Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XVII, Section 5(D), Good Moral Character and Fitness; Past Conduct; Rehabilitation
The Committee shall consider whether or not the past conduct of the applicant is likely to be repeated in the future and whether the applicant's past conduct evidences the applicant's character and fitness to practice law. If the applicant is found to have engaged in conduct which at that time would have constituted grounds for an unfavorable recommendation, then the applicant must affirmatively show that his/her character has been rehabilitated and that such inclination or instability is unlikely to recur in the future. The mere fact that there has been no repeat of any such conduct or other conduct evidencing unfitness to practice law shall not in and of itself be sufficient to constitute rehabilitation or proof of good character.
While the Committee is not limited to the factors it considers or weight it will give to prior incidents reflecting upon an applicant's character or fitness, the following factors are deemed important by the Committee in assigning the weight and significance given to prior conduct:
- The applicant's age at the time of the conduct.
- The amount of time which has elapsed since the occurrence of such conduct.
- The reliability of the information concerning the conduct.
- The seriousness of the conduct.
- The factors underlying the conduct.
- The cumulative effect of the conduct or information.
- The applicant's positive social contributions since the conduct.
- The applicant's candor and cooperation in the admissions process.
- The materiality of any omissions or misrepresentations.
- The evidence of rehabilitation.