Should I mention I took the Bar Exam early during Interview? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I am a currently 3L who struck out during OCI but has managed to land a couple callbacks next week with a midsized firm and boutique which both essentially match big law salaries. I took the February Bar Exam instead of waiting until after law school merely because my class schedule was filled empty space such as free law review credits and writing courses where the final paper, which i wasn't going to start until now anyway, is due at the end of the semester. So I had a ton of free time to study everyday.

Anyway, I was considering not mentioning I took the feb bar exam and just going along with the conventional wisdom/assumption that I would be taking it in July just in case the results don't go my way and if they do just sorta saying, "surprise! I lied lol I was just being superstitious." Would I look like a total idiot in the latter situation and make this a bigger deal than it needs to be or would everyone at firm shrug their shoulders because all their care about is results?

[QContinuum]

If these are BigLaw-level firms, I don't think you gain any advantage by drawing attention to the fact that you sat for the February bar. At that level, all they care about is that you're barred within ~a year of starting. If it comes up - like you get asked about your bar study plans - you should certainly be honest. Just say casually that you actually took it in February. There's no need to make a big deal out of it. Definitely don't lie about planning to take the bar in July.

If these are more midlaw/SmallLaw firms, then I think you stand to gain significant advantage by drawing attention to the fact that you'll likely be barred a half-year earlier than your fellow spring 2019 graduates. Small law firms especially are concerned about having junior attorneys be admitted asap.

[2013]

I wouldn’t mention it because they may try to get out of paying you a bar stipend.

[QContinuum]

I wouldn’t mention it because they may try to get out of paying you a bar stipend.

If it's BigLaw, I agree that OP shouldn't proactively mention it. There's simply no advantage to be gained by doing so. But to be clear, I absolutely don't think OP should lie about taking the bar in July (as they seem to be considering).

[2013]

I wouldn’t mention it because they may try to get out of paying you a bar stipend.

If it's BigLaw, I agree that OP shouldn't proactively mention it. There's simply no advantage to be gained by doing so. But to be clear, I absolutely don't think OP should lie about taking the bar in July (as they seem to be considering).

Totally agree. OP shouldn’t lie if asked. Also, even if a midsize firm pays first years like biglaw, you should know if it’s comparable to biglaw. Use your judgment or ask someone who may know.

Midsize firms do like not having to worry about whether their new hire will pass the bar.