OasisLMS

 All attorneys admitted in Ohio know that there is a “Character & Fitness” review as part of being admitted to the Ohio Bar.  In most cases, those seeking admission in Ohio were interviewed by local attorneys as part of that process – and subsequently got word from the Ohio Supreme Court’s Office of Admissions that they could sit for the Ohio Bar or be admitted through a waiver associated with pre-existing bar admission in another jurisdiction.   But there’s a fair amount of sausage-making behind the scenes that is involved in determining who may sit for the Ohio Bar Exam (or be admitted through a waiver). This program will address a wide range of process questions regarding the Ohio Attorney Admissions process focusing on features in Ohio Gov. Bar R. I. , including:

• Who can be admitted through a waiver vs. who must take Ohio’s bar exam?
• How is the admissions process different for those two groups?
• Do all bar associations conduct interviews (and handle Admissions hearings when necessary)?
• Who are the members of the bar association Admissions Committees?
• What are the materials applicants must provide?
• What is the difference between an NCBE application and a supplemental character questionnaire?
• How is it determined where an applicant will interview?
• What happens after character and fitness interviews are conducted by members of local bar associations?
• Why are there second interviews of some bar applicants?  What are “red flag” issues?
• What triggers a hearing before the Supreme Court’s Board on Character & Fitness?
• Who are the parties at a hearing?
• Who has the burden of proof throughout the process and at the hearing?
• What happens after such a hearing?
• What else happens when there is a denial after a hearing?
• How are applicants notified when there are – and are not – problems that arise at various points during the entire process?
• What’s the difference between a provisional and a final recommendation?

Presenters:  Kent Markus is one of the two “Bar Counsel ” at the Columbus Bar Association.   Emily Sollars manages the Bar Admissions process at the CBA.   

1.0 Credit CLE

The presenters will primarily discuss features of Ohio Gov. Bar R. I.  Attendees should familiarize themselves with that Rule and may want to have a copy of the Rule with them during the program.