I Quit My Job to Take the Bar Exam (and Passed!) featuring Jay Coleman

Jay Coleman explains why he took the bar exam in multiple states and how he became a youth advocate. After testing in Tennessee, Maryland, and Arkansas, Coleman found success in the law in Kentucky.

LISTEN TO LEARN

  • What it means to be a youth advocate
  • How to create different resumes for different jobs
  • What is a JD preferred job

WE ALSO DISCUSS

  • What does it mean to work in policy 
  • How disabilities and bullying affect school aged kids 
  • Quitting a job to take the bar exam


I Quit My Job to Take the Bar Exam (and Passed!) featuring Jay Coleman

<iframe width="100%" height="180" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless src="https://share.transistor.fm/e/9db2479d"></iframe>

I Quit My Job to Take the Bar Exam (and Passed!) featuring Jay ColemanI Quit My Job to Take the Bar Exam (and Passed!) featuring Jay Coleman

About This Episode

Why Law School

Jay Coleman initially attended law school to become a prosecutor. However after law school, Jay moved to Maryland to work with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  After seeing how his writing and research affected bills, Coleman enjoyed seeing his work in law and how it impacted the country. 

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Jay’s interest in policy caused him to seek a career in advocacy and he moved back to his home state.  

The advocacy job was a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) preferred job.  In this role, Jay works for the interests of children through a manifestation determination hearing.  Jay ensures that schools abide by the individualized education plans (IEP) for students.  With an IEP in place, a school cannot expel students without cause.  While living and working in Kentucky, Jay learned that he passed the Tennessee bar exam.  

Since working as a youth advocate, Coleman passed the Arkansas bar exam and believes that having his bar license allows him to move quicker or advance faster in his career. 


Side Hustles for Lawyers

While deciding whether to take the bar exam again, Jay started a business, ColeScript Editing Services.  Through ColeScript, Jay utilizes his love of grammar to edit resumes, papers, write biographies, and offer tutoring services.

Coleman is also interested in flipping houses and real estate. Growing up, Coleman saw his dad work on houses and Coleman was adamant that he would do something else. But, since buying his own house and remodeling it, Coleman is thinking about getting into real estate.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gEmurPXyQoE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Lawyer Perseverance

Jay decided to take the bar exam one final time with the condition that he would not work and would give his time and energy to preparing for the exam.  While waiting for the exam results, Jay applied for a job as a youth advocate in Covington, Kentucky.  

As of the release of this episode, Jay Coleman is a staff attorney with the Center for Arkansas Legal Services in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Jay represents clients requesting guardianship of family members, predominantly issues with children. Jay also  petitions the court to seal criminal cases, handles landlord/tenant issues, and represents clients who have been denied access to public benefits.

At the release of this episode, Jay Coleman is a staff attorney with the Center for Arkansas Legal Services in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Jay represents clients requesting guardianship of family members, predominantly issues with children. Jay also petitions the court to seal criminal cases, handles landlord/tenant issues, and represents clients who have been denied access to public benefits.

Currently, Jay Coleman is the owner of the J. Paul Coleman in Arkansas. Don’t take the fall, just call Jay Paul. Email Jay Coleman at jay@jpaulcolemanlaw.com for legal assistance. 

Contact Jay Coleman

Jay Coleman is licensed in the state of Tennessee and Arkansas.  You may follow Jay Coleman on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpcoleman_law/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frijidayre_esq/

Contact Jay Coleman at colescript@gmail.com to request editing services.

Engage with You Are A Lawyer

You Are A Lawyer is hosted by Kyla Denanyoh. Follow the podcast:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_eB5OebHvATnld4TFekX1g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarealawyer/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/YouAreA_Lawyer

Website: https://www.youarealawyer.com

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Review Kyla’s favorite books here: https://amzn.to/3OTfrrZ

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE EPISODES

​​Why I Withdrew from the Bar Exam After Being Bullied into Retaking It featuring Kate Dwyer

I Graduated from Law School with Honors After Failing Out featuring SeNita McRae

How To Find a Black Legal Specialist and Justis Connection featuring Kisha Brown

Join the FREE mailing list!

Get behind-the-scenes content from Kyla. 

