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Focus on law students and bar exam candidates who are struggling!
Helen M.

4.9 (177 ratings)

1,233 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $80
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Response time: 14 minutes

About Helen

Bio

I am a lawyer by training but have always enjoyed the teaching and mentoring aspects of lawyering. A longtime supporter of K12 education, I served for ten years on the school board in Sonoma, California.

Research shows that the best way to prepare for a test is to do practice tests. It does not matter if you are studying for a third-grade spelling test, a ninth-grade algebra test, a law school exam, or the bar exam. All these types of tests require one additional thing: memorization. ...

I am a lawyer by training but have always enjoyed the teaching and mentoring aspects of lawyering. A longtime supporter of K12 education, I served for ten years on the school board in Sonoma, California.

Research shows that the best way to prepare for a test is to do practice tests. It does not matter if you are studying for a third-grade spelling test, a ninth-grade algebra test, a law school exam, or the bar exam. All these types of tests require one additional thing: memorization. For the bar exam, the amount of material to memorize is substantial.

I have focused on non-traditional students and repeat bar takers, as well as students with disabilities. Big Box programs work for many students, but if someone is good at taking tests, then almost anything will work. For the great majority of students, however, the Big Box programs result in wasted time, discouraging results, and sense of failure that is hard to shake. Students begin to think that they cannot succeed, when in fact the fault lies with the test not the test taker. Yet to practice law, one must pass the test. This is where I can help.

I use solid pedagogical methods to assess strengths and weaknesses for each student. This includes a review of previous bar score reports, if available, a discussion about law school experiences, prior bar prep methods and materials, and the student’s own understanding of where they struggled.

Based on the information gathered in the first few sessions, I work with each student to develop a study plan, with an early and continued focus on practice tests.

I recognize that bar prep takes place in the complex context of a student’s life. I am available at all times by text, phone and email, and can deal with schedule changes as required.

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Education

Hamline University
Political Science
UC Berkeley School of Law
J.D.

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $80
  • Rate details: Special pricing for multiple hour sessions!
  • Lesson cancellation: 8 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 6/13/2021

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Bar Exam

Bar Exam

I have taken both the California and the Colorado bar exams. I passed both exams on the first attempt. I have tutored several students on the bar exams. I am familiar with all components of the Bar and stay current with the research based approaches to each component.
Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

I have practiced law for decades. My focus has not been on criminal law, but of course I have had clients with overlapping criminal and civil/juvenile cases. I am well versed in criminal law, criminal procedure, constitutional principles, and matters of public interest relating to our criminal justice system.
Law

Law

I attended law school at the Berkeley Law School at the University of California, Berkeley. I have mentored colleagues on numerous occasions. I was chair of the Moot Court Board in law school, so appellate work has always been an interest of mine.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

As an attorney, I have had the opportunity to speak publicly in a courtroom setting on a weekly basis. However, I have also delivered seminars or talks to parents on special education issues and in other contexts to groups of lawyers or the public at large. My approach to public speaking draws heavily on the storytelling traditions. In addition, I have helped many students and colleagues who have significant anxiety about public speaking.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I have many recommendations regarding study habits, and I try to work with students to identify and choose skills in need of development. The tools that work will vary depending on the student's preferences as well as the demands of their teachers.
Writing

Writing

As an attorney, the ability to write well is paramount. I have published articles and given presentations with supplemental written materials. I have written thousands of documents and have always been complemented on my writing skills.
Government & Politics
Proofreading

Examples of Expertise

Helen has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 3 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Helen ’s answers ›
Helen M.'s Photo

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Response time: 14 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (177 ratings)
5 star
(170)
4 star
(4)
3 star
(1)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(2)

Reviews

Very Knowledgeable, flexible and patient.

She was very helpful and knowledgeable on all legal subject matter. She has an eye for detail and provides real law scenarios and examples. She assisted me with writing complaints, and motions, and preparing for my oral argument.

Yvette, 53 lessons with Helen

Great teacher!

Helen is a great tutor. She is very familiar with different learning styles, including how to support learners with disabilities best, so she modifies her tutoring sessions to meet each learner's needs and strengths. Very knowledgeable in the law and can mentor law students at different points in their academic and professional paths.

Geraldine, 6 lessons with Helen

She’s A Pro!

Helen comes with a wealth of wisdom and patience. Her in-depth knowledge about The Constitution and how local government works, was extremely helpful. Her explanations were thorough and relatable. I left her session with an abundance of useful information and a boost of confidence. I would highly recommend Helen.

Valerie, 3 lessons with Helen

Encouraging, to the point and great guidance

10/10 will recommend. Helen is a great tutor and has amazing skills to help guide on assignments and information

Alyssa, 20 lessons with Helen

Very Helpful and helps you understand the material.

I am so grateful to have found Helen, she is very patient, willing to help at any given moment, and also very knowledgeable. I would totally recommend her I would love to her 10 stars if I could. Choosing her as your tutor will be your best decision.

Teanna, 8 lessons with Helen

Math GED

Helen is a very good tutor. My tutoring with Helen has been to get me to understand and learn the math needed for my GED. She has a talent that I believe could help anyone learn and succeed in their mission! She has given me a burst of confidence! If I’m struggling with something she try a different way to show me which for me worked out well to get me through the struggle that I was having with certain math problems. I’ would definitely refer her for anyone who needs the extra help to get you through the learning struggles you may be having.

Bernadette, 11 lessons with Helen

Math GED

Helen is a very good tutor. My tutoring with Helen has been to get me to understand and learn the math needed for my GED. She has a talent that I believe could help anyone learn and succeed in their mission! She has given me a burst of confidence! If I’m struggling with something she try a different way to show me which for me worked out well to get me through the struggle that I was having with certain math problems. I’ would definitely refer her for anyone who needs the extra help to get you through the learning struggles you may be having.

Bernadette, 11 lessons with Helen

Kind and assertive

My son didn't thrive with online learning. Helen has been great about teaching my son how to stay on task and engaged. She helped him build confidence and get back to grade level. He went from F's to A's!!!!!

Jodie, 44 lessons with Helen

Very patient

Took her time to offer great advice on my assignment and thoroughly reviewed my work. Felt confident when I turned it in. Look forward to working with her again.

BC, 4 lessons with Helen
Hourly Rate: $80
Response time: 14 minutes
Contact Helen