Worth it to travel to NY to take UBE? Forum

[Michele_Ed]

I am obviously an out-of-stater planning to take the NY bar.

I am having a hard time deciding whether to take the UBE in my home state and then do a transfer to NY or go to NY and take it there.

Is it worth it to travel to NYC / Albany / Buffalo to take it in NY despite the travel / accommodation cost?

I wonder what the benefits of doing that could be -- is the transfer process (e.g. documentation filing) burdensome & time-consuming?

Anyone with insight please help me decide.

[QContinuum]

You will need to pay an extra $250 (assuming you have a U.S. J.D.; it's an extra $750 if you attended law school abroad) to transfer your UBE score to NY. This is, of course, in addition to whatever you need to pay to take the UBE in your home state. Also consider whether your home state requires you to go through C&F pre-exam - if so, you'd save quite a bit of hassle going to NY to take the UBE, as then you wouldn't need to go through two separate C&F reviews. (NY does C&F post-exam.)

If it's just the $250 difference, up to you - if taking the exam in your home state is much more convenient, may be worth taking it there. Bear in mind that as an out-of-stater, it's likely that you won't get to select NYC or White Plains as your test site (folks who earned their J.D. at a NY state law school get priority and NYC is always popular, and those who don't get NYC then often select White Plains). So you should be prepared to go to Albany or Buffalo.

[Michele_Ed]

You will need to pay an extra $250 (assuming you have a U.S. J.D.; it's an extra $750 if you attended law school abroad) to transfer your UBE score to NY. This is, of course, in addition to whatever you need to pay to take the UBE in your home state. Also consider whether your home state requires you to go through C&F pre-exam - if so, you'd save quite a bit of hassle going to NY to take the UBE, as then you wouldn't need to go through two separate C&F reviews. (NY does C&F post-exam.)

If it's just the $250 difference, up to you - if taking the exam in your home state is much more convenient, may be worth taking it there. Bear in mind that as an out-of-stater, it's likely that you won't get to select NYC or White Plains as your test site (folks who earned their J.D. at a NY state law school get priority and NYC is always popular, and those who don't get NYC then often select White Plains). So you should be prepared to go to Albany or Buffalo.

I am currently a 3L so would be paying $250 -- either to take the UBE in NY or to do the transfer later on.
Also, I am prepared to go to Albany or Buffalo -- thinking about choosing Albany over Buffalo for no particular reason.
Some of these associated costs (in particular, the fee to take my first UBE in any state) will be covered by my firm so that is not a huge issue, although I am realizing the travel/accommodation cost to go to Albany or Buffalo (and not NYC) is somewhat high.
I did not know that NY does C&F post-exam so that is another thing to keep in mind. Thanks.

[Cop2lawyerNYC]

Also, how quickly are you looking to get admitted? NY doesn’t release bar exam results until late October. You can take the UBE that releases it earlier (I believe Wisconsin releases it in mid September) and get a jump on the admission process.
If you’re on the borderline, might also be a good idea to take the UBE in a 260 state. This way even if you fall short by a few points you’ll have a law license somewhere

[QContinuum]

Also, how quickly are you looking to get admitted? NY doesn’t release bar exam results until late October. You can take the UBE that releases it earlier (I believe Wisconsin releases it in mid September) and get a jump on the admission process.
If you’re on the borderline, might also be a good idea to take the UBE in a 260 state. This way even if you fall short by a few points you’ll have a law license somewhere

Presumably OP is looking to practice law in New York, so getting a 260 in a 260 state wouldn't really help them as NY would still not consider that 260 to be passing. I'd just do it in NY.

OP will be working at a (presumably) fairly large firm (I assume, since it's going to cover her bar fees), so the slightly longer wait to get scores in NY shouldn't be an issue for them.

[Michele_Ed]

Also, how quickly are you looking to get admitted? NY doesn’t release bar exam results until late October. You can take the UBE that releases it earlier (I believe Wisconsin releases it in mid September) and get a jump on the admission process.
If you’re on the borderline, might also be a good idea to take the UBE in a 260 state. This way even if you fall short by a few points you’ll have a law license somewhere

Presumably OP is looking to practice law in New York, so getting a 260 in a 260 state wouldn't really help them as NY would still not consider that 260 to be passing. I'd just do it in NY.

