DePaul > Requirements

Application requirements

Deadline

Apr 1, 2026

Recommendations

1 to 4

Updated for 2025-2026 application cycle

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.

The American Bar Association requires that law schools advise each applicant that state bar requirements deal with the character and fitness of an applicant at the time he or she seeks certification to register for admission to the bar. It further allows the law school to seek information on character and fitness to ensure that appropriate law school qualifications are met. The following questions are representative of areas of inquiry made by bar authorities in most states and must be answered with a "yes" or "no." Failure to do so will delay action by the Admissions Committee.

Indicate "no" if not applicable. If "yes," on an electronic attachment, state fully all the facts, including dates and results. Your answer(s) must fully apprise the Committee of all relevant issues and facts. You are advised to answer these questions in detail because similar, but more detailed information, such as copies of all police and court records, must be disclosed at the time you apply for admission to the bar.

If you answer "yes" to any of the Character and Fitness questions, you must provide details on an electronic attachment for each question you answered "yes" to.

Have you ever been dropped, dismissed, suspended, placed on probation, disciplined, or expelled from any school, college or similar institution for academic or any other reason?
If you were ever dropped, dismissed, placed on probation, disciplined, or expelled from any school, college or similar institution, were you accused of any dishonesty therewith?
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or is there now pending against you any indictment, criminal information or criminal complaint charging a felony offense?
Have you been detained, arrested, summoned into court, cited, indicted, adjudicated guilty or convicted in any criminal, municipal, military or juvenile proceeding? If yes, you must disclose each instance even though the charges have been dismissed or you were acquitted or adjudication was withheld or a conviction was reversed, set aside, vacated or the record sealed or expunged and regardless of whether you have been told you need not disclose any such instances.
Have you ever been charged with any traffic violation that involved felonious conduct, the use or possession of alcohol or drugs, or which resulted in time spent in custody, or a fine of $350 or more, or the revocation or suspension of your driver's license?
Were you ever accused by an employer, supervisor or associate of dishonesty in connection with any employment or occupation, or have you ever been discharged by an employer?
Have you ever been suspended, disqualified or otherwise disciplined as a member of any profession or in military service?
Do you currently have any debt or obligation greater than $500 that is reported as more than 2 months past due, including, without limitation, credit card debts, charge accounts, medical bills, student loans, bank loans and court-ordered obligations to pay child support, alimony and family support? If any of the obligations are more than 2 months past due, you must disclose each instance of debt or obligation and the surrounding circumstances.

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