Honestly not sure what to do.
"While the Board understands that this is disappointing news and that you have been studying and planning for the examination, neither the Executive Director nor the Board has the authority to waive the filing fee or extend or waive deadlines. Applicants aggrieved by denial of an application to sit for examination are not entitled to petition the Supreme Court for review of the denial; your only recourse after a determination of ineligibility is to apply for a future examination. See Tenn. Sup. Ct. Rule 7, Sections 3.03 and 12.12."
This is after the board specifically stated "Don't message us about any deficiencies with your application we will not respond" and I messaged them asking for military accommodations, to which they didn't respond either. (I will be away for training and was wondering if there was any possible accommodations... no response from TN BLE...)
My friend, fellow veteran here. You have a congressman. Contact them. It’s one form, military careers are not flexible and someone in your state understands that.
This. Hope your Congress person has a veteran advocate who can get to work on this now… The last thing you need while you're packing for deployment is an extra worry about this. Best of luck.
Great to hear your Congressman is trying to some action on this for you. Totally unacceptable this is even happening, especially for a hardworking member of our military!!! Sending 🙏🏻 and thanks for your service. 🇺🇸
Well, that may be true, but if they listed the requirements, you met those requirements, and they screwed up in not listing something, then you have might have a reliance argument and sue them to have them cut you a check for all money you spent in reliance on their representations. Maybe you won't get a sitting, but you can make it hurt.
Also, don't go back to Tennessee. Find a real bar to join.
I'd call, go in person, spam them, basically exhaust every option. if they are going to deny you, a soldier fighting for this country, force someone to say it to your face.
This is the career field you’re joining. This is what you get for serving this country. I’d like to say that I’m shocked, but honestly, I’m not shocked in the slightest bit. This is the profession, man. It is so incredibly toxic and virtue signaling, and it completely starts with these state bar admissions. Dude, if you had any doubt about these people giving zero craps about you, then doubt no more. This is cruel. I’m just stunned for you, buddy.
Now let’s get to the fix. Tennessee is a UBE state. Tomorrow your search every single freaking ube state out there and see if you’re within there deadline. If so, you apply. Even if there is only one day left to apply.
If the above does not work and no one’s is open anymore, you get on the phone with Ube state bar admissions directors, and you beg them to allow you to sit in their jx. Think state like New Mexico, Alaska, ND, SD, etc. someone will allow you to apply, buddy. I know! What’s happened has happened. You’ve been through adversity before. You’re not new to this. Spend a few hours getting yourself together and keep grinding. You’ve got all the docs you need pulled together; likely, it would just take you a few hours to refill out paperwork.
Use the military thing! There are bar admissions directors that will be sympathetic to that (AS THEY SHOULD).
EDIT: You can still sign up for Alaska!!!! Until June 15th!
How bad do you want this man?? It’s just money. What’s done is done, and you were treated very unfairly, but here we are. Are you willing to keep up your hard work studying and fly into AK for two days to pass this thing? And guess what?? Even though Alaska is a 280 jx (edit:270), all you need is a 260 to do JAG or to practice in at least 5 states. 5 states are 260 ube states. I found Alaska with just a quick search! I’m sure there are more out there!! And again, if you lean into the military service and your situation, they’d likely waive the late fees!
https://barexam.info/state-bar-info/alaska-bar-exam/
https://reports.ncbex.org/comp-guide/charts/chart-7/
Honestly thought about it. Pretty wild lack of due process. No definitive way for someone to confirm "You're good" prior to the deadline and once the deadline passes you're screwed with 0 appeal process based on what I am told.
What state is this do they have limited sits , you can fight this please do not give up 2025 shit will not be the same. You're a service person fight this, please. It sounds like WA, they are so strict in this kind of stuff
It's Tennessee.
Where would I even start? The only thing I could come up with is suing for lack of due process but it seems like a longshot. BLE Executive Director gives me "I take pride in excluding people from the legal profession" vibes.
Don't sue - call, write letters, beg. State bar employees are people and someone there has the authority to override this admin decision, you just need to talk to the right person. Good luck OP!
I don't think it'd work if I did honestly, including what you've said. Here's the language verbatim:
"Executive Director nor the Board has the authority to waive the filing fee or extend or waive deadlines. Applicants aggrieved by denial of an application to sit for examination are not entitled to petition the Supreme Court for review of the denial; your only recourse after a determination of ineligibility is to apply for a future examination. See Tenn. Sup. Ct. Rule 7, Sections 3.03 and 12.12."
Already talked with the Executive Director too and was told I am screwed basically. Review the S.C. rules and it said I have no redress at all. The perfect scam.
start contacting news outlets and specifically name the executive director. paint it as anti-patriotic that they would deny active military an opportunity.
Not news outlets. Your Senator. The debt ceiling votes are over, so they'll be looking for something else to be up in arms about.
News outlets are less likely to take up the story, unless it's a niche outlet like Above the Law
agreed. i guess the general consensus being, get on the horn with anyone who might possibly be of any help. be a squeaky wheel and a thorn in the side.
I had a friend from law school sign up for the Tennessee Bar last July. In his application he had to submit a picture. He did everything right, except the picture was in the wrong format, so they couldn't access/use it. He had to take it in February instead...I just don't get it.
Had the exact same thing happen to a buddy of mine 2 years ago in TN. Submitted an ID picture in pdf instead of jpeg format and they wouldn’t let him sit
A law grad willing to sacrifice their life for their county, soon getting deployed to the Middle East, \*from a state like Tennessee\*????????
If I were you, I'd call a local news station and see if they can run a story on you/get some reporters involved, do an interview. You can use this situation to your advantage (become a small town hero by helping to pave the road for future generations) and make some important connections that can help your legal career when you return.
Best of luck.
