the BAR

*G_Man* · 04-17-2006, 04:33 PM

Not a legal question per se, but....

What is it? What does it accomplish? How does it vary or make any difference what state you take the BAR in?

Babbaloo · 04-18-2006, 07:56 AM

Well it all boils down to happy hour. If the drinks are cheap and the women trashy - that's the bar for you.

Babbaloo · 04-18-2006, 08:02 AM

I kid. I'm a kidder.

The Bar refers to each state's Bar (the body that regulates the legal profession). Generally, you have to be a member of a state's bar to practice law in that state. To become a member, you must take and pass that state's Bar Exam. Each state has its own exam based on federal law plus state law issues that are particular to that state. The type and difficulty of each state's bar exam varies wildly.

As a member of 'the Bar', you are regulated by rules of professional responsibility that may be uniform or particular to the state. When you hear of someone being 'disbarred' that means their license to practice has been revoked due to a violation of these rules like - thou shalt not sleep with clients, thou shalt not take advantage of clients in private business matters, etc. . .

That help?

*G_Man* · 04-18-2006, 12:04 PM

Helps, but...

Let me ask you this then. If I can defend myself as my own counsel in any state of the union (not that it would be a wise decision mind you) then why would a lawyer be limited to practicing law in only the state where he has passed the BAR?

Babbaloo · 04-18-2006, 02:04 PM

Because nothing prevents you from representing yourself. (Unlike Massoui) presumably you have your own interests to look out for. When you represent someone else for money (a concept my clients can't seem to fathom when they get the bill) you have your interests and your clients interests involved. Being a member of a particular State's Bar means you are, at least nominally, competent to act on behalf of someone else AND you are upheld to that state's code of conduct.

darkknight301 · 04-18-2006, 02:07 PM

You and your fancy lawyer talk...

Babbaloo · 04-18-2006, 02:08 PM

It helps make you sound like you know somthing

darkknight301 · 04-18-2006, 02:13 PM

Really? does that help picking up chicks?

Babbaloo · 04-18-2006, 02:14 PM

ohhhhhhh yea, especially when I get into my sultry discussion of deferred compensation planning

darkknight301 · 04-18-2006, 02:19 PM

smooooth...

*G_Man* · 04-18-2006, 03:26 PM

Quoting: Babbaloo

Because nothing prevents you from representing yourself. (Unlike Massoui) presumably you have your own interests to look out for. When you represent someone else for money (a concept my clients can't seem to fathom when they get the bill) you have your interests and your clients interests involved. Being a member of a particular State's Bar means you are, at least nominally, competent to act on behalf of someone else AND you are upheld to that state's code of conduct.

So, it stills seems to me that just because you took your BAR in say, Alabama, that doesn't mean you would have my best interests at heart here in Washington. I don't see the connection...

The Dood · 04-18-2006, 04:04 PM

Its crazy.

Babbaloo · 04-18-2006, 05:40 PM

Quoting: G_Man

So, it stills seems to me that just because you took your BAR in say, Alabama, that doesn't mean you would have my best interests at heart here in Washington. I don't see the connection...

Okay, here's the connection - from a consumer protection standpoint, each state's bar serves the function of protecting the citizenry from incompetent and unscrupulous lawyers. Each state sets its own rules and if you want to practice law there, you need to live by those rules. It also helps that you know a thing or two about the state's laws that you will be 'lawyering' for people in that state. Therefore, each state's bar exam will have questions and tasks that are specific to that state's law.

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