To Get Help, You Have To Take The First Step! Call 212-951-1819 or Email Today

David A. Lewis Law PLLC

Legal Ethics Counsel | Manhattan, NY

Bar Admissions

You Are Looking For Experienced 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?

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 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 that is causing you concern.

There are many things we can accomplish in your hour. It helps if you are clear on exactly how you want to use the time. Here are some of the possibilities of how you can use the consultation time:

  • If you’ve already filled out the bar 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.
  • 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 informed experience.
  • I provide an honest recommendation about whether or not your situation would benefit from having a Bar Admissions lawyer help you handle it.
  • I provide perspective for you — 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 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. After our initial consultation, you may decide you want an experienced Character and Fitness lawyer representing 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 we get started.

  • We take a holistic approach with 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, 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 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 remedy. We 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 in the most transparent and honest way possible that still works to credibly advocate for your admission.
  • I help you finalize your application so as 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.

This Is What You Can Expect To Happen

Once Your Application Has Been Submitted

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

The most important part is done, but you still have work to do. Do not be surprised if more information is requested by the 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. How you navigate this part of process can be the difference between success and failure. With my extensive experience, you can count on me to guide you throughout the process.

  • Your 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 may be holding you up.
  • 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 application before it goes out the door and get feedback. There is a lot of value in engaging an attorney who has extensive experience with other candidates that have come before you. It could be the difference that provides you the chance to make a best 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 using exhibits and witness testimony to prove that you have the requisite character and fitness for admission to the New York Bar.

Other 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 in New York have described the 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?
A denial of New York bar admission due to failing the character and fitness process is not extremely common. However, one purpose of the 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 to the New York bar run into problems with their 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 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 want to hire a lawyer?

When one’s career and professional standing is on the line, bar 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 bar 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. Even when a bar admission candidate has made regrettable mistakes, there are times when potential obstacles can be mitigated by taking prompt remedial action. I can work with you to assist in developing a plan of action.

A critical element can be demonstrating credibility though 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 in New York:

  • 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 that needed to amend their law school applications due to omissions or misrepresentations on their original law school applications.
  • Applicants that thoughtfully disclosed prior misconduct which 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 to practice law.] They also now sleep much better.
How do I know who to trust?

Most character and fitness applicant 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.

Contact Me

  • Please check at least one.
  • Briefly describe your legal issue.
  • Please share how you found nyethics.com.
  • The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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

Back to Bar Admissions ↗

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)