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Post by Administrator ALJ on Sept 6, 2011 18:22:32 GMT -5
I know the specifics of the SI cannot be discussed, but what about the WDs? Are these a bit like (dare I say it?) a bar exam? Are you questioned on rules of evidence, administrative procedure, et cetera?
Thanks!
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Post by 71stretch on Sept 6, 2011 18:26:33 GMT -5
Actually, I think we signed a Confidentiality Agreement on those, too. My memory is a little fuzzy at this point, but looking at some other threads seems to confirm my impression.
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Post by ALJD on Sept 6, 2011 19:43:43 GMT -5
See Part 1 of the FAQ pinned to the top of the Board for details on ALJ testing and application process.
For the WD part of the test, I believe from prior years that it's OK to talk about the logistical and testing procedure of the WD, just not the actual content of the test (this is in contrast to the SI, where everything, including the procedures, are covered in the confidential agreement).
So if you have any questions after reading the FAQ, ask and I'm sure someone will answer as long is it's not covered by the confidentiality agreement.
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Post by wannabee on Sept 6, 2011 19:47:54 GMT -5
My recollection is that I signed a confidentiality agreement for both the WD and the SI. Mums the word.
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Post by decadealj on Sept 6, 2011 23:30:03 GMT -5
I think it is safe to say that any statute, regulations, rules of evidence or procedure necessary to analyze the facts presented and write a decision will be provided in the exam. The whole idea is to present an administrative law issue requiring analysis of the facts and a decision sufficiently supported by the law and facts presented. Supposedly, administrative experience in a particular agency should not give an applicant an advantage but certainly a familiarity with an agency decision model be it EPA, SSA, SEC, DOL, etc. is a benefit to organizing the decision matrix. This anwer is based on knowledge of the criteria which was supposed to be the basis of the new WD exam process from 15 years ago so it may be dated but I hope it keeps you from trying to master the FRE or FRCP which are relevant to many federal agencies but not others like SSA.
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Post by factfinder on Sept 7, 2011 6:52:22 GMT -5
I agree with the previous poster. but, I offer the following advice: Get some sleep, do not be hungry, and carry a power bar
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Post by Administrator ALJ on Sept 7, 2011 10:20:27 GMT -5
Thanks, Decadealj! Knowing a little bit about the process and what to expect have calmed my fears. Having read the "Newbie" hiring process threads from about 3-4 years ago, I'm wondering if they are still current. For example, one thread says that the WD and SI will take place in DC. However, the FALJC sample ALJ announcement states that there are three locations in which the WD is administered (DC, Chicago, and San Francisco). Does anyone know which is correct? Just curious... Thanks!
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Post by mcb on Sept 7, 2011 11:10:14 GMT -5
the FALJC sample ALJ announcement states that there are three locations in which the WD is administered ( DC, Chicago, and San Francisco). Does anyone know which is correct? Just curious... Thanks! It depends on what part of the country you live in. I took my WD in SF. When there is a smaller group taking the WD, I'd assume it's in DC.
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Post by grassgreener on Sept 7, 2011 11:13:12 GMT -5
the FALJC sample ALJ announcement states that there are three locations in which the WD is administered ( DC, Chicago, and San Francisco). Does anyone know which is correct? Just curious... Thanks! It depends on what part of the country you live in. I took my WD in SF. When there is a smaller group taking the WD, I'd assume it's in DC. Yes, I was part of a smaller group and had to go to DC. The benefit of being part of the smaller group was that my SI was the next day, so only to take one out of town trip.
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Post by 71stretch on Sept 7, 2011 12:03:55 GMT -5
You can state, when you apply, which city you prefer to have your testing(SI/WD) in. That doesn't mean you will get your choice. When initially notified, I had my WD scheduled in SF (my choice) and my SI in Alexandria Va (DC) the following week. I had to ask for a reschedule, and it tells you up front that if you reschedule, you can only do it once, and everything will be in DC. My WD was in the morning one day, my SI late in the afternoon the following day. Not the best for travel expenses, but I had some down time that way, too.
