In order to become an attorney in California one must (1) Complete the necessary legal education (J.D. or LLM program), (2) take and pass the Bar Examination, and (3) receive a determination of good moral character from the State Bar. Now while there are exceptions to the Legal Education requirement (chamber study, etc...) most will meet this requirement by just showing up and paying attention in Law School. The second requirement is a little more difficult as it requires stamina and focus to complete a three-day exam comprising of six essays, two performance exams, and a 200 question multiple-choice test on "Bar Law". The third requirement is the most puzzling requirement, as it seems to be an archaic requirement that one has to meet in order to become a lawyer in California. Essentially, the state, in its function as a regulatory body, has to ensure that all applicants to practice law are of "good moral character" in order to protect clients. This requires an extensive application that entails previous employers, references, academic history, recommendations by practicing attorneys, previous civil and criminal matters that the applicant may have been involved along with and there resolution, bankruptcies (if any) and medical history that would be relevant in the practice of law (Mental history, etc....). And when the Bar asks for the above information, they require EVERYTHING!
Quite a few years ago (in a galaxy far far away....) I was involved in a minor civil matter (no biggie, except for the fact that it lasted 10 years and went to the California Supreme Court). The case ended before I turned 18, but it was a matter of public record. Lo and behold, the state bar wondered why it was missing in my application and delayed the processing of my application until I provided them with the information. It was an unintentional omission, as I thought the application only concerned information about an applicant after the applicant turned 18, but as was explained to me, they want everything! So, if you were involved in a car accident as a 6-month old and your name was on the suit, you better be able to list it along with all of the attorneys and parties involved. Trust me, it is a pain in the neck to have to go back and look up court records for a case that is over ten years old and had more attorneys involved than most law firms have attorneys, but I digress.
So, in my response to the state bar, I included the omitted information, a letter explaining the reasons for the omission, and a copy of the slip opinion (I know it's overkill, but anything that would make their job easier is greatly appreciated). And after eight months of waiting, I finally received the letter that I was waiting for stating, "we have determined that you are of good moral character." (Of course I already knew that.)
The lesson from all of this - include everything, as honesty is the best policy. Now that I have two of the "big three" out of the way I still have to wait for my bar results. UGH!
WDR.
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