OP will be working at a (presumably) fairly large firm (I assume, since it's going to cover her bar fees), so the slightly longer wait to get scores in NY shouldn't be an issue for them.

You are partly correct - yes, it's a large firm but not in NY - but for a number of reasons, the firm "strongly recommends" that I get admitted in NY.

Although it would be (a bit) reassuring to take the UBE in a 260 state (and yes, I am currently in one), I would eventually need to do a transfer to NY since that is what my firm is "recommending."

Also, the firm recommends that I get admitted (i.e. to any bar) by March 2020 -- it might be too late for me to get admitted in NY by March if I transfer my July 2019 score... Again, I am not aware of how much time the entire process requires. I can, even if I take the UBE in a 260 state, get the application materials together ASAP and submit it sooner than many of those who take the UBE in NY, but there is a risk that NY won't allow me to be sworn in during the January ceremonies...or will they? I wouldn't know to what extent NYB treats a transfer applicant differently from those who took the UBE in NY in that respect.

So, while slightly leaning toward traveling to NY to take the UBE, I am still thinking about what to do -- I have to admit the post-exam C&F is very much appealing.

[Cop2lawyerNYC]

Also, how quickly are you looking to get admitted? NY doesn’t release bar exam results until late October. You can take the UBE that releases it earlier (I believe Wisconsin releases it in mid September) and get a jump on the admission process.
If you’re on the borderline, might also be a good idea to take the UBE in a 260 state. This way even if you fall short by a few points you’ll have a law license somewhere

Presumably OP is looking to practice law in New York, so getting a 260 in a 260 state wouldn't really help them as NY would still not consider that 260 to be passing. I'd just do it in NY.

OP will be working at a (presumably) fairly large firm (I assume, since it's going to cover her bar fees), so the slightly longer wait to get scores in NY shouldn't be an issue for them.

You are partly correct - yes, it's a large firm but not in NY - but for a number of reasons, the firm "strongly recommends" that I get admitted in NY.

Although it would be (a bit) reassuring to take the UBE in a 260 state (and yes, I am currently in one), I would eventually need to do a transfer to NY since that is what my firm is "recommending."

Also, the firm recommends that I get admitted (i.e. to any bar) by March 2020 -- it might be too late for me to get admitted in NY by March if I transfer my July 2019 score... Again, I am not aware of how much time the entire process requires. I can, even if I take the UBE in a 260 state, get the application materials together ASAP and submit it sooner than many of those who take the UBE in NY, but there is a risk that NY won't allow me to be sworn in during the January ceremonies...or will they? I wouldn't know to what extent NYB treats a transfer applicant differently from those who took the UBE in NY in that respect.

So, while slightly leaning toward traveling to NY to take the UBE, I am still thinking about what to do -- I have to admit the post-exam C&F is very much appealing.

It appears that applications are processed on a first come basis. Also, just bec you sit for the NY bar doesn’t mean you get fast tracked either. I took the bar in NY J 18’ and I’m still waiting for my interview. Meanwhile I applied to NJ as a transfer and I’ve been admitted there for close to 2 months now (and I’ve been admitted in NJ District court for over a month).
Finally, getting your results 1.5 months earlier can be a stress reliever....
Whatever you decide get your NYLE and mpre done as soon as you can so you’re not worrying about these things post exam

[QContinuum]

Whatever you decide get your NYLE and mpre done as soon as you can so you’re not worrying about these things post exam

Great advice. OP, if you haven't done those two already, absolutely knock them out pronto. Both can be taken pre-bar, and both can be taken in any state with no need to transfer scores. For the NYLE, be aware that you're required to complete the NYLC videos (not difficult, but it takes a solid 15 hours) a whole month prior to the NYLE administration you want to sign up for, so try and get a head start on that.

