Will not taking NY Bar hurt NJ job prospects... Forum

[j1987]

I am from NJ, went to an NJ law school. I have NO desire to ever work in New York. I have friends like this that are not taking the NY bar and friends like this that are taking the NY bar. I really do not want to take the NY bar, and I am curious if not taking the NY bar will substantially hurt my job prospects. I'm really only taking it because of reciprocity issues and because I feel that it will hurt my job prospects if I don't, but I don't know if this feeling is unfounded.

I already secured a clerkship for this upcoming year, so I did not graduate jobless. The clerkship is in NJ. I am looking to go private firm afterwards. Again, only intend on working at a New Jersey private firm. I asked my school's career center about taking NY bar and job prospects, and they told me they didn't have an answer for me (no, I'm not kidding).

So… thoughts?

[j1987]

bump… anyone?

[NYSprague]

You will be cutting yourself off from the biggest employers and the most law firms in the region.

I have no idea if any New Jersey firm will care.

Why are you so vehemently opposed to taking the bar or working in New York?

[j1987]

You will be cutting yourself off from the biggest employers and the most law firms in the region.

I have no idea if any New Jersey firm will care.

Why are you so vehemently opposed to taking the bar or working in New York?

I just have no desire to make that commute everyday. I was born and raised in New Jersey, and I intend on living and working here. I don't know why I have to have a reason that I don't want to work in New York. I don't like the city, I'm not a city person. Some people wouldn't want to work in New Jersey or Massachusetts or wherever. I have a lot of ties in New Jersey. I will probably end up taking the NY bar - I've already started studying for it and registered for it. I was just wondering if not taking it would make a huge impact on my ability to find a job in New Jersey after I clerk.

[NYSprague]

You will be cutting yourself off from the biggest employers and the most law firms in the region.

I have no idea if any New Jersey firm will care.

Why are you so vehemently opposed to taking the bar or working in New York?

I just have no desire to make that commute everyday. I was born and raised in New Jersey, and I intend on living and working here. I don't know why I have to have a reason that I don't want to work in New York. I don't like the city, I'm not a city person. Some people wouldn't want to work in New Jersey or Massachusetts or wherever. I have a lot of ties in New Jersey. I will probably end up taking the NY bar - I've already started studying for it and registered for it. I was just wondering if not taking it would make a huge impact on my ability to find a job in New Jersey after I clerk.

Oh, don't know the answer to that. I was just not sure why you would want to make sure you couldn't work in New York, in case you can only get a job there.