@AAAAAstar, then, you're more than welcome!

Concerning those that are going to be enrolled in a 2011-12 LL.M. programme, it makes sense that the "July 2013" condition specified in section (d) of the Rule 520.6 amendment applies only to those commencing their LL.M. programme in 2012-13 since otherwise the limitation of the amended Rule 520.6 admission criteria would be obsolete.

Because why say that the amended Rule 520.6 does not apply to the programmes "commenced prior to 2012-13" if potential test takers that want to sit the July 2013 session would be excluded since they did participate in a programme that did not comply with the new amended Rule 520.6 criteria.

This would effectively mean that they could just sit 2 sessions (the July 2012 and February 2013 sessions), and then would be excluded, whereas those enrolled in the 2010-11 programme would still be allowed to sit. This would come down to forcing those enrolled in the 2011-12 programme to already comply with the new rules to be allowed to sit the July 2013 session.

That would be a non-sensical provision as those in a 2011-12 would have to either already fulfil the new amended admissions criteria or be forced to absolutely pass the July 2012 or February 2013 sessions because elsewise they would not be able to sit again given that they would then become ineligible.

Of the Rule 520.6 amendment, only "subdivisions (b)(3)(iii), (v) and (viii) are effective immediately" , the others for those commencing their LL.M. programme in 2012-13 and sitting their first possible NYS Bar Exam session in July 2013.

But, with respect to NY BOLE website, there seems to have some documents like 520.6 --section VI-- Required Documentation(foreigned educated applicant) -> 4. Accreditation

"Submit a written statement from the competent accrediting agency of your foreign government that the law school or schools you attended were recognized by them as qualified and approved throughout your period of study. "

I think such mentioned document cannot be found in my country(Thailand) but as the first & widely regarded as the best law school in Thailand, it should be OK. that my law school is fully accredited by the gvmt. That being said, to make sure for my eligibility to sit for the NY Bar., I would like to ask some of
you guys(especially foreigners)about how to secure this particular documentation?

But, with respect to NY BOLE website, there seems to have some documents like 520.6 --section VI-- Required Documentation(foreigned educated applicant) -> 4. Accreditation

"Submit a written statement from the competent accrediting agency of your foreign government that the law school or schools you attended were recognized by them as qualified and approved throughout your period of study. "

I think such mentioned document cannot be found in my country(Thailand) but as the first & widely regarded as the best law school in Thailand, it should be OK. that my law school is fully accredited by the gvmt. That being said, to make sure for my eligibility to sit for the NY Bar., I would like to ask some of
you guys(especially foreigners)about how to secure this particular documentation?

But, with respect to NY BOLE website, there seems to have some documents like 520.6 --section VI-- Required Documentation(foreigned educated applicant) -> 4. Accreditation

"Submit a written statement from the competent accrediting agency of your foreign government that the law school or schools you attended were recognized by them as qualified and approved throughout your period of study. "

I think such mentioned document cannot be found in my country(Thailand) but as the first & widely regarded as the best law school in Thailand, it should be OK. that my law school is fully accredited by the gvmt. That being said, to make sure for my eligibility to sit for the NY Bar., I would like to ask some of
you guys(especially foreigners)about how to secure this particular documentation?

Has this requirement always been there or is it part of the new rules?

I had also been hearing that the cut off date for doing the bar exam, for those who have a pre 2012/2013 LLM, was February 2013. As someone who has just started an LLM, this was a big problem - i don't want a time limit by which I have to pass the Bar.

So, I called the State board of examiners who confirmed that the critical point is when you start the LLM - if you start pre 2012/2013 academic year then you are governed by the old rules. There is no cut off point of Feb 2013. As the person at the board of examiners put it - once you are deemed eligible you are eligible - there is no limitation on when you can sit the exam.

Even if, you start the LLM now and then finish it in 2013, the board would (or so I was told) evaluate your LLM on the basis of the requirements of the old rules (ie 20 instead of 24 credits and no specialised NY bar courses).

So, I hope that clarifies it for everyone.

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH mrj for these details !!!

I wasn't 100% sure and now, no more worries about all those rules !

Well, it seems like most of us are thinking on law schools admission for the 2013/2014 LLM programs. However, the "new rules for NY Bar EXAM" is something we should look at it because, any of us who want to sit for the BAR after the 2013/2014 llm are affected for the new rules...

I suppose that law schools are aware of that and therefore desiginging ways for both completing the LLM and also having the necessary requirements for the bar.. at least I hope so!

Any insight???

Hi all,
I have a question:Can a foreign trained lawyer who holds American LL.M. degree take non-degree courses in order to be eligible for the Bar exam?

Hi Everyone!
I have graduated in 2008 and 2011 I applied for the BAR exam in NY (through my BOLE ID etc) and got rejected as per New Law (of 2012), my School of Law LL.M. program does not satisfy the Section 520.6(b)(1)(ii) requirement (At least two basic courses in American law I am missing, saying: "We note that your LL.M. in Intercultural Human Rights program was not comprised of any courses that could be considered as basic courses in American law"). Again, as I have graduated in 2008 and applied in 2011, how the change of new law can effect me this way? Anyone has any similar experience/ idea/ advice??
Much appreciated !!
Sonja

Hi Everyone!
I have graduated in 2008 and 2011 I applied for the BAR exam in NY (through my BOLE ID etc) and got rejected as per New Law (of 2012), my School of Law LL.M. program does not satisfy the Section 520.6(b)(1)(ii) requirement (At least two basic courses in American law I am missing, saying: "We note that your LL.M. in Intercultural Human Rights program was not comprised of any courses that could be considered as basic courses in American law"). Again, as I have graduated in 2008 and applied in 2011, how the change of new law can effect me this way? Anyone has any similar experience/ idea/ advice??
Much appreciated !!
Sonja