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[patbar0809]

Do firms give time off to prepare for the bar after graduation? What about a 3L hired as a patent agent beforehand? Also, do patent agents have less to fear about losing their job due to not passing the bar, versus others taking the bar?

[Robert K S]

I don't work for a firm and can't address most of your questions, but I'm aware of a lot of clerks who don't pass the bar and just remain on as clerks.  Even after they pass, their firm may not opt to hire them on as attorneys, so they may end up looking for other work anyway.

[Monday]

"Not passing the bar" is otherwise known as "failing."  Using the latter will save you some syllables

Whether or not a firm will give you time off completely depends on the firm.  I doubt many firms will hire someone to start after graduation, start paying them, and not expect them to do at least some work in the first two months.

If you are a patent agent and your firm is interested in hiring you as a lawyer, they will most likely give you at least some time off.

If you are a patent agent and your firm wants you to become a lawyer, you will probably not be fired for failing the bar once if you are working only in patent prosecution.  If you are working in litigation you may be fired, or may not.  If you fail twice the firm may fire you just because they see you as someone who can't 'get the job done,' regardless of whether or not you are only doing prosecution.