[Michele_Ed]

Whatever you decide get your NYLE and mpre done as soon as you can so you’re not worrying about these things post exam

Great advice. OP, if you haven't done those two already, absolutely knock them out pronto. Both can be taken pre-bar, and both can be taken in any state with no need to transfer scores. For the NYLE, be aware that you're required to complete the NYLC videos (not difficult, but it takes a solid 15 hours) a whole month prior to the NYLE administration you want to sign up for, so try and get a head start on that.

Took MPRE, got 120, probably put too much time & effort into it -- I was just nervous about it.
As for NYLE, the deadline for March exam was yesterday so my option now is to take it in June or September. I wouldn't want to take it in June and I guess it would make sense to take it in September (which was my original plan), especially if the UBE results are going to come out late October.

Thanks for all the advice.

[team slug]

Bear in mind that as an out-of-stater, it's likely that you won't get to select NYC or White Plains as your test site (folks who earned their J.D. at a NY state law school get priority and NYC is always popular, and those who don't get NYC then often select White Plains). So you should be prepared to go to Albany or Buffalo.

They changed this rule--it is now first come, first serve regardless of where you live or went to law school. They send you an email on some unspecified date/time around 2 months before the exam with a link to register for your test site, and you can register for whichever site is available. See http://www.nybarexam.org/examsites/examsites.htmv

I'm admitted to CA Bar, live in CA, and went to law school in CA--I just so happened to be checking my email when the test site email came in and I was able to select NYC. That said, I've been told Buffalo is the "nicest" location but if you're taking in February it's also the coldest.

[QContinuum]

Bear in mind that as an out-of-stater, it's likely that you won't get to select NYC or White Plains as your test site (folks who earned their J.D. at a NY state law school get priority and NYC is always popular, and those who don't get NYC then often select White Plains). So you should be prepared to go to Albany or Buffalo.

They changed this rule--it is now first come, first serve regardless of where you live or went to law school. They send you an email on some unspecified date/time around 2 months before the exam with a link to register for your test site, and you can register for whichever site is available. See http://www.nybarexam.org/examsites/examsites.htmv

I'm admitted to CA Bar, live in CA, and went to law school in CA--I just so happened to be checking my email when the test site email came in and I was able to select NYC. That said, I've been told Buffalo is the "nicest" location but if you're taking in February it's also the coldest.

The sole advantage of the NYC site - the Armory - is the location in NYC. The actual test site sucks, and I've never heard any dissenting opinions on that. Supposedly Saratoga Springs is the best site, but I wouldn't be surprised if Buffalo is also pretty good.

The current priority rule is that "[f]irst-time applicants who graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from a New York State law school will be given the first opportunity to select a seat assignment. All other applicants will then be given the opportunity to select from the remaining available seats. Out-of-state and out-of-country residents should expect to select between Albany and Buffalo (and Saratoga Springs for a July administration)." See https://www.nybarexam.org/TheBar/NYBarE ... nGuide.pdf This is a change from the old priority rule which based assignments on applicants' residential address. It remains possible under the current rule (as it was under the old rule) for an out-of-stater to land NYC. We've seen examples of this from other TLSers. It's just that out-of-staters should be prepared to travel to Albany or Buffalo, as the odds aren't that great that they'll get NYC.

[lolabear727]

Also, how quickly are you looking to get admitted? NY doesn’t release bar exam results until late October. You can take the UBE that releases it earlier (I believe Wisconsin releases it in mid September) and get a jump on the admission process.
If you’re on the borderline, might also be a good idea to take the UBE in a 260 state. This way even if you fall short by a few points you’ll have a law license somewhere

Presumably OP is looking to practice law in New York, so getting a 260 in a 260 state wouldn't really help them as NY would still not consider that 260 to be passing. I'd just do it in NY.

OP will be working at a (presumably) fairly large firm (I assume, since it's going to cover her bar fees), so the slightly longer wait to get scores in NY shouldn't be an issue for them.

You are partly correct - yes, it's a large firm but not in NY - but for a number of reasons, the firm "strongly recommends" that I get admitted in NY.

