Legal Question in Military Law in Illinois

Can I still be a lawyer? Pass the Bar's Character/Fitness requirement?

I stopped reporting to my military reserves duty station. Until that

time, I had been a model soldier, never being cited for

any infractions. In fact, I enjoyed my service.

However, I had graduated college (earned a BA) a year

earlier and was stuck in an underpaying dead end job.

Needless to say, depressed, I felt my hopes of going

to law school were completely over.

The problem is that I entered law school not

believing this would all work out for me anyway, since

nothing else really had. But, I'm doing well and

getting job offers. The only problem is that the bar

examining committee probably will look pretty harshly

on what I've done. I don't even know if I'll be allowed to pass the character and fitness portion of the bar!!!

But perhaps more importantly, I'm ashamed and

embarrassed that I didn't finish my service. Now I

don't know what to do. I haven't contacted my duty

station. And from the paperwork I've received it looks

like they took me off the roles but haven't yet

discharged me. The best possible solution in my mind

would be to be allowed to work as a JAG officer and

complete my service. But I don't know if this is

possible. Am I just sunk?


Asked on 10/19/05, 1:39 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Neal Puckett The Law Firm of Puckett and Faraj, PC

Re: Can I still be a lawyer? Pass the Bar's Character/Fitness requirement?

No, you're not sunk. You have to clean up loose ends before you can move on, though. I recommend that you immediately call or email your reserve unit and inquire as to your status. Ask them what needs to be done to either receive a discharge or to get back in good standing. The character and fitness part of bar admission is important and deserves your attention. Only you can repair the damage, whatever it turns out to be. Then once you resolve your situation with the reserve unit, you'll be better able to address any questions the bar admissions folks may have.

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Answered on 10/19/05, 2:39 pm
Charles Dobra Charles Wm. Dobra, Ltd.

Re: Can I still be a lawyer? Pass the Bar's Character/Fitness requirement?

Well, you're not "sunk". But, I wondering if your old unit held an administrative discharge hearing because of your repeated absences (unfit for military duty--lack of participation). You need professsional help to resolve this problem. I am a retired JAG officer (Navy). I've done several of these hearings where non-participating folks are booted. You may have a discharge code that would prevent you to reaffiliate. That would most probably have to be corrected through BCNR (Navy) or a comparable agency for the service branch. If you were a Marine, esp., you are looking at an uphill battle. Hope this works out for you. Good Luck!

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Answered on 10/19/05, 4:14 pm


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