Character & Fitness

Before you can practice law in any state, you must go through that state’s admissions process. Although each state has its own set of requirements, in all states, in addition to passing a bar exam, you must also receive a positive moral character determination. A moral character review is a lengthy and in depth background check to make sure you are morally fit for the practice of law. In California, this review process can take at least six months to complete. For more information about the California Bar Requirements, please visit https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions 

Applicants are encouraged to review the bar admission requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission. The National Conference of Bar Examiners provides a Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements.

Thomas Jefferson School of Law asks applicants to answer a series of character and fitness questions on the application. Students who provide an affirmative response to the character and fitness questions are required to submit an explanatory addendum with their application. Because of the high ethical standards to which lawyers are held, the failure to disclose an act or event can lead to more serious consequences than the act or event itself. Failure to provide truthful answers, or failure to inform the Office of Admissions of any changes to your answers in advance of matriculation or during school enrollment, may result in revocation of admission or disciplinary action by the law school, or denial of permission to practice law by the state in which you seek bar admission.