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Post by mcb on Sept 7, 2011 12:19:31 GMT -5
It depends on what part of the country you live in. I took my WD in SF. When there is a smaller group taking the WD, I'd assume it's in DC. Yes, I was part of a smaller group and had to go to DC. The benefit of being part of the smaller group was that my SI was the next day, so only to take one out of town trip. Yep, I had to pay for two flights. One to SF for WD and one to DC for SI.
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Post by 71stretch on Sept 7, 2011 12:38:42 GMT -5
Yes, I was part of a smaller group and had to go to DC. The benefit of being part of the smaller group was that my SI was the next day, so only to take one out of town trip. Yep, I had to pay for two flights. One to SF for WD and one to DC for SI. I feel your pain. Due to the timing of the tests, and my distance from DC, I had to pay for three nights in a hotel. Thank you, Hotwire! (it helped, but I ate REALLY cheap while I was there, thanks to a grocery store about a block from the hotel!)
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Post by tricia on Sept 7, 2011 13:12:27 GMT -5
Regarding the WD, you will note that there are two groups of people: Group 1, dressed in their trial suits, and Group 2, dressed in comfortable test-taking outfits. Group 1 is made up of people who are not on the board, and Group 2 is made up of people who are on the board. If you ask the people in Group 1 about it, they'll say "What board? ?"
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Post by mcb on Sept 7, 2011 13:17:30 GMT -5
Regarding the WD, you will note that there are two groups of people: Group 1, dressed in their trial suits, and Group 2, dressed in comfortable test-taking outfits. Group 1 is made up of people who are not on the board, and Group 2 is made up of people who are on the board. If you ask the people in Group 1 about it, they'll say "What board? ?" I wore a suit.
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Post by 71stretch on Sept 7, 2011 13:21:32 GMT -5
I dressed up. (I dressed up for the bar exam, too). Whatever works for each individual's own psychological advantage is the way to go. I felt more confident (and competent) dressed up. I was not "on the board" at that time... I heard about it the next day, in the waiting room for the SI. I'm grateful still to that woman whose name (or handle) I don't know.
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Post by Administrator ALJ on Sept 7, 2011 13:39:43 GMT -5
All great tips. I love that there is such a wide selection of experiences here. So many people to learn from. Thanks!
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Post by christina on Jul 9, 2013 14:50:26 GMT -5
and the rest of us will be so distracted we will bomb the WD!! Good strategy !!
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Post by trekker on Jul 9, 2013 14:56:41 GMT -5
Over the years, I have had to take 4 bar exams. VA was the only one that made everyone wear court attire. It still does. Thank you Thomas J. Here is what the VBBE says:
"The Board is aware that many law firms and other professional offices have "dress down" policies of varying descriptions. There is no "dress down" or "casual dress" policy at the Virginia Bar Exam.
Applicants who come to the Virginia Bar Exam are expected to dress in proper attire. For men, proper attire is coat and tie. For women, proper attire is traditional business attire.
Recognizing the high calibre of professionalism that has traditionally characterized the bar, the Board is confident that no further discussion of this topic will be necessary."
When I took the VA bar, traditional attire for women was a skirt or dress and nylons. It is a wonder I passed. Talk about uncomfortable. I think you can dress professionally and comfortably and not have to wear a suit.
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Post by moopigsdad on Jul 9, 2013 14:57:33 GMT -5
I wore a suit. Resurrecting this older thread because it has some good info. I can't imagine wearing a suit to the WD. How can you type quickly for long periods when your arms are restricted by a suit jacket? If I am invited, I think I will wear something comfortable and that breathes well, like this: aljfaq please stick to the topic as I believe there is a website for outfits like that and it is: I WOULDN'T BE CAUGT DEAD IN THAT OUTFIT.COMIt's just a fake site, but it expresses my opinion on that outfit. I would think if you wore that into the SI interview you would be tossed out on your ear. LOL!
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Post by sealaw90 on Jul 9, 2013 15:33:22 GMT -5
yup, that's a better suit aljfaq!
And for Trekker, that's why I waived into VA bar - I am NOT wearing anything other than a sweatsuit to a bar exam!!
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