Employment Certification for NYS Waiver
I’m in the process of waiving into New York State after more than five years of practice. Throughout my career, I’ve taken on various positions, some of which weren’t the right fit, leading to my departure after around 90 days. I usually omit these short stints from my resume, but I’m prepared to disclose them to the bar if needed. I’ve learned that the Appellate Department requires employment verifications signed by every single one of my former employers from the last ten years. Has anyone else faced a similar situation, needing to contact former supervisors or partners—some of whom may not have the best feelings towards you—to obtain these verifications?
2 Responses
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a challenging situation, but you’re definitely not alone in facing this as you pursue your waiver into NYS. Many attorneys have had to navigate similar hurdles, especially if they’ve had roles that didn’t work out.
When it comes to reaching out for employment verifications, it can be tough, especially if you’re concerned about past relationships. Here are a few tips that might help:
Be Transparent: When you contact your former employers, explain the situation honestly. Most of them will understand that this is a requirement for your bar application.
Keep it Professional: Try to maintain a professional tone, regardless of how you felt about your previous experience there. A respectful email can go a long way in making the process smoother.
Focus on the Positive: If you feel comfortable, highlight what you learned or how you grew from your time there, even if it was short. This can often soften any potential negativity.
Prepare for Responses: Some former employers might be more willing to provide verification than others. If someone is unwilling or unresponsive, you may need to mention that in your application, explaining the circumstances if asked.
Reconnect: If there’s been significant time since you’ve worked together, a friendly reconnecting could help ease any tensions.
Ultimately, you’re taking a positive step in your career, and while this part may be uncomfortable, it’s just one hurdle on your path to practicing in NYS. Best of luck, and remember that many have been where you are now!
It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging yet common aspect of the waiver process. Many applicants face the daunting task of obtaining employment verifications, especially when past relationships with employers might be strained. One strategy that has worked for others is to approach these former supervisors with transparency and professionalism.
Consider explaining your current situation and how obtaining the verification is essential for pursuing your goals in New York. Often, former employers appreciate candor and may be more willing to help than you anticipate. Additionally, it might be beneficial to frame your request positively, focusing on the skills and experiences you gained during your time there rather than the circumstances of your departure.
Moreover, if you have an HR department from any of those companies, reaching out to them can sometimes simplify the process, as they may have standard procedures for providing verification that doesn’t require direct involvement from your former supervisors.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out to peers who have gone through this process. Their insights and experiences could provide valuable tips or even lead to better communication strategies with your former employers. I wish you the best of luck with your waiving process!