Miami Bar Admissions Attorneys

Helping You With All Your Bar Admissions Needs

Law school is stressful and expensive, so most people face the challenges of a legal education with the intention and hope of becoming a licensed attorney. Graduating from law school is a significant accomplishment but in order to become an attorney in Florida you also need to pass the bar examination, which is grueling in itself. The final hurdle to obtaining your law license, in Florida, is that the Florida Board of Bar Examiners (FBBE) must determine that you have the necessary “character and fitness” to be an attorney in our state.

If the FBBE, or another state board of bar examiners, has any doubts about your past or current actions, you may face complications and delays in the bar admissions process, and you may even be denied a law license. Both of these situations can have a significant effect on your career and reputation, and you want to avoid them whenever possible. If the FBBE, or another state board of bar examiners, has contacted you regarding a possible issue or even if you have preemptive concerns about bar admission, you should consult with an experienced bar admissions attorney as soon as possible.

Character & Fitness Concerns

The FBBE, and other state board of bar examiners, carefully review the application and background of every single applicant who applies for a Florida or another state law license. Every response you provide on those applications are meticulously analyzed for truthfulness and completeness.

Some of the matters an admission officer will examine include:

• Past criminal convictions
• Traffic history
• Failure to file or pay taxes
• Failure to pay debt obligations
• Litigation in which you were involved
• Job history and any terminations for misconduct
• Any discrepancies with the information provided on your law school application
• Academic probation or disciplinary action

Any issues with the above may raise a red flag for your file and the FBBE may require additional information or may even call you in for a hearing in front of the Board.

Too many law students think they can mask questionable past behaviors by making partial admissions or by not responding to certain questions. This can be a huge mistake because the FBBE views lack of candor on your application as one of the most intolerable acts. Additionally, any suspected omissions will simply spark further investigation into your background. Seeking the help of an experienced bar admissions lawyer is the best course of action.