Moral Character Problems in the Bar Admissions Process
Failure to obtain a positive determination of moral character from the Committee of Bar Examiners can keep an individual from practicing law in California. Los Angeles attorney Zach Wechsler has a record of success in overcoming even the most challenging obstacles in moral character considerations. His reputation has brought clients from throughout the country to our law firm for consultations on moral character and the moral character application for admission to the state bar. Contact attorney Zach Wechsler to discuss your particular situation.
Zachary Wechsler is one of few attorneys who have served on the Committee of Bar Examiners, who is still currently practicing before the subcommittee of moral character. Mr. Wechsler takes a hardheaded approach to coaching applicants. He offers no tricks, but encourages them to take the appropriate steps necessary to satisfy him if he were still on the committee.
Moral Character Application Process
Candidates for admission to the State Bar of California bear the burden of establishing their good moral character based on such traits as honesty, candor, fairness, trustworthiness and respect for and obedience to state and federal law. California bar applicants are not only under a strict duty of full disclosure as to all the questions presented in the Application for Determination of Moral Character, they also must update the information initially provided on a continuing basis. The moral character review process routinely takes six months or longer, and it is not unusual for the process to take upwards of two years.
Challenges with Moral Character Applications
Loss of a job for misconduct, any criminal conviction, academic or disciplinary problems in college or law school (such as cheating on a test), or any other conduct that would cast doubt on an applicant's fitness for admission to the bar can mean denial of the application on the grounds of a lack of moral character. At all costs, it is important to avoid having your license rejected on the basis of a negative moral character determination. Our law firm provides advice to avoid the prospect of this challenge. However, if your application has been denied on any of these bases, contact the Law Offices of Zachary D. Wechsler.
Substance Abuse
In all professions, substance abuse exacts a heavy toll. Zachary D. Wechsler has worked with the Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP) since its inception and is familiar with the standards of the various licensing agencies and the problems faced by practitioners. Our firm does not pretend to offer easy answers. We can offer realistic advice and can help clients willing to do the hard work to demonstrate rehabilitation.
Experience that Makes a Difference
Mr. Wechsler is a former member of the California Committee of Bar Examiners who served several years on the Subcommittee on Moral Character. He has attended more than 400 related hearings and has valuable insight and experience with the deliberative processes that inform decisions for admission or denial based on the applicant's background. If you are facing denial of your application for admission to the California State Bar, or if you need advice or assistance with the application or an upcoming informal conference with the moral character subcommittee, Mr. Wechsler can give you a better understanding of what you need to show the board in order to obtain a positive determination. Perhaps more significantly, he can give you a realistic idea of what you need to do in order to satisfy the moral character criteria.
Overcome Obstacles
Full disclosure is paramount in moral character applications. Failure to report prior criminal records — even expunged records — can result in rejection to the bar. While extremely difficult, there are procedures for overcoming such obstacles in the moral character application.
For candidates with criminal records, especially those involving breach of fiduciary duty, or offenses of moral turpitude, the necessary proof of reform and rehabilitation can be difficult to present and document. Mr. Wechsler will work closely with you to confront and overcome these obstacles, and will give you an honest appraisal of the impact your presentation will make on the committee. In certain cases, it may be necessary to submit to psychological evaluations or certain programs to demonstrate reform or rehabilitation. You can feel confident that Mr. Wechsler will give you an honest assessment of your application, and will give you advice about how to overcome any challenges you face in the application process.
Denied Applications and License Reinstatement
As well as advising clients facing denial of their initial application for admission to the State Bar of California, Mr. Wechsler also works with suspended lawyers who need to demonstrate rehabilitation as a condition of reinstatement of their law licenses. (Learn more about our professional license defense services)
The Easy Way is Not Necessarily the Right Way
To learn more about Zach Wechsler's assistance with matters concerning admission to the State Bar of California, especially those involving denial of an application based on moral character, contact the Law Offices of Zachary D. Wechsler in Los Angeles for a phone consultation.