Although it would be (a bit) reassuring to take the UBE in a 260 state (and yes, I am currently in one), I would eventually need to do a transfer to NY since that is what my firm is "recommending."

Also, the firm recommends that I get admitted (i.e. to any bar) by March 2020 -- it might be too late for me to get admitted in NY by March if I transfer my July 2019 score... Again, I am not aware of how much time the entire process requires. I can, even if I take the UBE in a 260 state, get the application materials together ASAP and submit it sooner than many of those who take the UBE in NY, but there is a risk that NY won't allow me to be sworn in during the January ceremonies...or will they? I wouldn't know to what extent NYB treats a transfer applicant differently from those who took the UBE in NY in that respect.

So, while slightly leaning toward traveling to NY to take the UBE, I am still thinking about what to do -- I have to admit the post-exam C&F is very much appealing.

It appears that applications are processed on a first come basis. Also, just bec you sit for the NY bar doesn’t mean you get fast tracked either. I took the bar in NY J 18’ and I’m still waiting for my interview. Meanwhile I applied to NJ as a transfer and I’ve been admitted there for close to 2 months now (and I’ve been admitted in NJ District court for over a month).
Finally, getting your results 1.5 months earlier can be a stress reliever....
Whatever you decide get your NYLE and mpre done as soon as you can so you’re not worrying about these things post exam

CoptoLawyer - would you recommend taking NJ UBE over NY UBE July 2019? If it is taking you that long for NY to even admit you, seems like I'd rather just try to waive in from NJ and just be admitted to NJ first. I am already admitted to FL, but that helps none..

[Cop2lawyerNYC]

Also, how quickly are you looking to get admitted? NY doesn’t release bar exam results until late October. You can take the UBE that releases it earlier (I believe Wisconsin releases it in mid September) and get a jump on the admission process.
If you’re on the borderline, might also be a good idea to take the UBE in a 260 state. This way even if you fall short by a few points you’ll have a law license somewhere

Presumably OP is looking to practice law in New York, so getting a 260 in a 260 state wouldn't really help them as NY would still not consider that 260 to be passing. I'd just do it in NY.

OP will be working at a (presumably) fairly large firm (I assume, since it's going to cover her bar fees), so the slightly longer wait to get scores in NY shouldn't be an issue for them.

You are partly correct - yes, it's a large firm but not in NY - but for a number of reasons, the firm "strongly recommends" that I get admitted in NY.

Although it would be (a bit) reassuring to take the UBE in a 260 state (and yes, I am currently in one), I would eventually need to do a transfer to NY since that is what my firm is "recommending."

Also, the firm recommends that I get admitted (i.e. to any bar) by March 2020 -- it might be too late for me to get admitted in NY by March if I transfer my July 2019 score... Again, I am not aware of how much time the entire process requires. I can, even if I take the UBE in a 260 state, get the application materials together ASAP and submit it sooner than many of those who take the UBE in NY, but there is a risk that NY won't allow me to be sworn in during the January ceremonies...or will they? I wouldn't know to what extent NYB treats a transfer applicant differently from those who took the UBE in NY in that respect.

So, while slightly leaning toward traveling to NY to take the UBE, I am still thinking about what to do -- I have to admit the post-exam C&F is very much appealing.

It appears that applications are processed on a first come basis. Also, just bec you sit for the NY bar doesn’t mean you get fast tracked either. I took the bar in NY J 18’ and I’m still waiting for my interview. Meanwhile I applied to NJ as a transfer and I’ve been admitted there for close to 2 months now (and I’ve been admitted in NJ District court for over a month).
Finally, getting your results 1.5 months earlier can be a stress reliever....
Whatever you decide get your NYLE and mpre done as soon as you can so you’re not worrying about these things post exam

CoptoLawyer - would you recommend taking NJ UBE over NY UBE July 2019? If it is taking you that long for NY to even admit you, seems like I'd rather just try to waive in from NJ and just be admitted to NJ first. I am already admitted to FL, but that helps none..

