UNPACKING

THE BAR FINALS

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 DEBUNKING MYTHS MENTAL AND PERSONAL
01. ABOUT BAR FINALS 02. PREPARATION
Outline

RECOLLECTION AND
ANSWERING QUESTIONS
03. MEMORISATION 04. IN BAR FINALS
TECHNIQUES

QUESTIONS AND
05. ANSWERS
 DEBUNKING MYTHS ABOUT BAR FINALS
The following are some common myths associated with the Nigerian Law School Bar Finals

Bar finals is difficult You should be very brief in answering questions

Many believe that bar finals are nearly impossible to pass but
1 While it is important to be concise in your answers, avoid
this is not true. With effective preparation and understanding 4 being overly brief. Ensure that you address all the key points of
of topics, you can not only pass but excel. the question and avoid rambling or including unnecessary
information.

The lecturers are excessively harsh in grading You are required to concentrate only on commonly
Law school lecturers demonstrate fairness when scoring exam tested areas
2 scripts. Favorable grades are awarded to students who While it is important to focus on frequently examined topics,
demonstrate a solid understanding of legal principles and are 5 do not neglect other areas of the NLS curriculum. A
able to apply their understanding to the questions asked. comprehensive understanding of all subjects will help you feel
prepared and confident when you enter the exam hall and
prevent you from getting caught off guard.
Citing more judicial authorities and legal sections
increases your chances of success Only university first-class graduates can attain

3 Some think that the more cases and statutes cited, the better first-class in law school
the performance. However, understanding of legal principles
6 The belief that only university first-class graduates can achieve
and proper application of relevant authorities are actually top-tier results in law school is a misconception. Dedication,
what examiners are looking for. hard work and effective study habits can lead to excellent
performance, regardless of prior academic performance.
 MENTAL AND PERSONAL PREPARATION (I)

Develop an Effective Revision Get Acquainted Drafting

Strategy • Understanding the structure of bar • Do not just read drafts, practice your
• Knowing what works for you – finals. drafts across the different courses.
understanding your preferred mode • For Multiple Choice Questions, you will • Key principles of drafting include:
of reading (using highlighters, reading be required to answer 20 questions per • The proper heading (of the court, of
directly from your note, jotting down course, making a total of 100 questions the resolution, of the letter).
the key points) and preferred reading within 1 hour. • For criminal and civil litigation drafts,
time (during the day or overnight • For the theory questions, there are the appropriate names and titles of
reading) are critical. typically two sections with four the parties are important i.e.
• Preparation of revision schedule - questions each to be answered within plaintiff/appellant/defendant.
create a revision schedule that spans 3 hours. • The preamble (motion on notice,
across all the topics in each course. • One compulsory question (25 marks) information for criminal trials, letter) –
• During your revision, take into and one optional question (15 marks) learning the specific sections to
consideration your areas of strength per section. include in the preamble.
and weakness i.e., topics that you • Practicing past questions – to help • Body of the draft – understand the
have mastered and those that you assess your level of preparation. Not to structure for different drafts.
need to read again or engage in be used as prediction of bar final • Endorsement – signature, name of
active revision for. questions or basis for cherry picking counsel, law firm, email address,
topics. phone number, the recipient (for
▪ Proper time allocation – in preparing, motion on notice).
you have to decide the time to be
allocated to each question.

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 MENTAL AND PERSONAL PREPARATION (II)

Authorities Study Groups Stress Management

• Allocation of authorities to principles Study groups at this time should be • Stress can affect the pace of
–during revision, decide which focused on: assimilation.
authority to write when answering • practicing past questions; • Incorporating rest into your schedule
questions relating to specific • explaining topics that are yet to be – you must prioritize rest so ensure
principles. understood; that you take breaks in between
• Judicial vs. statutory authorities – • being a support system; and hours of prolonged reading and
where there are multiple jurisdictions • providing motivation to read. sleep well.
with different laws, to avoid • To reduce anxiety, you can listen to
confusion, it is advisable that you success stories of people who have
learn the judicial authority. passed the bar finals.
• Do not listen to peddlers of negative
information.

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Recollection and Memorisation Techniques (I)
Remembering the contents of what you read is essential for
excellence at the NLS Bar Finals.
Recollection and Memorisation Techniques (II)
Meditation
Rather than reading passively, actively ponder and reflect on
the information in your books. This deepens your
understanding of legal principles, improves retention and
fosters connection with the information.

Jotting
Condense key points from your understanding into concise
bullet-point summaries. Writing down your thoughts on a topic
enhances clarity and serves as a reliable reference if your
memory falters slightly before bar finals.

Self-Testing
Quiz yourself regularly without relying on your books to actively
recall information. Through this method, you are able to
identify knowledge gaps and refresh your memory

Develop Mnemonics
Crafting acronyms and rhymes from topics significantly aids
recollection and makes learning even more enjoyable.
Recollection and Memorisation Techniques (III)

Repeated Recitation Sleep Well and Eradicate Fear

Practice reciting information in your A well-rested mind is better equipped
notes aloud multiple times to reinforce for recollection and problem-solving,
your memory which are essential skills for the Bar
Finals. In addition, avoid excessive
anxiety, as fear can hinder your
performance.
01 02

Identify Common Denominators Communicate your knowledge to

Find shared features or similarities within others
topics or across different topics. Also Teach other people what you know
identify the differences between the and converse with legal principles and
topics. This reduces the amount of authorities
information you have to recollect and it
is a particularly helpful technique for
corporate law.
03 04
 A N S WE R I N G Q U E S T I O N S I N B A R F I N A L S ( I )
General Principles

