Can Felons Pursue A Law Degree?

A person with a felony conviction can pursue a law degree, although the road to becoming a licensed lawyer is challenging. In the US, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) is required to practice law. While a felony conviction may not disqualify an individual from earning a law degree, it can impact their admission to law school and bar admission. Full disclosure of one's criminal history and evidence of rehabilitation are crucial in the application process. As of 2015, only three US states—Kansas, Mississippi, and Texas—and one territory, the Northern Mariana Islands, ban convicted felons from becoming lawyers.

Law school admission with a felony

A felony conviction does not necessarily eliminate an applicant from admission to the state bar and obtaining a license to practice law. While a few jurisdictions deny applicants with a felony conviction from bar admission, most states do not automatically deny applicants with a criminal record from attending law school. In fact, many current law students and lawyers have criminal records or have been incarcerated. Notable examples include Shon Robert Hopwood, an appellate lawyer and professor at Georgetown University Law Center, and Reginald Dwayne Betts, a lawyer, poet, and award-winning author who graduated from Yale Law School.

When applying to law school with a criminal record, it is important to note that the application process may include questions about your criminal history as part of the "Character & Fitness" section. It is recommended to answer these questions truthfully and provide any context and reflection about the incident. The requirements for the "Character & Fitness" section may vary depending on the law school, with some schools only asking about criminal charges from the last five years, while others may request information on all charges, even if your record has been expunged.

Additionally, while a criminal record may not have a significant impact on financial aid, it is important to consider the specific state and school policies. Some schools have their own financial aid services that are not tied to state or federal aid, allowing them more flexibility in their financial aid awards. It is advisable to reach out to the schools directly to inquire about their specific policies and procedures regarding admissions and financial aid for applicants with criminal records.

It is worth noting that, while a felony conviction may not automatically bar admission to law school, the challenge lies in becoming admitted to a state's bar as a lawyer and obtaining employment after graduation. Each state will evaluate an applicant's character and fitness to practice law, and it is important to be aware of any additional restrictions or requirements specific to each state. Overall, while it is possible for a felon to pursue a law degree, there may be additional considerations and challenges along the way.

State-specific bar admission requirements

While felons can pursue any college degree, the challenge lies in becoming admitted to a state bar as a lawyer and obtaining a job after graduating. The requirements for admission to a state bar vary by state. Here are the state-specific bar admission requirements for several states:

Alabama

Rule I of the Rules Governing Admission to the Alabama State Bar requires every person seeking to apply for admission to the Alabama State Bar to register as a law student with the Alabama State Bar within the first 60 days after commencing law school. If the registration is submitted within this timeframe, there is no fee. However, a late registration penalty is imposed if the registration is delayed, and the amount depends on how many days have passed since the commencement of law school. Additionally, Alabama is one of the states that allow graduates from non-ABA-approved law schools to take the bar exam if they have been practicing for a certain period in another jurisdiction.

Colorado

Colorado is another state that permits graduates from non-ABA-approved law schools to take the bar exam under certain conditions. Applicants in Colorado must complete the state Supreme Court's mandatory course on professionalism before admission.

Delaware

Delaware also falls into this category, but it has a unique requirement. Before admission, applicants in Delaware must complete a five-month clerkship and a pre-admission session.

Illinois

In Illinois, felons must receive character and fitness certification before taking the bar exam.

Indiana

Indiana is a Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) state, which consists of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and Multistate Bar Examination (MBE). A felony conviction in Indiana is considered prima facie evidence of a lack of good moral character, and applicants must provide rebuttal evidence to overcome this presumption.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is also a UBE state, and it requires applicants to pass the Massachusetts Law Component exam, which focuses specifically on Massachusetts law, as a condition for bar admission.

Ohio

Ohio has specific conditions that convicted felons must meet to be admitted to the state bar.

District of Columbia

The District of Columbia is another UBE state. Applicants must submit character and fitness information before taking the bar exam, but this information is not reviewed until after they have passed the exam and obtained an MPRE score of 75 or higher.

Career options in criminal justice

A person with a felony record can pursue any college degree they want, including a law degree. While 60% of colleges consider criminal history in their admissions process, there is no standard policy regarding background checks. The challenge for aspiring lawyers with a felony conviction is in becoming admitted to a state bar and obtaining a job after graduating. In most states, a felony conviction does not debar an applicant from admission to the state bar and obtaining a license to practice law. However, Texas, Kansas, and Mississippi explicitly forbid persons with felony convictions from becoming lawyers.

