John H. Crossfield II, Esq.

John’s experience as a former bar grader makes him the ideal resource for narrowing down exactly what the graders are looking for and, more importantly, what you are missing.
His style is professional, respectful, and calming. I know for a fact that he is the reason I passed, because of how differently I approached studying and writing under his tutelage.
I cannot thank him enough, I feel like I can finally start life!
One week since I found out I passed, still on cloud nine. Greatest feeling in the world.

I went to law school out-​of-​state and did not have the best grades, but I was determined to tackle the July 2015 CA Bar Exam with Barbri. I diligently stuck to Barbri’s rigorous schedule, but I failed the exam. So, I took a fews days off to refresh and look for a tutor for the February 2016 Exam. This was the best decision I ever could have made.
After researching and speaking with three tutors, I ultimately decided on John. He responded quickly, had well thought out and organized program options, did not talk down to me or persuade me to purchase anything, and had a very calm and genuine personality.
John helped me to issue-​spot, think, and write differently than I had been taught in law school and where Barbri had lacked guidance. John’s method for approaching essays and PTs is simple and makes sense. By sticking to John’s schedule and completing as many practice essays and PTs as possible, I vastly improved my writing and scores. Over the weeks, my understanding of the substantive law grew and I became more comfortable with challenging topics.
With John’s support and encouragement, I passed the February 2016 Bar! He was with me every step of the way and I highly recommend that he is with you every step of the way on your Bar prep journey. Good Luck :)

While I did not use his tutoring services because I don’t learn as well remotely as I do in person, I just felt I had to talk about what he did before even getting a dime from me. He responded immediately to all inquiries over a whole week. He was polite and understanding. In hindsight, I even had asked him a question that could have been seen as semi-​insulting. How did he react? He sent me a polite, honest and perfect explanation for my misunderstanding. This same question caused another tutor to flip out and act immaturely. How I wish I still resided in the Bay Area. Although John is available remotely, I just prefer face-​to-​face tutoring.
If my experience before even paying him a dime is any clue as to how he’ll be as a tutor, you’ll be more than happy with Mr. Crossfield.

John was worth every penny. His program was very structured. If you stick to his schedule and utilize his detailed feedback, you will definitely improve your performance. After failing the July 2015 CBX by 100 points, I wasn’t sure whether I could improve my essay scores enough to pass the second time. However, with his guidance and support, he gave me the tools to take the February 2016 CBX with confidence. My approach: review the substantive law on my own, submit my bi-​weekly essays to John, and do additional practice essays on my own. I did so many essays that issue spotting became second nature. John really focused-​in on my weak areas and helped me break bad habits. Happy to report that I passed my second time around!
As stressful as the bar prep process is, it was nice to have someone who was in my corner. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and defeated. but John helped put things into perspective. Overall, he is a kind, professional, and effective tutor. Highly recommended!

Taking the bar exam is not an easy experience. If there’s anything or anyone that can make this experience easier it’s John.
He will sit you down and show you where your problems are, as well as help you build those deficiencies. He has the ability to break down your bad habits in just a few sessions and then in your newfound moment of clarity, shows you how to write an essay tailored directly for the bar exam graders.
After working with John, I walked out of the bar exam confident and cool-​headed. Through my work with him there were no curveballs or surprises on the exam and I attribute my success to his help.
If you ever have a doubt as to whether or not you can pass the bar exam because you seem to can’t figure out what the graders want on the exam, talk to John. He will show you the way to success.

I wanted to explain something in my review. People have been reaching out to me over messaging about John’s services and as I am reiterating the awesomeness of John, I realize I forgot to write about an important aspect of the tutoring in my first review. Besides the technical assistance that John gave me to help me pass the bar, it’s worth noting that he was also really amazing in talking me off the ledge throughout the bar process. This is a very important item to note b/​c passing the bar exam requires not only study and preparation but the ability to keep your shit together and keep pushing forward. When I said in my review that he is not a hand holder, I meant that he is not going to be calling to say, «hey are you keeping up with your studies?» He expects that you are an adult and you are doing your part of keeping up with your schedule and doing your studies. However, he will hold your hand when you are having an emotional break down. Any time I reached out to John over email or phone, he was always there for me. He really calmed me down a few times when I was overwhelmed and freaking out big time, and this was so valuable to me. Without someone there for you at those moments, it’s not possible to keep pushing forward and it meant a lot to me to be able to talk or email John about those moments when I was sure I would fail this test and let everyone down. This was a huge value to me and I’m so glad John always knew the right things to say and he made me feel like I could say my worst fears to him and just lose it temporarily without judgement.
When I was looking around for tutors, a lawyer at my work referred me to John because she had used him too. She said these following words to me, which has now become a truth in my own life. «I wouldn’t have passed without him.» Thank you again John! To know that I have accomplished this and will never have to take another bar exam again is the greatest feeling in the world. Best of luck to all those taking the next bar exam. You can do it!

