According to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, the Florida Bar reserves the right to protect the judicial system by ensuring all lawyers have demonstrated a specific level of technical competence and good moral character.
Right now, you may be facing obstacles to your ability to practice law in the state of Florida, either because of a mistake you made in the past or unjust allegations. You may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of where to turn.
Know that you are not alone. A Florida professional regulation lawyer for law students can build a case arguing on behalf of your moral character and actions while the association investigates your situation.
For a free review of your case and to find out what options you have for overcoming the Florida Bar’s objections, contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733.
Understanding the Character and Fitness Screening
In order to practice law in the state of Florida, applicants must go through a character and fitness screening. Even after completing law school, an applicant with a criminal background or who has gotten in trouble for academic or financial misconduct may not be allowed to sit for the Florida Bar Examination and practice law.
According to the American Bar Association Journal, there are 13 categories that can cause the admissions committee to look more closely at an applicant’s qualifications.
Listed verbatim from the journal, these categories include:
- Unlawful conduct
- Academic misconduct
- False statements, including omissions
- Misconduct in employment
- Acts involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation
- Abuse of legal process
- Neglect of financial responsibilities
- Neglect of professional obligations
- Violation of an order of the court
- Evidence of mental or emotional instability
- Evidence of drug or alcohol dependency
- Denial of admission to the bar in another jurisdiction on character-and-fitness grounds
- Disciplinary action by a lawyer disciplinary agency or other professional disciplinary agency in any jurisdiction
If you have made a mistake in your past that could prove problematic in your admission to the Florida Bar, a Florida Bar admissions defense lawyer can help. Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733.
How to Prepare for the Character and Fitness Portion of the Bar Examination
According to U.S. News, there are some steps you can take to prepare for the character and fitness portion of the Bar examination, including:
- Full disclosure on application materials: It is best to disclose everything within your application. Over-disclosure helps show admissions that you are honest and transparent, even if you have made errors in the past.
- Show steps for rehabilitation: If you have a criminal record, highlight steps you have taken that show an improvement in your character. For example, if you have a history of substance abuse, explain how you have sought treatment.
- Demonstrate financial responsibility: Take steps now to show that you are financially responsible, even if you have mishandled your finances in the past.
- Evaluate your social media platforms: Make sure that your social media platforms reflect a positive image that you want the Florida Bar to see.
Your legal team will be able to advise you on other methods of demonstrating your moral character to the Florida Bar.
A Florida Bar Admissions Defense Lawyer Is Here for You
We understand how overwhelming it can be to know that a mistake that you may have made years ago could impact your future, especially after all that work getting through law school. Our team is here to help.
Whether you are facing an inquiry currently or need help presenting yourself in the best possible light, we can help you take beneficial measures before it is too late. To learn more, call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733.
We Can Help.
