subject: How to Handle Issues When Applying For Admission to the Bar in New York State [print this page] How to Handle Issues When Applying For Admission to the Bar in New York State
Each year thousands of law graduates take and pass the New York State bar exam. This is no easy task. It takes months of study and even then there is no guarantee. After you pass the bar you must apply to one of the four Appellate Divisions in New York State for admission to the bar. Often applicants face issues when applying to the bar because of their history. The main thing the examiners want to see is a person who is honest. If you made a mistake when you were young and did something foolish, tell them. The best way to be denied admission is to lie to the examiners.
Past criminal convictions are common and must be addressed. Again, there is no way to change the past and if it is a conviction that is on your record, the examiners will find it so the best policy is to be honest. Make sure you have all of the documentation that you need in order to make sure nothing is left out. Once they see that you are being honest, things will go a lot smoother.
Another issue that arises is having a lot of debt. Debt is viewed as a problem because it may show that the applicant does not handle money well and may be tempted to steal a client's money. In these types of cases, it is important to answer the question as to why you have so much debt and how the debt came to be. If the examiners see you running from your creditors it will not make a good impression. A plan to pay off your debt would go a long way into showing the examiners that you have the requisite character to practice law and can be trusted.
If there are other issues, hiring an attorney may present your best chances. An attorney can look at the case through a different set of eyes and suggest ways to approach the subject. having someone speak for you will also remove a lot of stress from the situations. This is a situation where you must remain calm and address each issue as they come. Be prepared and be honest.