I passed the July 2015 California Bar Exam.
Although I don’t let statistics and what people say define me, I still think it’s important for others to know that I went to a non-​ABA school and I took the bar once bar before. 8% of the people on this bar passed under those criteria.
On top of that, I took the bar over 12 years ago and I never looked at those subjects again. I had to re-​learned all those subjects before this bar.
So, I want you think about that. Do you think I would have passed without John’s help? The odds were against me, so when you are considering John’s help, just remember my story.

John was an integral part of my prep for the July 2015 California bar. I was a first-​time taker and extremely anxious about the exam, all thanks to the abysmal-​looking pass rates for the state and the fear of possibly needing to take it again. I didn’t want to risk that chance, so I contacted John. It paid off, because I passed!
I like to think that I am a pretty strong writer, but I was at a loss as to how to write quickly and effectively enough to get a good score on the bar exam essays. John taught me the exact skills I needed to tackle these notoriously difficult essays. He knows what the bar graders are looking for because he used to be one. Getting his feedback was like unlocking the secrets of what it takes to raise your score from a 60 to a 75.
Most importantly, John was an incredible support system for me during the entire studying process. I always felt he truly cared about how I did. I felt confident walking into the exam knowing he had imparted his wisdom onto me. I cannot recommend him enough — not only for repeat takers, but also for first-​time takers looking to secure the confidence and skills necessary to pass on the first try. Thank you so much John!

I passed the July 2015 CBE – on the first take – thanks to Mr. John Crossfield. I did it, John!!! Unlike most people, I had the most amazing confidence coming out of the exam. This was all thanks to John.
The bar writing skills you learn from John’s program do not even coming close to what is offered with BarBri. I didn’t have the issue-​spotting, organizational or analytical skills you need coming from a top undergraduate program and Georgetown Law. The bar exam is a different beast.
John is also just a good person and a pleasure to have on your side. From my first consultation, he supported me and told me we were going to do this. He replies to every email promptly. He is a class example of professionalism as I begin my legal career.
I highly recommend John’s services. Having John welcome me to the California Bar was pretty special, and something I won’t forget.

Took Feb 15 exam (attorney) and passed on first try. I studied on my own but relied on John’s guidance and critical eye to steer me on the right path in tackling the essays and PTs. With every essay I turned in, he was able to zoom in to the areas that needed improvements, and offered encouragement when I made progress. While he did not teach black letter law, he did provide very substantive suggestions to streamlining my rule statements. What I really appreciate is that he has the actual bar exam grading experience so I felt that I could trust the scores he gave me. Above all else, John provided valuable moral support when I needed it the most. Half way through the process I became very overwhelmed by the amount of materials and developed a confidence crisis. He stayed on the phone with me and talked me through it. After that, whenever I had a moment of doubt, I remembered that conversation and was able to keep my eyes on the prize. In fact, during the first day of the exam I confronted a question that I felt particularly shaky, I took a deep breath and «played back» John’s notes/​comments in my head, and was able to steady myself and kept going.
John doesn’t spoon-​feed you the materials, but if you do your job — study hard, follow the schedules and turn in the essays, and take his feedback and advice to heart, his methodology could guide you to success. I am grateful for his help.

John is the best in the business. The most important phone call I made when I needed a tutor to help me with the California Bar Exam was to John Crossfield. I am an out of state attorney who was out of the game with bar exams for nearly twenty years when I called John. The last bar I had taken was the Illinois Bar Exam in 1996 and I had been practicing for nearly 17 years before my wife and I made a decision to move to California. John got me in bar exam mode for the most difficult bar exam in the nation. My first phone call with him energized and motivated me to tackle the California Bar Exam. He has the game plan for you to succeed and achieve a passing score. He teaches you how to master the essay and the PTs and as a former bar grader John gives you valuable insight as to how to play and win the game. You do not get this type of service anywhere else and that includes the commercial bar review courses. He deeply cares about his students and has high expectations which brought out the best in me. I am happy to say that I passed the February 2015 California Bar Exam and John Crossfield played an instrumental role in my success. On June 2 2015 my dream to practice law in California became a reality when I took the oath for admission to practice law in California. Thank you John for making that happen. I urge all of you to visit John’s website and speak with him. It will be the wisest choice you will ever make in your bar review preparation and you will not go wrong.
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I know this sounds repetitive but John is amazing. After taking the CA bar twice and not having the best grades in law school I was at a loss. My best friend told me about John (who hired him and passed) so I called him and hired him. He gives you the skill and technique the graders are looking for! If you want to pass you need to hire him. Thank you John for guiding me to the finish line!

