California Bar Moral Character Application Forum

[BrainToast]

Passed the bar and each time I call to get status, my analyst gives me more stuff to do.
Is this on purpose or are they just sloppy?

Did you get an automated email from the CA Bar stating that your file has completed initial review?

Yes. A long time ago. My anal-cyst claims i failed to disclose something. But its clearly stated on my application and also clearly stated on another supplemental document. He didn't even read it.

[MandyNC]

What is the nature of the the thing they say you failed to disclose?

[FinallyPassedTheBar]

I'm still waiting on my C&F too. Sent it mid-December 2017.

I got the automated email saying they have completed the initial review mid-March 2018.

[BrainToast]

What is the nature of the the thing they say you failed to disclose?

Academic probation for one semester 15 years ago in undergrad. Seriously.

It was stated twice in my app. This is cronyism. 27% pass rate and lazy incompetant analysts to keep people out of the bar.

[InterAlia1961]

Passed the bar and each time I call to get status, my analyst gives me more stuff to do.
Is this on purpose or are they just sloppy?

If you got the automated email that your application was complete, but your analyst is asking for additional information, it's likely that there is something in your background that has been flagged. You can tell what it is by what they're requesting. If you didn't get the automated email, then it's not them; it's you. Follow directions exactly. If they ask for clarification or additional documents, provide it immediately, and thank them for the opportunity to provide it. Whatever you do, don't get flippant with them.

[InterAlia1961]

What is the nature of the the thing they say you failed to disclose?

Academic probation for one semester 15 years ago in undergrad. Seriously.

It was stated twice in my app. This is cronyism. 27% pass rate and lazy incompetant analysts to keep people out of the bar.

If, in fact, you disclosed the academic issue from 15 years ago twice, then the issue they're looking into is something different. These people aren't incompetent, not by a long shot. (You spelled it wrong, by the way.) I assure you that your application was read, every last line of it, more than once. They have looked into your social media accounts. You will know when they've checked your LinkedIn account because it will say you appeared in a search by someone with the title of "Legal Services Specialist," or something of the sort, in Los Angeles, California.

Check your attitude. If you failed to disclose something in inadvertently, then amend your application and explain why. Antagonizing your analyst is nothing short of poor judgment. The Bar takes dishonesty of any sort seriously, and so should you. And remember, failure to disclose also includes failing to fully disclose.

If you want to practice in California, which produces the best lawyers in the country, then you're going to have to respect the process. We all have to go through it. You're not special.

[BrainToast]

What is the nature of the the thing they say you failed to disclose?

Academic probation for one semester 15 years ago in undergrad. Seriously.

It was stated twice in my app. This is cronyism. 27% pass rate and lazy incompetant analysts to keep people out of the bar.

If, in fact, you disclosed the academic issue from 15 years ago twice, then the issue they're looking into is something different. These people aren't incompetent, not by a long shot. (You spelled it wrong, by the way.) I assure you that your application was read, every last line of it, more than once. They have looked into your social media accounts. You will know when they've checked your LinkedIn account because it will say you appeared in a search by someone with the title of "Legal Services Specialist," or something of the sort, in Los Angeles, California.

Check your attitude. If you failed to disclose something in inadvertently, then amend your application and explain why. Antagonizing your analyst is nothing short of poor judgment. The Bar takes dishonesty of any sort seriously, and so should you. And remember, failure to disclose also includes failing to fully disclose.

If you want to practice in California, which produces the best lawyers in the country, then you're going to have to respect the process. We all have to go through it. You're not special.

Yeah i was just venting. This just stinks is all.

[FinallyPassedTheBar]

What is the nature of the the thing they say you failed to disclose?

Academic probation for one semester 15 years ago in undergrad. Seriously.

It was stated twice in my app. This is cronyism. 27% pass rate and lazy incompetant analysts to keep people out of the bar.

That's strange. I do not remember the C&F application asking about academic probation. I think it asked for academic discipline other than academic probation.

[BrainToast]

What is the nature of the the thing they say you failed to disclose?

Academic probation for one semester 15 years ago in undergrad. Seriously.

