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I'm considering applying to a fedgov position that requires bar membership. I just graduated, but the agency is in an insanely niche area that I have experience in. Is it worth it to apply, or is the bar membership requirement really something absolutely mandatory?

If its on USAjobs it should say something like all requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and if it does, then HR won't pass along your application if you're not a bar member by the closing date. HR on USAjobs is pretty strict.

bump

starchinkilt is correct. The first people who see an application from USAJobs are disinterested HR folks (often contractors, depending on the agency) who are just checking to make sure all the boxes are checked. If bar admission is required, that box won't get checked, and your application will be summarily rejected. It will never make it to someone who might care about your dedication to whatever niche area you're in. Look into Honors programs for stuff that is open to recent grads.

If it's a listing somewhere else and you're sending something to a particular person, you might have some more leeway, but know that such jobs are frequently already spoken for and the listing is just a formality.