- What else do I have to do to practice law in California?
- Why do I have to complete the Moral Character Application form?
- When do I need to file a Moral Character Application form?
- How long does it take to complete the Moral Character Application?
- Who should I use as references?
- What if I cannot remember all the places I have lived?
- What if the building where I lived no longer exists?
- What if I forgot a few of my employers?
- What if my former employer has been taken over by another company or no longer exists?
- What if I have been convicted of a crime?
- Will a criminal conviction preclude me from becoming a lawyer?
- Where do I get fingerprinted?
1. What else do I have to do to practice law in California?
A: In addition to passing the bar exam, you will also need to:
1) pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE);
2) obtain a Moral Character clearance; and
3) complete the other minor requirements that you can find at the State Bar website.
2. Why do I have to complete the Moral Character Application form?
A: The State Bar, in a consumer protection role, wants to be sure that you are of good moral character before allowing you to practice law in California. The process seeks to determine if you have "qualities of honesty, fairness, candor, trustworthiness, observance of fiduciary responsibility, respect for and obedience to the laws of the state and the nation, and respect for the rights of others and for the judicial process."
3. When do I need to file a Moral Character Application form?
A: There is no deadline, however, it will take a minimum of six months to complete the Moral Character check. You cannot be sworn in nor practice law in California without a Moral Character clearance, even though you have passed the bar exam. In other words, if you plan to take the July bar exam, be sure to submit your application by the end of April of that year. If you are taking the February bar exam, submit your application no later than October of the prior year.
4. How long does it take to complete the Moral Character Application?
A: It could take a few hours to a few weeks to complete. There are some very detailed questions, such as every place you have lived since you were 18 years old. Some of the questions may require you to search for the information. The State Bar expects you to use reasonable efforts to provide the information or documentation. Additional information about completing the Moral Character Application is available on the State Bar website.
5. Who should I use as references?
A: It doesn't matter as long as the references know you. Unlike a job reference where the employer calls each person and spends a few minutes interviewing them, the State Bar randomly selects a few of your references and sends them a one page, front and back, questionnaire that can be completed in a couple of minutes. The questionnaire asks questions similar to the Moral Character Application. They are looking to determine if you have been honest and candid about your answers. If there are any discrepancies between your answers and your references, the State Bar will investigate.
6. What if I cannot remember all the places I have lived?
A: You do need to take reasonable efforts to provide the information. You may have to ask relatives, friends, and former classmates, search through your records, visit the locations yourself or ask someone who lives nearby. If you still cannot obtain the information, describe your efforts and provide any information you can.
7. What if the building where I lived no longer exists?
A: Write a narrative explaining the circumstances and provide as much of the information requested as possible.
8. What if I forgot a few of my employers?
A: Check your tax returns, ask family and friends, or contact the Social Security Administration and complete Form 7050 to obtain a print-out of your former employers.
9. What if my former employer has been taken over by another company or no longer exists?
A: Write a narrative explaining the circumstances and provide as much of the information requested as possible.
10. What if I have been convicted of a crime?
A: Be sure to report it on the Moral Application Form. If you fail to do so and the State Bar discovers it, the conviction may be considered evidence of misconduct or moral turpitude. Also, you will compound the Moral Character investigation process by raising questions about your honesty, candor and trustworthiness.
11. Will a criminal conviction preclude me from becoming a lawyer?
"Involvement in activity that constitutes an act of misconduct or an act of moral turpitude does not necessarily preclude an applicant from admission to practice law in California." The State Bar weighs a number of factors including the nature of the crime and your age when the crime occurred. The State Bar website details the factors considered to determine whether moral character has been reformed and rehabilitated.
12. Where do I get fingerprinted?
A: The State Bar does not offer fingerprinting services. However, California Dept. of Justice provides a list of acceptable Live Scan fingerprinting services.
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