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Ask the Hiring Attorney: How do I show my bar status on my resume?
Q: I’ve taken the bar exam, but I haven’t been admitted yet. As I send out resumes to law firms for entry-level attorney positions, how do I show this?
If you’ve been admitted, but are inactive for any reason, then use your state’s official language for your status: “California (inactive).” Or “California (inactive and in good standing).” Or “California (allowed to lapse).” Or “California (retired).” If you’re not sure of your status, then call the bar association to ask. The important thing is to use the correct terminology so that your resume is accurate.
If you’ve been admitted, but are not in good standing: Call your bar association immediately to find out what you need to do to correct the situation!
A version of this article was originally published by Bloomberg Finance L.P. Reprinted with permission. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
Shauna Bryce Shauna C. Bryce is a graduate of Harvard Law School with 20 years in law and legal careers. As a nationally recognized lawyer career coach, she works one-on-one with executive-level attorneys in Global 100 law firms and multibillion-dollar businesses in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, as well as regularly presents to groups of lawyers, career coaches, law students, and others. Her advice column, Ask the Hiring Attorney®, inspired by what general counsel and partner-level clients said they wish they had known while they were in law school, was originally published by Bloomberg Law. She’s the author of the How to Get a Legal Job® series and Bryce Legal® Career Advice for Lawyers blog.
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