News Releases

Moral Character Working Group Holds First Meeting in San Francisco

A newly established State Bar working group, tasked to review, revise, and publish standards by which moral character determinations are made, holds its first meeting on June 7 in San Francisco. Meeting Agenda.

The working group will review the current guidelines used to determine if an applicant seeking to be admitted to the California Bar possesses the requisite moral character. Some of the goals of this undertaking are to ensure that factors being taken into account in the moral character determination process are appropriate, clearly articulated, and uniformly applied.

“We are excited to implement this re-evaluation of what is considered in moral character determinations, and to end up with a transparent and consistent moral character decision-making process,” said Leah Wilson, Executive Director of the State Bar of California. “I am pleased that the review will include ensuring that rehabilitative efforts undertaken by applicants are appropriately considered. We believe that this effort will contribute greatly to ensuring that the admissions process is both inclusive and fair.”

During its first meeting, the working group will discuss current moral character guidelines and considerations in California and elsewhere, establish a project plan, and begin to do the in depth evaluation needed to revise California’s current standards. The working group looks forward to receiving public comment.

The public meeting will be webcast live, as well as available for future watching through our online archive.

Further information about the working group is available on the State Bar website. Moral Character Working Group.

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The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.