Can I become a lawyer with a felony conviction?
I was convicted of a felony while in the Military in 2004, when I was 19. My goal is to finish my degree, attend law school and practice law. However, I don't want to finish my degree and not be able to apply to law school, or worse, get into law school only to find that I can't take the bar exam. Does a felony conviction prevent me from becoming a lawyer?
If a law school chooses it can accept you. And if the bar of the state you apply in agrees, they can let you practice law. But as suggested I'd check with them first. But a bankruptcy could prevent you or delay you, Or a misdemeanor. Or cheating in school. Many things.
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Contact the Bar Association in the state where you want to practice. When you apply for the bar after law school, you will be expected to disclose everything. Their examiners are pretty thorough, so it's essential that you withhold nothing about your past. Mitigating against your felony record will be your full disclosure, length of time since the offense and your successful rehabilitation. Good luck.
I am not your attorney. Avvo and its users acknowledge that no attorney-client relationship is established by using avvo.com. Nothing published in this website constitutes actual legal advice. You should consult with an attorney of your choice who has experience in your inquired field of law. If you are in California and have questions about estate planning, I'd be happy to receive your call.
It depends on several factors including the type of felony, the law school, and the Bar of the state where you want to practice. I suggest contacting law schools and the Bar Association in the state of your choice. They will tell you. Be honest. You will need to disclose your criminal record anyway, so there is no use hiding anything. Good luck.
All posts are for information purposes only and not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship exists until an engagement document is signed by both attorney and client.