If you are interested in a career in criminal justice, there are many options available. A criminal justice degree provides a foundation in critical thinking, research, writing, and analytical skills. Career options in criminal justice are broad, and graduates often find work in law enforcement, the courts, corrections, or a variety of non-profit organizations that serve the criminal justice system. Many graduates also go on to further study, earning master's, doctoral, or Juris Doctor degrees.

Some specific career paths for those with a criminal justice degree include:

• Police officers: These professionals work to enforce laws and protect citizens at the local, state, or federal level. Their responsibilities include patrolling areas, responding to calls regarding crime and suspicious activity, incident reporting, issuing citations, and making arrests.
• Correctional officers: These officers supervise inmates in jails, prisons, and holding cells, with a duty to maintain order. It is a physically demanding and risky job. They are responsible for checking inmates and visitors for contraband, monitoring inmate activities, and inspecting facilities to ensure they meet safety and sanitary standards.
• Social work: This career path involves working with vulnerable members of society, such as children, the elderly, or individuals struggling with addiction or mental health issues. Social workers may be employed by the government or non-profit organizations.

There are also other career options that may not be directly related to criminal justice but are still relevant and worthwhile considering. These include:

• Construction management: A construction management degree can lead to a bachelor's or master's degree. This field teaches you to oversee and manage construction sites, whether commercial or residential. It involves leading teams of construction professionals, managing subcontractors, and ensuring projects meet deadlines and budgets.
• Business: Business degrees can help you understand the intricacies of running a business and can be useful if you want to pursue entrepreneurship. They can also demonstrate to financial institutions that you are a serious candidate for startup funds.
• Game design: A degree in game design can offer job security and strong earnings potential. The industry is projected to grow, and game designers can earn an average of $77,000 per year.

Disclosing a felony conviction

While a felony conviction can make the journey towards becoming a lawyer more challenging, it is not impossible. As of 2015, only three states and one territory in the US—Kansas, Mississippi, Texas, and the Northern Mariana Islands—have an outright ban on convicted felons becoming lawyers. In all other states, a felony conviction is not an automatic denial for admission as long as the applicant can prove their current good moral character.

The process of becoming a lawyer typically takes seven years: four years of undergraduate study to earn a bachelor's degree, followed by three years of law school. Most states require lawyers to complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Most law schools require applicants to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) to apply for law school.

To practice law in any state, an individual must be admitted to that state's bar under its rules. The requirements vary by state, but all states will evaluate an applicant's character and fitness to practice law. As part of the application for the state bar exam, a candidate must fill out a character and fitness application and provide detailed background information about their criminal history.

It is crucial to be honest and disclose any felony convictions when applying for a law degree or licensure as a lawyer. Failing to disclose a felony conviction that is later discovered on a background check can constitute fraud and is punishable. Expunging a criminal record can provide a fresh start and improve the chances of success in obtaining a law degree.

When disclosing a felony conviction, admissions committees will want to understand the reasons behind the conviction. It is essential to be honest and open about your story, highlighting academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities. Demonstrating positive changes, such as completing a rehabilitation program or volunteering, can show that you have learned from your mistakes. Seeking guidance from an attorney experienced in this area can also be beneficial.

Rehabilitation and redemption

The first step is acceptance and taking responsibility for past actions. This is a crucial step towards personal growth and a successful legal career. It is important to be honest and forthcoming about your criminal history. A felony conviction will likely trigger a more in-depth review of your background and character, and attempting to hide your past will only hurt your chances. Many law schools and state bar associations will require full disclosure and detailed background information. This includes information on your education, addresses, and criminal history. Honesty and disclosure are vital to passing the moral character review process, which is required by most states.

The next step is to consult an experienced attorney or legal professional who can guide you through the application process and offer valuable advice. It is also important to pursue academic excellence and a bachelor's degree. Building a strong character, engaging in community service, and demonstrating ethical behaviour are all ways to showcase your transformation and commitment to justice.

While a felony conviction can impact your educational journey, it does not have to be a barrier. Many law schools do not automatically disqualify applicants with a criminal history, and some successful lawyers today have criminal records. It is important to note that some states may have additional restrictions or requirements, so it is advisable to research the specific state requirements. Overall, with dedication and a commitment to ethical standards, a law degree is an achievable goal for felons seeking rehabilitation and redemption.

Frequently asked questions