Applying to the Florida Bar – Application Tips

SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES WILL BE MONITORED

The Florida Board of Bar Examiners character and fitness commission has recommended in its final report that the board consider expanding its current review of personal web sites during background investigations “as deemed necessary”. This includes the possible social networking sites Facebook and Myspace. They are proposing adding a question on the Florida Bar application which will have you list all social networking sites you are a member of. When the Florida Board of Bar Examiners met in July it decided to adopt a policy that the investigation of social networking websites be conducted on a case-by-case basis.

The Florida Board of Bar Examiners decided that investigation of social networking web sites should be conducted for the following bar applicants:
-Applicants who are required to establish rehabilitation;
-Applicants with a history of substance abuse;
-Applicants with significant candor concerns;
-Applicants with unauthorized practice of law allegations;
-Applicants who responded positively to questions 27 indicating involvement in an organization to overthrow a government.
-Applicants who have worked as certified legal interns or reported self employment in the legal field to ensure they are not holding themselves out as attorneys.

Social networking sites are sites like Facebook, Myspace, Friendster, and more.