IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025

2 Nov - 8 Nov 2025

Room 717 A, Level 700, MTCC

Session information

Access to the profession- the application of the 'fit and proper' character test

Wednesday 5 November (0930 - 1045)

Room 717 A, Level 700, MTCC

Committee(s)

Bar Issues Commission Regulation Committee (Lead)

Description

Many Law Societies have a "fit and proper" character test for admission to the profession but its application varies considerably in many jurisdictions. Some only apply it at admission stage but others require compliance through your career. In this session we will discuss the appropriateness of the test and what factors countries take into consideration. 

Session / Workshop Chair(s)

Dominique Hogan-Doran SC Australian Bar, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Chair, Bar Issues Commission Regulation Committee
Ellyn Rosen American Bar Association Center for Professional Responsibility, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Vice Chair, Bar Issues Commission Regulation Committee

Speakers

Judith Gundersen National Conference of Bar Examiners, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Akorede Lawal A H LAWAL & CO, Asaba, Nigeria
Brooke MacKenzie Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto, Ontario, Canada