Applying for Job Pending Admission Forum

[WhatsUP?]

Random Question:

#1) Is it unreasonable/laughable to apply for an attorney position when you have passed the bar but your admission is pending?

The post doesn't expressly state "do not apply unless you are licensed."

Thanks

[QContinuum]

Not unreasonable at all, but if it's a small firm be aware that they may not be able to take on anyone who isn't admitted starting on day one. The larger the firm, the better your odds as the more likely they will be able to accommodate someone who isn't yet admitted.

[JOThompson]

It doesn't hurt, but government jobs (especially fed ones) often want you to actually be licensed, even if that is not an explicit requirement in the job posting. I had more success with private employers when my UBE transfer was approved but waiting for my bar number.

[Anonymous User]

Not unreasonable at all, but if it's a small firm be aware that they may not be able to take on anyone who isn't admitted starting on day one. The larger the firm, the better your odds as the more likely they will be able to accommodate someone who isn't yet admitted.

Thanks for the input. Its for a non-profit that does legal aid type services. Of course, I would be totally forthcoming about my admissions status, and while eager, I don't want to appear as though I don't understand how read or interpret the "minimum qualifications" portion of the job description. But, it is work and an opportunity that I have a demonstrated passion for.

[QContinuum]

Thanks for the input. Its for a non-profit that does legal aid type services. Of course, I would be totally forthcoming about my admissions status, and while eager, I don't want to appear as though I don't understand how read or interpret the "minimum qualifications" portion of the job description. But, it is work and an opportunity that I have a demonstrated passion for.

For legal aid type services, I'd caution against getting your hopes too high, as these nonprofits are usually run very leanly and need their lawyers to actually be lawyers, as opposed to law clerks needing to work under an admitted lawyer's supervision. But, it can't hurt to apply. Worst case, they simply toss out your application. They aren't going to hold some kind of grudge against you should you end up reapplying in the future post-admission.

Best of luck!

[WhatsUP?]

Thanks for the input. Its for a non-profit that does legal aid type services. Of course, I would be totally forthcoming about my admissions status, and while eager, I don't want to appear as though I don't understand how read or interpret the "minimum qualifications" portion of the job description. But, it is work and an opportunity that I have a demonstrated passion for.

For legal aid type services, I'd caution against getting your hopes too high, as these nonprofits are usually run very leanly and need their lawyers to actually be lawyers, as opposed to law clerks needing to work under an admitted lawyer's supervision. But, it can't hurt to apply. Worst case, they simply toss out your application. They aren't going to hold some kind of grudge against you should you end up reapplying in the future post-admission.

Best of luck!

Good point -- and thanks for the encouragement.