What is evaluated in the character and fitness review?

The character and fitness review primarily focuses on assessing an individual's moral character and overall fitness to practice law. This process involves evaluating a candidate's honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior, as these qualities are essential for the practice of law. The review aims to ensure that individuals who are admitted to the bar possess the necessary moral foundations to uphold the legal profession's standards and to serve the public effectively.

While aspects like academic performance, financial stability, and professional references may come into play during the admission process and can provide valuable context about a candidate, they are not the primary focus of the character and fitness evaluation. Instead, this review is specifically designed to identify any past behavior or current attributes that might call into question a candidate's suitability to practice law, ensuring that only those who demonstrate responsible and ethical behavior are permitted to enter the legal profession.