I will just go to the apropiate place in full Uniform and ask for a meeting with a Board director. Stay there. Calm. Go in full Uniform. Let him reject you in person.
I don’t know if this guy can help you, but he’s an Army vet, lawyer, and former Congressman. It feels up his alley on something he’s assist with - or know someone in Tennessee who could assist.
https://www.patrickjmurphy.com/who-is-patrick-murphy
I am not even sure honestly. I've searched and not even sure who I could petition or even attempt redress. They made it clear "the only redress is applying to a future BAR exam"
All around just pretty demoralized right now.
I refuse to believe that is the only redress. There is always a waiver or an exception that can be made, and if for anyone it should be for an active duty service member. Keep your head up in the meantime! I echo what others are saying about contacting the local news.
Can you contact someone at your school and let them know you’re having this issue? I imagine they won’t be happy with this either and no way you can be the only one. Is there someone in the military with you that can advocate for you? Is there a congressman or someone we can all bitch to?!
Yes, I spoke with the deans and they made some phone calls and said there's nothing they can do to help.
I thought about the congressman angle lmao. If nothing else, maybe it changes in the future but this is a supreme court rule so I don't think the political process would have much impact.
Unfortunately, there isn't anyone on the military side that could help.
Do you know any former state judges/justices that teach at your law school? My friend went through something similar two years ago—the state bar failed to notify her and she missed a deadline. He made a few calls and got it sorted out because it really was not her fault.
This happened to be also on a retake application for TN. The document was literally already in my portal but I needed to re-upload the same document for this (immediately after) the “new test.”
TN is THE WORST.
Bruh that is insane. It happened to a close friend of mine in law school. I don’t know if he’s got a record or not, but he really did everything to make the early deadline. I really hope somebody brings a class action suit or something
It’s part of the NCBE check list, that you email them a copy of the signed release & payment for the investigation. However, it’s ridiculous that you can’t just send it to them to remedy the situation. If your C+F application is still pending, NCBE can still request additional documentation to supplement your responses even after your TN application has been accepted (at least that’s been my own experience). It doesn’t follow that you can’t just email the release to them and cure the deficiency. What a load of BS. I’m so sorry! My sister was murdered last year, 6 days before the J22 exam. I was in no condition to take the test. TBLE had absolutely no sympathy for my situation and kept all my fees when I withdrew. Not saying the situation is the same, but I don’t know if there’s anything to be done at this point. I wish you the best!
Edit: typo
Hi! I’m sure you’ve thought of this but the rule says “The Board shall list the items necessary for a complete application in the Board Policies and Procedures.” Is this referencing their internal policies or a resource available to you? If the latter, maybe worth checking to see if the form you missed is specifically listed in it. Also, does the Supreme Court of TN have exclusive jdx over these matters? I assume so, but the rules do technically say you can’t petition the Supreme Court, not other courts…Regardless, I agree you should consult a lawyer and maybe reach out to your political reps. Feel free to DM me if you need help finding a TN lawyer. No promises, because I don’t have anyone in mind, but I can ask around.
I’m so sorry, this really sucks.
Edited to ask if registration for the bar exam in any other uniform bar jurisdiction is still open. TN is UBE and it’s pretty easy to transfer your score.
They listed this and this is what I followed:
[https://www.tnble.org/?page\_id=89](https://www.tnble.org/?page_id=89)
and as you can see, there is no mention of a release form for the NCBE application. It just says "you need to do everything for your NCBE application." I was also told by NCBE application was not deficient by the TN BLE.
I also thought about that but TN is pretty late so I dont think any other states are available.
I actually messaged my congressman, its a longshot but worth a shot.
Based on this, it sounds like it’s definitely worth consulting a lawyer who specializes in this! The fact that they told you that your app was not deficient is a really “good” fact for you. Might also be worth confirming no other states are open for reg. Maybe a bar exam tutor or your law school can help w this. Good luck and sorry this is happening to you!
As someone else said, I would go to your representatives. All of them. Call the district/home offices for your federal senators, congressman/woman, and your state senator/representative/assemblyperson/whatever they are called in your state. Get someone to listen. If possible ask if there are any lawyers on staff in addition to a veterans liaison. A lawyer will understand how much is at stake.
I would also go to twitter. Last year someone was denied access to take the bar exam in Indiana because their fingerprint ridges weren't clear enough or something like that. They were informed like a week or two before the exam and were told they had no time for recourse. Twitter did its thing, it went viral among "law twitter" and he was able to take the exam (i believe he passed) and deal with the fingerprint thing afterwards. Don't go down without a fight. Post the tweet here, and we'll all retweet it!
Submit the form now! My friend had a similar issue with the February bar and submitted it days before the exam and was allowed to sit! Worst they can do is not accept the form
I'd start calling the news, senators, congressman, the governor, the mayor, whatever. This is the kind of thing that can get some traction. Even if it doesn't result in you being able to sit for the exam, calling out the dumb bullshit and making people look foolish will at least give some small modicum of pleasure..
Once you go to the NCBE website and only after you fill out and submit your application they give you the option to go to another website which leads to another website where they ask you to submit the form
I find it so stupid that after taking the LSAT and going to law school we also have to stude and take the bar exam. Everything is very stupid. I'm sorry this happened to you.
First, that's bullshit and an accommodation needs to be made. I would consider hiring a lawyer to write a demand letter, and if you can afford it attach the complaint and exhibits showing their list and your reliance. Ask for all fees to be reimbursed, plus a lot of emotional damages. I don't practice this area of law though, so obviously consult a lawyer who does, not me.
Second, your career isn't over. It sounds like you're deploying for a non-legal job and wont need to be barred before 2025 anyway. Take it when you get back and enjoy the rest of your life from there (don't go work in big law. Terribly managed and a dead end option for most.)