1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com

2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR

3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen

4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T0lB4KHHvd0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Recent Episodes

Why the Hourly Billing Model Is Broken

Stephen Candelmo is a corporate lawyer turned tech founder who has spent nearly thirty years advising emerging companies and building his own ventures. In this episode, he explains how a recession, a machine learning experiment, and a desire for fairness inspired him to create Paralex, a legal platform that delivers fixed-fee, AI-powered legal services for small businesses and startups. He also shares why he believes the legal profession is on the edge of a major transformation.
Read and listen here

How Solo Practice Gives Lawyers More Freedom

Edward Cohn is a criminal defense attorney who has spent 23 years running his own solo practice across three states. In this episode, he shares why opening his own firm right out of law school gave him the freedom he always wanted, how a background in music shaped his confidence and creativity, and why some lawyers thrive when they build their practice on their own terms.
Read and listen here

Authenticity Is Your Strategy: Marketing Lessons for Lawyers

Chelsea Jones is the founder of Chelsea Anne Media, a social media marketing agency that helps lawyers build personal brands that feel genuine, not forced. In this episode, she shares how one Upwork client turned into a thriving niche, why Instagram remains the most powerful platform for lawyers, and how authenticity can turn online visibility into real relationships.
Read and listen here

Tax Attorney Shares When You Really Need Help

Stephen Weisberg is a Detroit-based tax attorney who helps individuals and business owners resolve IRS controversies and tax-debt issues. In this episode, he shares how the 2008 recession launched him from corporate bankruptcy work into tax law, why most people wait too long to seek help, and what every lawyer (and taxpayer) should know before they get that letter from the IRS.
Read and listen here

Why Authenticity Matters for Lawyers

Sergio Gregorio is a lawyer, podcast host, and creative who’s redefining what it means to have a legal career. In this conversation, he shares how growing up in Brooklyn, studying journalism, and working in federal service shaped his storytelling instincts, and why today’s lawyers must balance visibility, authenticity, and creativity in the digital world.
Read and listen here

Redefining Success and Alignment in Law

Arivee Vargas is a first-generation Latina lawyer who went from Big Law litigation to in-house corporate leadership, all before pivoting to become an author, executive coach, and speaker. She shares the raw story of her identity crisis after having her first child and how that led her to develop the framework for her book, Your Time to Rise, focusing on aligning your career with your deepest values. This conversation is essential for any high-achieving lawyer ready to stop checking boxes and start building a life of true purpose.
Read and listen here

Solo Firm Autonomy: Escaping the Partnership Trap

Yladrea Drummond went from being “team no care about the law" to becoming a highly successful trial attorney and solo firm owner in Maryland and DC. She openly shares the grit required to get barred after a seven-year journey, how she transitioned her practice from family law to dominating criminal defense, and the non-negotiable value of complete autonomy that running her own firm provides. This conversation is a raw, honest look at the transition from legal disappointment to becoming a respected "big dog in court" who is truly building a legacy
Read and listen here

How Hiring a Case Manager Will Transform Your Law Practice

Rob Levine is the founder of a multi-state law firm and an advocate for operational efficiency in legal practices. In this episode, he breaks down the vital role of case managers in improving law firm operations, building better client relationships, and increasing profitability. Whether you're a solo attorney or managing a growing team, this conversation will change how you think about delegation and workflow.
Read and listen here

Reinventing Your Legal Career Through Coaching

Elise Holtzman left Big Law to raise her children, without a clear roadmap for what came next. Now she’s a leadership coach and founder of The Lawyer’s Edge, helping lawyers build confidence, develop business skills, and grow professionally. In this episode, Elise shares the mindset shifts that led her from practicing law to coaching those still in the field.
Read and listen here

Building a Legal Tech Startup from Law School

Lamia Rahman is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, TEDx speaker, and co-founder of SEEKR, a tech startup creating wearable AI devices for the blind. In this inspiring episode, Lamia shares her journey from law school in Hong Kong to the front lines of legal tech, accessibility, and advocacy.
Read and listen here

How To Grow a Thriving Multi-Practice Law Firm feat. Daniel Rosenberg

Daniel Rosenberg is a seasoned trial lawyer and the co-founder of a thriving civil litigation firm. With roots in criminal defense and a career built in courtrooms, Daniel shares how he went from retail entrepreneur to legal leader and why flexibility, grit, and courtroom instinct are the skills that drive his success. This episode is all about staying ready, even when your office is your car.
Read and listen here

How to Find New Purpose After a Legal Career feat. A.X. Foster

A.X. Foster is a former prosecutor and defense attorney turned novelist who’s turning real-life courtroom experience into gripping legal thrillers. In this episode, he shares how his background in acting and law helped him build a successful writing career, why COVID was the creative catalyst he needed, and how his novels teach readers about the legal system, without getting lost in legalese.
Read and listen here

©2025 You Are A Lawyer LLC.
All rights reserved.