Understanding Notices of Charges and What to Do Next
For most law graduates, the weeks after the bar exam are filled with anxiety but also hope. You have done the work. You have paid the fees. You have sacrificed time, money, and energy with one goal in mind: getting licensed.
So when a letter arrives from the Board of Law Examiners and it is not a pass notification but instead a Notice of Charges, the emotional impact can be overwhelming.
This is no longer just about an exam. It is about your future in the legal profession.
What a Notice of Charges Really Means
A Notice of Charges is not a denial of your license. It is an allegation that the Board believes something may have gone wrong during the exam process. These allegations often involve issues such as:
- Alleged irregularities in testing behavior
- Accusations related to exam software or video monitoring
- Claims of rule violations, whether intentional or not
Importantly, many of these cases stem from misinterpretations, technical issues, or automated flagging systems rather than intentional misconduct. Even so, the consequences can be severe if the situation is not handled properly.
The Immediate Consequences vs. the Long-Term Risk
Most applicants understandably focus on the short-term fallout.
- Possible disqualification from sitting for the bar for a period of time
- Loss of exam fees
- Nullification of test results
In reality, the greater risk is long-term.
A cheating allegation, even if never formally proven, can follow you into future character and fitness evaluations, licensing applications in other jurisdictions, and employment background checks. How you respond now can shape how this issue is viewed years from today.
Why These Cases Are Not DIY Situations
Many applicants assume they can simply explain what happened and the issue will resolve itself. Unfortunately, bar authorities do not view these matters casually. Every statement, document, and response becomes part of a permanent record.
These cases require:
- Strategic framing of facts
- A clear understanding of bar disciplinary procedures
- Knowledge of how character and fitness committees evaluate intent, credibility, and judgment
Handling this incorrectly can cause more damage than the allegation itself.
Experience Matters in Bar Admission Defense
Not all attorneys are equipped to handle bar admission and disciplinary matters. These cases sit at a very specific intersection of administrative law, professional responsibility, and licensing procedure.
Working with attorneys who regularly defend bar applicants allows you to:
- Avoid common mistakes that escalate concerns
- Present your situation in a way that protects your future license
- Respond with precision rather than panic
If you have received a Notice of Charges related to the bar exam, it is critical to speak with counsel who understands how boards evaluate these allegations and how long their impact can last.
You Are Not Alone and This Is Not the End
Receiving a notice like this can feel isolating and devastating, especially after years of hard work. Many applicants successfully navigate these situations and go on to practice law without lasting damage to their careers.
The key is early, informed action.
If you have received a Notice of Charges and want guidance from attorneys who routinely handle bar admission and character and fitness matters, contact Foley Griffin to discuss your options and protect the career you have worked so hard to build.