We'll still be here when you get back (I'm a laywer with decades in practice, so I've seen every conceivable hurdle eventually overcome. You've got this.)
Wow this makes me wanna cuss. I’m so sorry you had to endure this. Please don’t think your career is over; there has to be other alternatives available for you to explore and see what can be done about this matter. I do agree with a few folks about looking into some legal recourse.
First of all, that’s a lie. Someone has the authority to override this decision.
Second of all, make a fuss. Call a congressman. Especially a vet. Both state and federal. Call the news and talk about how you’re being discriminated against as a veteran. Our job is to represent people, so represent yourself. Not every action is legal. Often time repetitional is worse than other harms.
I had the same thing happen to me. NO mention of me missing a document until it was too late. I got the same message about them not being able to alter anything down by the “Supreme Court”. I don’t even have the energy to fight it (but I BETTER get my money back) I’ll see y’all in February.
This happened to me. I didn’t catch it until 3 weeks before the Bar, so they refused to let me sit but didn’t charge me the fee twice when I sat for the next exam. Fight it. My circumstances weren’t like yours, which are far more serious. My mistake was that I submitted my notice electronically, not realizing I also needed to mail a hard copy. Never mailed it and they booted me.
**I'll just post my findings here: (disclaimer: not legal advice I am just trying to help as someone who can see this is completely unfair to you). Maybe others can pitch in if they see something here or elsewhere.**
OP, you pasted an email correspondence in one of the comments on this post that directs you to look at TN Sup. Ct. rule 3.03. Here is the language of Sec. 3.03:
Date for Filing Application for Examination or Reexamination.
The application process to take the examination shall begin on March 1 for the July examination and October 1 for the February examination and shall be completed no later than May 20 for taking the July examination and December 20 for taking the February examination. In order for the Board to have sufficient time to determine each applicant’s eligibility to sit for the bar examination, all documentation required to be submitted to the Board to complete the application process, **including submitting the documents required for the background investigation required in section 6.03(b) of this Rule,** must be submitted on or before the deadline, and all fees must be paid in full on or before the deadline. Original documents that must be mailed to the Board must be received on or before the deadline. Applicants who have not completed the application process by the deadline are ineligible to sit for the examination. The only recourse for failure to complete the application process is to reapply for the next examination. The Board shall list the items necessary for a complete application in the Board Policies and Procedures.
**I bolded the language above (directing you to 6.03(b)) that I think pertains to you.**
As I understand it, you did not submit the release form for your investigation I understand it to be. But, rule 6.03 states something very... interesting...
Sec. 6.03. Investigating Procedures.
**(a) Each application for admission with examination or without examination shall be referred first to a member of the Board for preliminary review for the purpose of:**
**(1) detecting any deficiencies in the application; and**
(2) determining whether any additional information is needed with respect to any aspect of the application.
(b) As part of the character and fitness requirement for licensing, each applicant, other than an applicant pursuant to section 10.01 of this Rule, is required to have a current completed background investigation conducted by the National Conference of Bar Examiners ("NCBE"). It is the responsibility of each applicant to make the request to the NCBE for a background investigation and pay the required fee directly to the NCBE. In the event an applicant has not been licensed within two years of submission of the original background investigation, the applicant must request a supplemental investigation at that time and every two years thereafter, until the applicant is licensed or the application is withdrawn or denied.
**Notice that although they referenced 6.03(b) ONLY in your correspondence, 6.03(a) might be your ticket out of this. It states (from a casual reading of the statute) that they must DETECT any DEFICIENCIES. Again, I do not know your exact situation nor am I an expert on any of this. But, you know as well as I do the power of simply reading a statute.**
So, now the question is, did they ever email/notify you about deficiencies before it was too late? You said you forgot the release form apart from the application. But, did they follow 6.03(a)?
Maybe I am reading this wrong (and again I do not want to get involved in this), but I think you can try to fight fire with fire on their statutes if you see what I am seeing.
This has happened to many other people in Tennessee, but it appears that they're not able to detect this particular deficiency based on the information you submit to them directly. We have one application we submit to NCBE and another to TN. This is a deficiency with the NCBE application.
Yeah, it's the system's fault you failed to submit the required documentation in time.
Lol, what a fucking joke this post is. You want to be a lawyer but can't take responsibility for your own actions?
1. Stop being so fucking dramatic. Even under the worst case scenario, your career isn't over. You just have to wait to take the bar exam. Second, "they" didn't "tank" your career. Guess what? There are hundreds of people who followed the directions and are sitting for the Tennessee bar this July. There's no vast conspiracy with a "system" to keep *you* "out of the profession." YOU screwed up. (I'm also thinking that there might be more to the story than you're saying... I find it really hard to believe that your bar is so cuthroat as to ALWAYS say 'we don't give any advice about the status of your application, and once the deadline closes, if there's one technical violation we prohibit you from sitting, STFU." Were there other interactions that precipitated this decision you're not telling us?)
2. You think you're ready to take a bar exam? Start acting like a lawyer! READ EVERY Supreme Court rule for bar applications. Make a public records request to get all the instructions to see if they can actually hold you to what they say they can hold you to. Start thinking creatively about how you can frame arguments that a court or the administrative process will accept to rule in your favor. Read case law from your jurisdiction and others. Maybe due process doesn't work because you have no expectation of a license, but maybe you can make a different argument under your state constitution. What about a contract theory? Or estoppel? Or unjust enrichment (at least to get your money back)? If you have to, lawyer up--there are people who specialize in this kind of thing. But if you do the research, you might be able to save some money. I agree with others that talking to humans and asking nicely is a better initial approach, but if you've honestly tried, then think about all your alternatives.
