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Florida Bar Defense and Admissions
You are thinking about applying for law school, or considering applying for the Florida Bar, or you may have already done so without professional guidance and have now received a Notice of Investigative Hearing from the Florida Board of Bar Examiners requesting that you appear before the Board.
Consider the following reasons why hiring an attorney experienced in bar admissions might be a good idea at this time:
- You Have Nothing To Hide
Having "nothing to hide" is one thing, but making full disclosures on law school and bar applications, and being prepared for what to expect and how to respond during an investigative hearing, are something entirely different. Lack of preparation during any of these steps could have negative results. An admissions attorney can not only review your documents, but also recommend candid responses, corrective actions to be taken to help rectify any unintentional errors and omissions, and help maximize your chances of admission. An admissions attorney can also let you know what types of questions to expect from the Board of Bar Examiners as a result of the specific concerns raised by your application.
- You Have Been Truthful On Your Application, But Not Candid*
A truthful answer example: I was charged with shoplifting, but the prosecutor dropped the charges. I made disclosures about this on my law school application.
A candid answer example: In 2005, I left the Orlando Fashion Square Mall's Dillard's with a $20.00 bottle of cologne in my purse. I was stopped by store security and questioned by the Orlando Police when they arrived. Shoplifting charges were filed in Orange County, Case Number 05-MM-12345. I was unrepresented in court, and the prosecutor, Joe Smith, told me he'd drop the charges if I successfully completed a theft victim awareness class, since I had no other prior criminal charges. I completed the class and charges were dropped. Copies of the court documents are attached. I understand now that shoplifting was wrong and I am ashamed of my past behavior. I have had no criminal incidents since then.
*CAVEAT:Just because your answers may be considered candid by the Board does not guarantee you will avoid an investigative hearing!
- Hiring A Bar Admissions Attorney Can Demonstrate A Serious Attitude About Your Admissions Process
The Board of Bar Examiners is responsible for protecting the public from attorney candidates who lack good moral character and/or lack the mental or emotional fitness to practice law in a way that would not harm the public. This makes an investigative hearing a very serious matter. Your attorney’s presence will help show that you take The Board’s inquiry seriously, and that you are taking a proactive approach to your own defense.
By the same token, hiring an admissions attorney to review your law school and/or bar application prior to it submission may help address issues before they become the focus of further inquiry by the Board of Bar Examiners.
- A Bar Admissions Attorney Can Assess and Organize Your Defenses
One of the most critical factor for your hearing is proper preparation. An attorney experienced in bar admissions will most likely be familiar with the types of evidence that are most persuasive to the Board of Bar Examiners. A bar admissions attorney can gather and present this evidence, and obtain witnesses who can attest to your character, your fitness, or both. Similarly, a bar admissions attorney can recommend whether rehabilitative evidence needs to be furnished along with an application, to help assist the admissions process.
- A Bar Admissions Attorney Can Help You Prepare Appropriate Responses
Listening to the Board of Bar Examiners pose questions for the first time while at an investigative hearing might lead to very unfortunate results. To help the Board thoroughly explore an applicant’s background, demeanor, and character, their questions can be detached yet pointed and very personal. It can be a highly stressful and emotionally-charged atmosphere.
An admissions attorney can help prepare an applicant by practicing cross examination to hone clear, appropriate answers, which helps preserve a clear presentation of the applicant’s side of the story.
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