Tips for the Character & Fitness Process in Law School Admission and Beyond

If you’re looking for admission to the bar, no matter the state, you’ll need to submit a separate C&F evaluation. This means you’ll have to provide info on your current and historical education, employment, residential and financial information. You’ll also need to disclose info about criminal and school discipline. For admission to the New York State bar, for example, you’ll need to complete a general questionnaire and submit four separate forms. The Character and Fitness page on UB’s website gives plenty of detailed information about the process but it can be summed up simply by saying this: be thorough and be honest.

Now with the technicalities behind us, let’s dive into the advice given by Dean Gladney on tips for the law school application.

When we asked the above question to Lindsay Gladney, Vice Dean for Admissions at UB’s School of Law, the first thing she said was, “Answer truthfully! As a prospective law student and future attorney, you have an obligation to be honest and accurate.”

In the case of UB’s application process, if you answer “Yes” to any of the C&F questions on the law school application, you will be required to upload a written explanation for the Committee’s consideration. “Be clear and detailed in your written response(s),” says Dean Gladney. “Vague statements are not acceptable and failure to fully disclose may result in dismissal, if admitted. When in doubt, always err on the side of full disclosure!”

Another tip that stands out? Owning your growth as a student and as a person. If you have a problematic issue in your past, talk about it truthfully. “Don’t make excuses. Take ownership and describe how you learned from the experience,” said Dean Gladney.

And as always, the Office of Admissions is here to help you through the process. If you have questions specific to your situation, consider scheduling an appointment with the Office of Admissions to discuss.

While proofreading your application once, twice, even thrice, is a good rule of thumb, Dean Gladney says full disclosure of accurate information is very important: “If you realize you responded incorrectly or omitted important details, submit a written addendum via email to law-admissions@buffalo.edu as soon as possible. It is very important the Committee has all the information when assessing your application.”

As we said at the start of this post, good grades and determination are two strong pillars for building the foundation of success as law student, but C&F is also a major player. “Admission to the University at Buffalo School of Law is based on our judgment of your ability to successfully complete a course of legal study,” says Dean Gladney, and that includes the information provided within your C&F submission. “If you have a pattern of negative behavior, including recent incidents, the Committee will have concerns about your ability to focus on academics.”

Pursuant to policy established by the State University of New York (SUNY), the University at Buffalo School of Law does not make inquiries into the criminal records of applicants for purposes of admission. Successful applicants may be asked to declare their criminal history, including any prior felony conviction(s), post-admission, if and when they seek campus housing or apply to participate in other activities that require such checks. Certain responses could, but not necessarily, impact ones' ability to pursue the aforementioned opportunities.

• Have you ever been discharged or requested to resign from employment?
• Have you ever been found to have engaged in academic dishonesty (cheating or plagiarism) at any time?
• Have you ever been dismissed from college for nonacademic reasons?
• Have you ever been dismissed or prohibited from the programs or properties of a college or university?

Now that we’ve covered the bases for the character and fitness process during the law school application, let’s jump into our discussion with Dean Saran, who discusses some tips for the bar application. 

It all starts with a foundation of organization, says Dean Saran. “Create a folder to collect the documents you will need, both paper and digital.” These include two important forms, as she details below:

• Include any law-related work, and obtain the Form Affidavit for Law-Related Employment Affirmation right after working in such a position
• Include any pro bono work, like Clinic, Externships, Practica, summer fellowships or volunteering, and obtain the Form Affidavit for Pro Bono

There’s a good reason for completing these early. “Supervising attorneys leave, retire, get in trouble or sometimes die,” says Dean Saran. “And then you have difficulty completing the forms.”

What’s another big preparation tip that seems straightforward but is worth repeating? “DO NOT GET INTO TROUBLE!” Dean Saran stresses. “Moving violations, like speeding or anything other than a parking ticket, or drinking issues—all must be reported. Do not let bar nights bar you from bar admission. If you had disciplinary issues in college, high school, even middle school, you may need to report them. Get the papers together or ask your parents if you can’t remember—it does not mean you will not be admitted.” 

It can be hard to remember a lot of little details when there are so many important forms, but things in the past can be even more difficult. “All the names, addresses and dates of jobs students have had since age 21 or the past ten years, whichever is shorter,” says Dean Saran. “Many of us have done a lot of odd jobs to earn money.” Hopefully you’ve kept ahold of all your tax documents!

As is the case in every facet of academia or professional life, sometimes the most straightforward advice is the most prudent. “Read every part of the forms carefully, answer the questions, and do not editorialize,” says Dean Saran. “State the facts and do a rough draft first, so you can correct any errors or misspellings. Write in full sentences and act like a professional.”

Dean Saran echoes Dean Gladney’s sentiments about being forthcoming and honest in your application. “Candor is important,” she says. “When in doubt, report it. You are more likely to get in trouble and not get admitted for what you omit than what you disclose.”

As always, reach out for help if you need it. Appellate Division clerks can be great resources. They want a clear and easy to understand application just as much as you want to make sure you have done everything correctly!

And finally, both Dean Gladney and Dean Saran end with the same piece of advice “We are here to help you.” So never be shy about reaching out for help!

• University at Buffalo School of Law | Character & Fitness
• The New York State Bar Exam: What Applicants Should Know About the Character and Fitness Process