting issues and
generating points became a reflex action." – Kerianne
Steele, Esq.
“This book provides a succinct, simple, point-maximizing format for
identifying essays, and it was crucial in my success on the
California bar exam.” - Ryan Waggoner, Esq.
“The one true road map to effortless success on the Bar
exam! Follow this path and generate all the points you will
need.” Chandra Nelson-Robak, Esq.
"Steve was instrumental in my success on the California Bar
Examination! His method proved to be an excellent strategy for
making the material digestible and for giving the bar examiners
exactly what they want to see. Through his two books and various
handouts, he boils down the information needed to a manageable
amount and teaches you how to spot issues and earn points.
Steve's method is a powerful tool that I'm glad I learned!" - Alan
Khalfin, Esq.
"I have no doubt that Steve Harris' program is the reason I
passed the California Bar Exam.
The large, national bar preparation programs were only of
limited usefulness to me. Generally speaking, I found the
hours-long lectures, even by nationally-acclaimed law
professors, to be mind-numbing and unhelpful.
Steve's program is much more about "active learning." From
day one, I was writing essays. Essays and essays and more
essays. Steve individually graded 15 essays for me - there
were on average over 5 pages of feedback for each. Steve
has designed a system (which is nicely laid out in his book,
WINNIN’ TIME!) to quickly and efficiently create passing
answers.
Steve also individually graded several Performance Tests for
me. Steve's list of tips and tricks for the Performance Tests is
truly impressive.
Finally, Steve's one-of-a-kind issue spotting system (called the
Essay Review Method, which is outlined in The Trigger List)
really improved my ability to locate and analyze issues that
seem to re-emerge with every examination.
I give Steve Harris' program my highest recommendation.
Please do yourself a favor and make the next Bar Exam your
last." - Rob W. Lawton, Esq.
"Hi Prof. Harris, I took your Pre-bar course at the University
of San Francisco and I know that your outline book [WINNIN'
TIME!] was what enabled me to pass the bar exam the first
time. I used the outline book for every single practice
essay I wrote and the outlines also served as my primary
source for memorization. Not one single flash card for me
because of your books! I'd gladly recommend your books
to anyone who takes the California bar." - Mike Odoca, Esq.
LAW STUDENTS
"Winnin Time!, the “White Knight” of study aids.
Just like any student in an evening law school program,
who works full time, goes to school 3 nights a week and
attempts to lead a normal life (ha, ha), I found 1L a bit
challenging. I was lost in the woods, I couldn’t see my way
through to clear concise rule statements, and was having
trouble organizing my essays. I was doing okay in my
classes. However I wanted that extra edge. You know, the
one that would launch me to the top, or near the top, of my
class.
Then I attended my first Steven Harris workshop and
purchased Winnin Time! Like a white knight from a fairy-
tale, Winnin Time! swooped down and rescued me. It
showed me the forest for the trees, (a helpful hint as to
how bar examiners and professors test the subjects), laid
out clear concise rule statements (just the way I had been
trying to say them and more importantly, just how my
professors liked them), and organized the rules into multi-
factor issues, as well as offering “boilerplate” outlines for
extra tough subjects which allowed me to attack each essay
with an already proven game plan. My very next set of
exams, my grades were 5-10 points higher than they had
been previously.
I firmly believe that Winnin Time! gives me the confidence
and the tools I need to succeed as a law student. I have
been using Winnin Time! for the last two years and highly
recommend it to all my fellow students. - Sophia Meyer, Cal
Northern School of Law, Student Bar Association President
"I thought you would find it interesting to hear that on my last day
at my small firm internship, after turning in my last memo, my
supervising attorney sent me an email saying that my legal writing
skills were 'probably among the best I have seen in several years
of having interns at our office.' I laughed because all I did was
stick to the 'requires because' formula, and on multiple occasions
looked back at my third memo to make sure I wasn't deviating too
much from the format you taught us. Those principles work
outside the academic arena, so thanks!" - Joshua Lebovits (he
took my Legal Writing course at Hastings and learned the same
writing structure that is used in WINNIN' TIME!)
