Fit & Proper Persons Check- I’m In Debt & Have A 6yr Old Plagiarism Case - Do I Have To Declare This?

[happyfeet97]

Hi everyone,

I’m a 2022 first class honours law graduate. My LLB journey was 100% smooth with no hiccups. However, in 2018-2019 I studied Psychology for a year at a London University. I got called in for a meeting with my uni lecturer regarding a piece of group coursework me and other students did. Mine ended up having a high % in plagiarised material. However, I was not kicked out or anything but I cannot recall what happened with that module.

I carried on with the first year of teaching and then dropped out in 2018 & then began my LLB Law course. I was offered resits but I just left the course. Given this occurred nearly over 6yrs ago and with a uni where I did not attend the full 3 years, would I have to declare this to the Bar Standards Board?

Secondly, I have credit card debt that was transferred to different debt collecting agencies through which I am on payment plans for. This was mainly bc I was in a very toxic relationship where financial control was being forced on me. Having gotten married and then shortly after divorced earlier this year, I am working full time and slowly but consistently paying off my debt. But I have had no court injunctions or any legal action against me in relation to any of the debt. Would I need to declare this to the Bar Standards Board?

I would appreciate any help at all.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi everyone,

I’m a 2022 first class honours law graduate. My LLB journey was 100% smooth with no hiccups. However, in 2018-2019 I studied Psychology for a year at a London University. I got called in for a meeting with my uni lecturer regarding a piece of group coursework me and other students did. Mine ended up having a high % in plagiarised material. However, I was not kicked out or anything but I cannot recall what happened with that module.

I carried on with the first year of teaching and then dropped out in 2018 & then began my LLB Law course. I was offered resits but I just left the course. Given this occurred nearly over 6yrs ago and with a uni where I did not attend the full 3 years, would I have to declare this to the Bar Standards Board?

Secondly, I have credit card debt that was transferred to different debt collecting agencies through which I am on payment plans for. This was mainly bc I was in a very toxic relationship where financial control was being forced on me. Having gotten married and then shortly after divorced earlier this year, I am working full time and slowly but consistently paying off my debt. But I have had no court injunctions or any legal action against me in relation to any of the debt. Would I need to declare this to the Bar Standards Board?

I would appreciate any help at all.

Can I check you want to apply to the Bar or become a solicitor?

 

[happyfeet97]

Can I check you want to apply to the Bar or become a solicitor?

Hi Jessica, I wish to study the bar practice course in 2024. I need to then also apply to the BSB and an Inn of Court whereby both require for applicants to make any declarations. However, the wording specifically states three types of financial situations which you have to declare of which neither apply to my situation. Thanks for replying

 

[happyfeet97]

Can I check you want to apply to the Bar or become a solicitor?

Also, I am going to contact the initial university I studied at to see if I am on their records because I genuinely don’t remember any specific details or having to write a statement or report etc all it was, was a meeting with a lecturer and witness and my grade was affected. However I was not expelled etc

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jessica, I wish to study the bar practice course in 2024. I need to then also apply to the BSB and an Inn of Court whereby both require for applicants to make any declarations. However, the wording specifically states three types of financial situations which you have to declare of which neither apply to my situation. Thanks for replying

Unfortunately I cannot advise on this where I have only been involved in the SRA process for solicitors. Sorry that I cannot help on this occasion.

 

[happyfeet97]

Unfortunately I cannot advise on this where I have only been involved in the SRA process for solicitors. Sorry that I cannot help on this occasion.

Ahhh I see. If I were to study the SQE instead, what would you advise from an SRA standpoint?

 

[Jessica Booker]

If it’s anything like the SRA process, unless there is nothing recorded by your previous university, then you’d still need to declare the plagiarism issue - there isn’t a time limit on these things.

Even if the debt was an issue (I don’t think it is where it is effectively managed through a private system), you’d have mitigating circumstances to that - if it was the SRA they would take that on board and consider that as part of the suitability test.

You may want to seek legal advice on both of these matters though with a specialist who deals with these topics. There are lawyers who do this.

 

[happyfeet97]

If it’s anything like the SRA process, unless there is nothing recorded by your previous university, then you’d still need to declare the plagiarism issue - there isn’t a time limit on these things.

Even if the debt was an issue (I don’t think it is where it is effectively managed through a private system), you’d have mitigating circumstances to that - if it was the SRA they would take that on board and consider that as part of the suitability test.

You may want to seek legal advice on both of these matters though with a specialist who deals with these topics. There are lawyers who do this.

Do you know of any law firms or lawyers who I can contact in regards to this? I feel extremely anxious & I am worried my efforts in my undergrad will go to waste.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I have never utilised a firm so I can’t advise on who might be good to speak to. However, you can potentially reach out to the authors of these articles to see if they can either provide guidance:

FAQs : The SRA's early character and suitability assessment | Regulatory Blog | Kingsley Napley | Independent Law Firm of the Year 2022

When it Matters Most.

www.kingsleynapley.co.uk

SRA character and suitability assessment

The SRA Assessment of Character and Suitability Rules 2019 are used to assess a person’s character and suitability to hold a position within the profession.

www.weightmans.com

SRA Character and Suitability Solicitors - Saunders Law

The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) Assessment of Character and Suitability Rules are used when anyone applies for admission or restoration to the roll of solicitors. The SRA character and suitability...

www.saunders.co.uk

 

[Jessica Booker]

Do you know of any law firms or lawyers who I can contact in regards to this? I feel extremely anxious & I am worried my efforts in my undergrad will go to waste.

I can’t speak for the Bar as I have never supported anyone through that process, but I know people with similar academic issues who have been approved. In fact I have seen some people be approved for a lot worse - I don’t think it’s necessarily a stumbling block, but you might just want to go through suitability assessments as soon as possible to get clarity either way.

 

[Rohana_wiliam]

Do I need to disclose past academic misconduct and ongoing credit card debt, stemming from a toxic relationship, to the Bar Standards Board, considering the academic incident occurred over six years ago at a different university and the debt hasn't resulted in legal action, despite experiencing a recent divorce?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Do I need to disclose past academic misconduct and ongoing credit card debt, stemming from a toxic relationship, to the Bar Standards Board, considering the academic incident occurred over six years ago at a different university and the debt hasn't resulted in legal action, despite experiencing a recent divorce?

The academic misconduct will have to be disclosed to the SRA. You may want to consider doing an early suitability test to ensure you will be able to practice, although I have heard similar issues being passed by the SRA.

The debt is more whether you have not kept up with the debt. You are fine to be in debt on credit cards, but it is more if you have received any form on CCJ or other form of judgement that has identified you have not been able to manage your debt accordingly. It sounds from what you have said you are managing the debt though.

 

[Rohana_wiliam]

The academic misconduct will have to be disclosed to the SRA. You may want to consider doing an early suitability test to ensure you will be able to practice, although I have heard similar issues being passed by the SRA.

The debt is more whether you have not kept up with the debt. You are fine to be in debt on credit cards, but it is more if you have received any form on CCJ or other form of judgement that has identified you have not been able to manage your debt accordingly. It sounds from what you have said you are managing the debt though.

Disclosing academic misconduct to the SRA is crucial. Consider an early suitability test for practicing law. While similar issues have passed, transparency is key. Debt concerns focus on managing it effectively. Credit card debt is acceptable, but issues like CCJs signal difficulty. As long as you manage your debt, you should be fine.