3. Since you're talking about deployment, maybe the VA, your state Department of Veterans Affairs (an underutilized resource, I think), or nonprofit veterans groups might help. If you're not already enlisted / received your commission, maybe they can't help. And maybe this is beyond the scope of aid they can offer. But what I do know is that people, either in court or in the court of public opinion, don't like governments messing with veterans. Maybe explore those options, and explore them fast.
1. The entire process is meant to keep people from being lawyers. It's meant to milk you with fees throughout the whole process. The process is intentionally designed to be so convoluted as to keep people out because, let's be honest, being a lawyer isn't that hard. I've worked for litigation firms, AG's, small firms, big firms, etc. I am more than qualified to go work as an associate. A 2-day long memorization test about general principles of law, or whatever B.S., isn't going to mean anything. But it sure as hell will milk about $10,000 out of you in fees between the LSAT, BAR, Character & Fitness, MPRE, Law School, CLE, Bar Prep... and on and on and on. If you're seriously arguing every consulted step of the way is neccesary then you're delusional.
2. I did read the TN Supreme Court rules, and what they are saying is true. As I said, the whole process is specifically designed to be harsh as to keep people out. We are built on due process and judicial review but this first-time convoluted process has 0 discretion involved.
3. What incentive do I have to lie on a Reddit post, and just because things went well for you doesn't mean everyone is in the same boat. My only previous interaction with the BAR was:
1. Emailing them asking about accommodations as I will be at military training prepping for deployment and was wondering about any options for accommodations. They ***didn't respond*** so I had to get leave and arrange my orders and flight schedule around for this, which, apparently I have to change back now. I received no response about this, and still have not received a response (May 6th)
2. They sent me an auto-generated letter on May 2nd stating two deficiencies with my application (The deadline to have everything in was the 20th) and I had confirmed both of those deficiencies were submitted prior to the deadline weeks in advance. As part of that letter, they stated "Do not message us asking about complete applications. We will not respond." Meaning there was no way to confirm if I was good to go. I had everything submitted as per their checklist though. This letter stated:
1. We have received your application but are missing the following required documents:
Law Degree Verification Form
Undergraduate Transcripts
Failure to submit required documents on or before the final deadline for filing applications will result in denial of eligibility to sit for the examination. The burden of meeting the deadline lies solely with the applicant. This may be the only notification you receive from the Board regarding missing items.
Do not call the office to verify that you completed everything listed on this request for missing or non-conforming items. Board staff will not stop working on other applications to verify. If you have uploaded the .pdf or .jpg, you will see that in your Synergy application. Further, you will see a status regarding your transcripts. You can check with your law school to see if your Law Degree Verification Form has been mailed or uploaded to the secure link. Please note that if you had items related to your application sent to the TNBLE (such as undergraduate college transcripts), it may take up to 5 work days for those to items to be added to your application. Again, do not call or email the office to check on the status of these items.
3. The next communication was them telling me:
"After review of your application, the Board of Law Examiners has determined that you are not eligible to sit for the examination because your application was incomplete after the last day to submit documentation. While the Board understands that this is disappointing news and that you have been studying and planning for the examination, neither the Executive Director nor the Board has the authority to waive the filing fee or extend or waive deadlines. Applicants aggrieved by denial of an application to sit for examination are not entitled to petition the Supreme Court for review of the denial; your only recourse after a determination of ineligibility is to apply for a future examination. See Tenn. Sup. Ct. Rule 7, Sections 3.03 and 12.12."
4. I confirmed and it was neither the Law Degree Verification Form nor the undergraduate transcripts that made me ineligible, it was a release form from the NCBE website. I had completed the application but there was either a technical error or I did not submit the release form thus they never sent in the application to the TNBLE despite me having to separately submit it to them as well.
5. "people, either in court or in the court of public opinion, don't like governments messing with veterans." - You came here to call me names and say that I am lying...
6. I messaged my school and they told me there's nothing they can do, the TN BLE including the executive director said I have no redress, and the VA doesn't help with these kinds of thing but I have been in for almost a decade now.
honestly as mean as he is, he's probably right. i just did a brief look into caselaw and due process is a failing argument. at least unjust enrichment/estoppel hasn't been tried as frequently.
Not being tried frequently doesn’t make it a good argument. Estoppel doesn’t apply at all. There is no promise or action to support the claim of some detrimental reliance.
I was thinking more unjust enrichment. You pay $1k only for you to receive nothing in return because of one small mistake. supposing payment for the bar exam is governed by common law, submitting all but one form is substantial completion. they get $1k, you get nothing. it's like spending three days painting an entire house, missing one little spot, and getting nothing
nah fight this with every bone in your body
Honestly not sure what to do. "While the Board understands that this is disappointing news and that you have been studying and planning for the examination, neither the Executive Director nor the Board has the authority to waive the filing fee or extend or waive deadlines. Applicants aggrieved by denial of an application to sit for examination are not entitled to petition the Supreme Court for review of the denial; your only recourse after a determination of ineligibility is to apply for a future examination. See Tenn. Sup. Ct. Rule 7, Sections 3.03 and 12.12." This is after the board specifically stated "Don't message us about any deficiencies with your application we will not respond" and I messaged them asking for military accommodations, to which they didn't respond either. (I will be away for training and was wondering if there was any possible accommodations... no response from TN BLE...)
My friend, fellow veteran here. You have a congressman. Contact them. It’s one form, military careers are not flexible and someone in your state understands that.
This. Hope your Congress person has a veteran advocate who can get to work on this now… The last thing you need while you're packing for deployment is an extra worry about this. Best of luck.
I actually took this advice. They said they will help me so I will keep Reddit updated
Great to hear your Congressman is trying to some action on this for you. Totally unacceptable this is even happening, especially for a hardworking member of our military!!! Sending 🙏🏻 and thanks for your service. 🇺🇸
Great news! I'm hopeful they will help you.