John is an excellent resource, trustworthy ally, and a great instructor. I sought out a tutor after failing the July 2014 Cal Bar Exam. I was crushed, but not ready to give up. I interviewed several Cal Bar tutors before settling on John. I personally felt that John had the experience and ability to get me through and really help me improve my essay writing. John provided me consistent (always prompt, often early) feedback on my writing that helped me see where my writing was deficient. In fact, John actually will be able to guide you directly to where you should be writing in order to impress a Cal Bar grader (he was one himself) and provide insight on how to spot and write about key issues.
I cannot stress how comforting it was to have John in my corner while studying. Failing the bar was a nightmare. Passing it in February 2015 was an absolute dream come true and I believe the decision to go with John made it possible.

John is wonderful and working with him allowed me to pass the February 2015 Bar exam. His method is clear and extremely helpful. Perhaps the best part of the program was having John’s support through the entire process. I had the flu and insomnia two weeks before the exam and reached out to him. We had a phone conversation and (although I was still extremely sick) I did feel better. Whether a first timer or a repeater, I would highly recommend John to anyone!

I worked so hard studying for the July 2014 Cal Bar that it felt like someone died when I discovered I failed. I went through all the stages of grief: denial, anger, depression, and then acceptance. When I accepted my failure, I reached out to John. Just talking to him on the phone during our initial consult made me feel more optimistic. He is experienced, knowledgeable, and unassuming.
After submitting an initial diagnostic essay to John and receiving his detailed feedback, it was clear that I had no idea how to write a passing Bar essay despite doing well in law school and studying long hours for the July 2014 administration. John pinpointed my weaknesses and explained how to implement his writing method. John is a former bar grader so he knows what graders are looking for and knows the difference between a passing and failing essay. He includes a score for each practice essay submitted, which helps gauge where you stand. My initial essay to John returned a score of 55, but through continued practice and use of his writing method, I received scores of 75. After eight weeks of practice, I felt confident walking into the February Bar exam.
I am happy to report that I passed the February 2015 Bar exam with much thanks to John. I would recommend John to anyone that wants to pass the Bar.

I just passed February 2015 BAR. John was my second tutor, since the first tutor as it turned out was very very bad.
In short, John Crossfield is the best not only help, but also a great support, that the BAR taker can get to pass the BAR. BARBRI and other courses are the mere foundation that you need to have before you get on board with John.
After the initial session with John, he will tell you exactly why you failed your last BAR exam, and what you need to focus on to pass this BAR.
I already recommended my friend to get John as a tutor in addition to BARBRI, and will highly recommend his excellent services to all that already failed the BAR once, or even to those who are taking the BAR for the first time.
The only recommendation I have to all of those who will be getting John as a tutor is that if you have a goal to pass the BAR, you need to follow John’s instructions precisely and pay attention to every single comment he makes, and of course, you need to work hard.

I chose John after I decided not to go with another tutor who actually charges much more. Although not ‘cheap’ I think it speaks to his integrity that he doesn’t jack up his rates. I’m a Bar re-​taker. With MBE scores of 1533 my hurdle is ‘writing’ (especially PTs). It’s important to me that he’s a former Bar-​grader and specializes in ‘writing’. But that’s not everything if all the tutor did was tell you where your writing is poor without giving you the tools to improve.
I just had my first phone-​conference with John to review my 1^st assigned essay. (I’ll update this review after I take the Bar in Feb.) I can tell you I like that he doesn’t talk ‘down’ to you and he tells you what you need to ‘fix’ and ‘how’ to fix it… rather than merely what’s ‘wrong’ with your writing (there’s a difference). His knowledge is evident, and I’m looking forward to learning his «method» to approaching the Essays and the PT’s. I’ll update this after Feb’s Bar. Here we go…

