This is the season of waiting. The bar exam is in the rear-view for our graduates, but results are still weeks away for some, and many are stepping into their first post-graduate roles.
Like many of you, I’ve felt great pride watching our graduates announce new professional roles on LinkedIn or other social media accounts. Their achievements are extraordinary and absolutely worth celebrating. Securing that first job after law school is a tremendous milestone, and is something grads should share with family, friends, and professional networks.
But alongside the celebrations comes an important reminder we can help them navigate – how graduates describe their roles publicly, especially online, matters.
A graduate may have accepted a position as an associate attorney, but until they are formally admitted to practice law, they are not yet an attorney. The distinction feels technical, and even nit-picky, but it carries real professional consequences. Announcements of these accomplishments should be phrased in a way that avoids misrepresentation.
Character and Fitness committees in several jurisdictions have flagged applicants for presenting themselves prematurely as “attorneys” or “associate attorneys.” Even an innocent LinkedIn update can create complications, delays, or in some cases sanctions (for example, California has sanctioned individuals for prematurely using “attorney,” “lawyer,” or “Esq.”).
Words carry weight in the legal profession. Accuracy and transparency are not just ideals, they are ethical requirements. The way a grad phrases their job title while awaiting bar results reflects on their integrity, judgment, and professionalism.
Fortunately, the solution is simple. Graduates can (and should) highlight their success while being accurate and transparent. For example, phrasing like “Associate (bar admission pending)” or another approved variation is both celebratory and compliant.
Here are examples of phrasing some jurisdictions note as acceptable:
California, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington – “awaiting swearing-in,” “bar candidate,” “JD,” “Juris Doctor,” “pending admission.”
Massachusetts and New York – “awaiting admission,” “pending admission,” “law school graduate,” “JD,” or “Juris Doctor.”
Tennessee and Texas – “awaiting admission,” “pending swearing-in,” “law school graduate,” “JD,” “Juris Doctor,” or “bar candidate.”
These phrases celebrate achievement, maintain transparency, and protect graduates’ professional reputations while they await admission.
A quick caveat about the phrases – graduates should always confirm directly with their jurisdiction’s admissions office. That is the #1 way to ensure compliance with their jurisdictions’ rules!
Here are some key take-aways to share with your grads:
- Use accurate, clear language to describe your status while awaiting admission.
- Update online profiles carefully, avoiding any implication you are already licensed if you are not.
- Check directly with your jurisdiction’s admissions office for the most reliable guidance.
- Seek advice when unsure—from career services, bar support offices, or admissions staff.
- Be patient as you prepare for your swearing-in. It’s a milestone worth celebrating, and doing so with professionalism will enhance your reputation as you begin your career.
(Guest blogger: Michele Berger, Visiting Assistant Professor of Academic Success and Bar Support, Albany Law School)