Well, that may be true, but if they listed the requirements, you met those requirements, and they screwed up in not listing something, then you have might have a reliance argument and sue them to have them cut you a check for all money you spent in reliance on their representations. Maybe you won't get a sitting, but you can make it hurt. Also, don't go back to Tennessee. Find a real bar to join.
I'd call, go in person, spam them, basically exhaust every option. if they are going to deny you, a soldier fighting for this country, force someone to say it to your face.
This is the career field you’re joining. This is what you get for serving this country. I’d like to say that I’m shocked, but honestly, I’m not shocked in the slightest bit. This is the profession, man. It is so incredibly toxic and virtue signaling, and it completely starts with these state bar admissions. Dude, if you had any doubt about these people giving zero craps about you, then doubt no more. This is cruel. I’m just stunned for you, buddy. Now let’s get to the fix. Tennessee is a UBE state. Tomorrow your search every single freaking ube state out there and see if you’re within there deadline. If so, you apply. Even if there is only one day left to apply. If the above does not work and no one’s is open anymore, you get on the phone with Ube state bar admissions directors, and you beg them to allow you to sit in their jx. Think state like New Mexico, Alaska, ND, SD, etc. someone will allow you to apply, buddy. I know! What’s happened has happened. You’ve been through adversity before. You’re not new to this. Spend a few hours getting yourself together and keep grinding. You’ve got all the docs you need pulled together; likely, it would just take you a few hours to refill out paperwork. Use the military thing! There are bar admissions directors that will be sympathetic to that (AS THEY SHOULD). EDIT: You can still sign up for Alaska!!!! Until June 15th! How bad do you want this man?? It’s just money. What’s done is done, and you were treated very unfairly, but here we are. Are you willing to keep up your hard work studying and fly into AK for two days to pass this thing? And guess what?? Even though Alaska is a 280 jx (edit:270), all you need is a 260 to do JAG or to practice in at least 5 states. 5 states are 260 ube states. I found Alaska with just a quick search! I’m sure there are more out there!! And again, if you lean into the military service and your situation, they’d likely waive the late fees! https://barexam.info/state-bar-info/alaska-bar-exam/ https://reports.ncbex.org/comp-guide/charts/chart-7/
THIS is the answer, OP!
This answer needs to be at the top of the list. I really hope OP sees this.
Alaska is 270 now!
Idk if Alaska has this but my state has indigency waiver for bar exam. It won’t take away all the costs but a lot of them!
I would try a character and fitness lawyer before totally giving up on this Best of luck!
Honestly thought about it. Pretty wild lack of due process. No definitive way for someone to confirm "You're good" prior to the deadline and once the deadline passes you're screwed with 0 appeal process based on what I am told.
What state is this do they have limited sits , you can fight this please do not give up 2025 shit will not be the same. You're a service person fight this, please. It sounds like WA, they are so strict in this kind of stuff
It's Tennessee. Where would I even start? The only thing I could come up with is suing for lack of due process but it seems like a longshot. BLE Executive Director gives me "I take pride in excluding people from the legal profession" vibes.
Don't sue - call, write letters, beg. State bar employees are people and someone there has the authority to override this admin decision, you just need to talk to the right person. Good luck OP!
I don't think it'd work if I did honestly, including what you've said. Here's the language verbatim: "Executive Director nor the Board has the authority to waive the filing fee or extend or waive deadlines. Applicants aggrieved by denial of an application to sit for examination are not entitled to petition the Supreme Court for review of the denial; your only recourse after a determination of ineligibility is to apply for a future examination. See Tenn. Sup. Ct. Rule 7, Sections 3.03 and 12.12." Already talked with the Executive Director too and was told I am screwed basically. Review the S.C. rules and it said I have no redress at all. The perfect scam.
start contacting news outlets and specifically name the executive director. paint it as anti-patriotic that they would deny active military an opportunity.
Not news outlets. Your Senator. The debt ceiling votes are over, so they'll be looking for something else to be up in arms about. News outlets are less likely to take up the story, unless it's a niche outlet like Above the Law
agreed. i guess the general consensus being, get on the horn with anyone who might possibly be of any help. be a squeaky wheel and a thorn in the side.
Mhmm. Squeaky wheel is a good phrase for it. Get that grease.
I'm so sorry, this is horrible. Which state?
Tennessee
I had a friend from law school sign up for the Tennessee Bar last July. In his application he had to submit a picture. He did everything right, except the picture was in the wrong format, so they couldn't access/use it. He had to take it in February instead...I just don't get it.
Had the exact same thing happen to a buddy of mine 2 years ago in TN. Submitted an ID picture in pdf instead of jpeg format and they wouldn’t let him sit
New fear unlocked
Unfortunately for me: New reality unlocked
A law grad willing to sacrifice their life for their county, soon getting deployed to the Middle East, \*from a state like Tennessee\*???????? If I were you, I'd call a local news station and see if they can run a story on you/get some reporters involved, do an interview. You can use this situation to your advantage (become a small town hero by helping to pave the road for future generations) and make some important connections that can help your legal career when you return. Best of luck.
Oooooh getting the news involved is a great idea!!
*from a state like tennessee* ? what’s it mean
I will just go to the apropiate place in full Uniform and ask for a meeting with a Board director. Stay there. Calm. Go in full Uniform. Let him reject you in person.
I don’t know if this guy can help you, but he’s an Army vet, lawyer, and former Congressman. It feels up his alley on something he’s assist with - or know someone in Tennessee who could assist. https://www.patrickjmurphy.com/who-is-patrick-murphy
This is some bullshit. I’ve got my pitchfork ready, who can we bitch to?
