Late Writing And Poor Attitude Sidelines Bar Applicant

The Ohio Supreme Court has denied admission to a 2011 Chase College of Law graduate who was observed writing after time was called on the July 2011 bar examination.

Another applicant reported that she had written enough to complete full sentences twice, once on the first and again on the second day. The director of bar admissions had the applicant's tablemate confirm the late writing.

A hearing was held by the Board of Bar Examiners and a panel "concluded that [the applicant] had violated bar-examination rules by writing after time was called on at least two occasions and that she did not intend to violate the rule against writing after time was called." Her score was penalized but she nonetheless passed.

The character and fitness process did not go so well. The applicant "adamantly denied" the allegations and attacked her accusers. Her response to the allegations was "hostile" and she claimed it was an extreme hardship to attend the hearing.

The Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness recommended against admission. The court here agreed.

The applicant will be allowed to reapply in February 2013. (Mike Frisch)