Just wanted to follow up and thank you for responding. I spoke to the "Person of the Day" and hopefully my application is determined (positively) prior to the 5 years (end of this February).rcharter1978 wrote:There was someone who had a related issue and he/she said that they had been advised that it was rare to get a timeline extension on the five years.Anonymous User wrote:Hi Friends,
I have a bit of a unique situation I wanted to run by you all before I call Admissions. I'm a lawyer - admitted in New York and Ontario (Canada). I sat for and passed the California bar February 2015. All of the requirements have been fulfilled - excepting the Moral Character Determination. I submitted my Moral Character Application in August of this year. The general reasons for the delay in submitting my moral character application are a combination of financial difficulty and family tragedy. The issue I'm looking for guidance on is that I need to be admitted to the bar within 5-years of passing the bar, which will be this coming February 2020. I don't plan on practicing in California (I live and practice in Canada), but all of the hard work, etc. will have been for nothing. I am hoping to see if Admissions will be able to make a determination before the deadline, or in the alternative, see if they will extend this until my application has been determined. Has anyone experienced this general situation? Advice is welcome!
In his case though he was in the process and was likely going to be denied. I am not sure if they will be more amenable because you began the process prior to the deadline. You submitted in August so there is a chance that they could clear you before February....though for some reason I thought you'd have five years from the pass date.
I have a follow-up question for the forum: Let's say I get a positive moral character determination in time. I have completed all other requirements for admission. Will I need to receive the Oath Card and be sworn in before the 5 years? I live in Canada and it sounds like receiving this card in time will be a big issue. Also, can I be sworn in outside of California? Any further advice is much appreciated!!