NY Bar Exam Application Forum

[1styearlateral]

Gah! I'm going on two weeks now and the Second Department says they still haven't received anything. At what point (if ever) is it acceptable to politely follow up with your interviewer's assistant for a status update? The interviewer concluded the interview by saying I should expect to receive an admission date within a few days and there were no red flags in my application except a couple of very old traffic tickets, so I don't think the delay is intentional. I'm a little concerned that my stuff has been misplaced and that the more time goes by, the more likely it is to become permanently misplaced. The thought of getting all those affidavits again makes me want to vom (implying the Second Department sends original applications out to interviewers without making copies). And I know I'm being a total admission gunner, but whatever -- I just want this nightmare to end.

lol are you serious. I don't know anyone in the 2nd Dep't who was sworn in before March/April. The application process isn't done overnight and the swear in ceremony is done in waves... it's not like you get an individual invitation to be specially sworn in.

[raptors_delight]

Gah! I'm going on two weeks now and the Second Department says they still haven't received anything. At what point (if ever) is it acceptable to politely follow up with your interviewer's assistant for a status update? The interviewer concluded the interview by saying I should expect to receive an admission date within a few days and there were no red flags in my application except a couple of very old traffic tickets, so I don't think the delay is intentional. I'm a little concerned that my stuff has been misplaced and that the more time goes by, the more likely it is to become permanently misplaced. The thought of getting all those affidavits again makes me want to vom (implying the Second Department sends original applications out to interviewers without making copies). And I know I'm being a total admission gunner, but whatever -- I just want this nightmare to end.

lol are you serious. I don't know anyone in the 2nd Dep't who was sworn in before March/April. The application process isn't done overnight and the swear in ceremony is done in waves... it's not like you get an individual invitation to be specially sworn in.

You're joking, right? You do get an individual "invitation" to be sworn in at one of several ceremonies throughout the year -- you don't just show up whenever you feel like it. I know plenty of people who were sworn in at the ceremony last month.

[raptors_delight]

I had my interview yesterday, any output on swearing ceremony dates for 2nd department? thanks in advance

The first swearing in ceremony is tomorrow morning.

thanks a lot, do you know when the next one is?

December 22. I'm hoping to be sworn in then, but my interviewer still hasn't returned my documents to C&F and it's been over a week. I want to get this show on the road so I can just be done with this shitty, stressful affair.

my interviewer told me she will send it next business day, so hoping to get the letter soon, it is stressful, and I am sure you will be there on the 22nd)

Gah! I'm going on two weeks now and the Second Department says they still haven't received anything. At what point (if ever) is it acceptable to politely follow up with your interviewer's assistant for a status update? The interviewer concluded the interview by saying I should expect to receive an admission date within a few days and there were no red flags in my application except a couple of very old traffic tickets, so I don't think the delay is intentional. I'm a little concerned that my stuff has been misplaced and that the more time goes by, the more likely it is to become permanently misplaced. The thought of getting all those affidavits again makes me want to vom (implying the Second Department sends original applications out to interviewers without making copies). And I know I'm being a total admission gunner, but whatever -- I just want this nightmare to end.

did you get your invitation yet? Nothing here...

Yes! I finally did today.

[svitlanlazaresku]

did you get your invitation yet? Nothing here...[/quote]

Yes! I finally did today.[/quote]


For Dec 21?

[svitlanlazaresku]

Received my invitation to the ceremony, 2nd department, January 11

[QuasiINrem]

They've had my completed application since November 22. I haven't heard back. Why is it taking so long

[svitlanlazaresku]

I sent my application October 24, had my interview December 5, and swearing ceremony is January 11

[QuasiINrem]

I sent my application October 24, had my interview December 5, and swearing ceremony is January 11

Wow that took a long time. I hope I get sworn in on Jan 11 also so my who lives overseas could attend.

[NoLongerALurker]

For anyone looking for timelines in the future: I submitted early December, have late-March swearing in. 1st Dept.

[Poets]

I am an out-of-state applicant so have little info about NY bar. So just to be sure, applicants submit the Character & Fitness application AFTER they pass the NY bar, right? Before passing the NY bar, applicants can't even submit the C&F application?

