By now you have heard the word Candor floating around the law school and being used in the legal context or in relation to your bar application. In simple terms, to be candid means to be absolutely and completely truthful! Do not leave out facts because you are embarrassed or want to make yourself look good. The Florida Supreme Court has repeatedly stated that it will not tolerate a lack of candor from Bar applicants. Therefore candor is the most important factor in the Florida Board of Bar Examiners' character and fitness investigation.

During the first week of law school, law students are given a brief overview about what to expect from law school, including a scary lecture about completing the Bar application. However, after the first week of being inundated with information, most law students forget or put off the bar application as something to be addressed in the distant future. As finals approach, law students are encouraged to set aside some time to complete their bar application during the winter break (after finals).

There are five top issues law that law students should begin to think about before finalizing their bar application: (1) candor, (2) felony convictions and multiple arrests, (3) a history of drug and alcohol abuse/addiction, (4) financial irresponsibility, and (5) mental health diagnoses. These are common issues that the Florida Board of Bar Examiners deal with on a recurring basis and which they thoroughly investigate.