Each law school applicant, as required by the American Bar Association, is advised that there are character, fitness and other qualifications for admission to the bar and is encouraged, prior to matriculation, to determine what those requirements are in the state(s) in which the applicant intends to practice. In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
When a law school graduate applies to take a bar examination in any state, the bar examiners of that state require the candidate to submit a moral character and fitness application. As part of the state bar examiners' evaluation of this application, they also ask the applicant's law school to provide an evaluation of the student's character and fitness to practice law. Most states are interested in character and fitness issues that include, but by no means are limited to, academic dishonesty and prior criminal conduct. Typically, state bar examiners compare a student's answers to the conduct questions on the applicant's law school application to information provided by the student on the student's bar application when assessing the applicant's character and fitness to practice law.
Admission to the Chapman University Fowler School of Law does not guarantee that you will be deemed to have the moral character and fitness necessary for admission to the state bar(s) of your choosing. If you have any concern about your admission to practice due to moral character and fitness issues, please check prior to your matriculation at Chapman's Fowler Law with the state bar agency for each state in which you plan to seek admission after graduation.
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In any college, university, or law school that you have attended, are you or have you ever been academically or otherwise disqualified, expelled, suspended, placed on academic probation, been found in violation of an honor code, or been the subject of any disciplinary action, or is any such action, charge, or violation now pending against you? (If "Yes," provide the name(s) of the institution, date(s), and reason(s) in a separate electronic attachment. The statement must accompany the application.)
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Have you ever been convicted of, or pled guilty to the violation of any law or ordinance, or the commission of any felony or misdemeanor (including any traffic violations) or is any such charge now pending against you? (This may include but is not limited to: failure to appear, driving without a license, reckless driving, etc. If "Yes," for each occurrence furnish a written electronic attachment providing the complete facts, including the date, name, and nature of the offense, the name and locality of the court, and the disposition of the matter. The statement must accompany the application.)
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Have you ever entered a plea of nolo contendere to a criminal charge or had a court withhold adjudication after a plea to a criminal charge? (If "Yes," for each occurrence furnish a written electronic attachment providing the complete facts, including the date, name, and nature of the offense, the name, and locality of the court, and the disposition of the matter. The statement must accompany the application.)
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As a member of or applicant to any profession, trade, or organization, have you ever been disciplined or suspended, or had a license revoked or denied for any reason, or is any such action or charge now pending against you? (If "Yes," provide the date(s), details of the matter, final disposition, and the name and address of the authority in possession of the records.)