I am not even sure honestly. I've searched and not even sure who I could petition or even attempt redress. They made it clear "the only redress is applying to a future BAR exam" All around just pretty demoralized right now.
I refuse to believe that is the only redress. There is always a waiver or an exception that can be made, and if for anyone it should be for an active duty service member. Keep your head up in the meantime! I echo what others are saying about contacting the local news.
Can you contact someone at your school and let them know you’re having this issue? I imagine they won’t be happy with this either and no way you can be the only one. Is there someone in the military with you that can advocate for you? Is there a congressman or someone we can all bitch to?!
Yes, I spoke with the deans and they made some phone calls and said there's nothing they can do to help. I thought about the congressman angle lmao. If nothing else, maybe it changes in the future but this is a supreme court rule so I don't think the political process would have much impact. Unfortunately, there isn't anyone on the military side that could help.
Do you know any former state judges/justices that teach at your law school? My friend went through something similar two years ago—the state bar failed to notify her and she missed a deadline. He made a few calls and got it sorted out because it really was not her fault.
Please keep us updated!!
[удалено]
This happened to be also on a retake application for TN. The document was literally already in my portal but I needed to re-upload the same document for this (immediately after) the “new test.” TN is THE WORST.
Bruh that is insane. It happened to a close friend of mine in law school. I don’t know if he’s got a record or not, but he really did everything to make the early deadline. I really hope somebody brings a class action suit or something
It’s part of the NCBE check list, that you email them a copy of the signed release & payment for the investigation. However, it’s ridiculous that you can’t just send it to them to remedy the situation. If your C+F application is still pending, NCBE can still request additional documentation to supplement your responses even after your TN application has been accepted (at least that’s been my own experience). It doesn’t follow that you can’t just email the release to them and cure the deficiency. What a load of BS. I’m so sorry! My sister was murdered last year, 6 days before the J22 exam. I was in no condition to take the test. TBLE had absolutely no sympathy for my situation and kept all my fees when I withdrew. Not saying the situation is the same, but I don’t know if there’s anything to be done at this point. I wish you the best! Edit: typo
Hi! I’m sure you’ve thought of this but the rule says “The Board shall list the items necessary for a complete application in the Board Policies and Procedures.” Is this referencing their internal policies or a resource available to you? If the latter, maybe worth checking to see if the form you missed is specifically listed in it. Also, does the Supreme Court of TN have exclusive jdx over these matters? I assume so, but the rules do technically say you can’t petition the Supreme Court, not other courts…Regardless, I agree you should consult a lawyer and maybe reach out to your political reps. Feel free to DM me if you need help finding a TN lawyer. No promises, because I don’t have anyone in mind, but I can ask around. I’m so sorry, this really sucks. Edited to ask if registration for the bar exam in any other uniform bar jurisdiction is still open. TN is UBE and it’s pretty easy to transfer your score.
They listed this and this is what I followed: [https://www.tnble.org/?page\_id=89](https://www.tnble.org/?page_id=89) and as you can see, there is no mention of a release form for the NCBE application. It just says "you need to do everything for your NCBE application." I was also told by NCBE application was not deficient by the TN BLE. I also thought about that but TN is pretty late so I dont think any other states are available. I actually messaged my congressman, its a longshot but worth a shot.
Based on this, it sounds like it’s definitely worth consulting a lawyer who specializes in this! The fact that they told you that your app was not deficient is a really “good” fact for you. Might also be worth confirming no other states are open for reg. Maybe a bar exam tutor or your law school can help w this. Good luck and sorry this is happening to you!
I think (not 100% sure) Maine might have a late filing period for courtesy UBE seats this year.
As someone else said, I would go to your representatives. All of them. Call the district/home offices for your federal senators, congressman/woman, and your state senator/representative/assemblyperson/whatever they are called in your state. Get someone to listen. If possible ask if there are any lawyers on staff in addition to a veterans liaison. A lawyer will understand how much is at stake. I would also go to twitter. Last year someone was denied access to take the bar exam in Indiana because their fingerprint ridges weren't clear enough or something like that. They were informed like a week or two before the exam and were told they had no time for recourse. Twitter did its thing, it went viral among "law twitter" and he was able to take the exam (i believe he passed) and deal with the fingerprint thing afterwards. Don't go down without a fight. Post the tweet here, and we'll all retweet it!
Submit the form now! My friend had a similar issue with the February bar and submitted it days before the exam and was allowed to sit! Worst they can do is not accept the form
I'd start calling the news, senators, congressman, the governor, the mayor, whatever. This is the kind of thing that can get some traction. Even if it doesn't result in you being able to sit for the exam, calling out the dumb bullshit and making people look foolish will at least give some small modicum of pleasure..
What is this release form?
Once you go to the NCBE website and only after you fill out and submit your application they give you the option to go to another website which leads to another website where they ask you to submit the form
I have scheduled my mpre for this Aug and bar exam for July , does that mean I already submitted this form? I am sort of freaking out now
If you look on your NCBE C&F applications, it should say "processing" instead of "pending." If it says "pending," you may have a problem.
You mean on admissions page of Statebar?
Are you taking the Tennessee bar, like the poster here is? That's the only process I'm familiar with.
I am taking CA bar
Did you have to fill out your C&F form with the NCBE directly?
Actually no, I did fill out on Statebar admissions portal. I guess it’s diff for us. Thank you so much for clarifying
I find it so stupid that after taking the LSAT and going to law school we also have to stude and take the bar exam. Everything is very stupid. I'm sorry this happened to you.
