Category Archives: notes

HISTORY OF THE SEAL OF THE FLORIDA BOARD OF BAR EXAMINERS

The Seal was designed and the original casting was made by the Board’s Executive Director in 1962 and 1963. It was adopted by the Board subject to approval by the Supreme Court on January 10, 1964, in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The Supreme Court of Florida unanimously approved the Seal on April 13, 1964, and the original casting was permanently deposited in the Supreme Court safe on that date.

The central figure on the Seal is a griffin, a universally accepted symbol for vigilance. The griffin is holding the Nordic symbol for fidelity which comes from Nordic mythology. Beneath the griffin appears the Latin phrase “Clemens iustitiae custodia.” Custodia is the word used for keeping watch in order to protect, and Clementia is used technically for leniency in punishing offenses. Closely translated, this phrase means “Compassionate and vigilant protection of justice.” Expanded, this would mean the watchful protection (or preservation) of justice, a watchful or protective preservation which is compassionate or merciful. The Arabic numerals “1955” indicate the year of the creation of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners.

RULE 3. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

3-10 Standards of an Attorney. An attorney should have a record of conduct that justifies the trust of clients, adversaries, courts, and others with respect to the professional duties owed to him or her.

3-10.1 Essential Eligibility Requirements. The board considers the following attributes to be essential for all applicants and registrants seeking admission to The Florida Bar:

(a) knowledge of the fundamental principles of law and their application;
(b) ability to reason logically and accurately analyze legal problems; and,
(c) ability to and the likelihood that, in the practice of law, one will:
(1) comply with deadlines;
(2) communicate candidly and civilly with clients, attorneys, courts, and others;
(3) conduct financial dealings in a responsible, honest, and trustworthy manner;
(4) avoid acts that are illegal, dishonest, fraudulent, or deceitful; and,
(5) comply with the requirements of applicable state, local, and federal laws, rules, and regulations; any applicable order of a court or tribunal; and the Rules of Professional Conduct.

3-11 Disqualifying Conduct. A record manifesting a lack of honesty, trustworthiness, diligence, or reliability of an applicant or registrant may constitute a basis for denial of admission. The revelation or discovery of any of the following may be cause for further inquiry before the board recommends whether the applicant or registrant possesses the character and fitness to practice law:

(a) unlawful conduct;
(b) academic misconduct;
(c) making or procuring any false or misleading statement or omission of relevant information, including any false or misleading statement or omission on the Bar Application, or any amendment, or in any testimony or sworn statement submitted to the board;
(d) misconduct in employment;
(e) acts involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation;
(f) abuse of legal process;
(g) financial irresponsibility;
(h) neglect of professional obligations;
(i) violation of an order of a court;
(j) evidence of mental or emotional instability;
(k) evidence of drug or alcohol dependency;
(l) denial of admission to the bar in another jurisdiction on character and fitness grounds;
(m) disciplinary action by a lawyer disciplinary agency or other professional disciplinary agency of any jurisdiction; or
(n) any other conduct that reflects adversely on the character or fitness of the applicant.