New York First Judicial Department Admission Forum

[Toubro]

Thought I'd start this thread for those applying to be admitted in the first department (Manhattan and the Bronx). Process won't start up for a couple of months but for now imo it's important to change your address to the first department because for some reason BOLE is very suspicious of people who try to move into it, and consequently the procedure is more involved than simply changing the address online.

Just FYI, if you any of are planning to switch from another department to the first (e.g. if you were out of state defaulting to the third department, but have since moved to Manhattan to start work this fall), you'll have to send one of these four documents to BOLE:

1. A LEGIBLE copy of your NY driver’s license or NY non-driver photo ID card.
2. A valid, executed residential lease (“Roommate Agreements” are NOT acceptable proof)
3. A property tax bill.
4. A utility bill (cell phone bills and bank statements are NOT acceptable proof).

[Carly]

Thought I'd start this thread for those applying to be admitted in the first department (Manhattan and the Bronx). Process won't start up for a couple of months but for now imo it's important to change your address to the first department because for some reason BOLE is very suspicious of people who try to move into it, and consequently the procedure is more involved than simply changing the address online.

Just FYI, if you any of are planning to switch from another department to the first (e.g. if you were out of state defaulting to the third department, but have since moved to Manhattan to start work this fall), you'll have to send one of these four documents to BOLE:

1. A LEGIBLE copy of your NY driver’s license or NY non-driver photo ID card.
2. A valid, executed residential lease (“Roommate Agreements” are NOT acceptable proof)
3. A property tax bill.
4. A utility bill (cell phone bills and bank statements are NOT acceptable proof).

you are not kidding about the suspicion- it took me FOREVER to get some form of paperwork to let me change my address from out of state to the city (living with friends, no real lease). Finally got word today they switched my address

[1styearlateral]

You can also apply to the First Department if your work address (i.e., firm's office) is located in Manhattan or the Bronx. This is what I did. All you have to do is send them a letter on your firm's letterhead with the Manhattan/Bronx address. Makes it much easier for swearing in ceremony.

Keep in mind where you sat for the exam has no bearing on your department for admission. Some out of state test takers get to take it at Javitz, but that won't be the determining factor for applying through the 1st Dep't.

[tacocohcevoli]

This has nothing to do with residency, but figured I'd ask:

I worked for a firm that has since merged to create an entirely different firm (i.e., doesn't have the same name, I know literally no one at the new firm, etc.). Do I still need to submit a law-related employment form for this firm?

[Slytherpuff]

This has nothing to do with residency, but figured I'd ask:

I worked for a firm that has since merged to create an entirely different firm (i.e., doesn't have the same name, I know literally no one at the new firm, etc.). Do I still need to submit a law-related employment form for this firm?

Probably yes, but it can't hurt to call and ask.

[Toubro]

UPDATE: Apparently BOLE is sending some people emails saying they don't need to send documents in to process their First Department address change. I personally didn't get an email exempting me from this requirement and know of others who didn't, so it seems random for now.

[hockeyman969]

You can also apply to the First Department if your work address (i.e., firm's office) is located in Manhattan or the Bronx. This is what I did. All you have to do is send them a letter on your firm's letterhead with the Manhattan/Bronx address. Makes it much easier for swearing in ceremony.

Keep in mind where you sat for the exam has no bearing on your department for admission. Some out of state test takers get to take it at Javitz, but that won't be the determining factor for applying through the 1st Dep't.

I can say when I applied to sit, my firm's address was in Manhattan, then separated employment (with a fat severance package) in May, 2016 and BOLE told me once you're locked in to keep it. I live in NJ, took it at Javits and was certified to 1st dept. Just saying that FWIW.

[S.as.in.Snake]

UPDATE: Apparently BOLE is sending some people emails saying they don't need to send documents in to process their First Department address change. I personally didn't get an email exempting me from this requirement and know of others who didn't, so it seems random for now.

Should I be worried that I did get an email saying I didn't need to submit the paperwork and they just approved my department change? Does that mean they already know I did not pass so there is no use getting official things in?

[Toubro]

UPDATE: Apparently BOLE is sending some people emails saying they don't need to send documents in to process their First Department address change. I personally didn't get an email exempting me from this requirement and know of others who didn't, so it seems random for now.

Should I be worried that I did get an email saying I didn't need to submit the paperwork and they just approved my department change? Does that mean they already know I did not pass so there is no use getting official things in?

Hahah no; definitely don't be worried about this. This paperwork has nothing to do with the results of the exam.


...but even if it did, which it doesn't, your logic could be flipped. The main reason they care so much about getting documentation for some departments like the first is that the bar exam center in NYC is near capacity. The fact that they don't care to ask you for documentation could then also mean that they don't anticipate your having to take this exam again.