California law students must obtain positive moral character determinations for admission to the State Bar. There are no automatic denials due to specific moral character flaws, but occasionally people do not provide enough evidence to meet the burden of proof. After...
How do you file a moral character application?
Attorneys must hold very high moral and ethical standards when practicing law. That is why the California State Bar requests that law students submit a moral character application before they can begin practicing. These applications help gauge how an attorney will...
What are demonstrations of good character?
The bar exam has a section involving the applicant's fitness and character. If you have a criminal record, then you may worry that this will potentially impact your exam results and perhaps even get in your way of receiving your license. The bar association uses this...
Can debt or bankruptcy affect moral character determinations?
Before the State Bar of California allows you to practice law, it assesses your character to determine whether it considers you to be someone of “good moral character.” There are many different actions or convictions that may call your character into question. If you...
Can substance abuse get you in trouble with the state bar?
Finding out you are the subject of an investigation by the State Bar of California may have you feeling anxious and uneasy and with good reason. The state bar has the ability to prevent you from practicing law if it feels you have behaved in a manner that calls your...
Can a referral arrangement get you in trouble with the State Bar?
Many attorneys with a solo practice depend upon word-of-mouth referrals from their clients to gain new clients. In fact, referrals are often much more effective than advertising. As such, you may decide to partner with another solo practitioner that has a different...
When should you begin the Moral Character application process?
To obtain the right to practice law in the State of California, you must prove that you are of good moral character. “Good moral character,” per state law, includes but is not limited to trustworthiness, honesty, fairness, candor, respect for and subservience to the...
Will civil disobedience impact moral character determination?
Your commitment to representing people who face criminal charges or civil litigation is probably a major reason why you are working towards a license to practice law. Perhaps in your younger years, your principles led you to engage in an act of civil disobedience....
CA attorneys and ethics violations: What is the process?
It is not uncommon for a client to get upset about the outcome of their case. But what happens if they decide to take that frustration and target your profession? What if they make accusations that the reason their case failed was because of your misconduct? What if...
Saving your reputation after criminal allegations
Facing criminal allegations in California can impact the way people view your credibility as a law professional. With questions and doubts at the forefront of people's minds, your reputation may suffer considerably. Watching your conduct and committing to...