What must a lawyer avoid when making a bar admission application?

When making a bar admission application, a lawyer must avoid failing to disclose a critical fact necessary to avoid a misapprehension. This is fundamental because honesty and integrity are foundational principles of the legal profession. The bar admission process is designed to ensure that applicants possess the necessary character and fitness to practice law responsibly.

Omitting important facts can lead to a misunderstanding of the applicant's qualifications or past conduct, which could be deemed misleading or deceptive. This is particularly significant in maintaining the integrity of the legal profession, as applicants are expected to be forthright about their background, including any disciplinary actions, criminal history, or other pertinent issues that could affect their ability to practice law.

The emphasis on transparency in bar applications is meant to foster trust in the legal system and uphold the ethical standards set forth by the American Bar Association. Therefore, not disclosing critical information constitutes a significant breach of the ethical responsibility that lawyers have to both their clients and the judicial system.