Character and Fitness Representation in New York
Experienced Assistance with NY Bar Application Matters
Becoming an attorney is a lengthy, complicated process. Not only must prospective lawyers complete law school and pass the bar examination — admission into the state bar involves additional procedures. One component of bar admission is an evaluation of an applicant’s “character and fitness.”
Character and fitness is a slippery term. It can be difficult for a new lawyer or lawyers seeking readmission to understand what is expected and required within this process. For this reason, it is crucial to have experienced New York character and fitness attorneys on your side who can help.
Our New York character and fitness team can assist you with all aspects of bar admission and reinstatement matters. We are available to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate this unfamiliar situation.
To schedule a confidential consultation with our New York bar admission attorneys legal team, complete our contact form or call (516) 980-3692.
What is “Character and Fitness”?
Becoming an attorney does not only require the proper education, knowledge, and skills. To be admitted to the bar an applicant must be found to be fit to join the profession.
A character and fitness evaluation is a step in the bar admission process in which the applicant’s past and current levels of integrity is assessed. There is no universal manner in which a character and fitness evaluation proceeds.
Each applicant is investigated according to the facts and circumstances presented by their application. The committees look at the totality of the applicant's past and present to determine an applicant’s eligibility.
To evaluate your character and fitness, the bar association may look over issues and evaluate elements such as:
- Severe debt, financial irresponsibility and other fiscal issues
- Ethical concerns as a student
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Mental health
- Social media presence
- Criminal convictions
- Bankruptcy and civil matters
- Disciplinary actions in school
- Providing incomplete or fraudulent information on an application
- Failure to fully items disclose on your law school application
In New York, character and fitness evaluations are typically conducted after a law student takes the bar exam. It is important to understand what is expected of you during this time, and to be prepared. You should anticipate what may be asked, and be sure to answer honestly and truthfully.
The support of an attorney can be a helpful resource as you complete this important last step toward becoming a lawyer.
Our New York Character and Fitness Representation Attorneys Can Help
Our team is available to discuss the details of your situation and help you get started on your case. We are here to provide you with guidance throughout the character and fitness evaluation process, and will be available to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to speak with our attorneys.
Send us a message or call (516) 980-3692 to schedule a confidential consultation with our character and fitness representation lawyers in New York.
How an Attorney Can Help
In addition to evaluating an applicant’s character and fitness, committees look at other elements of an applicants’ qualifications to ensure they are suitable for membership in our profession. Understanding each step of the application process and keeping track of everything you must complete before becoming a member of the bar can be overwhelming, and failing to fulfill these responsibilities can result in delay or possible rejection.
Our legal team can assist you with every aspect of your application for bar admission and your character and fitness evaluation.
Our attorneys can help you understand the character and fitness evaluation process and ensure your bar application is complete and compliant. It is our goal to help you successfully navigate this process, be admitted to the bar, and become an attorney. We will guide you through the entire process and ensure you are supported throughout each step.
