Worth being admitted to MA just for my resume?
I passed the NY bar and am now in the process of gathering my documents to apply to be admitted in NY (I've already completed NY's pro-bono and skills/values requirements).
Does it make sense to apply to Massachusetts as well for the sake of the credential or having it in my back pocket, even if I have no intention of ever working in MA? Is there any drawback other than the $815 application fee, $140 for the required documents, and $230/yr in dues? Do biglaw / corporate firms look down on multiple admissions? I have no insight on US norms re multiple admissions.
As a Canadian JD holder (no LLM, already called to the bar in Canada), I believe MA and NY are the only US jurisdictions in which I can readily apply on the basis of my degree and scores (>300 UBE and >110 MPRE) without having to sit any real exams. I understand my scores will go stale after a while, although I may be able to transfer into other states based on practice experience after enough years.
If it's helpful, I don't want to miss the boat and can easily just add in MA now that I have active scores and am in contact with past employers and references. If it's odd or useless, no point throwing away money.
Any perspective is helpful. Thanks!
Posted May 1, 2026, 9:13 PM UTC