Can an ex felon later attend school and obtain a law degree and practice law?

Answer 1

== == == == == == == == It depends on the type of crime(s) you committed, and on the school. If you want to become a lawyer (there are many reasons to get a law degree besides becoming a lawyer, even though that's what the vast majority of people do with a law degree), the more important question is whether your criminal record will prevent you from becoming licensed to practice law in your state.

In most states, you have to show that you are of "good moral character" to get a license to practice law. A criminal record weighs heavily against a determination of good moral character, but it is not fatal. If the crime involved theft, fraud, or other forms of dishonesty, you might have some difficulty. However, if it occurred many years ago, and you have been a model citizen since then, you might be able to overcome this hurtle.

Law schools usually ask you about your criminal record when you apply. They might let you in if you have one, (after all, your money is as good as anyone else's), but that doesn't automatically mean you'll be able to practice law.

Each state may have different requirements for licensing. Contact your state's bar admissions people. You must give them full disclosure on your entire record. Do not mitigate anything. Be completely honest in all the information and listen to what they say. It may depend on the crime committed, the seriousness of it, how long ago it took place, what you have been doing since the time of your conviction etc. Having a criminal record is not going to be easy to explain away, but it is worth the try. Just do not make excuses, or how you got a bum rap. Tell them this is what I was convicted on, this is what I have done since then, and this is who I am now.

Answer 2

According to a 2009 report by the National Conference on Bar Examiners and the American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar (link provided), in most states, a felony conviction prior to admission to law schoolis not an automatic bar to obtaining a license to practice law (and so presumably, to getting into law school), but states vary in their requirements, and a prospective law student should check with the licensing body of the state in which he wishes to practice.

Answer 3

yes an ex felon can later practice law and obtain a law degree when he gets out of prison. it is possible because prisoners can take law enforcment while inside the prison walls

Answer 4

No, because NY doesn't allow an expungement of felony records and that would prohibit you from practicing law in NY state.

Answer 5

No you cannot