Definitions of Essential Eligibility Requirements for the Practice of Law

In fulfilling its obligations for investigating whether an applicant possesses the requisite character, fitness and moral qualifications for admission to the practice of law, the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness considers the following to be essential eligibility requirements for the practice of law:

1. The cognitive capacity to learn, to recall what has been learned, to reason and to analyze;
2. The ability to communicate clearly with clients, attorneys, courts, and others;
3. The ability to exercise good judgment in conducting one's professional business;
4. The ability to conduct oneself with a high degree of honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness in all professional relationships and with respect to all legal obligations;
5. The ability to conduct oneself with respect for and in accordance with the law and the Code of Professional Responsibility;
6. The ability to avoid acts that exhibit disregard for the health, safety and welfare of others;
7. The ability to conduct oneself diligently and reliably in fulfilling all obligations to clients, attorneys, courts, and others;
8. The ability to use honesty and good judgment in financial dealings on behalf of oneself, clients, and others;
9. The ability to comply with deadlines and time constraints; and
10. The ability to conduct oneself professionally and in a manner that engenders respect for the law and the profession.