If you’re already barred, then I’d just wait on NY—especially if it’s the NY license you need. NY and NJ release results at the same time. If you’re really looking for a nice heads up—like getting results a month-and-a-half early—then take MN.

[b290]

I am obviously an out-of-stater planning to take the NY bar.

I am having a hard time deciding whether to take the UBE in my home state and then do a transfer to NY or go to NY and take it there.

Is it worth it to travel to NYC / Albany / Buffalo to take it in NY despite the travel / accommodation cost?

I wonder what the benefits of doing that could be -- is the transfer process (e.g. documentation filing) burdensome & time-consuming?

Anyone with insight please help me decide.

As others have stated, it’d be better to take it elsewhere. Were you to take the exam in NY:

- If you want to do a UBE transfer to your home state - unless you’re in ND, it’ll be much more expensive. For the 260 states, it’ll cost around a $1000 to do the UBE transfer. You’d also be beholden to NY’s later release date, as even the second state has to wait for the score. So then you wouldn’t be licensed in 2 states because NY doesn’t release until the end of October.

- In order for you to meet your “licensed by March 2020 deadline,” you’d need to basically submit your NY C&F app at the same time as the NY exam application - and that’s presuming you’re taking the exam in July 2019. That effectively eliminates the “post-exam C&F benefit” you’ve mentioned.

Presuming you’re insistent on a NY license, taking the UBE elsewhere = a second C&F application. Is it an extra pain? Yes. But just tell your references beforehand that they’ll get contacted by 2 C&F investigators (as opposed to one) - most will understand. As for yourself, get very familiar with both applications, what they ask for, and their requirements. It’s doable but you need to be on top of everything to avoid even the slightest delay. You might as well start today.

UBE transfer applicants pay the same fees as NY test takers. Domestic test-taker applications get no faster processing than those transferring their UBE scores. I don’t see the point in going through the extra agita of traveling to NY for an exam (w/ the later score release date). It’s especially not worth it when you can take the same UBE in your home state, file some concurrent paperwork, and get the same NY license (albeit later) while becoming an attorney (in your home state) earlier.

My $.02

[Michele_Ed]

I am obviously an out-of-stater planning to take the NY bar.

I am having a hard time deciding whether to take the UBE in my home state and then do a transfer to NY or go to NY and take it there.

Is it worth it to travel to NYC / Albany / Buffalo to take it in NY despite the travel / accommodation cost?

I wonder what the benefits of doing that could be -- is the transfer process (e.g. documentation filing) burdensome & time-consuming?

Anyone with insight please help me decide.

As others have stated, it’d be better to take it elsewhere. Were you to take the exam in NY:

- If you want to do a UBE transfer to your home state - unless you’re in ND, it’ll be much more expensive. For the 260 states, it’ll cost around a $1000 to do the UBE transfer. You’d also be beholden to NY’s later release date, as even the second state has to wait for the score. So then you wouldn’t be licensed in 2 states because NY doesn’t release until the end of October.

- In order for you to meet your “licensed by March 2020 deadline,” you’d need to basically submit your NY C&F app at the same time as the NY exam application - and that’s presuming you’re taking the exam in July 2019. That effectively eliminates the “post-exam C&F benefit” you’ve mentioned.

Presuming you’re insistent on a NY license, taking the UBE elsewhere = a second C&F application. Is it an extra pain? Yes. But just tell your references beforehand that they’ll get contacted by 2 C&F investigators (as opposed to one) - most will understand. As for yourself, get very familiar with both applications, what they ask for, and their requirements. It’s doable but you need to be on top of everything to avoid even the slightest delay. You might as well start today.

UBE transfer applicants pay the same fees as NY test takers. Domestic test-taker applications get no faster processing than those transferring their UBE scores. I don’t see the point in going through the extra agita of traveling to NY for an exam (w/ the later score release date). It’s especially not worth it when you can take the same UBE in your home state, file some concurrent paperwork, and get the same NY license (albeit later) while becoming an attorney (in your home state) earlier.

My $.02

This is great advice. Thanks a million.