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David A. Lewis Law PLLC

Legal Ethics Counsel | Manhattan, NY

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NY Bar Admissions: New York Bar Character and Fitness Legal Counsel

Experienced New York Bar Character and Fitness Legal Counsel

To Discuss Character and Fitness Concerns for New York Bar Attorney Admissions

It’s one thing to say you’re a “good person,” but another to prove it. It’s not obvious how to demonstrate that you have the requisite character and fitness to practice law. It can feel even more daunting when you have “warts” in your background.

With everything at risk, imperfections can seem to be an insurmountable obstacle to Bar Admission. Establishing credibility can seem perplexing. How do you credibly demonstrate character and fitness?

Amend A Law School Application

Representation Before The New York Board of Law Examiners (NYBOLE)

Seek A Waiver Of Strict Compliance For Bar Admission From The New York State Court Of Appeals

Terrific lawyer and person

 

 

Mr. Lewis has handled the New York legal ethics matter I had entrusted him with to my full satisfaction. He provided candid, effective advice throughout the course of representation. I greatly enjoyed working with him, and recommend Mr. Lewis’ services without reservation to attorneys (or those seeking to become attorneys) facing any legal ethics issue in New York.

An excellent lawyer who practices in the ethics and professional responsibility arena… He has very good judgment and excellent knowledge in the area.

A fine lawyer, with very good judgment and excellent knowledge in the legal ethics and professional responsibility field.

Exceptional judgment, deep experience. I trust him with the most important and sensitive matters.

Experienced lawyer with highly impressive credentials. Highest standards of integrity.

Recognized expert in his field of legal ethics and professional responsibility

Mr. Lewis was was recommended to me by a good attorney friend who had the unfortunate circumstance of requiring Mr. Lewis’ assistance in a long and expensive ethics related litigation. While I have never had a situation quite so dire, I do — with regularity — face situations where ethics guidance is necessary and there is just no substitute for Mr. Lewis’ sage counsel. I’ve relied on Mr. Lewis’ counsel on many occasions and plan to continue to do so for so long as I am in the practice of law.

Powerhouse ethics counsel and very thoughtful; my go-to source for the thorny questions that come up all the time.

David is a knowledgeable, dedicated, and effective attorney. Sensitive to the client’s needs in sometimes delicate matters. Will recommend him without hesitation.

Why David A. Lewis Law?

Fierce Advocacy

David offers personalized attention and works diligently to provide a unique perspective on your situation and how the Character and Fitness Committee will perceive you based on working with thousands of candidates.

Confidential Counsel

Your sensitive information is confidential. You have the freedom to discuss even the most uncomfortable circumstances with David with the benefit of attorney-client privilege.

Dual Focus

This is David’s sole area of practice, with a dual focus on Legal Ethics Counseling and Disciplinary Defense and Bar Admissions, making him a perfect choice for Bar Admissions matters.

You Want to Have an In-Depth Attorney Consultation

Before Submitting Your Application for Admission Questionnaire

You really did save my life in more ways than you will ever know. Without you, I do not know where I would have ended up. Thank you for all of your help.

Former ClientAdmitted in New York State, First Department

A consultation is exactly that—a conversation about any New York Bar Admissions or Character and Fitness Committee concerns you might have. Typically, our talk runs an hour. This is an opportunity for you to disclose anything causing you concern.

There are many things we can accomplish in your hour to prevent being denied Bar admission based on character and fitness. It helps if you are clear on exactly how you want to use the time with your New York character and fitness attorney. Here are some of the possibilities of how you can use the consultation time:

  • If you’ve already filled out the New York Bar Character and Fitness application, we can review it together.
  • You get a confidential privileged discussion where you can safely explain any kind of sensitive information that is causing you concern about being denied admission to the Bar because of character and fitness.
  • You have an opportunity to share issues that are causing stress related to the bar admissions process.
  • You get your questions answered about what you must disclose and what approaches to consider in thinking about how to truthfully disclose items of concern.
  • I give you my reactions based on my informed experience as a New York character and fitness attorney.
  • I provide an honest recommendation about whether or not your situation would benefit from having the help of a Bar Admissions lawyer.
  • I provide perspective for you for the New York Bar Character and Fitness and beyond. I’ve been there and seen so many different cases. That means I can put your situation into a realistic context for you. It’s always helpful to better understand how the Character and Fitness Committee might view your particular situation.
  • We outline a strategic plan for you to rely on going forward. Having a plan reduces your mental stress and focuses your energy.
  • You receive peace of mind in speaking to an attorney knowledgeable in the field.

