Creating a Performance Test Attack Sheet for the Florida Bar Exam involves assembling a structured guide to help you navigate the Florida-specific components of the performance test efficiently and effectively. The performance test (PT) is designed to assess your ability to apply legal knowledge in a practical context, similar to what a new attorney might be asked to handle. It’s important to approach the PT with a strategy in mind, and the following attack sheet is tailored for that purpose.
**Performance Test Attack Sheet for the Florida Bar Exam**
1. **Understanding the PT Format**
– Know the time limit (90 minutes).
– Identify the two main components: File and Library.
– Recognize the task memo at the start for instructions.
2. **Initial Reading: Task Memo**
– Carefully read the task memo twice.
– Highlight or underline the client’s problem, intended audience, and the specific task(s) required.
– Note any format requirements (memo, brief, letter, etc.).
– Clarify the procedural posture if relevant.
3. **Organization**
– Draft a quick outline based on the task memo before diving into the materials.
– Determine the issues to be addressed and the relevant law.
– Consider any counterarguments or policy considerations.
– Sketch a time management plan (e.g., 15 minutes for organization, 60 minutes for writing, 15 minutes for review).
4. **Reviewing the File**
– Skim for a general understanding of the facts.
– Revisit in detail, noting relevant facts to each issue outlined.
– Differentiate between facts that are beneficial, harmful, or neutral to your client’s position.
– Be alert for red herrings or irrelevant information.
5. **Analyzing the Library**
– Identify the governing law, including statutes, rules, and case law.
– Understand the rule statements and how they apply to the client’s situation.
– Determine the weight of authority (binding vs. persuasive).
– Take note of any factual distinctions in case law that may impact your analysis.
6. **Structured Writing**
– Draft an introduction that frames the issue and your position.
– Use IRAC (Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion) or a similar method to structure your answer.
– Integrate facts into your analysis to support arguments.
– Address counterarguments and rebut them where possible.
7. **Polishing Your Answer**
– Ensure your document adheres to the format requested in the task memo.
– Use clear and concise language.
– Avoid legalese and strive for plain English, especially if the audience is non-legal.
– Proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
8. **Final Review**
– Compare your answer to the task memo to ensure all requirements have been met.
– Verify that your argument is logical, your analysis is thorough, and your conclusion is sound.
– Check that you have used the facts and law from the File and Library effectively.
9. **Time Management**
– Stick to your time management plan.
– Allocate time at the end for a final review.
– Avoid getting bogged down by any single issue.
10. **Practice**
– Practice with previous Florida PT questions to get comfortable with the format and time pressure.
– Review model answers and compare them with your practice attempts.
– Refine your attack sheet based on your practice experiences.
Remember, while the PT is designed to simulate a real-world legal task, it is still a standardized test. Therefore, presenting your analysis in a clear, organized, and concise manner is as crucial as the substance of your argument. Use this attack sheet to guide your studies and practice, but be flexible and adjust as needed based on the specific instructions and content of the PT you encounter on the exam day.