“Inappropriate and Offensive” Pattern Of Conduct Prevents Bar Admission

The New York Appellate Division for the Third Judicial Department has denied the admission application of a person who passed the bar exam in 2005. According to the court, the applicant had “engaged in a pattern of inappropriate and offensive behavior at work and in law school [not described in the opinion] extending from 1990 until recently.” The applicant also exhibited a lack of candor in the New Jersey admissions process, where admission was withheld for a year pending evidence of “personal reform and current good character.”

The court here allowed renewal of the character and fitness inquiry after a year. Unfortunately, the absence of any description of the conduct at issue gives little guidance to future applicants. (Mike Frisch)