Anyone out there remember this song from Grease?  This is one of my favorite songs of the movie.  But enough about movies.  The title is actually in reference to the character and fitness review you will eventually face if you want to practice law.  All law school applications require you to make certain disclosures when you apply.  My advice, DON’T LIE OR MISLEAD!  It will be much easier to explain why you did something than why you lied about it.

After all, you are in law school now.  You have matured.  You have learned from the mistakes you have made.  Well, at least I hope you have.  But if you lie on your application all you have proven is that you haven’t matured.  You haven’t learned from you mistakes.  And you are currently in error.  We all make mistakes.  Just admit them and move on.  Granted, some are worse than others, but generally they can be worked through.

One big piece of advice: before you were in law school you were probably immature and ignorant of what high standards of conduct lawyers must adhere to.  Now you are in law school and presumably know these things.  Don’t screw up in law school!  Keep you nose clean and strive to be of “good moral character.”  The last thing you want is to pass the bar and fail character and fitness.

If you have misrepresented yourself on your application change it now.  Disclose all you can now if it is pertinent.  When you apply to the bar the examiners WILL find out about it.  Better to explain how you have grown and matured over the years than why you are currently a liar.  Just ask yourself if you would want an honest lawyer or one who tried to deceive you to get what he wanted.

Be honest and forthright.  Endure the shame now, not later.  God bless and have a great day.

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