Details Time Management

• It is important to pay attention to details in the examination • To succeed in the MCQs, you need both speed and
hall and this starts from properly reading the instructions accuracy. To learn speed and accuracy, ensure you practice
• Take at least 10 minutes to scan through the 6 questions. This
MCQs for less than 40 minutes and your practice scores should
will help you to strategise the time you’ll use in the context of
1. not be less than 16/17.
your “favourite questions.”
• You should answer the question what you are asked. For • In the Essay, allocate your time across the 4 questions. Always
instance, if the question asks you whether an action is start the compulsory questions first. Resist the temptation to
“proper”, you have to state that the action is proper or not. “overwrite”
Other common questions are “advise” • Do not panic if you make a mistake. You have three hours!
3.
• If you are asked to list, use numbering to list.
• Use the names of the parties in the questions in answering the
questions
• Write everything in full. Never abbreviate!!!!

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 A N S WE R I N G Q U E S T I O N S I N B A R F I N A L S ( I I )
General Principles

Structure Style
• Take some time like 5 minutes to structure your answers. • Punctuation is very important. Learn how to use commas,
Each course seems to have its structure format. Listen to
1. semi-colons, colons and full stops where appropriate
your lecturers in your revision classes
• You should only use red ink for authorities if you consider
• Always start with a preamble i.e. introductory
yourself fast. Alternatively, write authorities in CAPITAL
sentences.
• While authorities are important, the structure of your LETTERS

3.
answer should reflect a sufficient understanding and • Your handwriting MUST be legible, not beautiful. If
articulation of the principles to attract the highest marks possible, write in a big font size.
possible. • Deliberately leave two lines or even more before your
next question

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 A N S WE R I N G Q U E S T I O N S I N B A R F I N A L S ( I I I )

Criminal Litigation Civil Litigation Corporate Law Practice

• You are not likely to escape drafting • It all starts with the concept of • CAMA should be your best friend! While
charges as Q1. Master through practice. Jurisdiction!!! Revise the topic jurisdiction it is not advisable to cram CAMA
And take some time to read the a night before the exam as it is the sections, understand the sections such
scenario. It’s fine if you do not foundation of most of the questions.
understand the direction of your answer that you do not miss any critical
• Jurisdictional nuances can be common
upon first reading (compulsory) component when articulating your
in Civil Litigation exam as the parties,
• Master the Evidence Act provisions on answers.
location and even the subject matter
trial – examination in chief, cross can change the course of your answer. • Pay attention to details as getting a
examination and re-examination. • Master relevant provisions of the CFRN detail wrong. e.g “PLC” “Ltd” may
• Generally, be direct in answering the and the High Court Rules (of Abuja and change the direction of your answers
questions and lead with the direct Lagos). It is advisable to know the Order • Your answers should be robust to cover
response to the answer e.g. “The and Rule for a particular principles all possibilities. Check whether the
conduct of ASP xxx is proper in arresting • Lead with the definitive response to the applicable principle admits of an
xyz” questions. E.g. “The Court with exception or qualification.
• Master your statutory authorities (ACJA, jurisdiction in this xxx is the High Court of • Set out your procedures in detail. Do not
ACJL Police Act) Lagos State (Lagos Judicial Division)… leave any step unwritten.
• Do not underestimate the “simple” topics This is because… “
e.g. alibi, confessional statement. • Practice drafts and do not forget the
• Strive to supply the most popular judicial “minor” components such as date, RC
authorities first (Locus Classicus) No, “special resolution”
 A N S WE R I N G Q U E S T I O N S I N B A R F I N A L S ( I V )

01 02

Property Law Practice Professional Ethics & Skills

• Pay attention to details • Answering Professional Ethics and Skills questions
• To know the Property Law Jurisdiction for each requires you to be methodical. This means you should
question, Using the wrong jurisdiction can change build your answers step-by-step.
your answer • Integrate Professional ethics into the 4 other courses
• To know the type of document to draft and • Don’t just cram the RPC, make sure to understand it as
implications, if any this will prevent a situation where you
• Structure your answers properly, It is advisable not to start • Pay equal attention to other legal authorities aside
with the conclusion. You should often lead with the from RPC (e.g LPA, legal practitioners remuneration
general rule. order 2023)
• Ensure you learn the locus classicus for “notorious” • Go the extra mile (try to learn the sub-rules)
principles • Make sure your answers have an introduction and a
• When faced with seemingly ambiguous questions, conclusion
answer in line with the possible scenarios. • Practice all the drafts in the course including letter
• Ensure to supply authorities for your answers writing, C.V, Minutes of Meetings
 COMMON TOPIC TRENDS

01 02 03
Criminal Litigation Property Law Practice Professional Ethics
• Pre-trial investigation, • Property Law Transactions (What and Skills
• Bail, transaction and what documents?) • History of the Legal Profession
• Charges, • Leases (Covenants in Lease) • RPC: Rules 17, 20, 22 and 23
• Jurisdiction • Sale of Land • Interviewing and Law Office
• Trial I,II & III • Wills Management
• Improper attraction of business
• Legislative drafting
03 05 • CV and Letter drafting

Corporate Law Practice Civil Litigation

• Jurisdiction
• Post-incorporation matters
• Proceedings at the High Court
• Corporate Governance (Membership NOTE: The above are
• Pleadings
and Directorship) • Judgment
reflective of the trends over
• Regulatory bodies and registration of • Trials the years. The Nigerian Law
companies • Appeal School may set topics from
• Foreign Participation • The Fantastic Four (Election Petition, any area it deems fit.
Matrimonial Causes, Fundamental
Human Rights, Recovery of Premises
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