Qualification for Admission to the Bar

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. Pepperdine Caruso Law requires applicants for admission to fully disclose responses to the following questions:

• Has academic or disciplinary action been taken against you at any college, university, or law school you have attended?
• Have you been charged, cited, prosecuted, convicted of, or pled guilty to any crime for an offense other than a minor traffic violation? This includes any instance of drunk driving. You need not report any arrest, conviction or other proceeding in which the record has been ordered or is required to be sealed, obliterated, dismissed, or otherwise expunged.
• Have you ever been a party to or are you presently a party to any civil action or administrative proceeding? (This does not include divorce or dissolution.)
• Do you know of any matter which might otherwise adversely affect your admission to this school or to the Bar?

If the answer to any of the questions is in the affirmative, then a full written explanation must accompany the application. Candor is extremely important and appreciated by the Admissions Committee.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Board of Bar Examiners of the state(s) in which they intend to practice, in order to secure information regarding the qualifications for admission to the practice of law, including character and fitness requirements, in that jurisdiction. Additional information can be found on website of the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

For applicants interested in the practice of law in California, information can be found at the State Bar of California website.