Character and Fitness Guidelines for Bar Admission
"In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners." (Statement required by ABA Standard 504)
Each state office of attorney admissions considers an applicant鈥檚 moral character and fitness to practice law before granting admission to practice law (often referred to as "bar admission"). Bar applicants are required to answer questions and to produce evidence bearing upon their moral character and fitness to practice law. 聽
Character and fitness guidelines may vary from state to state. The relevant rule in Colorado is聽聽(you may need to scroll down to access the Rule). This Rule states that a basis for denying the applicant due to lack of character may exist if his or her record tends to show a 鈥渄eficiency in honesty, integrity, judgment, trustworthiness, diligence, reliability or capacity to practice law.鈥�
One factor that the Colorado Office of Attorney Admissions looks at, for example, is whether the information you provided on your law school application is consistent with the information in your bar application. Learn more about why you need to provide your law school application when applying for the bar.
If you have concerns about anything in your personal history, or if you become involved in any criminal matters before orientation or during law school, please contact The Office of Student Affairs.
If you have disclosures that may raise questions about your character and fitness, submit your bar application well in advance of the deadline if possible, as some states require that all issues be resolved before you can take the bar exam.聽
Mistakes and struggles are part of life and how you handle them is what matters. Seeking help is often the most professional thing to do. Further, the Office of Attorney Admissions may consider steps you have taken to accept responsibility for mistakes and prevent future trouble. Here are a few additional resources that can help:
- Students are encouraged to seek help from COLAP. COLAP聽is an independent, free and confidential well-being resource for judges, lawyers and law students. The bar application can be overwhelming.聽 While COLAP cannot give legal advice, they have experience working with bar applicants on the character and fitness portion of the bar application and with the stress that accompanies such issues.聽 COLAP assists our Colorado legal community with personal and professional issues that compromise their practice, efficacy, and quality of life.聽 For more information about the confidential program, call COLAP at 303-986-3345 or visit .
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CU offers free counseling for all CU Boulder students, including law students, through a program called CAPS. Through CAPS, you can talk confidentially with a licensed psychologist (when available, located at the law school)聽about any concerns or issues you may have, including substance abuse, stress management, relationships, and much more.