State Bar of Michigan Character and Fitness - Bar Application Information July Bar Exam

Sep 25, 2026

Bar Application Information for the State Bar of Michigan’s Character and Fitness Department for the July bar exam. The material explains applicant burden to prove current good moral character and fitness by clear and convincing evidence, describes roles of the Board of Law Examiners and the Character and Fitness Department, and summarizes staff composition and workload. It outlines the application workflow and step-by-step process, including eligibility information, application submission, record requests, and mailing. Key exam dates, mailing timelines, and strict filing and payment deadlines are provided, including consequences for late or incomplete submissions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages33

Reading Time1 h 23 min

AccessFree to download

Bar Application Information

Applicant’s Burden and Roles

July Exam Details

Application Process Steps

Application Tips and Deadlines

Late Application Policy

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State Bar of Michigan Character and Fitness Department
| | --- | | Bar Application Information July Bar Exam | State Bar of Michigan Character and Fitness Department Representatives: Keith Wilkinson, Investigator Mary Sue Lester, Investigator State Bar of Michigan Character and Fitness Department Representatives: Toni Peterson, File Analyst Chere’ Becker, File Analyst Applicant’s Burden All applicants for admission to the Michigan Bar, must prove by clear and convincing evidence, that they possess the current good moral character and fitness to practice law. Roles: Board of Law Examiners Determines Eligibility to Sit Administers Bar Exam Grades the Exam Issues Certified Bar Exam Results Retains Record of Exam Results Ultimate Determination of Character & Fitness Roles: State Bar of Michigan Standing Committee on Character & Fitness “…shall investigate and make recommendations with respect to the character and fitness of every applicant for admission to the bar by bar examination …” Character and Fitness 􀂄 The Character and Fitness Department consists of 2 File Analysts, 2 Investigators, 1 Manager and 1 Administrative Assistant. 􀂄 On average the Character and Fitness staff will process over 1200 applications for admission every year. Staff Duties Character & Fitness Department Collection, analysis and verification of information from Bar Applicants and third parties, including, but not limited to: 􀂄 Driving Records 􀂄 Criminal Clearances 􀂄 Law School Records 􀂄 Employment Records 􀂄 Court Records 􀂄 Credit Reports 􀂄 Please know that we are NOT out to get you July 2014 Exam 􀂄 Tuesday, July 29 & Wednesday, July 30 􀂄 Jack Breslin Student Events Center, MSU campus, East Lansing, MI 􀂄 The Board of Law Examiners will mail important information about the exam to you after July 1. Application Process 􀂄 [http://www.michbar.org/professional/byexam.cfm](http://www.michbar.org/professional/byexam.cfm) 􀂄 STEP 1 – Eligibility Information 􀂄 STEP 2 – Application 􀂄 STEP 3 – Record Requests 􀂄 STEP 4 – Mailing 􀂄 STEP 5 – Bar Exam & Beyond |
STEP 1 – Eligibility Information

| | --- | | 􀂄 Authority
􀂄 Requirements for Admission
􀂄 Rules and Reference
􀂄 Character & Fitness Certification
􀂄 Note: Applicants must have graduated from an ABA approved law school in order to sit for the Michigan Bar Exam-See BLE Rule (2) | Authority In Michigan, the Michigan Supreme Court has exclusive authority over the regulation of lawyers and the practice of law. This authority includes adopting rules for admission to the State Bar of Michigan. Authority Two entities have been designated to assist the Supreme Court by processing the bar exam applications: The State Bar of Michigan’s Standing Committee on Character and Fitness; and, the State Board of Law Examiners (BLE) . Application Tips 􀂄 File as early as possible. 􀂄 Respond to requests for information in a timely manner. 􀂄 Do not rush when completing the application. 􀂄 Review the instructions on Step 2 & 3 . 􀂄 Call with questions, 517-367-6510 . STEP 2-Application 􀂄 The link found at Step 2,“Begin the Michigan Bar exam application,” will take you to the National Conference of Bar Examiners website. 􀂄 Create a login/password to begin the application. 􀂄 You can return and make changes to this application as needed. However changes can not be made once you “Finalize” your application. Application Deadlines 􀂄 Applications for the upcoming July exam will not be accepted if postmarked before January 15th. Application Deadlines TO AVOID LATE FEES 􀂄 Completed application must be postmarked no later than March 1st * * When March 1st is on a Sunday – the deadline is moved to March 2nd Application Deadlines *FINAL DEADLINE!* 􀂄 Completed application must be postmarked no later than May15th * When May 15th is on a Sunday – the deadline is moved to May 16th. BLE Late Applic

FAQs

What must applicants prove for the Michigan Bar admission process?

Applicants must prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that they possess the current good moral character and fitness to practice law.

What are the July exam dates and where is the exam held?

The July exam is Tuesday, July 29 and Wednesday, July 30, at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center on the MSU campus in East Lansing, MI.

What happens if an application is late or missing required payment form?

Filing deadlines are strictly enforced; incomplete applications or incorrect payment forms submitted past the late deadline are rejected, and applicants may not be allowed to take the bar examination.

Sep 25, 2026

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