The Board conducts character and fitness evaluations for all applicants. Good moral character and mental/emotional stability are required for certification of eligibility.
NCBE Character and Fitness Investigation
The Arkansas State Board of Law Examiners partners with the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) to conduct character and fitness investigations. Applicants must complete the NCBE Character and Fitness application via their NCBE account and comply fully with all NCBE requests. Failure to do so will delay processing and may postpone certification of eligibility for admission. Applicants who do not already have an NCBE account may create one through NCBE’s website.
Character and Fitness Concerns
The revelation or discovery of any of the character and fitness concerns listed in Regulation 8 at the end of the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar may prompt further inquiry before the Board determines whether an applicant possesses the required good moral character and mental and emotional stability. Regulation 8 also describes the factors that may be considered when assigning weight and significance to prior conduct.
Continuing Obligation
Applicants have a continuing obligation to update their character and fitness applications regarding all matters addressed in the application. This obligation remains in effect while the application is pending. If the NCBE character and fitness application has already been finalized and is under review by the Arkansas State Board of Law Examiners, applicants may send updates directly to the Board at barexamapplicants@arcourts.gov.