Bar Admissions:  Process and Pitfalls
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Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XVII, Section 5(C), Good Moral Character and Fitness; Factors and Considerations .

While the Committee may consider any factor or circumstance in determining whether or not to further investigate an applicant's character and fitness, any of the following should be considered to be a basis for investigation and inquiry before recommending admissions:

1. Arrests or criminal charges, whether or not resulting in a conviction.
2. Any unlawful conduct.
3. Making or procuring any false or misleading statement or omission of relevant information including any false or misleading statement or omission during the application process for admission to the Bar of this state or any other state.
4. Misconduct in employment.
5. Acts involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.
6. Commission of an act constituting the unauthorized practice of law.
7. Violation of the honor code of the applicant’s law school or any other academic misconduct, including undergraduate misconduct.
8. Membership in an organization which advocates that the United States Government be overthrown by force, if the applicant indicates a present intent that such be done.
9. Abuse of process.
10. Litigation.
11. Neglect of financial responsibilities.
12. Neglect of professional obligations.
13. Violation of an order of a Court, including child support orders.
14. Military misconduct.
15. Evidence of mental or emotional instability.
16. Evidence of drug or alcohol misuse, abuse or dependency.
17. Denial of admission to the Bar in any other jurisdiction on character and/or fitness grounds.
18. Disciplinary action by a lawyer disciplinary agency of any jurisdiction.
19. Disciplinary action by a disciplinary agency or governing body of a profession or organization of which the applicant is or was a member.
20. Conduct of a kind which has been considered by the Court as grounds for suspension or revocation of the privilege to practice law in Louisiana.
21. Conviction or a plea of guilty or “no contest” to any misdemeanor or felony, including juvenile proceedings.
22. Any other conduct which reflects adversely upon the character or fitness of the applicant.

Please note that it is vitally important that you disclose all the aforementioned possible problem factors. Failure to do so can in itself cause a red flag with your application and be grounds for the admission to be denied. If you find that one or more of these factors may apply to you, you are strongly urged to consult with a lawyer versed in bar admission matters to discuss way to mitigate any potential problem.