IN RE: COMMITTEE ON BAR ADMISSIONS CFN-5386 (2024)

BAR ADMISSIONS PROCEEDING

In 2001, we declined to admit petitioner to the practice of law based on character and fitness concerns because he engaged in the unauthorized practice of law and demonstrated a lack of candor in failing to disclose several prior criminal charges on his application to sit for the bar exam. Petitioner reapplied in 2002 and again in 2006, and on both occasions, the court denied admission. Petitioner now reapplies for admission for a fourth time, asserting he has demonstrated the requisite character and fitness to be admitted.

Pretermitting the merits of petitioner's arguments, we find petitioner's application is premature. Petitioner's scores on both the essay portion of the bar examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination are over five years old and are no longer valid under Supreme Court Rule XVII, § 8(C). Accordingly, petitioner is not currently eligible for admission to the bar, and we will not consider his character and fitness arguments at this time.

DECREE

For the reasons assigned, the petition is denied. Petitioner shall not be eligible to reapply to this court for admission to the bar until he fully complies with all requirements of Supreme Court Rule XVII.

PER CURIAM