Research
Documented cases, official policies, and training materials confirm that character and fitness committees review applicants’ online presence.
Law students are often told to clean up their social media before bar applications, but many assume it’s just precautionary advice. The reality: multiple jurisdictions have formal or informal policies to investigate online presence, and documented cases show social media has been cited in admissions decisions.
“Are social media accounts fair game for character and fitness investigators?”
In December 2020, the National Conference of Bar Examiners held a webinar series on character and fitness. One session featured Sophie Martin (Executive Director, New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners), Lisa Perlen (Executive Director, Tennessee Board of Law Examiners), Andrea Spillars (Executive Director, Missouri Board of Law Examiners), and Thomas E. Kadri (Assistant Professor, University of Georgia School of Law).
The session presented a firsthand account of how jurisdictions use social media in investigations and what standards and limitations they have set for both applicant behavior and investigators. This was not a hypothetical discussion — it was training for practicing bar examiners.
Source: NCBE Bar Examiner, Spring 2021
In re Gjini
Maryland, 2015
The Maryland Character Committee reviewed public social media accounts and found posts described as “crude” and “unprofessional.” The Committee noted posts would tend to breed disrespect for the courts and for the legal profession if associated with an attorney.
While denied primarily for DUI offenses and lack of candor, the opinion explicitly states online postings were “one factor to be considered.”
Social media was reviewed and considered, even where not the primary denial reason.
In re Gjini, Misc. No. 32, Sept. Term 2015 (Md.)
In re Anonymous Applicant
South Carolina, 2025
The South Carolina Supreme Court delayed an applicant’s admission by one year, in part because the applicant misrepresented their job title on LinkedIn — stating they were working as an associate attorney before completing the character and fitness process.
The Court noted that holding oneself out as an attorney before admission raised concerns about judgment and candor.
Minor LinkedIn misrepresentations can delay or derail admission.
NCBE Bar Examiner, Summer 2025
Florida (2009)
The Florida Board of Bar Examiners adopted an official policy to investigate social networking accounts of applicants with questionable backgrounds on a case-by-case basis. Florida is the only state with a formally published social media investigation policy.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners may contact employers, colleges, law schools, courts, medical providers, police agencies, credit agencies, and other sources to verify application accuracy. The phrase “other sources” provides broad investigative authority.
Washington
Applicants bear the burden of proving honest demeanor and good moral character. The Board conducts thorough background investigations and may investigate beyond what is explicitly requested on the application.
Many states have not published formal social media policies but conduct investigations informally. Absence of a published policy does not mean social media is not reviewed.
“In this digital age, your social media presence is an extension of your character. Before and during the application process, review your online profiles. Remove any content that could be perceived as unprofessional or raise questions about your judgment, integrity, or fitness to join the legal community.”
— Barbri, A Guide to the Character + Fitness Process for US Bar Admission (2024)
All major bar preparation companies include social media cleanup guidance as standard C&F advice. Barbri includes explicit social media review instructions in C&F modules. Themis offers social media audit guidance. Helix includes digital presence cleanup materials. These companies invest significant resources in C&F preparation and would not include social media modules if bar examiners were not checking.
65%
of recent law school graduates believe it is appropriate for state bars to review social media when considering admission
FindLaw Survey, 2019
Law students aren’t surprised by social media review — they expect it. The same survey found 80% believe it is appropriate for employers to review social media. The question is not whether bars check. It is whether you are prepared.
Character and fitness committees review social media. This is documented through official NCBE training for bar examiners, published bar association policies in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Washington, cases where social media was cited in Maryland and South Carolina, universal bar prep industry guidance, and law student expectations.
The review process varies by jurisdiction, and social media alone is rarely the sole basis for denial. But it is considered — especially when combined with other concerns like lack of candor, criminal history, or inconsistencies in the application.
Knowing what is findable about you online lets you address potential issues proactively, rather than being caught off guard during review.
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