Top 5 percent 1L, T14, worried about background check Forum

[PoliticalJunkie]

Screwed over a DUI? Come on now......

[Muckduck]

Probably shouldn't have posted this. You actually aren't anonymous if someone REALLY wanted to find out who you are...

Chances are low that they would ever check TLS, run into this thread, suspect it was you, find out it was. But if you are really as nervous as you sound, mentioning a DUI they wouldn't have run into with a basic background check wasn't a good idea.

Flame or thoughtless. You pick.

[ziggysmarley]

After I received my offer, the firm did a background check on me.

[Anonymous User]

I got the position!

[Anonymous User]

I got the position!

YYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY! Wonderful news!

[Sauer Grapes]

Good for you. I'm just seeing this, but I would have told you not to worry, and that one DUI was not going to keep you from passing most federal background checks.

[CanadianWolf]

Ignore posts claiming that private employers do not do background checks.
Having experienced federal government background checks for low level security clearances, I can attest that many are denied even low level CSR (customer service representative) positions in call centers due to sub-par credit ratings. Many are hired on the conditional basis of a satisfactory background check authorizing low level security clearances for third party U.S. Government contractors; if a bad credit mark is not cleared up or a criminal conviction is discovered or a false statement on the employment application is unearthed, then the conditionally hired employee is escorted out by security guards without any advance warning.
I am familiar with bar applicants barred from sitting for a state's bar exam due to disclosed juvenile non-violent convictions.

[CanadianWolf]

Much of the heightened concerns of employers leading to increased use of background & credit checks is due to identity theft committed by financially stressed employees who handle company funds and/or have access to client credit & identity information. DUIs are of concern for many employers fearing potential liability of a travelling employee even if for only occassional local travel to a conference or company sponsored event.
Congratulations on getting your judicial clerkship; but clearing a background check for a clerkship with a federal judge does not mean that you will be successful with other employers.

[roadkilllaw]

I got the position!

Congrats

[Anonymous User]

Wow, CanadianWolf, thanks for the buzzkill

[Anonymous User]

Wow. You guys are completely awesome. I expected to get ripped limb from limb. Instead, I have gotten even-handed advice that has made me feel a lot better than I did a few minutes ago. Thank you so much.

I'm going to send a thank you card tonight to the clerk who interviewed me. It's something I should do anyway, but I figured it can't hurt, right?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will all work out. And, sunshinefairy, you're absolutely right about me using this experience in the future to work as a criminal advocate. It's the least I can do, having been through the experience, albeit on a small, small scale.

I don't want no two-bit criminal working for a judge...off with your head!

[Anonymous User]

Hey,

I'm in a similar position, except I got the externship position before I had a chance to disclose a previous DUI. Now, I'm worried that the judge will blow up when they learn about it and think I wasn't up front about it.

That's not the case really. There was one interview, the clerk never mentioned anything, and I didn't know how to non-awkwardly say "I'm a criminal." When he called me back, he said, "You've got the job." Is there any way I can mention the issue now and preempt a disaster later in June when the background check runs?

For the record, mine was an actual DUI.

Help...

[fastforward]

I got the position!

Congratulations!!!

@Anonymous2: Yours is a tough spot. Can you speak in confidence to someone in your Career Services office? Or one of your professors? How about bringing up the situation w/ OP in conversation at the office and read the reaction? I'll be interested to hear other (sincere) suggestions. Let us know what you decide, and all the best.

[ZXCVBNM]

Federal judges are still hiring ?!

[sunshinefairy]

I got the position!

Congratulations!!!

@Anonymous2: Yours is a tough spot. Can you speak in confidence to someone in your Career Services office? Or one of your professors? How about bringing up the situation w/ OP in conversation at the office and read the reaction? I'll be interested to hear other (sincere) suggestions. Let us know what you decide, and all the best.

Unless judges have company cars and you are going to be driving on the job, I don't think it should be an issue. If they didn't ask, they didn't ask. And that's okay. If it was "that" sensitive a position and high priority for the judge, they would have inquired. But, I agree with the above post to consult with Career Services office just to be sure.

[Anonymous User]

Anon2 here.

I talked to my career services folks and they were...less than helpful. Supportive, which was surprising and appreciated, but had no concrete details. I think I'm going to just talk to the person who specifically deals with externships tomorrow and I'll let you know how it goes.

For the record, I went in this week (spring break) to shadow and make my face more familiar. So, I'm trying to demonstrate I'm not a bum without being a pest.

Anyways, I'll update later this week after I've talked to a couple more folks. Any suggestions still appreciated.

[joeleitz]

I like spam! That's why NR banned me.