While a DUI offense will not necessarily exclude a person from being admitted to law school, it may raise questions about the applicant's character and integrity. Before you begin your law school applications, seek counseling if you have problems with alcoholism and obtain documentation to show that you are in treatment. Also contact your professional references and explain your situation. Having former professors, employers and other reputable people vouch for your character may be enough to persuade the law school admission committee to overlook your DUI.
Instructions
1. Have your DUI record expunged. If your state's laws permit the expungement of DUIs, file a petition with the court to have your record sealed. Although your law school may still require you to disclose your DUI, expunging it will stop the record form appearing in your criminal background check.
2. Find a law school in a state that will not bar you from practicing law with a DUI. Each state establishes its own rules for bar membership. While some states allow people with felony records to practice law, others may bar people because of DUIs.
3. Acknowledge your mistake. Most law school applications require prospective students to disclose any arrests or convictions. Answer the question truthfully; lying on your law school application can have serious ramifications for your career.
4. Write a statement in your application about your DUI offense, discussing what you learned from the experience and including information on any counseling or substance abuse treatment you've received.
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