Unemployed Lawyer Planning to Move Out-of-state Unsure About Bar Issues

Answer:

In this troubling economy, where jobs are scarce, this is becoming a common concern among candidates. I applaud you for putting your career first and keeping an open mind with regard to opportunities outside of your state. Even so, many firms are hesitant to interview a candidate with little-to-no connection to their state for fear that the candidate is not serious about making a move to an unfamiliar place. One way to create a connection between you and the state in which the targeted firm exists is to become a member of that state's bar. Often times, though, it is not possible (or practical) to seek admission to every state's bar in which you have applied for a job.


Take your situation, for example. As a junior associate, you are not eligible to waive into another state's bar, so your only option is to take the state bar exam. This is a pretty big undertaking, both in terms of time and money, so it is not something a candidate can do at the drop of a hat. Plus, if you applied to firms in a number of different states, how do you decide which state's bar exam to take?
 

• See Top Ten Interview Questions for more information

If you are targeting your search in one state, then it may make sense for you to take that bar exam even if you have not secured an interview at any of the firms to which you have applied. But, if your job search covers a broad geographic location, then when asked about your bar status in a particular state, I recommend that you be honest and straight forward. Explain that while you wish you could focus your job search exclusively in this geographic location, given the economy and your need to secure employment, you do not have this luxury. Follow that up with an explanation of your connection to and interest in the specific state and offer to take the next offered bar exam. Finally, you should make every effort to explain that if you move to the city, you plan to remain there permanently.

This is certainly not a fool-proof way of convincing a firm that despite your lack of bar admission you are serious about making a move, but it is the best you can do given the current circumstances in which you find yourself. Some firms will understand why you are not barred, while others will exclude you from consideration for it. There is not much that you can do in that case-some firms are not going to take you seriously until you are admitted in their state. It is an unfortunate fact but one over which candidates have no control.

Because you are a junior associate, you cannot waive into another jurisdiction's bar. However, for more senior associates who interview with out-of-state firms, it is absolutely imperative that you research the rules of reciprocity between your current state and the target state's bar. Many states permit attorneys to waive into another state's bar if that attorney has met certain criteria (such as practicing for 5 years in a certain jurisdiction). It is absolutely imperative that you know these facts and be able to explain them in an interview. Trust me, there is nothing worse than a candidate who shows up for an interview without knowing whether he/she is eligible to waive into the specific state's bar. Moreover, it is even more convincing if you can walk into an interview and truthfully explain that you have already begun the process of seeking admission to the bar (there is usually a large amount of paperwork involved, and it can take a few months to secure admission, so the sooner you begin the process, the better). This can be expensive to do, but it certainly sends the message to a firm that you are serious about making a move into that jurisdiction.

The reality is that many firms are going to prefer candidates already admitted to the relevant state bar, and there is little that an out-of-state candidate can do to change this. But, if a firm has granted you an interview despite your lack of bar admission, then it is your job to convince the attorneys interviewing you that you are going to be admitted as soon as possible, either through waiving in or taking the next bar exam.

See Guidelines on Reciprocity or "Admission On Motion" among the States as per American Bar Association for more information.

Learn why attorneys usually fail law firm phone-screening interviews in this article:
 

• Why Most Attorneys Fail Telephone-Screening Interviews

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About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

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Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.