Many prospective law school students intend to earn a J.D. so that they can become practicing attorneys. In addition to earning the degree, they must pass the bar exam to practice law in any of the 50 U.S. states.
If you are currently working on completing your law school applications, the bar exam may be far from your mind. But you’ll want to be sure to give careful consideration to the character and fitness questions you’ll face on the bar exam. How you would respond to these questions now can indicate whether you may face hurdles getting into law school and will also speak to the strength of your application to the bar after graduation.
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The bar exam differs substantively from state to state, but all applicants to the bar are required to complete a character and fitness questionnaire of some kind to be admitted in any U.S. jurisdiction.
The nature of the character and fitness component of the exam varies, but it typically covers a few key areas, including lack of candor, the existence of a criminal record, untreated mental illness and substance abuse , and financial irresponsibility.
If you are applying to law school and intend to pursue a legal career, consider whether anything in the past or present brings your character into question and, if so, how to rehabilitate that issue immediately. Here are five ways you can address any potential red flags for law school admissions committees and also begin preparing for the character and fitness portion of the bar exam.
1. Employ the utmost candor on all application materials: The so-called “disclosure” question in law school applications demands that you disclose your criminal history accurately and completely.
When in doubt about whether you have to disclose a particular incident, it is best to err on the side of over-disclosure. Inaccurate representation in this part of the application could affect your law school candidacy and potentially prevent bar admission, if a character and fitness investigation yields discrepancies or inaccuracies in your application materials.
Aside from the disclosure question, you should portray yourself honestly in all other application materials, such as your resume. Do not, for example, overstate or mischaracterize your job experience. Do not exaggerate or misstate academic honors. Present yourself truthfully and accurately in each and every submission.
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2. Show active rehabilitation steps if you have a criminal record: In addition to telling the truth in law school applications about your criminal history, for purposes of both law school admission and, later, bar admission, show steps you’ve taken to rehabilitate yourself.
Highlight, for example, your commitment to community service and any other positive social contributions you have made that demonstrate remorse, responsibility and rehabilitation. Show that you’ve taken decisive action to course correct and distance yourself from prior misconduct.
3. Seek treatment for any mental illness or substance abuse: The character and fitness portion of most states’ bar exams includes questions about mental illness and substance abuse . Though the precise nature and scope of the questions vary, the onus is on the bar applicant to report mental illness and substance abuse issues as well as related treatment.
Knowledge of this reporting obligation may deter future bar applicants, including prospective law students, from seeking help. But don’t fall into this trap.
If you struggle with mental illness or substance abuse, seeking treatment is a critical step you can take to protect the integrity of your future career. Taking responsibility for your life also shows strength of character.
The mere existence of a problem in these areas is not, in and of itself, dire. However, the failure to seek treatment is highly problematic. Failure to get help could not only threaten your bar admission prospects but also interfere with your ability to practice law effectively.
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4. Maintain financial responsibility and correct any past mistakes: Bar examiners will look at your credit reports, income tax returns, records relating to any lawsuits and failures to live up to financial obligations of any kind .
As a law school applicant, you can take measures now to live your life in a financially responsible manner and make any necessary corrections to past financial mistakes. This means paying attention to your credit history and correcting any inaccuracies.
If you have any past-due debts or bankruptcies, have failed to pay child support, have written bad checks or have failed to file or pay taxes, take active steps now to right these wrongs.
As is the case for the other character and fitness areas, historical financial irresponsibility is far less potentially damaging than inaction to rectify it. Put differently, no matter how your circumstances have unfolded, the worst thing you can do is nothing.
If you have debt, demonstrate accountability by setting up a payment plan. Provide evidence of responsibility in the financial arena by living frugally now. If you have a history of financial irresponsibility, begin to rehabilitate your reputation.
5. Project a positive, appropriate image on social media: Hopefully you have already given some thought to your social media image as part of the law school application process.
You should objectively assess how you portray yourself on all platforms. Consider inviting a trusted adviser in your life to also take a look at how you convey yourself. Ensure that you project a suitable image and that nothing calls your character into question.
For the purposes of the bar exam, the same principles apply. Your social media behavior and presence should not raise any concerns about your character, professionalism, integrity or overall fitness to join the community of legal professionals. To the extent there are any red flags, such as an ill-advised photograph or a misguided comment, clean up your image now.
Preparing for the bar’s character and fitness evaluation may seem like a distant hurdle to push to the side, but this evaluation is integral to the law school application process. Since applicants must present themselves as fit for the study of law, this is a perfect opportunity to reflect on any issues that relate to character and fitness.
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Law School Applicants: Understand Bar Exam Character, Fitness Requirements originally appeared on usnews.com
