Unlock the Bar

Unlock the Bar is a coalition organizing to end discrimination against system-impacted people in law school, Bar admissions, and the legal profession.

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

On Jan 15 w/ @pal_legal @adc @theCCR Palestinian American Bar Association @NLGnews & @Climate_Defense we sent a letter to C&F committees across the US warning that discrimination against pro-Palestinian activists violates anti-discrim laws and constitutional protections.

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

We are still looking for your stories! Our success in investigating the character and fitness process depends on hearing from as many of you as possible. Take the survey and share this link far and wide. Let's make the profession more accessible for all!
https://t.co/dkWImmWXox

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

The Character & Fitness process is a black box that shapes who gets to practice law. @UnlockTheBarNY is gathering stories to expose how C&F impacts underrepresented communities & to help democratize the profession. Take the survey: https://t.co/dkWImmXve5

[The CCR is on bsky (@ccrjustice.org) @theCCR]

@pal_legal @UnlockTheBarNY @adc @NLGnews @Climate_Defense Refusal to remain silent in the face of injustice is central to free speech and legal advocacy. Read the letter below. https://t.co/0JUaf02YfZ

[The CCR is on bsky (@ccrjustice.org) @theCCR]

@pal_legal @UnlockTheBarNY @adc @NLGnews @Climate_Defense “Character and Fitness committees are subjecting applicants who have either engaged in pro-Palestinian activism, or who identify as Palestinian, Arab, or Muslim, to increased and unwarranted scrutiny,” said UTB Co-Lead Organizer Tolu Lawal.

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

Read the letter and sign on here: https://t.co/uwvwCb2qrL

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

On Jan 15 w/ @pal_legal @adc @theCCR Palestinian American Bar Association @NLGnews & @Climate_Defense we sent a letter to C&F committees across the US warning that discrimination against pro-Palestinian activists violates anti-discrim laws and constitutional protections.

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

Please join Unlock the Bar TOMORROW Tuesday, October 29th at 6:30pm ET for a virtual Teach-In on the Character and Fitness (C&F) portion of the bar admissions process. RSVP here! https://t.co/t6ZwC1yi2E

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

UTB honors the life of Marty Stolar.

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

NOTE: This infographic is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

‼️📢📢📢 NEW RESOURCE 📢📢📢‼️

If I Have Engaged in Political Protests and Civil Disobedience, What Will I Likely Have to Report on the Character and Fitness Application in New York? https://t.co/9phE3m2Hh5

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

A reminder that this infographic is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

‼️NEW RESOURCE‼️ PT2

Preparing to Protest: What Charges May I Face?

UTB has created an infographic to help those engaged in protest understand different criminal sanctions in New York State- to best help navigate engaging in political activism. https://t.co/rgrM1iBRtd

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

Statement can also be read at https://t.co/yLabZWL0GW.

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

UTB stands with NYU Law SBA President Ryna Workman. As an org that examines power structures, we recognize that the doxxing, harassment, and public censure of Ryna Workman is part of a larger project of maintaining hegemony in the legal profession and silencing dissent.

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

Today @NPR covered the discriminatory effects of the Character and Fitness inquiry. You'll hear UTB co-lead organizers @Asabi93 and @aljkbrooks and @_NJIBA_ founder @DieterTejada1. The profession must become more equitable and less classist and racist. https://t.co/DKteDisfKl

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

You can learn more by reading our report at https://t.co/Jt0IrAqb0u

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

Today we're releasing our Profile of the Profession report, which examines the demographics of the legal profession here in New York.

[Unlock the Bar @UnlockTheBarNY]

While there are limits to what we can say with the data we have, something that seems undeniably true is this: NY's legal profession is White, male, and love private practice. Put another way, the profession does not match the diversity of the state.