Legal Help Resolving Problems With the Florida Bar Admission
During the Bar admission process, the Florida Board of Bar Examiners looks deeply into applicants' character and fitness to practice law. Everyone makes mistakes, and while the Board knows that, it is important to address potential problems proactively. Lack of candor, a criminal record, financial irresponsibility, or substance abuse, can all bring a red flag to your application.
Any of the issues mentioned above are not surefire reasons to prevent you from being admitted, however, they should be disclosed in a proper manner. A skilled attorney can help address your past with candor and in a responsible manner when presenting your application to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. At Ferrer Shane, PL, we work with clients throughout Florida to address potential problems. Contact our firm online or call 305-432-9774 to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our lawyers.
Addressing Potential Problems
- Lack of candor: When you are meeting with the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, they will look into any convictions you have had relating to fraudulent or dishonest activity. They will check your honesty on your law school application as well as on the Bar application. With the Bar application, they want you to go above and beyond disclosing the truth. Even if there are things you think are irrelevant, or things they would never learn, it should be disclosed.
- Previous criminal record: Whether you have a juvenile or adult criminal record, you must explain the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the adjudication. Even sealed or expunged records must be provided to the Board.
- Financial irresponsibility: The court looks at unpaid judgments, unpaid taxes, bounced checks, and collections issues. All of your financial history — including your credit report — can be examined by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners.
- Substance abuse or mental illness: Regardless of whether there was an arrest, the Board of Bar Examiners wants to know of any alcohol or drug-related issues. This includes rehabilitation, hospital stays for overdoses, and any other treatment. Any mental illness or treatment for a mental condition must also be disclosed.
Talking about your past can be embarrassing and difficult. When clients contact us, we work closely with them in presenting their past to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners with candor. Schedule your free initial consultation by contacting us online or by calling 305-432-9774.