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I just got my official offer letter yesterday from my 2L SA firm but there was no mention of whether they will provide a stipend or pay for a bar course, though it said the offer is contingent upon taking the bar in July. The firm is V50 and the salary is market (though even in the offer they couldn't confirm what the salary will be for my class), so I'm kind of surprised there was no mention of this. Do you think it's safe to say the firm doesn't cover these costs? Did other people with offers get info like this in their offer or is it common not to get this info in the offer letter?

I just checked my offer letter (from a few years back), and it didn't mention a bar course or stipend, but my firm paid for the bar courses and gave salary advances and paid for moving fees. Assuming you're going to take the offer regardless, just ask recruiting. Honestly, most big firms pay for bar classes, so if you don't feel comfortable asking (or don't want to bother them during this busy time of year) I think it's safe to assume they're going to pay. If the firm does reimburse/pay for bar courses, they'll reach out to you regarding their process, probably in early 2020.

You just need to call, ask them if they are ready for what you are about to say, and tell them to show you the money. Then, to make sure they understand, make sure they repeat it back to you.

This wouldn't be in the offer letter. It may not even be set yet -- you might get that information near the end of 3L year.

But if you're curious, just ask HR about benefits (moving, bar exam, stipend, etc., costs) and they'll have an answer for you.

justanotherlurker wrote:This wouldn't be in the offer letter. It may not even be set yet -- you might get that information near the end of 3L year.

But if you're curious, just ask HR about benefits (moving, bar exam, stipend, etc., costs) and they'll have an answer for you.

That’s not necessarily true for every firm. OP, my SA offer letter (V50, major market) had salary and all benefits (moving expense, bar exam, stipend, health insurance, etc.) listed. I would recommend asking HR or recruiting, if you feel comfortable doing so.

papermateflair wrote:I just checked my offer letter (from a few years back), and it didn't mention a bar course or stipend, but my firm paid for the bar courses and gave salary advances and paid for moving fees. Assuming you're going to take the offer regardless, just ask recruiting. Honestly, most big firms pay for bar classes, so if you don't feel comfortable asking (or don't want to bother them during this busy time of year) I think it's safe to assume they're going to pay. If the firm does reimburse/pay for bar courses, they'll reach out to you regarding their process, probably in early 2020.

Above is TCR. Just pulled up my old offer letter and it was also silent re: bar course/moving reimbursement/salary advance/etc. (but firm paid for all of it). Your recruiting contact (or HR generally, if you don't have a specific contact) won't hold it against you for asking politely.

Just don't make the mistake of asking any attorneys at the firm. They won't know.

Sorry to hijack, just wondering if anybody can comment on whether it's usual for a firm to cover the bar prep expenses after you've already purchased the prep course (got an offer from the firm about two weeks into bar prep). I suppose I can ask HR but just wanted to know whether it's a stupid question or not.

Thanks

Anonymous User wrote:Sorry to hijack, just wondering if anybody can comment on whether it's usual for a firm to cover the bar prep expenses after you've already purchased the prep course (got an offer from the firm about two weeks into bar prep). I suppose I can ask HR but just wanted to know whether it's a stupid question or not.

Thanks

It depends, but probably. Just ask HR.
Some firms have pre-negotiated packages with a certain company; if you picked the wrong company, you might be out of luck, but they also might make an exception. Some firms just give you a $10k or $15k stipend to do whatever you want with.

Anonymous User wrote:Sorry to hijack, just wondering if anybody can comment on whether it's usual for a firm to cover the bar prep expenses after you've already purchased the prep course (got an offer from the firm about two weeks into bar prep). I suppose I can ask HR but just wanted to know whether it's a stupid question or not.

Thanks

This is pretty common, I think - I know lots of bar prep companies will give you a "special deal" if you sign up as a 1L or whatever, so lots of folks will have end up already having paid for their bar courses before even landing a summer associate gig. If you're still in law school, then your firm will almost certainly reimburse you, just ask HR.

If you're lateralling, that's different - lots of firms won't pay for your bar courses if you're voluntarily moving states. But check with HR anyway, you might be lucky.