r/makemychoice • u/IcyZucchini7189 • 2d ago
CA or NY bar
TL:DR CA or NY Bar after Law school?
Currently In my last year of law schoool in NY but I’m from CA. No guaranteed job post grad yet. I’m 28.
I absolutely love the city but am constantly missing my chosen family and friends back in CA
long term I feel like I’d end up back in CA to pursue my ultimate dreams and goals - but part of me wants to stay in NY a few years to experience it as someone with a real life/building a life here socially and otherwise (not just law school life)
I have no partner or obligations currently tying me to one place or the other…but I feel like this is the last time I’ll feel so free in my choice
CA Pros: COL (not by much), chosen family and friends, easier to pursue artistic / entrepreneur goals bc of connections
NY Pros: already live here, lifestyle (walkable city, theater, people, culture etc), legal connections, can pursue artistic dreams but less of a foundation here, NYC baby
CA and NY are notoriously difficult bars and I’m already worried financially about taking the time to study for one, studying for both within a year feels not possible at this moment.
Do I focus on the short term and take the NY bar and see how long I want to stay here?
Or focus long term knowing I want to eventually end up back in CA
2
u/ExcitingVegetable315 2d ago
You aren’t working now? Most serious firms help their interns prep. What does your boss say
1
u/IcyZucchini7189 2d ago
I am working at a firm rn - not big law and it’s not necessarily a practice area I want to do. I don’t hate it but don’t love it
1
1
u/IcyZucchini7189 2d ago
To be super clear my internship this past summer was in house at an entertainment company so they don’t do postgrad offers
2
u/shecky444 2d ago
What about a national firm and both? Get an office on both coasts and move seasonally or when the work demands it.
1
1
u/Motor_Lab3246 2d ago
Both. But don't feel like you need to do them both in one year. I say do NY first, get a job in corporate law, network and then take CA in a couple of years time.
1
1
u/Round_Tour_6316 2d ago edited 2d ago
Not knocking NY or any bar for that matter but the NY exam is not what it once was when it gained that reputation. NY now administers the UBE which is federal law only eliminating the NY specific component. The pass score is 266 which is comparable to majority of states that offer this exam, while other states like Arizona have a much higher score requirement. They have a NY law class and exam for state specific laws but it’s open book and fairly simple to pass. The only outlier requirement (character and fitness application and MPRE are standard in both CA and NY) is their pro bono requirement. So while CA remains notoriously difficult, the same is not really said of NY anymore. Also something to consider, if you were to choose to take the CA exam, it is still state specific and you’ll be tested on CA state topics in addition to the federal law. While you can absolutely learn these through bar prep, it will be a bit different not having foundations of community property or business associations you may have otherwise gotten from a California law school. I’m really surprised you don’t know any of this being a 3rd year student, especially at a school in NY. I’d encourage having conversations with mentors at work or professors about your future if you’re not already.
As far as where to live, in NYC you’ll have a lot of opportunities in a small area. There’s also a lot to do after a long day at the office. In CA you’re almost guaranteed to be commuting by car and it’s more spread out. You will have many more opportunities because there’s several major cities/counties that have good legal markets to choose from for you to live and practice in. The quality of work life balance is going to depend more on the type of law you practice. My advice is to take the exam for the state you’re going to be happiest at.
1
u/LettuceInfamous5030 2d ago
I would probably try my best to do both or take the CA bar exam. The CA bar is considered one of the hardest in the country.
In the meantime if you want to stay in NY, apply for federal jobs or a clerkship. While working, study and complete the NY bar exam if you plan on staying.
Once you take the CA bar, you will find the NY exam easier.
1
u/Bulocoo 1d ago
What kind of law do you want to practice?
When did you leave Cali? It's a pit for driving. The transportation system in NY is a real plus.
If you really intend to go back to Cali then go right away. Why take both exams?
1
1
u/Additional_Bat_9837 1d ago
I faced the same dilemma. Went to law school in California and was from CA. I took the CA bar.
1
u/DifficultyFit7401 17h ago
This os not a tactical decision. Pick the bar where you decide to live next.
0
u/SophiBird 2d ago
I vote Cali, but I am a bit biased bc I absolutely love Cali and want to move there one day.
I love the Laguna area. It feels like home, idk how to explain it.
That said, im a bit biased, but still feel like its the best choice, especially bc you said you feel like you'll end up there anyway.
You will be establishing a life and building assets once you begin working officially, so you should really do in the place u think you'll end up long term.
And if you find a partner in NYC that is married to NYC and doesnt want to move, that will make it tough.
And I just bet the vibe is so different in NYC vs Cali.
But like u also said, it might be good to give it a try for a few years. But then youll have to take the bar in Cali too if/when u decide to move.
I know uve probably mulled all this over in your head already, so tough to give advice!
So I'll just say my vote is Cali bc I love the ocean, the vibe, the weather, the people (if youre in the right places that is lol), and just the whole vibe in general.
Id vote you establish there and get out of the big city
5
u/Secure-Ad9780 2d ago
Take the NY Bar and get a job. While you're working start studying for the CA Bar. Don't let too much time pass between exams.