What should I tell an interviewer about my bar? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Since I didn't have any jobs lined up as a 3L and I am geographically mobile, I decided to take the UBE. (Feb bar) Now a firm that is located in the state where my law school is also in wants to interview me. I am not originally from the USA so basically I have no ties anywhere in the US except a few friends (not from law school) across the country from the West to East Coast.

What should I tell the interviewers why I take the UBE, instead of the local bar, without telling my no job story and by avoiding giving the impressions of flight risks?

I don't mind taking that state's bar in July, since the MBE portion is transferrable.

[Anonymous User]

Do you even have to disclose that you are taking the UBE or bar of a different state? Or did you mention that on your personal statement in your application to that firm? Since you don't mind taking the summer bar for that state, just say that is the exam you plan on taking.

[Anonymous User]

Do you even have to disclose that you are taking the UBE or bar of a different state? Or did you mention that on your personal statement in your application to that firm? Since you don't mind taking the summer bar for that state, just say that is the exam you plan on taking.

OP. I didn't mention that I am taking the UBE in February so I thought about that option too. But between April (when the bar result comes out) and October (July bar result), I can't work as an attorney, right? Since there is a 2 month probation period (starting with a law clerk), I guess that without any bar admission during those six months, I won't get paid an attorney salary, or at least a significantly reduced pay. I must say that I don't have a lot of leverages in the job market (on top of the fact that the firm needs to sponsor my visa).

And I should disclose my UBE admission at some point if I continue to work at that firm, right?

Lastly, there is little plausible explanation about why I graduated in December and then take the bar in July, not in February.

I don't know.. what do ya'all think?

[elendinel]

I don't get why UBE/local bar matters; if you had a job, it could have been somewhere other than where your school is located, anyway.

And I don't really think it's realistic to expect to go through the interview and not get asked about where else you're applying, but maybe that's just me.

I think your real concern is, as you said, having no leverage going into this interview (no other offers, sounds like no other interviews, etc.); not where you registered for the bar. So I don't know that I'd be worrying about higher salaries at this point, if I were you. You still need to secure a job offer at a place that will sponsor you, first; then you can worry about things such as salary/etc.

[Anonymous User]

I don't get why UBE/local bar matters; if you had a job, it could have been somewhere other than where your school is located, anyway.

It's a local boutique firm that pays a market salary and every single attorney at the firm is admitted to that local bar. I am worried about giving the impression of no ties, flight risks, etc.

[2014]

Do you even have to disclose that you are taking the UBE or bar of a different state? Or did you mention that on your personal statement in your application to that firm? Since you don't mind taking the summer bar for that state, just say that is the exam you plan on taking.

OP. I didn't mention that I am taking the UBE in February so I thought about that option too. But between April (when the bar result comes out) and October (July bar result), I can't work as an attorney, right? Since there is a 2 month probation period (starting with a law clerk), I guess that without any bar admission during those six months, I won't get paid an attorney salary, or at least a significantly reduced pay. I must say that I don't have a lot of leverages in the job market (on top of the fact that the firm needs to sponsor my visa).

And I should disclose my UBE admission at some point if I continue to work at that firm, right?

Lastly, there is little plausible explanation about why I graduated in December and then take the bar in July, not in February.

I don't know.. what do ya'all think?

Firms in states where bar results come out after their associate start dates (e.g. NY and CA amongst others) regularly employ small armies of law clerks at an associate salary. Your situation is different because you are still searching but where are you drumming up these probationary rules and policies on employment? They seem totally off base from reality unless I'm missing something.