"I would encourage both law students as well as Bar
Examinees to purchase Winnin' Time! because it provides
the black letter law that is needed to do well in both law
school and on the Bar Exam. Clear and concise rule
statements are the key to writing a winning answer on the
Bar and the Calweasel Point Generator System helped me
do that. My only regret is not having found this system
earlier!" - Spencer Short, Esq. (Mayor of Lincoln, CA),
passed the February 2009 Cal Bar Exam
Harris. Steven showed me that it wasn't about the law I
knew, but instead it was all about how I put that law down
on paper. The graders want to see something specific and
Steven showed me exactly what that was. I took his 4-month
course, during which he graded numerous essays and
performance tests and gave me specific individualized
feedback on every one. It didn't take long for me to
incorporate that feedback and start turning failing answers
to easy passes. I know I would not have passed the bar
without him!" - Jennifer, University of San Francisco Alum,
passed February 2009
"Steven gave me the best advice I heard regarding the bar exam:
'Don’t be creative!'
I’m a ‘right-brain’ person, i.e. I’m better at conceptual and creative
thinking than ‘left-brain’ people, who are better at linear thinking
and at applying recipes to solve problems. The bar exam is very
much a left-brain exercise: applying rules to facts patterns and
arrive at sound conclusions. Steven’s technique really helped me
focus on the mechanics of the bar examination, and adapt my
right-brain style to what the examiners want to see: the ‘model’
answer. In addition to Steven’s personal tutoring, his WINNIN’
TIME book was very valuable because I didn’t have to reinvent the
wheel and come up with my own formulation of the rules. Steven’s
recipe worked!" - Sebastien Raoux, Ph.D., Esq., tutored from
France and California via Skype, passed February 2009
"I highly recommend Steven for anyone who 'learns by
doing,' thrives on personalized feedback, and doesn’t learn
well in large group environments. I suffered through
lectures, and spent countless hours making mountains of
flash cards, but I was ill-prepared for the July exam; as a
result, I passed one performance test—and nothing else.
The second time around was much different: I was able to
work part time and study fewer hours, but I studied much
more effectively. During the exam, I knew how to spot and
approach all the major issues (yes, there are a limited
number of issues they can test). The boilerplates were
especially effective because they allowed me to switch to
auto-pilot when I saw certain issues arise -- personal
jurisdiction and evidence objections, for example. I also
liked WINNIN’ TIME! because it was manageable, as
opposed to the tons of books I used previously.
Realistically, there’s only so much one person can retain,
and Steven recognizes this. The rules are short, to the
point, and easy to memorize.
I truly don’t believe I could’ve passed without Steven’s
academic and emotional support. He never made me feel
stupid for asking questions, I looked forward to meeting
with him each week, and during the exam I actually pictured
him at one point cheering from the aisle. I never felt alone
or lost, like with my prior course. My only regret is that I
didn’t go the tutor route the first time around. I hope no
student has to struggle through flashcard hell like I did last
summer. Make your first time a Winnin’ Time!" - Katherine,
UC Hastings alumnae, passed February 2009
"Simple and direct is the path to passing the bar!
I had tried other commercial prep courses with little success.
When I first started the system, I was skeptical because it almost
seemed too easy. The program was reasonably paced, the
assignments were direct, and the weekly discussions helped
crystalize what was expected to gather enough points to pass the
Bar exam. During my Bar preparation, I was also working as
Mayor of a City of 40,000 that was undergoing a serious budget
reductions and significant labor negotiations, therefore I only had
about three and a half weeks to completely focus on studying for
the February 2009 Bar. Steven worked with me on focusing my
study time to achieve the best results. We acknowledged the
challenges with this schedule, but I remained committed to
completing (and passing) the Bar.
