The legal profession requires the highest standard of integrity. The profession also demands that all lawyers must be of requisite character and fitness to practice law.

Qualifications for Admission to the Bar

The character and fitness evaluation is a critical aspect of the bar application process.

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners. The character and fitness standards for admission to the Michigan Bar are provided here.

Incoming students

Your admission application requires you to provide information relating to character and fitness. If you haven't fully disclosed conduct that should have been reported, you should amend your application as soon as possible by completing the disclosure form, explaining the conduct and the reason for your failure to initially disclose it.

If conduct covered by the admission application character and fitness questions occurs after you have submitted your application but before you begin law school, you should amend your application as soon as possible to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs by. by submitting the disclosure form.

To request a copy of the Character and Fitness Disclosure Form, email lawsao@wayne.edu.

Current students

Once you begin law school, you should disclose all conduct covered by the admissions application character and fitness questions that you previously haven't reported, or that occurs after you commence law school, as soon as possible to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs by completing disclosure form.

To request a copy of the Character and Fitness Disclosure Form, email lawsao@wayne.edu.

We're Here to Help

The Student Affairs Office is available to help students navigate the character and fitness process.

Because your conduct before law school, during law school, and beyond demonstrates your readiness to represent clients and uphold the law, students are encouraged to meet with the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs early in their legal careers if they have in their history:

• Criminal record of pending charges, arrests, or convictions
• Academic Misconduct
• Financial Challenges and unpaid debt
• Substance abuse or dependency
• Other issues that impact or relate to the ability to meet the requirements of practice

Don't delay contacting Student Affairs for support. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can help you!

For assistance, contact lawsao@wayne.edu or (313) 577-3997. The office is located in Suite 1255 on the first floor of the Law School.

Resources

• NCBE Character and Fitness page 
• NCBE Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements 
• Article written by the manager of the State Bar of Michigan Character and Fitness Department
• Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program (Also serves law students)