It was stated twice in my app. This is cronyism. 27% pass rate and lazy incompetant analysts to keep people out of the bar.

That's strange. I do not remember the C&F application asking about academic probation. I think it asked for academic discipline other than academic probation.

I have no clue what is going on. I just have to wait it out.

[estefanchanning]

What is the nature of the the thing they say you failed to disclose?

Academic probation for one semester 15 years ago in undergrad. Seriously.

It was stated twice in my app. This is cronyism. 27% pass rate and lazy incompetant analysts to keep people out of the bar.

If, in fact, you disclosed the academic issue from 15 years ago twice, then the issue they're looking into is something different. These people aren't incompetent, not by a long shot. (You spelled it wrong, by the way.) I assure you that your application was read, every last line of it, more than once. They have looked into your social media accounts. You will know when they've checked your LinkedIn account because it will say you appeared in a search by someone with the title of "Legal Services Specialist," or something of the sort, in Los Angeles, California.

Check your attitude. If you failed to disclose something in inadvertently, then amend your application and explain why. Antagonizing your analyst is nothing short of poor judgment. The Bar takes dishonesty of any sort seriously, and so should you. And remember, failure to disclose also includes failing to fully disclose.

If you want to practice in California, which produces the best lawyers in the country, then you're going to have to respect the process. We all have to go through it. You're not special.

You know, there's a nice way to say things.

[BrainToast]

What is the nature of the the thing they say you failed to disclose?

Academic probation for one semester 15 years ago in undergrad. Seriously.

It was stated twice in my app. This is cronyism. 27% pass rate and lazy incompetant analysts to keep people out of the bar.

If, in fact, you disclosed the academic issue from 15 years ago twice, then the issue they're looking into is something different. These people aren't incompetent, not by a long shot. (You spelled it wrong, by the way.) I assure you that your application was read, every last line of it, more than once. They have looked into your social media accounts. You will know when they've checked your LinkedIn account because it will say you appeared in a search by someone with the title of "Legal Services Specialist," or something of the sort, in Los Angeles, California.

Check your attitude. If you failed to disclose something in inadvertently, then amend your application and explain why. Antagonizing your analyst is nothing short of poor judgment. The Bar takes dishonesty of any sort seriously, and so should you. And remember, failure to disclose also includes failing to fully disclose.

If you want to practice in California, which produces the best lawyers in the country, then you're going to have to respect the process. We all have to go through it. You're not special.

You know, there's a nice way to say things.

It probably made him feel special.

[InterAlia1961]

You know, there's a nice way to say things.

And then there's the truth, which can be delivered as nicely as possible and still sting.

[MandyNC]

Has anyone who passed Feb 2018 had any luck with recent movement on the moral character app? This is so frustrating.

[ADM1985]

Has anyone who passed Feb 2018 had any luck with recent movement on the moral character app? This is so frustrating.

What is your filing date?

[MandyNC]

Has anyone who passed Feb 2018 had any luck with recent movement on the moral character app? This is so frustrating.

What is your filing date?

My situation was a bit unusual, in that I sent all of my documentation in late January. I sent my application with all documents except the livescan form, and then sent my livescan form separately in early February. I also heard from all my old bosses, personal references etc. in early February that they had received the forms from the bar.

I called in April and was informed my application was not complete because they never got my livescan form. To be safe, I immediately resubmitted my fingerprints and livescan form. They then allege I went "complete" on May 4. I spoke to my analyst in early May and made clear I had a job offer to start practicing as an attorney upon being sworn in and was concerned about timing. She said she was not sure but sometimes it is faster. I did let them know I had sent in my livescan form in February and am not sure what happened.

I understand that technically I went complete on May 4 and they will not give me an update until 90 days thereafter. I left one voicemail the Monday after results came out, letting them know I passed and am eager to provide any further information that would help facilitate my application. Will wait at least several weeks to check in again. I know not to regularly bug them.

The bar receives notification when our fingerprints are processed, so even though the form was not received in hard copy they've had my fingerprints since early Feb. It seemed like my application was fairly far along even if I was not "complete" until May. Trying to be patient.

