Keith Mack
The period between taking the bar exam and waiting for the results can be stressful and challenging. While you may not be able to provide legal advice or make court appearances without admission to practice, there are still many ways to stay productive and prepare for your legal career. This includes updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, attending networking events, and exploring employment opportunities that do not require a bar exam license. It is also a great time to reflect on your career goals and priorities, such as the area of law you want to practice in and the type of work environment that aligns with your values. Taking care of your mental health and well-being during this period is crucial, as the legal profession is known for its high-stress environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | It is tough to get a job while waiting for bar exam results |
| Job options | Document review jobs, legal directory creation, paralegal, law clerk, certified law clerk, in-house counsel |
| Actions to take | Update resume and LinkedIn profile, create cover letter template, explore employment websites, observe court proceedings, attend networking events, reflect on career priorities |
| Stress management | Relax, take a break, manage expectations with your employer |
| State-specific considerations | Each state has its own bar exam and the timing for results varies; for example, New York bar exam results are typically released 3 months after the exam |
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What You'll Learn
Job hunting
Firstly, focus on updating your professional profile and resume. Ensure that your resume highlights the qualifications and skills sought by potential employers. Create a template for cover letters that can be quickly tailored to specific job applications. Update your LinkedIn profile to showcase your qualifications and experience, and remove any unprofessional content from your social media accounts, as employers often use online platforms to assess candidates.
Secondly, take advantage of your law school's career services. They can provide valuable resources, connect you with alumni, and offer guidance on job opportunities. Attend networking events, including bar association and alumni meetings, to interact with lawyers and potential employers. Reach out to your mentors and connections within the legal field for advice and potential leads.
While some employers may be hesitant to hire individuals awaiting bar results for paralegal or clerk positions, others may be more flexible. Consider applying for document review jobs, which can provide a steady income. You can also explore opportunities in creating legal directories or engaging in other JD-only positions.
Remember that this time can also be used for reflection and self-care. Consider your career priorities, such as area of practice, work-life balance, and salary expectations. Take care of your mental and physical health, as the legal profession is known for its high-stress environment.
Lastly, be transparent with employers about your status, as clear communication is essential during this waiting period. While you may not be able to provide legal advice or make court appearances without admission to practice, you can still contribute to drafting motions and briefs and gain valuable experience in a law office setting.
Stay proactive, network extensively, and utilise the resources available to you to enhance your job search during this interim phase.
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Resume and LinkedIn updates
While waiting for your bar exam results, it is a good idea to update your resume and LinkedIn profile. This is a great time to reflect on your career priorities and what you want out of life. Do you want to practice law? If so, what area of law interests you the most? Do you prefer government or private practice? These are important questions to consider as you prepare for your legal career.
Resume Updates:
- Proofread and edit: Ensure your resume is free of typos and looks its best. Ask a trusted friend or career counselor to review it for a fresh perspective.
- Relevance: When applying for specific jobs, tailor your resume to highlight the qualifications and skills mentioned in the job description.
- Accomplishments: Update your resume with any recent accomplishments or achievements.
- Cover letter: Create a template for a cover letter that you can quickly adapt and send with your resume when applying for jobs.
LinkedIn Updates:
- Professional photo: Ensure your LinkedIn profile has a professional photo. Consider investing in a professional photo if you don't already have one.
- Online presence: Review your online presence across social media platforms. Remove any content that could be considered unprofessional or embarrassing by potential employers.
- Accomplishments: Similar to your resume, update your LinkedIn profile with your recent accomplishments.
- Networking: Use this time to network and connect with lawyers and mentors. Attend networking events, bar association meetings, and alumni gatherings. LinkedIn is a valuable tool for making these connections and staying in touch.
While waiting for your bar results, it is important to note that some employers may be reluctant to hire you due to the uncertainty of your exam outcome. However, don't let this discourage you. Stay proactive, network, and take care of yourself during this stressful time.
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Networking
Identify Networking Opportunities:
Attend various networking events and meetings such as bar association meetings, alumni gatherings, and student bar association events. These events provide valuable chances to interact with lawyers, alumni, and peers. If you're unsure where to start, many resources offer tips specifically for navigating networking receptions.
Utilize Your Law School's Career Services:
Your law school's Office of Career Services or Career Development is a valuable resource. They can help you connect with local employers, alumni, and provide guidance on exploring different areas of law. They often have tools to assist with resume and LinkedIn profile enhancements, ensuring you're marketable and ready to impress potential employers.
Reach Out to Connections:
Set up meetings or virtual calls with acquaintances, friends, mentors, and attorneys. Express your interest in learning about their career paths and gain insights into different legal specialties. Don't hesitate to inquire about potential opportunities or referrals. Lawyers and peers within your network can be excellent sources of information and may even keep you in mind for future openings.