"If you pass the Bar Exam and the M.P.R.E., the State Board of Law Examiners ("the Board") then officially certifies you for admission to one of the four departments of the Appellate Division in the State, based upon your address. The Board will send you a "Notice of Certification.""
http://www.nycourts.gov/courts/ad1/comm ... xamination

[kidfromny]

Two questions:

1. Can we submit application without the certificate of completion for the orientation videos?

2. In the checklist it mentions registering with the OCA and paying a fee, but when I log onto to register and pay it asks me for an attorney number, any ideas?

[ndp1234]

Two questions:

1. Can we submit application without the certificate of completion for the orientation videos?

2. In the checklist it mentions registering with the OCA and paying a fee, but when I log onto to register and pay it asks me for an attorney number, any ideas?

1. Why wouldn't you just watch the videos and get the codes? They're all there for you to complete and it's relatively simple compared to everything else required in the bar app. This is the one thing shouldn't hold up your application.

2. You can do your biennial registration renewal online, but the initial registration has to be mailed in - originals only. (I assume it's because they need your original signature on the registration to match your application signature) You don't get your number until you've been sworn in. You need to attach the slip affidavit to the application stating that you've registered. I forgot this part and my reviewer called me to ask for it.

[just_me]

Bit of a silly question, but has anyone else had problems with the formatting of the PDF docs (i.e. the main application and related affidavits)?

I seem to have some text coming up in blue, and some in black, and in various different sizes! Have tried using a Mac and a PC, and same issues with both!

[ArtistOfManliness]

Bit of a silly question, but has anyone else had problems with the formatting of the PDF docs (i.e. the main application and related affidavits)?

I seem to have some text coming up in blue, and some in black, and in various different sizes! Have tried using a Mac and a PC, and same issues with both!

Nope. Ask a LS friend to send you the ones they used... you're using the multipart app from the website, right?

[just_me]

Bit of a silly question, but has anyone else had problems with the formatting of the PDF docs (i.e. the main application and related affidavits)?

I seem to have some text coming up in blue, and some in black, and in various different sizes! Have tried using a Mac and a PC, and same issues with both!

Nope. Ask a LS friend to send you the ones they used... you're using the multipart app from the website, right?

I'm using the docs from here: http://www.nybarexam.org/Admission/Admi ... Packet.htm

I'm a foreign applicant so alas, have no law school friends!! However thanks in any event for your reply - now that I know this isn't a problem everyone is having, i'll maybe give my department a call and see if the docs are available in any other formats.

[ClubberLang]

Does anyone know if we are supposed to bring anything to the interviews? My interview (3rd) is Thursday morning, swearing in is at lunch.

Also, supposed to wear suits?

[ndp1234]

Does anyone know if we are supposed to bring anything to the interviews? My interview (3rd) is Thursday morning, swearing in is at lunch.

Also, supposed to wear suits?

1) No, just bring cash so that you can purchase your scroll and/or certificate of good standing. (This was an option in 2d Dept to do at the ceremony)

2) I would - they specified, at least in the 2d dept, that professional attire was required, and I think all men wore suits.

[just_me]

I'm in the Third Department. I got an email this morning saying that my interview is the morning of January 19th! A bit odd to have the interview the same day as the swearing in ceremony! Does anyone know what kind of questions they ask at the interview? Do I need to bring anything with me? Thanks!

3rd department here.

You are actually quite lucky because you have your interview and the swearing ceremony on the same day so you don't need to stay two days in Albany (which is a beautiful city but pretty dead, but beautiful). So you don't have to take two days off as well.

I got sworn in 2 weeks ago so it goes that way : you go to your interview at the time they told you to come. No need to come 30mn early. You'll be waiting in a room with maybe 50 candidates and everyone 'll be waiting to be called. It took me maybe 50 mn before being called so bring a book or your smartphone, some ppl were reading or playing games, it is not prohibided, this is not the bar.

The attorney who does the interview already has your file and quickly checked it. They don't have the time to spend more than 10mn with you because the last swearing ceremony is like at 11AM so they need to interview everyone. My interview lasted 10 mn and the attorney was a super nice person and asked me about my probono work. She was just there to verify If I wasn't a serial killer, that' s it. They don't try to trick you. I agree it might be a bit stressful but no need to worry, if you reach the interview step, it means that your filed has been approved. Just don't do anything stupid like screaming, crying for no reasons or being paranoid about the FBI following you. You know, this kind of stuff that will make uncomfortable everyone.