[Wednesday]

They contacted my business partner, one personal reference and one reference from my self employment and that was it. I applied October 15th and received approval at the end of March. I received one phone call the day I was approved asking clarification of a former name. I was told that she could not tell me when I would hear if I was cleared. As it turns out she approved me later the same day. I am a foreign attorney with a lot of background so if they sorted through all that I can understand why it took the amount of time that it did.

Did you need to provide your driver license info and a credit history from all the countries you'd lived in? (Canada and the US, I assume)

[hockeyman969]

What is the nature of the the thing they say you failed to disclose?

Academic probation for one semester 15 years ago in undergrad. Seriously.

It was stated twice in my app. This is cronyism. 27% pass rate and lazy incompetant analysts to keep people out of the bar.

I had an issue in a different state where they claimed I failed to provide a sufficient narrative, where it was part of a consolidated filing. I just sent a duplicate copy with the requisite section highlighted with a sworn statement attesting it was a copy of that which was previously submitted. Idk about Cali though, but worth a shot since it cured the deficiency.

[ADM1985]

Has anyone who passed Feb 2018 had any luck with recent movement on the moral character app? This is so frustrating.

What is your filing date?

My situation was a bit unusual, in that I sent all of my documentation in late January. I sent my application with all documents except the livescan form, and then sent my livescan form separately in early February. I also heard from all my old bosses, personal references etc. in early February that they had received the forms from the bar.

I called in April and was informed my application was not complete because they never got my livescan form. To be safe, I immediately resubmitted my fingerprints and livescan form. They then allege I went "complete" on May 4. I spoke to my analyst in early May and made clear I had a job offer to start practicing as an attorney upon being sworn in and was concerned about timing. She said she was not sure but sometimes it is faster. I did let them know I had sent in my livescan form in February and am not sure what happened.

I understand that technically I went complete on May 4 and they will not give me an update until 90 days thereafter. I left one voicemail the Monday after results came out, letting them know I passed and am eager to provide any further information that would help facilitate my application. Will wait at least several weeks to check in again. I know not to regularly bug them.

The bar receives notification when our fingerprints are processed, so even though the form was not received in hard copy they've had my fingerprints since early Feb. It seemed like my application was fairly far along even if I was not "complete" until May. Trying to be patient.

The tough part is that even if it were complete in February when you sent in the Live Scan form, that is still really late to submit. The backgrounds take at least 6 months so your best bet would have been August. I was also told to not submit my forms at different times because of the possibility of them being separated.

[FinallyPassedTheBar]

Has anyone who passed Feb 2018 had any luck with recent movement on the moral character app? This is so frustrating.

What is your filing date?

My situation was a bit unusual, in that I sent all of my documentation in late January. I sent my application with all documents except the livescan form, and then sent my livescan form separately in early February. I also heard from all my old bosses, personal references etc. in early February that they had received the forms from the bar.

I called in April and was informed my application was not complete because they never got my livescan form. To be safe, I immediately resubmitted my fingerprints and livescan form. They then allege I went "complete" on May 4. I spoke to my analyst in early May and made clear I had a job offer to start practicing as an attorney upon being sworn in and was concerned about timing. She said she was not sure but sometimes it is faster. I did let them know I had sent in my livescan form in February and am not sure what happened.

I understand that technically I went complete on May 4 and they will not give me an update until 90 days thereafter. I left one voicemail the Monday after results came out, letting them know I passed and am eager to provide any further information that would help facilitate my application. Will wait at least several weeks to check in again. I know not to regularly bug them.

The bar receives notification when our fingerprints are processed, so even though the form was not received in hard copy they've had my fingerprints since early Feb. It seemed like my application was fairly far along even if I was not "complete" until May. Trying to be patient.

From everything I have gathered from stories and whatnot, your 6-8 month review period starts on the date that your file is officially complete...which is May 4.

[YuckNotTheBar]

My file was complete in January, and I received the 90-day update that nothing had happened in April. Since passing the Feb 18 Bar on May 18, I've called my analyst a few times to gently check in. They've never called me back. I have a fully clean record and am frustrated. Does anyone have thoughts?