Join Clubs, Societies, and Volunteer:
Participate in extracurricular activities that align with your interests. Joining a club or society provides opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who may have similar career aspirations. Additionally, consider volunteering for causes you're passionate about. These activities can help expand your network and demonstrate your commitment to personal growth and community involvement.
Optimize Your Online Presence:
Ensure your online presence reflects professionalism. Update your LinkedIn profile to showcase your qualifications and achievements. Remove any unprofessional content from public view on social media platforms. Employers often scrutinize digital footprints, so maintaining a positive online image is essential for creating a good impression.
Business Cards and Follow-ups:
Invest in professional business cards that include your JD title. Exchange business cards with new connections, and don't forget to follow up. Following up demonstrates your initiative and helps solidify new connections. It keeps you fresh in their memory and can lead to further conversations or potential opportunities.
While networking, remember to be authentic and engage in meaningful conversations. Show genuine interest in others' experiences and be open to learning from them. Building a solid network can provide valuable support, mentorship, and potential job leads during this transitional period.
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Reflect on career priorities
While waiting for your bar exam results, it is a good idea to reflect on your career priorities and what you want out of your career. Ask yourself: what kind of law do you want to practice? Do you want to work in the government or private sector? Do you want to work in litigation or corporate law? What is most important to you: a high salary, a flexible schedule, work-life balance, or being your own boss?
It is important to note that some employers may be reluctant to hire someone who is waiting for their bar exam results, as they may be concerned that you will leave as soon as you pass. However, many employers will still consider you for positions, and some may even keep you on if you don't pass the first time.
During this time, you can also take steps to advance your career. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile, and create a template for cover letters. Start exploring employment websites to see what jobs are available and what qualifications are required. You can also reach out to your law school's career services department to see if they have any resources or connections that can help you.
Networking is also a valuable activity during this time. Attend networking events, alumni meetings, and bar association meetings. Reach out to mentors and acquaintances or friends who are attorneys to seek advice and learn about their jobs. You can also join clubs or societies that are meaningful to you and participate in volunteer work.
Remember that this is also a time to take care of your mental health. The period of studying for the bar exam and waiting for results can be extremely stressful, and it is important to make your mental and physical health a priority. Take a break, relax, and give yourself the mental relief you need.
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Relax and relieve stress
While waiting for your bar exam results, it is important to relax and relieve the stress you may be feeling. Here are some tips to help you relax and manage your stress levels:
Take a Break and Relax
Give yourself a well-deserved mental break. You've earned it! Take time to relax and unwind, whether that's through hobbies, spending time in nature, or simply resting.
Reflect and Prioritize
Use this time to reflect on your career priorities and what you want out of life. Consider what type of law you want to practice, the work environment that suits you best, and your long-term goals. Prioritize self-care and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Exercise and Healthy Habits
Engage in regular physical activity, such as aerobic exercise or gentle activities like walking or biking. Exercise helps reduce stress and improves overall well-being. Maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive reliance on alcohol, smoking, or caffeine as coping mechanisms.
Connect and Network
Reach out to your mentors, alumni networks, and career services at your law school. Attend networking events and connect with lawyers and peers. Building connections can provide support and open doors to future opportunities.
Volunteer and Give Back
Consider volunteering or engaging in community work. Helping others can increase your resilience and provide a sense of purpose. Joining a club or society that aligns with your interests can also be fulfilling and help you build new connections.
Manage Procrastination
Create a to-do list and set realistic deadlines to manage procrastination, which can contribute to stress. Focus on important tasks first and accept that you may not complete everything. Yoga and mindfulness practices can also help reduce stress and improve psychological well-being.
Remember, it's normal to feel stressed during this transitional period. Taking care of your mental health and well-being will help you stay resilient as you await your bar exam results and navigate your career path.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot practice law until you have received your bar exam results and have been admitted to practice. However, many states will allow unlicensed graduates who are awaiting bar results to appear in court as long as they have a licensed attorney supervising them.
While you cannot practice law, you can still do many other things in a law office, such as assisting in the drafting of motions and briefs. This is a good time to focus on your mental and physical health, reflect on your career priorities, and research different areas of the law. You can also start preparing for your next steps by updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, attending networking events, and applying for jobs that do not require a bar exam license.
It can be challenging to find a job while waiting for bar exam results, as some employers may be reluctant to hire someone who has not yet passed the bar. However, you can explore opportunities such as document review, paralegal work, or law clerk positions. Networking and reaching out to connections may be more effective than blindly applying to jobs online.
