Character and Fitness Investigations

Character and Fitness Investigations and Regulatory Matters

Overview of the Character and Fitness Process

If you are a lawyer seeking to be admitted in Washington from another state or a law student applying to take the Washington Bar Exam, you will need to complete a lengthy application. The application will ask you detailed questions about your past education, employment, and conduct.

If the Bar determines from your application and subsequent investigation that you may lack the good moral character and fitness to practice law, you will be referred to a Character and Fitness Board Hearing. You have the burden of proving that you meet the standards for admission.

How I can help

If you are concerned that you have engaged in conduct in the past that could raise red flags (including criminal charges, academic misconduct, employment issues, neglect of financial responsibilities, false statements), you will want to deal with them as early as possible in the application process. I can help guide you through the Character and Fitness process, including how to address potential concerns in your application and during the Bar’s investigation. The Bar takes these proceedings very seriously and you should too. Meticulous preparation and knowledge of the process are key.

I do not represent applicants whose matters are referred to a hearing before the Character and Fitness Board. If your application is referred to a hearing, I can help you find experienced counsel to represent you.