I've always had (mild?) anxiety. It may just be apart of my super Type-A personality and a high-stress job and maintaining a 4.0 gpa. It is something that I would like to deal with, just being a calmer person and not worrying so much. I was thinking about going to school counseling and/or checking in with a psychologist just once a month. I'm also getting my bloodwork done just to make sure I don't have like, a vitamin deficiency or thyroid problem or whatever that I need to take care of. I am a very health conscious person and just want to ensure that I am as healthy as possible and deal with small issues now (i.e. anxiety) before it possibly escalates and actually effects my daily life. My anxiety is something I'd like to really work to minimize in these 8 or so months before applying to law school.
After reading into the California bar moral background check, I'm a bit worried (anxious, lol) to even go to the doctor as it may bite me in the ass in the future.
"13.1 Have you ever been diagnosed or treated for a medically recognized mental illness, disease, or disorder that would currently interfere with your ability to practice law?"
It goes on to say "disorders such as...." and it lists schizophrenia, bipolar... (doesn't list anxiety)
How exactly would one not be admitted to the bar based on this question? It seems pretty subjective as it's asking if you think it "would currently interfere..."
Do they check your medical records? Do they ask you to attach your medical records? Is just seeing a psychologist or school counselor once a month something that would send a red flag and prevent me from passing the bar?
I know an attorney that recently passed the bar that has been on Zoloft and various other anti-depressants for years, I would assume she just said "No I do not have any mental disorders that would currently interfere with my ability to practice law". (I'm definitely going to ask her).
Question re the California Bar Moral Character Background Check Forum
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sashka
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lurklaw
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Re: Question re the California Bar Moral Character Background Check
They just want to ensure that applicants with mental illness have gotten and continued proper treatment.
Anxiety won't prohibit you from being a lawyer. You should not forgo treatment in fear of any C&F repercussions.
Anxiety won't prohibit you from being a lawyer. You should not forgo treatment in fear of any C&F repercussions.
