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. Further, those seeking bar admission should be aware that, in some states, the Board of Law Examiners will request a copy of a student's applicant for admission to law school.
In Minnesota, for example, the Board of Law Examiners will certify a bar applicant's good character and fitness for admission if the Board finds that the applicant has a current record of conduct which demonstrates that the applicant meets the essential eligibility requirements for the practice of law and justifies the trust of clients, adversaries, courts, and the public. Honesty is the single most important characteristic. Full and complete disclosure is important. In addition, serious misconduct in an applicant's past will require an applicant to provide evidence of rehabilitation. The burden is on the applicant to prove a current ability to meet the essential eligibility requirements to practice law.
- Criminal History
Per Minnesota state law, Mitchell Hamline School of Law does not ask questions about the criminal history of applicants. After an offer of admission is made, however, we do ask admitted students to disclose whether they have a "conviction or delinquency adjudication that occurred within the previous five years for a violent felony or sexual assault." We will provide clear instructions and guidance regarding what criminal history requires disclosure.
If an admitted student discloses any such conviction or delinquency adjudication, we will 1) provide the student with an opportunity to submit an explanatory statement and supporting documents, 2) review any submitted documents, 3) inform the student whether we are rescinding their offer of admission and, if so, a) provide an explanation of the basis for the decision to rescind and b) provide an opportunity to appeal.
Please affirm the following statement: it is my responsibility to understand the admission and character and fitness requirements for any jurisdiction in which I intend to seek admission.
Academic Character and Fitness Questions
Please answer the following academic character and fitness questions. If you answer "yes" to any of the questions, this does not necessarily mean that you will not be admitted to the law school, but it does mean that you will have to explain your answer. Please provide any necessary documentation, as described, in the question to which you answer "yes". Any documentation must be electronically attached in the attachments section. Your application will not be considered until all necessary documentation is received. We encourage you to reach out to the admissions office if you have questions about the academic character and fitness questions.
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Have you ever been placed on academic probation, suspended, or dismissed by any educational institution? If you answered "yes," you must provide a complete explanation.
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Have you ever been disciplined for academic dishonesty? If you answered "yes," please provide 1) a letter of explanation from the Dean of Students or responsible school official about the incident and the disciplinary action taken; and 2) a complete explanation.
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Have you ever withdrawn or been dismissed from any law school? If you answered "yes," please provide 1) an official transcript from the law school, 2) a complete explanation, and 3) information about why you believe you will succeed now at Mitchell Hamline.
