Providing evidence of good moral character is one of the requirements necessary to be admitted to The Florida Bar. It is important to understand this concept of good moral character when completing your application. 

What Is a Good Moral Character?

The simplest way to describe it: a person with good moral character not only understands the difference between right and wrong, but they also typically choose the “right” path. Another way to think about it is doing the right thing even when nobody’s watching.

An ideal bar candidate has good moral character. They have strong integrity, unwavering morality, and are law-abiding. They are honest, fair, conscientious, reliable, ethical and respectful of others. 

The board considers good moral character as a preview to what will likely happen down the road if they recommend your admission.  An applicant with good moral character will more likely than not become a lawyer who practices law ethically, is reliable, treats their clients with respect and compassion, and treats opposing counsel, judges, the judicial process, and the law itself with respect. 

How Can You Describe a Person’s Good Moral Character in a Recommendation letter?

When describing a person with good moral character, there are some characteristics and activities that you may want to mention, such as:

• If you are an employer or teacher, you can discuss how hard-working and reliable the person is. Provide examples of these traits.
• If you are a friend, you may want to discuss how the person is loyal, conscientious, and/or trustworthy.
• As a colleague, you can mention specific instances of principled, responsible, and scrupulous behavior in the workplace.

How Is A Good Moral Character Determined By The Florida Board Of Bar Examiners?

Good moral character is determined by the character and fitness investigation as well as through a background check and, if necessary, an investigative hearing before the board. 

When investigating the moral character of bar candidates, the Florida Board of Bar Examiners looks at your complete history to determine whether you have the good moral character required to be admitted to the bar. It is important to understand that, rather than focusing on specific events, the board looks at you as a whole person to determine if you have good moral character. Proof of good moral character is more about the person you are now, rather than in the past. 

How To Prove Good Moral Character For The Florida Bar?

The best way to prove good moral character to the FBBE is by answering all of the questions on your application with complete transparency. Keep in mind, a flawless past is not required for an admission recommendation. It is much more important to be truthful than to hide indiscretions from your past. 

It’s often said when in doubt, disclose. I’d argue that when you’re given the opportunity to disclose but you’re not required to do so, someone with good moral character will disclose, so the recipient of the information can make a full- informed decision based on the whole truth.

The Board reaches out to the references that you list on your Bar application with a form, asking about how long the reference has known you, whether they’d recommend you for a position of trust, etc. They also ask your reference whether anyone else might have anything to say about you, and ask for their contact information. References are not required to provide additional names when it’s not applicable. Talk with your references before listing them, and get their honest opinions of you.

What Does The Background Check Of The Florida Bar Application Consist Of?

The background check for admission to The Florida Bar is incredibly thorough and looks at several areas of your past, including but not limited to:

• Past residences
• Schools attended
• Credit history
• Employment history
• History of paying loans and taxes
• Criminal matters

Conclusion

Good moral character can certainly be a confusing phrase, especially when it comes to applying to The Bar. While there are many ways to describe good moral character, for the purpose of your application to The Florida Bar the main focus will be on the positive qualities that will allow you to be an ethical lawyer, like reliability, honesty, trustworthiness, and fairness. 

Completely truthful and detailed answers on your Bar application are a great stepping stone toward proving good moral character. After all, you have worked hard to get here today, and a good work ethic is a part of good moral character! So, don’t panic if your past isn’t flawless. It does not mean that you don’t have the good moral character required to be accepted to The Florida Bar. 

If you have concerns or questions regarding your character and fitness, or you’ve been called in for an investigative hearing, Elizabeth S. Conan is a former Florida Bar staff lawyer, and has the experience and knowledge needed to guide you through this process. You want Elizabeth in your corner as an advocate for your admission to The Florida Bar.