What Is a Moral Character Informal Conference in California?
A Moral Character Informal Conference is a procedural step offered by the State Bar of California before issuing an adverse moral character determination. It allows an applicant to present information, clarify disclosures, and respond to concerns identified during the review process.
Under Rule 4.46 of the California Rules of the State Bar, the Committee must invite an applicant to an Informal Conference before rendering an adverse determination. The conference is not a disciplinary proceeding, and it is not a trial. It is an opportunity for clarification before a final decision is made.
When Is an Informal Conference Issued?
An Informal Conference may be offered after the Committee has reviewed the written record and identified concerns that require further discussion.
This typically occurs after:
The application has been deemed complete
Supplemental information has been reviewed
Questions remain regarding candor, rehabilitation, financial responsibility, or consistency
The invitation to participate in a conference must occur before an adverse moral character determination is issued.
For a broader explanation of how this fits into the overall process, see
The California Moral Character Review Process Explained.
What Happens During an Informal Conference?
An Informal Conference is conducted before members of the Committee of Bar Examiners or their designated representatives.
Key procedural features include:
The proceeding is recorded
The Committee may ask questions regarding the applicant’s disclosures
The applicant may present information and context
Supporting documentation may be discussed
The conference focuses on clarification rather than adversarial argument
The conference is designed to gather information. It is not structured as a courtroom hearing.
Do You Have to Attend?
Attendance at an Informal Conference is optional. Rule 4.46 provides that no negative inference arises from an applicant’s decision not to participate.
However, the decision whether to attend may have strategic implications depending on the nature of the concerns identified.
You can read more about attendance considerations on our
Do I Have to Attend an Informal Conference? page.
Can an Attorney Attend?
An applicant may have counsel present at an Informal Conference. However, counsel may observe but does not participate directly in questioning or argument during the conference.
Preparation typically occurs before the conference itself, focusing on:
Reviewing the application record
Ensuring consistency across disclosures
Organizing supporting documentation
Anticipating areas of inquiry
More detail is available on our
Can My Attorney Attend the Informal Conference? page.
Common Misconceptions About Informal Conferences
It is not a disciplinary prosecution.
The applicant is not facing discipline for professional misconduct.
It is not a public trial.
The conference is part of the admissions process and is not a courtroom proceeding.
It is not automatically a denial.
An invitation to a conference does not mean an adverse determination has already been made.
Understanding the procedural purpose of the conference often reduces unnecessary anxiety.
Common Misconceptions About Informal Conferences
It is not a disciplinary prosecution.
The applicant is not facing discipline for professional misconduct.
It is not a public trial.
The conference is part of the admissions process and is not a courtroom proceeding.
It is not automatically a denial.
An invitation to a conference does not mean an adverse determination has already been made.
Understanding the procedural purpose of the conference often reduces unnecessary anxiety.
Preparing for an Informal Conference
Because the Moral Character review centers on candor and credibility, preparation focuses on clarity rather than advocacy.
Effective preparation may include:
Reviewing all prior disclosures for consistency
Organizing documentation chronologically
Addressing gaps or ambiguities directly
Ensuring explanations align with supporting evidence
When the review concerns judgment and rehabilitation, context matters.
After the Conference
Following the Informal Conference, the Committee will consider the information presented and issue either:
A Positive Moral Character Determination, or
An Adverse Moral Character Determination
If an adverse determination is issued, additional procedural options may be available.
For next steps, see
What Can You Do After an Adverse Moral Character Determination?