You Want to Know How You Can Pass the New York Bar Character and Fitness Interview and Admissions Process (The First Time)

But You Are Worried About What Will Be Asked of You

You may have an issue where you just know it will be a problem, and you don’t want to be denied admission to the Bar based on character and fitness. After our initial consultation, you may decide you want an experienced Character and Fitness attorney in New York to represent you from the start with respect to your application and to be in a position to appear on your behalf if necessary. Of course, to become a client of the firm, we must both mutually execute a written engagement letter. Once we do, here’s what you can expect when you get started with New York Bar Character and Fitness legal counsel.

  • We take a holistic approach to your application. It’s the overall application ‘Big Picture’ that you’re presenting. If you have an offense in your background, we can consider how that offense may have been mitigated by subsequent behavior.
  • I let you know where you stand. If there is still something you can do now to help yourself avoid being denied admission to the Bar for character and fitness, I make recommendations for you. We talk through the best way for you to approach your application.
  • My philosophy is that the high road is the only road. The path to victory when it comes to the New York Bar Character and Fitness is candor and transparency. How you go about demonstrating that you have the requisite character and fitness to practice law in New York is critical.
  • Failure to disclose or deliberately misleading is the best way to end up never practicing law. Taking responsibility is often your best course of action. As your character and fitness attorney, we will work on this together to identify and consider potential mitigating circumstances and actions that might put you in the best position to join the ranks of New York State lawyers.
  • Most every candidate has something negative to disclose. Everyone deals with these disclosures differently. I work to advise you on how to disclose difficult information relating to your New York Bar Character and Fitness application in the most transparent and honest way possible that still works to credibly advocate for your admission.
  • I help you finalize your application to present you in the best light possible. You benefit from an objective analysis where I work with you and advise you throughout your application preparation to avoid being denied admission to the Bar for character and fitness.

What to Expect Once Your Application Has Been Submitted

The most critical step is done, but you still have work to do.

From the first time I spoke with you, I knew you were incredibly capable and understanding. And I am glad we met in person. I felt incredibly comfortable with you, despite airing my dirty laundry. Thank you. I felt at ease having your guidance.

Former ClientAdmitted in New York State, Second Department

Do not be surprised if more information is requested by the New York Bar Character and Fitness Committee. There may be issues that still need to be resolved. If you feel you are facing a stumbling block at this point in the process, it is not too late to get back on track– a New York character and fitness attorney can help.

  • Your New York Bar Character and Fitness application may produce follow-up questions and concerns. I can advise you in responding so that you have the best chance of specifically addressing the most important issues that affect your risk of being denied admission to the Bar for character and fitness.
  • I help prepare you for your Character and Fitness interview. We can conduct a mock interview and I can work with you to make sure that you are fully comfortable and ready for the big day.
  • There’s no such thing as a second chance to make a first impression. Engaging me gives you the ability to have an experienced lawyer preview your New York Bar Character and Fitness application and get feedback before it goes out the door. There is a lot of value in engaging an attorney who has extensive experience with other candidates who have come before you. It could be the difference that provides you the chance to make a solid first impression.

While much less common, you may be required to go to a Bar admissions hearing. This is where matters can get much more complex, expensive and time-consuming. You will be required to submit evidence in a formal proceeding, and use exhibits and witness testimony to prove that you have the requisite character and fitness to avoid being denied  New York Bar admission. In this uncommon circumstance, it is especially helpful to have a New York character and fitness attorney.

FAQs About the New York Bar Admissions Process

Membership in the bar is a privilege burdened with conditions...a fair private and professional character is one of them... compliance with that condition is essential at the moment of admission, but it is equally essential afterward."

— Judge Benjamin N. Cardozo

In New York, the Appellate Division Committees on Character and Fitness in each Judicial Department review applicants’ past conduct to evaluate their “character and fitness to practice law.”
Some have described the New York Bar Character and Fitness process as an endeavor to determine if the applicant is honest, trustworthy, diligent and reliable. Note that any conduct that raises a question about an applicant’s character or fitness can lead a committee to investigate further. All applicants for admission must receive a certification from the applicable committee that the applicant possesses the necessary character requirements and fitness to practice law.

