California Bar Moral Character Application Forum

[Anonymous User]

Submitted in mid-April
Complete in mid-October
Introduction to Investigator in late October
Positive Determination in early November

204 total days. Good luck everyone.

[Moabit]

I got my "introduction to investigator" email today and a positive determination an hour later. (Submitted my application in late March.) Hang on there, guys and gals, it is moving. Good luck!

[yespasscbx]

Happy for you! And glad to know that it's moving

[WhatsUP?]

I got my "introduction to investigator" email today and a positive determination an hour later. (Submitted my application in late March.) Hang on there, guys and gals, it is moving. Good luck!

Awesome!!!!! And Congratulations!!!!!

[Anonymous User]

Hi I am new to this forum and had a question in regards to the moral character application here in California. I am an out of state attorney who moved here three years ago and am taking my bar exam this February. I was unsuccessful last year. I put in my moral character application exactly June 30, 2019 and online it only shows submitted. It does not show under review or anything like that. I have noticed in the thread that some people would get a letter stating that the application was complete etc. Is that letter a part of the process and something I am suppose to wait for. Its been 4.5 months and I have not received any requests for info other than the maiden name of my mother that was it. I do hope this questions isn't redundant here but going through the thread it was difficult to decipher on what is normal and what isn't.

Thanks

[WhatsUP?]

Hi I am new to this forum and had a question in regards to the moral character application here in California. I am an out of state attorney who moved here three years ago and am taking my bar exam this February. I was unsuccessful last year. I put in my moral character application exactly June 30, 2019 and online it only shows submitted. It does not show under review or anything like that. I have noticed in the thread that some people would get a letter stating that the application was complete etc. Is that letter a part of the process and something I am suppose to wait for. Its been 4.5 months and I have not received any requests for info other than the maiden name of my mother that was it. I do hope this questions isn't redundant here but going through the thread it was difficult to decipher on what is normal and what isn't.

Thanks

I also received a request for the name of my parents and spouse about 5 months after I submitted my application. At that time I noticed that my status had gone from "submitted" to "pending" to "pending -- under internal review." And, I have received no other news. But, from reading what others have written, it sounds like the next step is that an investigator is assigned to your case and then from that point it could be anytime that the application is approved.

On another note, I looked on the Calbar website and couldn't find the information, but does anyone know the date of the upcoming swearing in ceremony?

[Anonymous User]

Hi I am new to this forum and had a question in regards to the moral character application here in California. I am an out of state attorney who moved here three years ago and am taking my bar exam this February. I was unsuccessful last year. I put in my moral character application exactly June 30, 2019 and online it only shows submitted. It does not show under review or anything like that. I have noticed in the thread that some people would get a letter stating that the application was complete etc. Is that letter a part of the process and something I am suppose to wait for. Its been 4.5 months and I have not received any requests for info other than the maiden name of my mother that was it. I do hope this questions isn't redundant here but going through the thread it was difficult to decipher on what is normal and what isn't.

Thanks

I submitted my application mid-June, 2019, and it still shows "submitted" online now. I called and they said it's still in initial review.

[Moabit]

Hi I am new to this forum and had a question in regards to the moral character application here in California. I am an out of state attorney who moved here three years ago and am taking my bar exam this February. I was unsuccessful last year. I put in my moral character application exactly June 30, 2019 and online it only shows submitted. It does not show under review or anything like that. I have noticed in the thread that some people would get a letter stating that the application was complete etc. Is that letter a part of the process and something I am suppose to wait for. Its been 4.5 months and I have not received any requests for info other than the maiden name of my mother that was it. I do hope this questions isn't redundant here but going through the thread it was difficult to decipher on what is normal and what isn't.

Thanks

Yes, your situation looks completely normal given recent data points. If you see no changes within the next 1.5 months in your status (like going "under review"), call CalBar at 180+ days and ask about your case. Overall, it looks like applicants with no major problems get approved between 6 and 7 months after initial filing. You will likely be approved before your exam in February.

[Anonymous User]

Hi I am new to this forum and had a question in regards to the moral character application here in California. I am an out of state attorney who moved here three years ago and am taking my bar exam this February. I was unsuccessful last year. I put in my moral character application exactly June 30, 2019 and online it only shows submitted. It does not show under review or anything like that. I have noticed in the thread that some people would get a letter stating that the application was complete etc. Is that letter a part of the process and something I am suppose to wait for. Its been 4.5 months and I have not received any requests for info other than the maiden name of my mother that was it. I do hope this questions isn't redundant here but going through the thread it was difficult to decipher on what is normal and what isn't.

Thanks

Yes, your situation looks completely normal given recent data points. If you see no changes within the next 1.5 months in your status (like going "under review"), call CalBar at 180+ days and ask about your case. Overall, it looks like applicants with no major problems get approved between 6 and 7 months after initial filing. You will likely be approved before your exam in February.

So just to confirm, we shouldn't expect any indication that our application is considered complete, correct? I submitted mine online last week and mailed my fingerprint cards a few days later. They were delivered today, which should officially complete my application. But there won't be any acknowledgement of this step in the online portal, right?

