Will a past bankruptcy affect my ability to sit for the bar exam?

[lawyergirl143]

I'm applying to the RI Bar. I filed for bankruptcy 6 yrs ago and I'm petrified of how this will affect me. The RI Bar requires a credit report and disclosure of any bankruptcies.

Here is what happened: I had just graduated from college, and started my first "real" job in a new city. After a few weeks, the job turned out to be a scam. (I won't get into details here, but the job was a legitimate scam as in I'm 99% positive what the company was doing wasn't legal.) So I left. I had to work a couple of odd jobs to make ends meet until finding another full-time job. In the meantime, I had to use credit cards to pay for basic necessities, like groceries and rent. I accumulated about 12k in debt (not including student loans) and was being hounded by creditors. I contacted several debt management and credit agencies, but they all turned me away saying I didn't qualify because my debt to income/living expenses ratio was too high. I was terrified at the thought of bankruptcy, but wasn't sure what my options were since the credit companies wouldn't work with me. I decided to meet with an attorney about filing chapter 7 as I felt it was my ONLY way to get out of the mess I was in.

Here I am, 6 years later applying for admission to the bar. My credit report reflects that all of my debts are current, and never late. I definitely learned from this mistake I'm just worried that the committee on moral character is going to crucify me for this past mishap. Any suggestions or advice? I would greatly appreciate it.

[lawstudent]

A big factor is how much time its been since then. A current bad credit score will hurt you more than a bankrupcy that is decades old.

The bar wants to confirm your CURRENT moral state.

[counselatlawfirm]

What lawstudent said is correct. The bar will confirm you current status only. They will not spend much time history that is decades old.

[reimmictetgen]

All greetings,

I here the greenhorn and something won't the hang of, search in compensation some why and wherefore doesn't stint recompense me when I to take it that any error. Help please.