When I took the Bar Exam this time, I was at ease. My mind was
focused and the issues were clear so I knew what issues I needed
to write about to get a passing score. Forget the major
commercial prep courses with their boxes of books, Steven
simplifies the rules and puts you into a system that is easy to
memorize and apply with only two texts and great personalized
instruction. Thank you Steven!
In addition, during my preparation for the Bar, The Trigger List
helped me identify logical extensions of issues. I took the week
and followed the instructions and it helped me generate the points
I needed to pass the Bar. Even if you don't take Steven's 1-on-1
tutorial (however, the tutoring service is top notch and I would
recommend you at least consider taking the tutoring if at all
possible because it is tremendously helpful), you should purchase
The Trigger List to review the way in which issues arise on the Bar
Exam. This resource helped me focus my efforts so I could pass
the Bar! Follow the instructions, take a week, cheat, and generate
the points to pass the Bar!" - Spencer Short, Esq., Mayor of
Lincoln, CA, passed the February 2009 Cal Bar Exam
"I absolutely owe my having passed the bar to Steve Harris
and his program. Without a doubt, his study program
works, but that’s only the half of it. His positive attitude
and his confidence in his program are what really carried
me through even when I had no confidence in myself.
The first day I walked into Steve’s class, I was in a very dark
place. I had flunked the bar twice, and I felt utterly
hopeless. At that point, every one of my study techniques
had proven to be worthless, and I thought there was no
way I was ever going to pass the bar. I just thought I
innately lacked whatever it took to pass the California Bar.
When I enrolled in the class, my expectations were low
because of what I experienced with other bar prep
programs, but after my first day in his class, I felt an
immense sense of relief. At the beginning of class, Steve
said that he had a unique study regimen that would work
for anyone. Right then, I didn’t know if that were true or
not, but he had such strong convictions about it, I felt
comfortable putting my fate in his hands. Steve also
presented an efficient study regimen that—unlike other bar
prep programs—seemed livable, let alone humanly
possible.
After that first session, I took it day-by-day, accomplishing
Steve’s study tasks one by one. After a month, I felt it
“working.” I began to feel capable with both the
substantive material and also with the strategies required
to pass the bar. Gradually, I began to develop confidence
in my own abilities instead of relying on Steve’s confidence
in his program.
Make no mistake; it’s not easy. Steve’s program requires
hard work that spans a period of two months, and your end
result will stem from whatever you put into it. However, his
program is straightforward, it’s doable, and it works. I
believe I would never have passed the bar if I had not met
Steve Harris." - Theresa Anne Stein, Esq.
“WINNIN’ TIME! is, hands down, the best bar study resource
available! Because of Steven's outlines I was prepared and
confident when I took the July ’07 exam.” - Rachel Gezerseh, Esq.
"WINNIN’ TIME! contains essential information in a format
that is easy to memorize. During the exam, I could recall so
much law that I imagined a bell ringing each time I
generated points." – Kerianne Steele, Esq.
“The Evidence Boilerplate made the difference between being a
5th time repeater and a practicing attorney!" – Nerisha Soodeehul,
Esq.
"The Essay Review Week was revolutionary. It conditioned
me to be like Pavlov's dog -- spotting issues and
generating points became a reflex action." – Kerianne
Steele, Esq.
“This book provides a succinct, simple, point-maximizing format for
identifying essays, and it was crucial in my success on the
California bar exam.” - Ryan Waggoner, Esq.
“The one true road map to effortless success on the Bar
exam! Follow this path and generate all the points you will
need.” Chandra Nelson-Robak, Esq.
"Steve was instrumental in my success on the California Bar
Examination! His method proved to be an excellent strategy for
making the material digestible and for giving the bar examiners
exactly what they want to see. Through his two books and various
handouts, he boils down the information needed to a manageable
amount and teaches you how to spot issues and earn points.
