Following was written in my confirmation email I received:

"Your law school is currently on the list of accredited schools the Board has on file. Therefore, you will NOT need to provide proof of accreditation as part of the required supporting documentation you must submit."

So I guess we don't have to send them a proof of accreditation and the transcripts would so far be enough. Am I right?

Thanks, this makes things a little bit easier.
Mikado, in the questionnarie, did you tell them that you are currently enrolled at a US law school pursuing your LLM? Which day of graduation have you indicated?

I said I was not currently enrolled in any LLM.

What I was told on the phone is that in any case, the Board will send you an email, once your application is complete, stating that you are not eligible to sit the bar. BUT, however, if you pursue an LLM, you will be able to do so. All you have to do then is submit proof you completed your LLM degree at the time you apply for the bar exam.

So I guess it's ok to just say, right now, you're not pursuing or enrolled in a US program.

I said I was not currently enrolled in any LLM.

What I was told on the phone is that in any case, the Board will send you an email, once your application is complete, stating that you are not eligible to sit the bar. BUT, however, if you pursue an LLM, you will be able to do so. All you have to do then is submit proof you completed your LLM degree at the time you apply for the bar exam.

So I guess it's ok to just say, right now, you're not pursuing or enrolled in a US program.

I said I was not currently enrolled in any LLM.

What I was told on the phone is that in any case, the Board will send you an email, once your application is complete, stating that you are not eligible to sit the bar. BUT, however, if you pursue an LLM, you will be able to do so. All you have to do then is submit proof you completed your LLM degree at the time you apply for the bar exam.

So I guess it's ok to just say, right now, you're not pursuing or enrolled in a US program.

But are they evaluating your transcripts and the other stuff (exepct the LL.M Degree)? Or do they wait until they have recieved everything (which is in May - after graduation)

May I ask you, did the NY Bar tell you that by telephone?

I'd rather not lie to the Board :)

1. You don't need to be admitted to practice law in your country if you have a LLM.

2. Don't you now have to send documents to prove you are admitted to practice law and that you are currently enrolled in an LLM?

3. This is not a selection process! Just check you comply with requirements (right now OR prior to applying to the bar exam NEXT YEAR, i.e enrolled in an LLM Program) and it's ok!

May I ask you, did the NY Bar tell you that by telephone?

I'm sorry. I didn't read the above post before writing...
...and I hate it when other people do that.
I withdraw my question. :)

May I ask you, did the NY Bar tell you that by telephone?

Yeah.

In any case, for future LLM students, the response will always be a negative one but with the possibility to be eligible upon completion of the LLM (and if the other requirements are ok of course). This has always been the procedure, and nothing has changed with the new policy. It's just earlier, so we're not even yet enrolled in any program...

Maybe someone can confirm I got the right information from the Board just to be sure?

May I ask you, did the NY Bar tell you that by telephone?

Yeah.

In any case, for future LLM students, the response will always be a negative one but with the possibility to be eligible upon completion of the LLM (and if the other requirements are ok of course). This has always been the procedure, and nothing has changed with the new policy. It's just earlier, so we're not even yet enrolled in any program...

Maybe someone can confirm I got the right information from the Board just to be sure?

I hope you did because I followed you and indicated that I am not currently enrolled (and by my surprise my school was in the list, but they haven't received an accreditation so I have to give them the proof of it). In any case, it seems to me the best solution...I'd rather not lie to them, especially right before going to the embassy to obtain the visa (again, another procedural pain in the xxx). It does make sense not to tell the that we're enrolled, and then giving them the proof of the LLM degree afterwards. In the worst case, we'll be able to apply for the february session...

May I ask you, did the NY Bar tell you that by telephone?

Yeah.

In any case, for future LLM students, the response will always be a negative one but with the possibility to be eligible upon completion of the LLM (and if the other requirements are ok of course). This has always been the procedure, and nothing has changed with the new policy. It's just earlier, so we're not even yet enrolled in any program...

Maybe someone can confirm I got the right information from the Board just to be sure?

I hope you did because I followed you and indicated that I am not currently enrolled (and by my surprise my school was in the list, but they haven't received an accreditation so I have to give them the proof of it). In any case, it seems to me the best solution...I'd rather not lie to them, especially right before going to the embassy to obtain the visa (again, another procedural pain in the xxx). It does make sense not to tell the that we're enrolled, and then giving them the proof of the LLM degree afterwards. In the worst case, we'll be able to apply for the february session...

Now you make me feel scared! I didn't want to lie. I just misunderstood the question as I am already admitted in a law school :D

I guess I will send them my transcripts and a also a letter which I clearly explain them that I haven't finished my law degree and that I will send them all documents after April 2011, when I graduate.

May be there is a possibility to change my YES to a NO :D

But I am not really concerned that I will have serious problems. It can happen that somebody misunderstands the question and therefore put a wrong answer :D

So I need your help please:
Have you successfully completed all of the educational/academic requirements for admission to the Bar in your Country?

I am about to graduate in July, should I answer NO?

So I need your help please:
Have you successfully completed all of the educational/academic requirements for admission to the Bar in your Country?

I am about to graduate in July, should I answer NO?

The crazy thing is that they provide for "graduation date" or expected....so maybe I should be fine! Perhaps.

PS: I was also surprised that my school was there.

okay guys it is like that for ppl who are not from a common law country and haven´t studied in the US:

DO NOT START THE EVALUATION UNLESS YOU ARE ENROLLED IN A US-MASTERDEGREE!

"The one year before the exam"-rule is just a recommendation. If you start your LLM in fall do the foreign evaluation in fall. There is enough time. I just phoned to them. (Thank you for the hint pressing 4 and then 0!)

Hmmm, I didn't get the same response at all!

The guy was pretty clear about filing the application one year before the exam (July 2011), and said the April deadline was just an indication.

Anyway, I'm sure whatever we say, we will be able to complete our evaluation when it is time. I'd rather send my papers and application early :)

Can I ask, why you guys take the bar?

I'm right now asking myself if it is worth to do it.

- 2-3 months learning A LOT
- cost: with housing, living, barbri, exam fee: minimum 7'000 $

In Switzerland nobody cares if you are a NY attorney-at-law. However, the LLM provides you a nice pay increase.

So are you doing the bar just for your ego? Interest? Title?

I'm not really sure if it is worth for me to pay a lot, learn a lot and to pass the bar with a chance of 50% (average rate of foreigners).

Can I ask, why you guys take the bar?

I'm right now asking myself if it is worth to do it.

- 2-3 months learning A LOT
- cost: with housing, living, barbri, exam fee: minimum 7'000 $

In Switzerland nobody cares if you are a NY attorney-at-law. However, the LLM provides you a nice pay increase.

So are you doing the bar just for your ego? Interest? Title?

I'm not really sure if it is worth for me to pay a lot, learn a lot and to pass the bar with a chance of 50% (average rate of foreigners).