IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
2 Nov - 7 Nov 2025
Session information
Access to the profession- the application of the 'fit and proper' character test
Wednesday 5 November (0930 - 1045)
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
| Jose Antonio Maurellet | Hong Kong Bar Association, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR; President/ Chairperson, Hong Kong Bar Association |
| Judith Gundersen | National Conference of Bar Examiners, Madison, Wisconsin, USA |
| Brooke MacKenzie | Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |