What will happen if the Board has concerns about an applicants character and fitness?
The Board might do any of the following: (1) ask the applicant to address those concerns in writing; (2) require the applicant to appear personally at a hearing before the Board pursuant to Rule 8.12(b); or, (3) issue a preliminary denial. If the Board requests an applicant to address concerns in writing, the applicant should provide a detailed and complete response to the inquiry and attach any relevant verifying documentation. Applicants who do not timely respond may be denied for failing to cooperate in the investigation. Applicants who are required to appear for a hearing will be notified in writing of the concerns the applicant is expected to address, as well as the tentative date and location of the hearing. A character and fitness hearing is a fact-finding rather than an adversarial process, and hearings proceed informally. Nonetheless, testimony is taken under oath and a court reporter is present to transcribe the hearing, which will be part of the record on any appeal to the S
Related Questions
- When considering whether an applicant possesses the requisite character and fitness for admission, what does the Board consider to be essential eligibility requirements for the practice of law?
- What kinds of conduct might indicate an applicant does not possess the requisite character and fitness for admission?
- What’s the Character and Fitness Supplement?
