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Here's the story... I'm a 3L at a T14, top 1/2 of the class. I'm not really sure which bar exam I want to take yet, although looming deadlines are narrowing my options a bit. I have lived in several states and I have family connections all over the place (Colorado, California, Texas, New York, and Mass).

Now, last week I received a callback from a firm I really like. It's a pretty good size firm in Massachusetts, and they're flying me out there in a couple weeks. But after doing some research, I realized I have a problem. The deadline to apply for the bar in Mass has not yet passed, but alas, I am ineligible to sit for the Mass bar. This is because I have not yet taken the MPRE, and Massachusetts is one of the 4 states that requires the MPRE before you sit for the bar (I'm an idiot and I did not see this coming. I was planning on taking the MPRE in August). And the deadline to sign up for the April MPRE has passed.

So what do I do? Call them and tell them I can't take the bar, but I'm willing to take the bar in a neighboring state (where they also have offices), and that I could take the Mass bar in February? I feel like I should bring it up before the interview.

What does it matter for a first year associate anyway? I've heard of people failing the bar and firms giving them a second chance while keeping them on as a type of clerk (although I'm sure it's rare). My classmates' answers are all over the place. I've even asked a couple profs and their answers are inconsistent too. Does a first year associate really need to have a license (in the relevant state) during the first 6 months or so?

Contact the Mass Board of Bar Examiners: http://www.mass.gov/bbe/

Bikeflip wrote:Contact the Mass Board of Bar Examiners: http://www.mass.gov/bbe/

From what I understand, it's pretty strict. They won't budge on the MPRE requirement.

Anonymous User wrote:

Bikeflip wrote:Contact the Mass Board of Bar Examiners: http://www.mass.gov/bbe/

From what I understand, it's pretty strict. They won't budge on the MPRE requirement.

I'd imagine they wouldn't, but my concern was more about this part:

Anonymous User wrote:Does a first year associate really need to have a license (in the relevant state) during the first 6 months or so?

In other words, call a neutral and reputable source to figure out the nuances of state-specific practice.

Don't bring it up unless they ask

Don't ding yourself

rad lulz wrote:Don't bring it up unless they ask

Don't ding yourself

So then if they make an offer it's "by the way.... I can't take the Mass bar". Seems like if they might have been willing to consider working something out with me, they would be a little turned off by that. I would think I should be upfront about it.

Anonymous User wrote:

rad lulz wrote:Don't bring it up unless they ask

Don't ding yourself

So then if they make an offer it's "by the way.... I can't take the Mass bar". Seems like if they might have been willing to consider working something out with me, they would be a little turned off by that. I would think I should be upfront about it.

They'll probably ask before they give you an offer

Come up with a good story unique to your situation

But don't ding yourself by bringing it up