What happens at a Good Character Hearing?

At the hearing, the Law Society bears the initial burden of proving that the conduct disclosed or alleged calls into question the plaintiff’s good character. It is then up to the applicant to prove that he is of good moral character.

The panel presiding over the hearing will consider the following factors in considering the applicant’s good character:

The nature and duration of the misconduct;

If the applicant has remorse;

What rehabilitation efforts, if any, have been undertaken, and with what results;

The applicant’s conduct since the misconduct;

The time that has elapsed since the misconduct.

Upon completion, the Trial Division will issue a written order to determine if the applicant is of good character and therefore eligible for a permit. Tribunal decisions are subject to the usual avenues of appeal.