# Ashley: The Realities of Retaking the Bar Exam

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/legally-ponzaneli-7758293/ashley-the-realities-of-retaking-the-bar-exam
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/legally-ponzaneli-7758293/ashley-the-realities-of-retaking-the-bar-exam.md
Podcast: [Legally Ponzaneli](https://stenobird.com/podcast/legally-ponzaneli-7758293)
Published: 2026-06-11T07:25:40+00:00
Episode link: https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/748b950eded5064e7c8f431e102880b0ed1027111d340ef8ba85b11c4aef0963/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiI5OTNhMjA4Zi01NzNjLTQxYjUtOGYzZi1hNDgwNTE5MzFhYzYiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiI1NGQ5MWIzNC01NDQzLTQ5MGUtYTBlZS04MTE0NDIwODgwODQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OWEzYzJhMzI3MTdiYWIxOTRmNWJjOTUiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNmEyODZlMjlmNDdjZDc4ZmViNWExNDAzL3N0ZXBoYW5pZS1wb256YW5lbGlzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTYtOV9fMjEtNDgtNTcubXAzIn0=.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/legally-ponzaneli-7758293/episodes/ashley-the-realities-of-retaking-the-bar-exam
Duration seconds: 3788

## Resource

In this episode, Ashley Acha shares her journey to becoming a first-generation attorney and the challenges she faced along the way. From navigating law school during COVID and balancing the emotional toll of retaking the bar exam, Ashley opens up about the realities of pursuing a legal career when you're figuring it out as you go. We discuss the stigma and isolation many bar exam retakers experience, the importance of mentorship and community, and how learning to trust herself helped Ashley keep moving forward despite setbacks. Her story is one of resilience, perseverance, and what it really takes to achieve your goals. Ashley ultimately passed the bar exam in February 2026 and is now beginning her career as an attorney! Whether you're in law school, studying for the bar exam, retaking the exam, or simply looking for inspiration, Ashley's story is a reminder that success doesn't always come on the first try. Follow us on social media, support the show, and never miss an episode: https://linktr.ee/legallyponzaneli Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with a future attorney who needs to hear this story. Kaplan Bar Prep Discount: Use code PASSWITHPONZ to save an additional $100 off Kaplan Bar Prep , and it stacks with current promotions and sales!

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## Transcript

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