Steve's method is a powerful tool that I'm glad I learned!" - Alan
Khalfin, Esq.
"I have no doubt that Steve Harris' program is the reason I
passed the California Bar Exam.
The large, national bar preparation programs were only of
limited usefulness to me. Generally speaking, I found the
hours-long lectures, even by nationally-acclaimed law
professors, to be mind-numbing and unhelpful.
Steve's program is much more about "active learning." From
day one, I was writing essays. Essays and essays and more
essays. Steve individually graded 15 essays for me - there
were on average over 5 pages of feedback for each. Steve
has designed a system (which is nicely laid out in his book,
WINNIN’ TIME!) to quickly and efficiently create passing
answers.
Steve also individually graded several Performance Tests for
me. Steve's list of tips and tricks for the Performance Tests is
truly impressive.
Finally, Steve's one-of-a-kind issue spotting system (called the
Essay Review Method, which is outlined in The Trigger List)
really improved my ability to locate and analyze issues that
seem to re-emerge with every examination.
I give Steve Harris' program my highest recommendation.
Please do yourself a favor and make the next Bar Exam your
last." - Rob W. Lawton, Esq.
"Hi Prof. Harris, I took your Pre-bar course at the University
of San Francisco and I know that your outline book [WINNIN'
TIME!] was what enabled me to pass the bar exam the first
time. I used the outline book for every single practice
essay I wrote and the outlines also served as my primary
source for memorization. Not one single flash card for me
because of your books! I'd gladly recommend your books
to anyone who takes the California bar." - Mike Odoca, Esq.
LAW STUDENTS
"Winnin Time!, the “White Knight” of study aids.
Just like any student in an evening law school program,
who works full time, goes to school 3 nights a week and
attempts to lead a normal life (ha, ha), I found 1L a bit
challenging. I was lost in the woods, I couldn’t see my way
through to clear concise rule statements, and was having
trouble organizing my essays. I was doing okay in my
classes. However I wanted that extra edge. You know, the
one that would launch me to the top, or near the top, of my
class.
Then I attended my first Steven Harris workshop and
purchased Winnin Time! Like a white knight from a fairy-
tale, Winnin Time! swooped down and rescued me. It
showed me the forest for the trees, (a helpful hint as to
how bar examiners and professors test the subjects), laid
out clear concise rule statements (just the way I had been
trying to say them and more importantly, just how my
professors liked them), and organized the rules into multi-
factor issues, as well as offering “boilerplate” outlines for
extra tough subjects which allowed me to attack each essay
with an already proven game plan. My very next set of
exams, my grades were 5-10 points higher than they had
been previously.
I firmly believe that Winnin Time! gives me the confidence
and the tools I need to succeed as a law student. I have
been using Winnin Time! for the last two years and highly
recommend it to all my fellow students. - Sophia Meyer, Cal
Northern School of Law, Student Bar Association President
"I thought you would find it interesting to hear that on my last day
at my small firm internship, after turning in my last memo, my
supervising attorney sent me an email saying that my legal writing
skills were 'probably among the best I have seen in several years
of having interns at our office.' I laughed because all I did was
stick to the 'requires because' formula, and on multiple occasions
looked back at my third memo to make sure I wasn't deviating too
much from the format you taught us. Those principles work
outside the academic arena, so thanks!" - Joshua Lebovits (he
took my Legal Writing course at Hastings and learned the same
writing structure that is used in WINNIN' TIME!)
"I would encourage both law students as well as Bar
Examinees to purchase Winnin' Time! because it provides
the black letter law that is needed to do well in both law
school and on the Bar Exam. Clear and concise rule
statements are the key to writing a winning answer on the
Bar and the Calweasel Point Generator System helped me
do that. My only regret is not having found this system
earlier!" - Spencer Short, Esq. (Mayor of Lincoln, CA),
passed the February 2009 Cal Bar Exam