I passed the July 2014 California Bar Examination, and I know that John Crossfield played a huge part in my success.
I contacted Mr. Crossfield in early spring because I wanted to make sure that I lined up a quality tutor for my bar prep. We exchanged a couple of emails before I made my decision to work with Mr. Crossfield. There was absolutely no pressure or heavy sales pitch. He answered my questions and was upfront about his program and price.
During the program, I had a lot of bad days. Mr. Crossfield provided me with excellent feedback and support. Since he was a bar grader, he knows exactly what a bar grader wants to see in an answer. He offered concrete ways that I could improve my writing so that my scores would be clear passing answers.
The first day of the bar, I felt defeated. I wanted to quit, and I was sure that I already failed on the first day. Mr. Crossfield emailed me and would not let me give up on myself. I really believe that his support helped me gather myself and battle the remaining two days.
Do yourself a favor and work with Mr. Crossfield. I can assure you that you will not regret it.

Like the couple entries below me, I recently passed the February 2014 California Bar Exam as a second time-​taker. John’s help while I prepared for the exam a second time was invaluable. A major weakness I had when I first took the exam was that I really did not know how to properly write an effective essay or PT. I knew the law, but my writing was too disorganized. By using John’s strategies, I was able to write concise answers to the essays and PTs that applied the facts (and inferences from those facts) to the pertinent law all within the stringent time restraints of the exam.
I used Barbri for my first time and while I believe the company does well in providing students with the black letter law of each subject, it does a very poor job of teaching you how to write for the Bar. Not only do I not remember Barbri teaching me any particular strategy for the written portion, but its reviews of my writing were woefully deficient. The reviews merely pointed out things I had missed, but did not go in depth as to how I might improve. Further, if I did not get all the pertinent issues there was no chance of me getting higher than a 60 on an essay. John, on the other hand, gave me extensive feedback and actually wrote out examples of how I could have written more effectively.
John is a former California Bar Exam grader. Thus, I trusted that the grades he gave me on my writing were what I could have expected on the actual exam. While Barbri has experience in teaching the Bar, I doubt that the person who reviewed my writing for them really understood what it took to have a successful answer to a Bar exam question. John’s feedback was fair, objective, and helpful. Based on his advice, I saw a rapid increase in my grade from my initial diagnostic with him.
John does not help students with the MBE. He does, however, recommend the use of Adaptibar, which I too would highly recommend based on the fact that it uses actual administered questions for each subject. In order to lessen the expense of paying for another Bar prep service, John does provide you with a discount code for Adaptibar.
Working with John was a pleasure. He was prompt in grading my writings (in many instances finishing earlier than his promised date) and seemed to always be available to respond to my questions via email. If I had a problem I really needed to talk through, he made himself available over the phone. John does not meet with his students face-​to-​face, which worried me a little initially. However, I found communication with him via email or phone to be effective and did not feel like I needed the face-​to-​face contact with him. He gave his students a sample schedule that served as a recommended program. Other than that, he let us work on our own, turning in our writings to him as we saw fit. John exuded positivity during the entire process and offered helpful tips when I hit a little snag in my studying. I felt comfortable with his teaching style and never felt hesitant to ask him a question.
Ultimately, I was the person who passed the Bar, but I do not think I could have done it without his help. Taking the California Bar Exam is a tall task and the most important thing John gave me was the confidence to take and pass the written portion of the exam. Having this frame of mind was so important, especially given that the exam places so much weight on the written portion (65%). I would advise people who are interested to sign up for his courses as soon as possible because I know he takes on a limited number of students. I am thankful to have been able to use his services and I believe you will be too.

I highly recommend John to help you with taking the CA Bar. I’ll preface this review by saying I was a second time taker from McGeorge, and my grades in law school were mediocre at best. So when it came to taking the Bar a second time, I was apprehensive about my chances.
John has a formula that works. John quickly assessed my weaknesses, and then went to work on tailoring his program around those problem areas. John’s method is not a Barbri one-​size-​fits-​all, although I do recommend Barbri and Bar Code (as John does) for black letter law. John will tell you exactly how to write essays and PTs – something Barbri will NOT do for you.
I will admit I was quite skeptical at times. There were days I felt I wasn’t getting enough out of John’s program, and after I took the Bar I did not feel confident about passing. After you hire John, just trust that he knows his stuff and that you will be successful. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had used John the first time. I have already recommended John to struggling 3L’s at my school so they can avoid failure on their first attempt, and of course to people from my class who have now failed twice.
Bottom line, if you want to pass hire John.