[InterAlia1961]

My file was complete in January, and I received the 90-day update that nothing had happened in April. Since passing the Feb 18 Bar on May 18, I've called my analyst a few times to gently check in. They've never called me back. I have a fully clean record and am frustrated. Does anyone have thoughts?

I called my analyst at the 90-day mark. I got their voicemail. The analyst's assistant returned my call the next day. I gave her my file number, and she responded, "It has only been 90-days." She told me my file had been sent to an investigator, and to wait until the 180-day period had passed. Shortly thereafter, I got a letter in the mail from the Bar stating that my file was still being processed, and it would take a minimum of six months to get an answer. So, on day 181, I'll be back on the phone. If you've called "a few times" since May 18th and haven't gotten a response, maybe you should wait a couple more weeks and try again. If you have to leave a message, stress that you would like a call back. Good luck. Isn't this frustrating?

[YuckNotTheBar]

My file was complete in January, and I received the 90-day update that nothing had happened in April. Since passing the Feb 18 Bar on May 18, I've called my analyst a few times to gently check in. They've never called me back. I have a fully clean record and am frustrated. Does anyone have thoughts?

I called my analyst at the 90-day mark. I got their voicemail. The analyst's assistant returned my call the next day. I gave her my file number, and she responded, "It has only been 90-days." She told me my file had been sent to an investigator, and to wait until the 180-day period had passed. Shortly thereafter, I got a letter in the mail from the Bar stating that my file was still being processed, and it would take a minimum of six months to get an answer. So, on day 181, I'll be back on the phone. If you've called "a few times" since May 18th and haven't gotten a response, maybe you should wait a couple more weeks and try again. If you have to leave a message, stress that you would like a call back. Good luck. Isn't this frustrating?

YES! It is absurd. My analyst's vmail says to leave my phone and file# for a call back. Why do they say this if they don't actually mean it :/

[FinallyPassedTheBar]

My file was complete in January, and I received the 90-day update that nothing had happened in April. Since passing the Feb 18 Bar on May 18, I've called my analyst a few times to gently check in. They've never called me back. I have a fully clean record and am frustrated. Does anyone have thoughts?

I called my analyst at the 90-day mark. I got their voicemail. The analyst's assistant returned my call the next day. I gave her my file number, and she responded, "It has only been 90-days." She told me my file had been sent to an investigator, and to wait until the 180-day period had passed. Shortly thereafter, I got a letter in the mail from the Bar stating that my file was still being processed, and it would take a minimum of six months to get an answer. So, on day 181, I'll be back on the phone. If you've called "a few times" since May 18th and haven't gotten a response, maybe you should wait a couple more weeks and try again. If you have to leave a message, stress that you would like a call back. Good luck. Isn't this frustrating?

YES! It is absurd. My analyst's vmail says to leave my phone and file# for a call back. Why do they say this if they don't actually mean it :/

I called my analyst early last month. I got her voicemail, and left a message. The analyst's assistant called me back 4 days later and left a message. But I could barely understand what she was saying, her voice was all garbled up. But I did decipher that she said they have no information for me and that it takes 6 to 8 months to complete. My 6 month date will come up in about a week from now.

[pearsonspecter99]

Anyone here on the traditional biglaw route? As in just graduated from law school, take the bar for the first time in July, start work in Sept/Oct?

I went complete in early January and haven't heard anything since. I have some marks on my record from years back (some involving alcohol; no felonies) so I'm anticipating mine will take a bit longer. I'm kicking myself for not starting this process earlier. Any insight as to whether I should expect to be cleared by swearing-in time in December? I can't imagine a biglaw firm being too sensitive to a delay in admission to the bar.

I heard somewhere that the committee considers pending job offers when handling this stuff but I have no idea how true that is. Anyone have any insight?

[brb009]

My status said "Paper Application Received - Moral Character Application Under Review." Now it just says "Moral Character Application Under Review." Does that mean progress at all? Submitted about 3-4 months ago