Colorado Supreme Court

Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel

Promoting Professionalism. Protecting the Public.

Character and Fitness

It is proper for a state to require high standards of qualification, as long as the qualifications have a rational connection with the applicant's fitness or capacity to practice law. "Good moral character" entails honesty, respect for the rights of others and for the law, trustworthiness, reliability, and commitment to judicial process and to the efficient administration of justice. The character and fitness investigation process is the method by which the Colorado Supreme Court attempts to ensure that an applicant seeking full licensure meets minimum standards for admission to the bar.

A Colorado lawyer should be one whose record of conduct justifies the trust of clients, adversaries, courts, and others with respect to the professional responsibilities owed to them.  See C.R.C.P. 208.1(4). A license to practice law proclaims to the public that the holder has been found qualified to practice law in accordance with standards imposed by the Colorado Supreme Court, and that potential clients may therefore entrust their legal problems to the attorney.  Every Bar Examination, UBE Score Transfer and On Motion applicant must undergo a thorough Character and Fitness Investigation. 

The Character and Fitness Committee, which is part of the Board of Law Examiners, is comprised of 11 volunteer members appointed by the Colorado Supreme Court.  The Committee enforces the character and fitness standards, and participates in inquiry panels as well as hearing boards.  See C.R.C.P. 202.3(3).