[Moabit]

So just to confirm, we shouldn't expect any indication that our application is considered complete, correct? I submitted mine online last week and mailed my fingerprint cards a few days later. They were delivered today, which should officially complete my application. But there won't be any acknowledgement of this step in the online portal, right?

Not at this point, no. Around 4-6 months after submission you should get this "application completed/filed" email, but it will be about the time when they get closer to actually reviewing your case. (Initially, it just sits there.)

[Anonymous User]

Received my completion today. Caveat, i did pass the bar so that might have helped my app.

Submit 3/18
Notice of Completion 8/22
Assigned to Investigator 11/18 @ 8 am
Complete 11/18 @ 11am

[gpca]

Does anyone know where I can get a hard copy of the application? The online one simply does not work for me (tried different computers and browsers) and the bar office was next to worthless when I asked them to delete it so I could try to restart it.

[CEReds]

I’m in the awkward position of awaiting moral character clearance post-positive bar results. How effective do you think calling them is?

[rcharter1978]

I’m in the awkward position of awaiting moral character clearance post-positive bar results. How effective do you think calling them is?

It wasn't at all effective for me and I tried because I thought it would be a good selling point since I already passed the exam.

I was never rude, and my investigator, while always courteous, kind and understanding didn't really change the process because the initial review wasn't expedited. It took the standard amount of time.

I guess it can't hurt to call, as long as you're nice and cool.....but I wouldn't expect too much. But maybe you get a sympathetic ear.

[CEReds]

Thank you so much for the advice.

I try not to stress them out by being uptight about the whole situation, but it does suck that the process simply drags. I’ll remain positive that it’ll clear within the next few weeks, but once the year is coming to a close, I’ll be freaking out.

Thanks again!

I’m in the awkward position of awaiting moral character clearance post-positive bar results. How effective do you think calling them is?

It wasn't at all effective for me and I tried because I thought it would be a good selling point since I already passed the exam.

I was never rude, and my investigator, while always courteous, kind and understanding didn't really change the process because the initial review wasn't expedited. It took the standard amount of time.

I guess it can't hurt to call, as long as you're nice and cool.....but I wouldn't expect too much. But maybe you get a sympathetic ear.

[Anonymous User]

Does the CA Bar application ask anything about high school (aside from convictions/academic plagiarism during that time)? Originally, all of the schools I applied to had C&F sections in their applications that just specified incidents that happened starting in college or beyond, but I'm worried the Bar application is going to ask me to disclose things that happened in high school.

Specifically I mean a fight in high school that got me suspended for a couple of days. Is the Bar application worded in such a way that I would need to disclose this, or does it only ask for college/university and beyond?

[Anonymous User]

I have received the email I will be asked to come to the informal conference. I am utterly terrified. I have two DUI’s in my background from years ago and was arrested in my last semester of 3L, but the case was dismissed and sealed after I paid restitution. I am pretty sure I am going to get denied

[QContinuum]

Does the CA Bar application ask anything about high school (aside from convictions/academic plagiarism during that time)?

The CA Bar asks, "have you ever been dropped, suspended, expelled, or otherwise disciplined by any school for any reason other than academic performance?"

I have received the email I will be asked to come to the informal conference. I am utterly terrified.

Have you consulted with/hired an experienced CA C&F attorney? If not, please do so asap (and make sure you hire specifically a CA C&F attorney - not just any random CA lawyer, or even a CA lawyer with C&F experience in other states). Do not try to handle this pro se. Best of luck!

[tlsforum123]

Does the CA Bar application ask anything about high school (aside from convictions/academic plagiarism during that time)?

The CA Bar asks, "have you ever been dropped, suspended, expelled, or otherwise disciplined by any school for any reason other than academic performance?"

Related to the high school question, would a "talking to" with no actual consequence, not even a detention, count as being "disciplined?" I have been assured it was never even put on my HS record so can't really see what this would conflict with (and also feel like the fact there was no consequence means it doesn't even fall under this question, but curious to hear other thoughts)

[rcharter1978]

I have received the email I will be asked to come to the informal conference. I am utterly terrified. I have two DUI’s in my background from years ago and was arrested in my last semester of 3L, but the case was dismissed and sealed after I paid restitution. I am pretty sure I am going to get denied

Second QContinuums (sp) recommendation to seek an experienced C&F attorney to help you. It could be salvageable. It can't hurt to at least talk to someone to see if they can help you.

Good luck, but please talk to someone.....

[Moabit]

I have received the email I will be asked to come to the informal conference. I am utterly terrified. I have two DUI’s in my background from years ago and was arrested in my last semester of 3L, but the case was dismissed and sealed after I paid restitution. I am pretty sure I am going to get denied

As one notorious poster around here explained, an informal conference is actually an evidentiary hearing with very little that is "informal" about it. Talk to a C&F lawyer and come prepared (which means bring evidence supporting your good moral character), and better yet come with the lawyer. The lawyer won't be able to argue on your behalf during the hearing, but will help you with preparations for the hearing and, if necessary, with appealing the decision of the bar.

