What is BAR/BRI?
Some of you may not be aware of BAR/BRI. BAR/BRI is by far the most extensive, largest, and probably highest quality bar preparation course for law students.

Basically, students pay a few thousand dollars (price varies depending on the state, I believe) to take an eight week bar preparation program that starts immediately after graduation. Virtually everyone who goes to law school takes BAR/BRI

MY EXPERIENCE WITH BAR/BRI
My first year, the way people talked about it, BAR/BRI sounded like an actual part of the bar exam. I honestly thought BAR/BRI was mandatory. They tell you to sign up first year to "lock in" prices as soon as you get in school.

I did not sign up my first year on the (what turned out to be correct) assumption that even if the price were higher three years later, money would be easier to come by.

WHY IS BAR/BRI BEING SUED?
BAR/BRI is being sued for anticompetitive behavior in two separate suits. Read more about that here and here. Incoming students might want to take an interest in these suits as it could affect how you prepare (or how much you pay) for the bar exam.

MY THOUGHTS
While many students needn't worry about the cost of bar review because their employer (often a big law firms) will pay for the course, it's too bad that there are very few cheaper options for those of us who do not have a backer.

My guess is that the people who actually have to pay for BAR/BRI with their own money are the ones who really can't afford to tack on the extra $3,000 in loans because they do not have the promise of a six-figure job.

I will sit for the bar in Illinois next February and I hate the idea of paying $3,000 to prepare for it. I understand that BAR/BRI is very good at what it does, but more competition in the bar review market could only help matters for students.

I hope these suits pave the way for new competition in the bar review market, hopefully leading to a reduction in price or to other less expensive competitors.