After graduating, Briona began writing the U.S. Bar Assessment, one of the most strenuous expert licensing examinations in the country.
Her very first effort came in July 2021 during an especially requiring season of her life. At the time, she had just moved to Illinois, acquired her very first home, and started working at a Fortune 500 business while at the same time preparing for the exam.When she failed
the examination, the frustration struck hard. She admitted sensation sadness, anger, aggravation, and even insecurity.
Yet after processing those feelings, she advised herself how far she had currently come. “I am a first-generation college student, a first-generation law trainee, and a first-generation homeowner,” she shared.Instead of quiting, Briona leaned on her faith and support system and chose to keep going. Her second effort was available in February 2022.
This time, she thought her preparation would finally settle, but she stopped working once again. The outcome ended up being a painful suggestion that effort alone does not always ensure immediate success.By the time she sat for her 3rd attempt in July 2022, she was currently feeling dicouraged
and scorched out. Balancing a demanding profession in threat and compliance alongside intense exam preparation became mentally and mentally exhausting.Looking back, Briona admitted she must have paused earlier to secure her psychological health. In 2023, she lastly stepped far from the examination completely.Rather than seeing the break as failure, she utilized the time to reconstruct herself mentally and psychologically. She took a trip, showed, concentrated on her career, and worked on restoring confidence outside the pressure of the bar exam.”That time away helped me rebuild my self-confidence and reconnect with who I was outside of the test. That break didn’t set me back; it prepared me, “she discussed.
Revitalized and more grounded, Briona returned for her fourth effort in February 2025. Although she carried out much better, she narrowly missed the passing mark by just 8 points that made
it extremely heartbreaking.”There were moments I questioned everything,”she confessed. “The rejection felt individual.” Still, she refused to let the dissatisfaction stop her.During this period, Briona likewise introduced a scholarship
initiative to support other bar examination retakers, assisting aspiring legal representatives facing comparable struggles.Remarkably, all 4 receivers of the scholarship eventually passed the bar exam, further
reminding her that her journey still had purpose.For her 5th and last attempt, Briona totally altered her study method. Instead of focusing on quantity, she focused on comprehending principles deeply and enhancing precision, especially in the Multistate Bar Examination section.Her technique finally paid off. In February 2026, after years of obstacles, sacrifices, and perseverance, Briona officially passed the bar examination.The psychological moment was captured on video as she celebrated with enjoyed ones who had stood beside her throughout the hard journey.Reflecting on her triumph, Briona specified that she belived it was the correct time it occurred.”I really believe in divine timing; that what is indicated for you will not pass you. That season taught me strength, humbleness, and discipline, but it also strengthened my
faith,”she stated. Now getting ready for a legal role within her business, Briona hopes her story motivates others dealing with repeated failures not to give up on themselves.She advises aiming lawyers and trainees that exam results do not define intelligence, potential, or future success.