Then after your interview, you are given an enveloppe with a diploma and you go to the swearing ceremony (there is one at 10 am and another at 11 am i think). The swearing ceremony lasts 45mn to 1hour, you can take pictures etc, it's very well organized so it's all good.

Hence it was a very good experience.

Protips : wear a suit but no need to shave if you have a beard.

Protips for your wallet : if you arrive from the albany train station with amtrak, don't take a the greys cabs (i think those are called prestige company or sth) because they are very very very expensive (like 60 bucks ) to literally cross the damn river to downtown albany. I think this company has the monopoly to transport passengers from and to the station... find another way or walk. Uber doesnt work in Albany so call your hotel and ask them another cab company that the one waiting at the train station.

Also, i took Amtrak which was pretty good and if you are done earlier than you thought, you can catch an early train (you'll just have to pay the difference but it's like $2).

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Just wondering if you remember roughly how long it took between you sending your application (and related documents) and them letting you know what admissions ceremony you were scheduled for?

Likewise, if anyone else who has been through this process in the Third Department might be able to shed any light, it would be much appreciated!

[ChocolateTruffle]

I can't remember the exact date I mailed in my application, but on November 9 I received an email stating that my application had been received (I think I sent it to the express address). Then on November 28 I received an email confirming the date and time of my interview and swearing in ceremony to be held on January 19.

I got there at 9 am, as instructed, but I wasn't called in for my interview until around 10:15 am or so, the guy doing the interviews for the people in my group was going in alphabetical order. My interview must have lasted a total of 3-4 minutes. I was just asked about whether I enjoyed my current position and past pro bono work.

Hope that helps!

[reasonable_man_03]

I can't remember the exact date I mailed in my application, but on November 9 I received an email stating that my application had been received (I think I sent it to the express address). Then on November 28 I received an email confirming the date and time of my interview and swearing in ceremony to be held on January 19.

I got there at 9 am, as instructed, but I wasn't called in for my interview until around 10:15 am or so, the guy doing the interviews for the people in my group was going in alphabetical order. My interview must have lasted a total of 3-4 minutes. I was just asked about whether I enjoyed my current position and past pro bono work.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the insight. I submitted my application on the 20th december, 2016; received acknowledgment on the 28th from admission's office but have not heard yet. Do you think it is because I may have some red flag on my application. Is it a good idea to send them a follow up email asking if they require any further information etc? I am getting really anxious and would like to hear from them soon.

[NyuIwantu]

Anyone here with approx timeline for 2nd Dept application submission --> interview --> swearing?

[Ash8]

Third Dep. Applicant here.

Third Dep. received my application 5 Mondays ago ( Dec 19, 2016). Still waiting for the interview e-mail.

[QuasiINrem]

Anyone here with approx timeline for 2nd Dept application submission --> interview --> swearing?

Submitted mine nov. 9. They needed more info, sent additional info, application marked complete Nov 28 and given to interviewer Dec 1. My interviewer reached out to me dec 29 to confirm January 13 interview. Received swearing in invitation January 25

Finally will be sworn feb 15, 2017

On the other hand, I was sworn in NJ on December 7 (by UBE transfer)

[ellewoods123]

can anyone speak to how strict the 2nd dept has been with submission (or lack thereof) of employment affidavits? I have 3 of the 5 i need (have been unable to get responses from other 2 employers). I have emails indicating my attempt to reach out. I can't wait any longer because I need to be sworn in ASAP. anyone else have this problem? will it cause me more delay?

[NyuIwantu]

Anyone here with approx timeline for 2nd Dept application submission --> interview --> swearing?

Submitted mine nov. 9. They needed more info, sent additional info, application marked complete Nov 28 and given to interviewer Dec 1. My interviewer reached out to me dec 29 to confirm January 13 interview. Received swearing in invitation January 25

Finally will be sworn feb 15, 2017

On the other hand, I was sworn in NJ on December 7 (by UBE transfer)

Three month complete turn around? I'd be really happy with that! Thanks for the breakdown!