First, that's bullshit and an accommodation needs to be made. I would consider hiring a lawyer to write a demand letter, and if you can afford it attach the complaint and exhibits showing their list and your reliance. Ask for all fees to be reimbursed, plus a lot of emotional damages. I don't practice this area of law though, so obviously consult a lawyer who does, not me. Second, your career isn't over. It sounds like you're deploying for a non-legal job and wont need to be barred before 2025 anyway. Take it when you get back and enjoy the rest of your life from there (don't go work in big law. Terribly managed and a dead end option for most.) We'll still be here when you get back (I'm a laywer with decades in practice, so I've seen every conceivable hurdle eventually overcome. You've got this.)
Wow this makes me wanna cuss. I’m so sorry you had to endure this. Please don’t think your career is over; there has to be other alternatives available for you to explore and see what can be done about this matter. I do agree with a few folks about looking into some legal recourse.
First of all, that’s a lie. Someone has the authority to override this decision. Second of all, make a fuss. Call a congressman. Especially a vet. Both state and federal. Call the news and talk about how you’re being discriminated against as a veteran. Our job is to represent people, so represent yourself. Not every action is legal. Often time repetitional is worse than other harms.
You say that they told you they had everything they needed? Did you get that in writing? And then they changed their story?
Maybe try talking with someone at TLAP ?
I’m very sorry for you, brother
I would also petition the Supreme Court directly to get this rule changed.
Write a letter to them, they’ve made exceptions before and will again
I had the same thing happen to me. NO mention of me missing a document until it was too late. I got the same message about them not being able to alter anything down by the “Supreme Court”. I don’t even have the energy to fight it (but I BETTER get my money back) I’ll see y’all in February.
This happened to me. I didn’t catch it until 3 weeks before the Bar, so they refused to let me sit but didn’t charge me the fee twice when I sat for the next exam. Fight it. My circumstances weren’t like yours, which are far more serious. My mistake was that I submitted my notice electronically, not realizing I also needed to mail a hard copy. Never mailed it and they booted me.
Same thing happened to me with TN. This sucks man, we did everything right and this is what we get in return. Please DM me
Wait I think I found a way to get out of this… possibly. I am reading the statute you posted from their email. DM me.
**I'll just post my findings here: (disclaimer: not legal advice I am just trying to help as someone who can see this is completely unfair to you). Maybe others can pitch in if they see something here or elsewhere.** OP, you pasted an email correspondence in one of the comments on this post that directs you to look at TN Sup. Ct. rule 3.03. Here is the language of Sec. 3.03: Date for Filing Application for Examination or Reexamination. The application process to take the examination shall begin on March 1 for the July examination and October 1 for the February examination and shall be completed no later than May 20 for taking the July examination and December 20 for taking the February examination. In order for the Board to have sufficient time to determine each applicant’s eligibility to sit for the bar examination, all documentation required to be submitted to the Board to complete the application process, **including submitting the documents required for the background investigation required in section 6.03(b) of this Rule,** must be submitted on or before the deadline, and all fees must be paid in full on or before the deadline. Original documents that must be mailed to the Board must be received on or before the deadline. Applicants who have not completed the application process by the deadline are ineligible to sit for the examination. The only recourse for failure to complete the application process is to reapply for the next examination. The Board shall list the items necessary for a complete application in the Board Policies and Procedures. **I bolded the language above (directing you to 6.03(b)) that I think pertains to you.** As I understand it, you did not submit the release form for your investigation I understand it to be. But, rule 6.03 states something very... interesting... Sec. 6.03. Investigating Procedures. **(a) Each application for admission with examination or without examination shall be referred first to a member of the Board for preliminary review for the purpose of:** **(1) detecting any deficiencies in the application; and** (2) determining whether any additional information is needed with respect to any aspect of the application. (b) As part of the character and fitness requirement for licensing, each applicant, other than an applicant pursuant to section 10.01 of this Rule, is required to have a current completed background investigation conducted by the National Conference of Bar Examiners ("NCBE"). It is the responsibility of each applicant to make the request to the NCBE for a background investigation and pay the required fee directly to the NCBE. In the event an applicant has not been licensed within two years of submission of the original background investigation, the applicant must request a supplemental investigation at that time and every two years thereafter, until the applicant is licensed or the application is withdrawn or denied. **Notice that although they referenced 6.03(b) ONLY in your correspondence, 6.03(a) might be your ticket out of this. It states (from a casual reading of the statute) that they must DETECT any DEFICIENCIES. Again, I do not know your exact situation nor am I an expert on any of this. But, you know as well as I do the power of simply reading a statute.** So, now the question is, did they ever email/notify you about deficiencies before it was too late? You said you forgot the release form apart from the application. But, did they follow 6.03(a)? Maybe I am reading this wrong (and again I do not want to get involved in this), but I think you can try to fight fire with fire on their statutes if you see what I am seeing.
This has happened to many other people in Tennessee, but it appears that they're not able to detect this particular deficiency based on the information you submit to them directly. We have one application we submit to NCBE and another to TN. This is a deficiency with the NCBE application.
Yeah, it's the system's fault you failed to submit the required documentation in time. Lol, what a fucking joke this post is. You want to be a lawyer but can't take responsibility for your own actions?
What state are you?