What are examples of conduct that can prompt further inquiry from the Character and Fitness Committees?
Being denied Bar admission due to failing the character and fitness process in New York is not extremely common, but a New York character and fitness attorney can assess your risk level. One purpose of the New York Bar character and fitness process is to obtain as much relevant information about a prospective candidate as possible. That information could take many forms. Any type of unlawful conduct could well trigger further scrutiny. This can include speeding or other traffic infractions, underage offenses, alcohol consumption or drug charges, disorderly conduct and other offenses. Other examples include academic or employment-related misconduct; acts involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation; neglect of financial responsibilities or professional obligations; violation of a court order (child support, restraining orders, or other disobedience of court directives); conduct evidencing mental or emotional instability; conduct evidencing drug or alcohol abuse or addiction (open container, DWI, or underage drinking charges).
How can a candidate for admission run into problems with their New York Bar character and fitness application?
Despite being ready to serve as a New York attorney (having successfully graduated from an accredited law school and having passed the New York Bar examination), many candidates still can run into character and fitness obstacles when seeking admission to the New York Bar. Many character and fitness issues resulting in being denied Bar admission are a result of either past conduct or a failure to disclose certain material information about past conduct.
Why would a candidate for admission to the New York Bar hire a character and fitness attorney?

When one’s career and professional standing are on the line, New York Bar character and fitness admission candidates can often benefit from having an experienced lawyer recognized in the field of legal ethics assist in navigating the entire process and aggressively advocating on their behalf.

I have successfully navigated the character and fitness process on behalf of numerous clients over many years. For over 10 years, I was periodically called upon to serve as a speaker and legal ethics panelist for the required mandatory CLE training program for newly admitted lawyers offered by the Character and Fitness Committee in the First Department.

There is no substitute for working directly with an experienced New York Bar character and fitness admissions attorney to develop a customized approach based on your specific needs. When your ability to use your law degree may be at stake, retaining experienced Bar admissions counsel can be an investment in your professional future.

When in the process should I reach out to David A. Lewis Law PLLC?

Getting advice as soon as possible can be the difference between a successful resolution of an issue and a circumstance that spins out of control such as being denied admission to the Bar for character and fitness. Even when a Bar admission candidate has made regrettable mistakes, there are times when potential obstacles can be mitigated by taking prompt remedial action. As your New York Bar character and fitness attorney, I can work with you to assist in developing a plan of action.

A critical element can be demonstrating credibility through taking proactive steps that reveal a sincere dedication to candor and humility. Give yourself the best possible chance to successfully navigate the character and fitness process by taking the time to explore what options are available to you.

Can you share some examples of past successful character and fitness representations?

While prior results cannot guarantee a future outcome, the following are examples of the types of obstacles that my clients have overcome to be successfully admitted to practice law as a New York Bar member despite character and fitness concerns.

  • Applicants with various prior criminal arrests and convictions, including a felony conviction in the United States.
  • Applicants with a range of Title IX school disciplinary allegations, formal charges and findings of responsibility.
  • Applicants with past educational discipline, including allegations of plagiarism, dishonesty, harassment, theft and other misconduct.
  • Applicants who needed to amend their law school applications due to omissions or misrepresentations on their original law school applications.
  • Applicants that thoughtfully disclosed prior misconduct that otherwise would likely never have been discovered but for their own truthful disclosure. [The disclosures were both consistent with their obligations and one way of proactively demonstrating the requisite character and fitness for the New York Bar.] They also now sleep much better.
How do I know who to trust?

Most New York character and fitness attorney clients contact me based solely on what they have learned about my work or my credentials. However, I also take pride in quickly establishing a relationship of trust with my clients. It is an honor to have become a trusted advisor to so many. Talking about sensitive, embarrassing, or painful matters demands you find someone with both experience and compassion. You will find that here, so do not hesitate to contact David. A Lewis Law for any anxieties about being denied admission to the New York Bar for character and fitness concerns.

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Where To Next?

You may want to read our About page to learn more about my background as a New York legal ethics attorney.

David Aaron Lewis is one of America's Most Honored Lawyers (Top 1% in 2022)