[QContinuum]

The CA Bar asks, "have you ever been dropped, suspended, expelled, or otherwise disciplined by any school for any reason other than academic performance?"

Related to the high school question, would a "talking to" with no actual consequence, not even a detention, count as being "disciplined?" I have been assured it was never even put on my HS record so can't really see what this would conflict with (and also feel like the fact there was no consequence means it doesn't even fall under this question, but curious to hear other thoughts)

Standard disclaimer, not a C&F lawyer and certainly not your C&F lawyer.

But under a "plain English" reading of the question, my view is that an ad hoc verbal dressing down from a teacher with no other consequence would not be "discipline", as there was no "punishment". Negative feedback/correction, even if harsh, isn't ordinarily considered "discipline" or "punishment". But there would theoretically be situations where a verbal dressing down could constitute "discipline". For instance, let's say student A committed some infraction, attended a disciplinary hearing, and the board decided to resolve the issue by verbally reprimanding A. Even if the verbal reprimand wasn't put into A's record, that would still appear to me to be "discipline by any school for any reason".

[Left Waiting]

Hello,

I passed the California Bar Exam in 2015. I am coming up to the Bar pass expiration date. I have been denied twice by the Moral Character Committee. I had two erroneous credit cards on my credit report that I disputed and have since been removed. When I pulled my credit report for the first Moral Character Application, I discovered a judgment that I didn't even know was there. I disputed the judgment, and eventually got in contact with the collection firm's attorney to bring that matter to a close. I have no other marks on my record, outside of my student loans for law school, which I am on a payment plan for.

My question now is where do I go from here? From talking with others so far it seems like the reality is that I will likely have to take the Bar Exam again, and reapply in 2 years for the Moral Character Application. It previously took me three attempts to pass the Bar the first time, and it wasn't cheap. Law School in itself was a big sacrifice both financially, emotionally, and socially and this entire process has been a big strain on those same factors as well. It feels like I've spent the last now 5 years in this limbo and it has caused some irreparable damage.

Should I really submit myself and by proxy family and friends to this process again, if and when I am able to pass the bar? I guess one question I keep asking myself is do I really want this, which becomes a more daunting question the more time passes. I was hoping that with this process I would be able to get a more secured economic future, but so far the opposite has happened. Maybe I should invest in a different pursuit given that the current record has cost me so much already. Thanks for the read.

PS: I wish someone had been there to give me this advice, but I will leave it here based on my experience. My two cents: do a mock run of putting together your Moral Character Application well before submitting it.Try to avoid having to supplement your record in anyway. If you get invited to an informal hearing, attend and bring counsel. The administrative hearings have the potential to trip you up and it is better to have someone in your corner rather than face them alone. Bring copies of everything. If you get assigned a moral character investigator, plan on waiting and plan accordingly.

[WhatsUP?]

OMG . . . In May of 2019 I found out I passed the Bar. In late May I submitted my MC Application. In November, the State Bar asked for information (re: Name of Parents/Spouse). Today (December 3) I received an email stating that the Application is now considered to be complete and filed so that the background investigation can begin. BUT, it also says the background may require a minimum of 180 days! So, this really could take another 6 months??? So, I won't be able to be sworn in until potentially June 2020????? Wow.

Good news . . . its moving along.

[Sobriquet44]

Hello,

I passed the California Bar Exam in 2015. I am coming up to the Bar pass expiration date. I have been denied twice by the Moral Character Committee. I had two erroneous credit cards on my credit report that I disputed and have since been removed. When I pulled my credit report for the first Moral Character Application, I discovered a judgment that I didn't even know was there. I disputed the judgment, and eventually got in contact with the collection firm's attorney to bring that matter to a close. I have no other marks on my record, outside of my student loans for law school, which I am on a payment plan for.

My question now is where do I go from here? From talking with others so far it seems like the reality is that I will likely have to take the Bar Exam again, and reapply in 2 years for the Moral Character Application. It previously took me three attempts to pass the Bar the first time, and it wasn't cheap. Law School in itself was a big sacrifice both financially, emotionally, and socially and this entire process has been a big strain on those same factors as well. It feels like I've spent the last now 5 years in this limbo and it has caused some irreparable damage.

Should I really submit myself and by proxy family and friends to this process again, if and when I am able to pass the bar? I guess one question I keep asking myself is do I really want this, which becomes a more daunting question the more time passes. I was hoping that with this process I would be able to get a more secured economic future, but so far the opposite has happened. Maybe I should invest in a different pursuit given that the current record has cost me so much already. Thanks for the read.

PS: I wish someone had been there to give me this advice, but I will leave it here based on my experience. My two cents: do a mock run of putting together your Moral Character Application well before submitting it.Try to avoid having to supplement your record in anyway. If you get invited to an informal hearing, attend and bring counsel. The administrative hearings have the potential to trip you up and it is better to have someone in your corner rather than face them alone. Bring copies of everything. If you get assigned a moral character investigator, plan on waiting and plan accordingly.

Sorry to hear that, have you considered appealing the denial?