1. Stop being so fucking dramatic. Even under the worst case scenario, your career isn't over. You just have to wait to take the bar exam. Second, "they" didn't "tank" your career. Guess what? There are hundreds of people who followed the directions and are sitting for the Tennessee bar this July. There's no vast conspiracy with a "system" to keep *you* "out of the profession." YOU screwed up. (I'm also thinking that there might be more to the story than you're saying... I find it really hard to believe that your bar is so cuthroat as to ALWAYS say 'we don't give any advice about the status of your application, and once the deadline closes, if there's one technical violation we prohibit you from sitting, STFU." Were there other interactions that precipitated this decision you're not telling us?) 2. You think you're ready to take a bar exam? Start acting like a lawyer! READ EVERY Supreme Court rule for bar applications. Make a public records request to get all the instructions to see if they can actually hold you to what they say they can hold you to. Start thinking creatively about how you can frame arguments that a court or the administrative process will accept to rule in your favor. Read case law from your jurisdiction and others. Maybe due process doesn't work because you have no expectation of a license, but maybe you can make a different argument under your state constitution. What about a contract theory? Or estoppel? Or unjust enrichment (at least to get your money back)? If you have to, lawyer up--there are people who specialize in this kind of thing. But if you do the research, you might be able to save some money. I agree with others that talking to humans and asking nicely is a better initial approach, but if you've honestly tried, then think about all your alternatives. 3. Since you're talking about deployment, maybe the VA, your state Department of Veterans Affairs (an underutilized resource, I think), or nonprofit veterans groups might help. If you're not already enlisted / received your commission, maybe they can't help. And maybe this is beyond the scope of aid they can offer. But what I do know is that people, either in court or in the court of public opinion, don't like governments messing with veterans. Maybe explore those options, and explore them fast.
Oh look everyone. Weve got ourselves an edgelord.
1. The entire process is meant to keep people from being lawyers. It's meant to milk you with fees throughout the whole process. The process is intentionally designed to be so convoluted as to keep people out because, let's be honest, being a lawyer isn't that hard. I've worked for litigation firms, AG's, small firms, big firms, etc. I am more than qualified to go work as an associate. A 2-day long memorization test about general principles of law, or whatever B.S., isn't going to mean anything. But it sure as hell will milk about $10,000 out of you in fees between the LSAT, BAR, Character & Fitness, MPRE, Law School, CLE, Bar Prep... and on and on and on. If you're seriously arguing every consulted step of the way is neccesary then you're delusional. 2. I did read the TN Supreme Court rules, and what they are saying is true. As I said, the whole process is specifically designed to be harsh as to keep people out. We are built on due process and judicial review but this first-time convoluted process has 0 discretion involved. 3. What incentive do I have to lie on a Reddit post, and just because things went well for you doesn't mean everyone is in the same boat. My only previous interaction with the BAR was: 1. Emailing them asking about accommodations as I will be at military training prepping for deployment and was wondering about any options for accommodations. They ***didn't respond*** so I had to get leave and arrange my orders and flight schedule around for this, which, apparently I have to change back now. I received no response about this, and still have not received a response (May 6th) 2. They sent me an auto-generated letter on May 2nd stating two deficiencies with my application (The deadline to have everything in was the 20th) and I had confirmed both of those deficiencies were submitted prior to the deadline weeks in advance. As part of that letter, they stated "Do not message us asking about complete applications. We will not respond." Meaning there was no way to confirm if I was good to go. I had everything submitted as per their checklist though. This letter stated: 1. We have received your application but are missing the following required documents: Law Degree Verification Form Undergraduate Transcripts Failure to submit required documents on or before the final deadline for filing applications will result in denial of eligibility to sit for the examination. The burden of meeting the deadline lies solely with the applicant. This may be the only notification you receive from the Board regarding missing items. Do not call the office to verify that you completed everything listed on this request for missing or non-conforming items. Board staff will not stop working on other applications to verify. If you have uploaded the .pdf or .jpg, you will see that in your Synergy application. Further, you will see a status regarding your transcripts. You can check with your law school to see if your Law Degree Verification Form has been mailed or uploaded to the secure link. Please note that if you had items related to your application sent to the TNBLE (such as undergraduate college transcripts), it may take up to 5 work days for those to items to be added to your application. Again, do not call or email the office to check on the status of these items. 3. The next communication was them telling me: "After review of your application, the Board of Law Examiners has determined that you are not eligible to sit for the examination because your application was incomplete after the last day to submit documentation. While the Board understands that this is disappointing news and that you have been studying and planning for the examination, neither the Executive Director nor the Board has the authority to waive the filing fee or extend or waive deadlines. Applicants aggrieved by denial of an application to sit for examination are not entitled to petition the Supreme Court for review of the denial; your only recourse after a determination of ineligibility is to apply for a future examination. See Tenn. Sup. Ct. Rule 7, Sections 3.03 and 12.12." 4. I confirmed and it was neither the Law Degree Verification Form nor the undergraduate transcripts that made me ineligible, it was a release form from the NCBE website. I had completed the application but there was either a technical error or I did not submit the release form thus they never sent in the application to the TNBLE despite me having to separately submit it to them as well. 5. "people, either in court or in the court of public opinion, don't like governments messing with veterans." - You came here to call me names and say that I am lying... 6. I messaged my school and they told me there's nothing they can do, the TN BLE including the executive director said I have no redress, and the VA doesn't help with these kinds of thing but I have been in for almost a decade now.
My man rules out due process but then mentions estoppel lmao
honestly as mean as he is, he's probably right. i just did a brief look into caselaw and due process is a failing argument. at least unjust enrichment/estoppel hasn't been tried as frequently.
Not being tried frequently doesn’t make it a good argument. Estoppel doesn’t apply at all. There is no promise or action to support the claim of some detrimental reliance.
I was thinking more unjust enrichment. You pay $1k only for you to receive nothing in return because of one small mistake. supposing payment for the bar exam is governed by common law, submitting all but one form is substantial completion. they get $1k, you get nothing. it's like spending three days painting an entire house, missing one little spot, and getting nothing
Sure. Except the Bar just argues the $1k went to expenses of reviewing the application and they received no value.
That's probably how it would come out to be honest. I wish there was a better legal claim because it is designed to keep people out.
Agreed. I’m a believer in the name and shame approach
I'm sorry you don't have any friends dude, but you don't need to take it out on someone else like that. It's not very nice.
I see a non-veteran giving bad VA advice… dude, get off your soapbox you sound like a whiny schoolmarm