COMMITTED TO THE PRINCIPLES OF LEGAL EXCELLENCE, COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND INCREASED MINORITY PARTICIPATION IN THE PRACTICE OF LAW

CHARACTER & FITNESS

Because law is a public profession, which carries with it the potential for inflicting a substantial degree of harm, an applicant's character and fitness to practice law must be established as a prerequisite to licensure.

As a result, the applicant is required to provide relevant detailed background information, which is carefully evaluated by bar examiners. Any information that reflects adversely upon the character or fitness of an applicant may be treated as cause for further investigation. Such background information includes events that occurred before and during law school. Examples of relevant background information include the following:

• Educational background
• Any disciplinary actions while enrolled in any school
• Employment history
• Misconduct or charges of dishonesty during employment
• Employment discharge
• Involvement in any civil, quasi-criminal or criminal proceedings
• Neglect of financial responsibilities
• Motor vehicle violations
• Any discharge from armed services other than honorable
• Acts involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation
• Making false statements or omissions
• Violation of court order

In evaluating information obtained about an applicant, the bar examiners typically consider various factors in assigning weight and significance to that individual's prior conduct. These may include factors such as reliability of the information, age at the time the conduct occurred, the conduct's recency and seriousness, the circumstances of the conduct and its underlying factors, evidence of rehabilitation, the applicant's candor, positive social contributions made by the applicant since the conduct, and the materiality of any omissions or misrepresentations.

Also, information concerning psychological or emotional instability and existing and untreated substance dependency may be required and explored. The mere fact of treatment of such difficulties is generally not, in itself, a basis for denial of admission, as licensure often occurs in such situations when individuals demonstrate personal responsibility and maturity in dealing with and resolving such issues. Usually, applicants who could benefit from proper treatment or counseling are encouraged to seek such assistance.

Significantly, failure to disclose relevant information may have more detrimental consequences than would have resulted from proper disclosure of the underlying matter. Consequently, answering all questions completely and honestly is extremely important, as is updating such information, should additional relevant events occur.

 

With
Howard U. Sch. of Law
&
Black Women's Bar Association of Suburban Maryland

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sharon Christmas-Deberry
President
Derron R. Parks
President-Elect
Bridgett A. Greer
Treasurer
Mia L. Woodard
Recording Secretary
Nakia V. Gray
Corresponding Secretary
Hon. Hassan Ali El-Amin
Immediate Past President
Holly D. Reed
Executive Officer
Abigale Bruce-Watson
Executive Officer