We all know the importance of being truthful on our resumes, however I frequently see resumes from foreign-trained students/attorneys who have inadvertently misstated their bar credentials. Potential employers make very specific assumptions about your bar status depending on the language you use to describe it, and it is critical that you be aware of these assumptions to avoid any appearance of dishonesty.
It is helpful to first briefly discuss the various steps that lead to bar admission in New York state:
- Intent to sit for the bar examination; request advance evaluation of eligibility to sit for the bar examination (required for all foreign-trained applicants).
- Register for, take, and pass MPRE (may be taken at any time prior to #5 below).
- Register for bar examination.
- Take and pass the bar examination.
- Character and fitness evaluation.
- Swearing in.
- Maintenance of good standing.
Now, let's discuss some common language that might appear on a resume, and what an employer assumes upon reading that language.
"Bar Admission: New York (2000)"
This statement means that you have passed the bar examination, passed the character and fitness evaluation, been sworn in, and you are in good standing. Do not state that you are admitted unless all of these things are true.
"Bar Admission: New York (pending)"
This is where I see students go awry most frequently. "Pending" in bar admission speak does not mean that you intend to sit for the bar examination or that you are registered for the bar examination, or even that you have taken the bar examination and are awaiting results. The terminology you should use is as follows:
This is where I see students go awry most frequently. "Pending" in bar admission speak does not mean that you intend to sit for the bar examination or that you are registered for the bar examination, or even that you have taken the bar examination and are awaiting results. The terminology you should use is as follows:
- "Bar Admission: New York (passed July 2011 bar examination)" You have passed the bar examination but have not submitted your application for admission.
- "Bar Admission: New York (application pending)" You have submitted your application but have not yet been approved by the Character and Fitness Committee.
- "Bar Admission: New York (admission pending)" You have passed the Character and Fitness evaluation but have not yet been sworn in.
NOTE: An earlier version of this post did not make these distinctions clearly enough, so I have edited the article to clarify the differences among these three stages of bar admission.
"Bar Admission: Sitting for July 2012 New York State Bar Examination"
"Bar Admission: Sat for February 2012 New York State Bar Examination (awaiting results)"
Instead of "pending," you should use one of these statements to describe your status before you have passed the bar examination.
If you have any questions about how you are stating your bar status, don't make assumptions; be sure to ask your career adviser.
If you have any questions about how you are stating your bar status, don't make assumptions; be sure to ask your career adviser.
Great advice Kandice.
ReplyDeleteI have already updated my resume, thank you!
Thanks, Adriana, I'm glad you found this helpful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, provided clarity in resume writing!
ReplyDeleteI think this is useful for any satate, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI am from Puerto Rico (US Territory) and the ABA certifies our Law Schools. looking at the NY admission steps... I'm almost certain that this is the same process we have in PR....
So, Thank you for the article, I'm updating my resume as well and I think your suggestions will give a more accurate description of my current status...
Thanks again Kandice
Now when do you become an "esquire"?
ReplyDeleteThat is a good question. I don't know that there is consensus on this, but my inclination would be to only use "Esq." once you are admitted. Note that some people find "Esq." to be a bit pretentious when you attach it to yourself; you can use it when addressing others, but in general should be wary of using it, for example, in your email signature.
ReplyDeleteIn response to the question regarding PR, I think you can use this formulation for any state with a similar admission process.
ReplyDeletewhat if you're suspended in a state? I don't think you should be using it then but not sure if it is absolutely prohibited so I don't want to make a comment.
ReplyDeleteIf you're suspended in a state, I would recommend just leaving it off altogether. If you put the state down and leave off the suspension, that could be construed as misleading.
ReplyDeleteThanks, provided clarity in resume writing. sarkari naukri
ReplyDeleteHi What if you are admitted to sit and have attempted the exams but haven't passed. BTW you are admitted and practiced law outside of US
ReplyDeleteThanks for your question. You have two choices in this case:
Delete1. Put something like "Intend to Sit for May 2015 NY Bar Examination." The downside of this is that it creates an expectation that you will pass this exam.
2. Leave it off altogether, but include your foreign bar admission (e.g., "Bar Admission: Japan (2010)").
Many U.S. employers that are looking specifically for foreign lawyers don't care as much about bar admission in the US up front; however, if you are applying for jobs that American JD holders are pursuing, it will be more difficult. In any event, I'd probably leave it off until you in fact pass the bar.