Introduction to the Online Bar Application

This program is designed to permit completion of the Bar Application online. When you finalize, print and mail the online Bar Application, all changes or updates will be reported by you though the use of an Amendment Form (PDF - 72k).

• You will be able to begin completion of the Bar Application, stop and then restart at some future time.
• You will have the option of saving each Bar Application item in either as draft or finished. You should elect to save the item as draft if you believe that additional information may be needed. You should save the item as finished if you believe that your response to that item is complete.
• If you created your account before 2PM, 10/27/2009, then on the Main Menu those items you have completed will display in the Underway column noting whether the item was saved as draft or finished making a record for you of the items that will need more work. Those items that you have not started will be listed in the Remaining column. Even if you have saved an item as finished, the program will permit you to edit that item and again save it as draft or finished as necessary.
• If you created your account after 2PM, 10/27/2009, then on the Main Menu those items you have not started will appear in the first column, those that you have started but saved as draft will appear in the second column, and those you have saved as completed will display in the third column. Even if you have saved an item as finished, the program will permit you to edit that item and again save it as draft or finished as necessary.
• When you attempt to save items as finished, the program will provide feedback about incomplete responses. Any needed corrections must be made before the program will permit the item to be saved as finished. If you wish to move on to the next item, you can save the incomplete item as draft and move on to the next item.
• After completion of your application, you will be required to print a Draft Version of the Bar Application in order to review your responses and to make any changes necessary. You will then be required to print a Final Version of the Bar Application for ultimate submission to the Board.
• Printer-friendly copies of supplemental forms are available within the online Bar Application items if that supplemental document is required by your response. All Supporting Forms that must be submitted along with the completed Bar Application are listed on the Checklist that is applicable to the type of application you are filing and are accessible on that Checklist via the links when viewed online.
• Protect your information. The personal information that you provide is secured using Secured Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption technology. We use this SSL technology to prevent such information from being intercepted and read as it is transmitted over the Internet. Your data is then stored on computers located at restricted-access sites.

Suggestions for Completing the Bar Application

• Print out and use the Checklist that is applicable for the type of application that you are filing. This document will direct you to gather information needed to complete the items, it will lead you through the steps for completing and printing the application and will finally provide a checklist for packing the material for submission to the Board’s office.
• When logging in, press the TAB key instead of reaching for the mouse after each entry.
• The program will work with all Internet connections; however, you should be aware that if you use a dial-up modem you will experience delays in the initial loading of an item, when saving the completed item and when returning to the Main Menu. A fast Internet connection (LAN, cable modem, DSL, etc.) is recommended.
• As you complete an item response and save that item response, you will experience less delay by selecting the option to go to the next question unless you are ending your session. In that case select the option to “Return to the Main Menu”.
• It is suggested that you answer the questions in order. Your answer to a question can cause later questions to be answered automatically. For example, answering "No" to 13.a. automatically gives an answer of "No" to 13.b., 13.c. and 13.d.
• Do not enter data in UPPERCASE.

Security Considerations when Completing the Bar Application

• When you log in, the browser you are using may offer to remember your User Name and PIN for this site. This will allow you to skip the log in each time you begin work on the application. However, it will also allow anyone who has access to this computer to see the information that you have entered. As a result, we strongly urge you to decline the browser’s invitation to remember your User Name and PIN.
• To further prevent unauthorized access to your account, once you have finished working on the application for this session, you should log out. To do this, you should return to your Main Menu and click "Log-out and Return to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners." After you have done this, you should close the browser.
• The Web server is programmed to end your session if it detects no activity for a period of 30 minutes. If this occurs while you have an item open on the screen, any unsaved data will be lost. If you must leave your computer for any period, save the item as a draft, return to the Main Menu and log-out.
• To ensure the highest level of security, an unsubmitted application will be deleted six months after the creation of an account..