Jordan L. Michelson Admitted to New Hampshire Bar After 18-Month Character & Fitness Dispute

Jordan L. Michelson announced his admission to the New Hampshire bar this morning, concluding an eighteen-month character and fitness review process that he described as an "ordeal." Michelson stated that the New Hampshire Supreme Court initially resisted his admission, citing his past challenge to "discrimination and segregated programming" at his law school.

According to Michelson's social media post, the Supreme Court's actions were "unprecedented," as they rejected a positive recommendation from the Committee on Character & Fitness. He detailed that he was compelled to appear before a judge, where he bore the burden of proving his "moral fitness," unlike a criminal defendant. Michelson asserted that the accusations against him pertained "solely to speech and conduct squarely protected by the First Amendment and anti-retaliation provisions of federal laws.

The prolonged process, which Michelson attributed to retaliation, eventually concluded in his favor. He confirmed that the appointed judge found he had "carried [his] evidentiary burden," leading the New Hampshire Supreme Court to "relent" and allow his swearing-in. Michelson, who holds a J.D. from Boston College, expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and colleagues for their support during this challenging period.

Having successfully navigated the admission process, Michelson, who is also admitted to the New York bar, announced his availability for legal services. He emphasized his commitment to integrity, stating, "My integrity isn't for sale, but my legal services are!" His admission marks the end of a significant personal and professional hurdle.