Can Law Schools Verify Employment History? Forum

[hendrix]

I have some gaps that need filling. How much can I stretch?

[Bildungsroman]

I have some gaps that need filling. How much can I stretch?

Don't stretch. Be honest on all your law school applications.

[Aqualibrium]

Can they? Yes. Will they? Probably not. Is it something you want to risk getting called on when it comes to character and fitness? Probably not.

[PDaddy]

Can they? Yes. Will they? Probably not. Is it something you want to risk getting called on when it comes to character and fitness? Probably not.

TITCR...with a caveat. The state bar may be calling your employers. Most states have anti-defamation laws that lead employers to verify only basic info. But if the bar can get information on performance, conduct, etc, it will. Usually, dates, position(s) and salary are all they get. There is a reason the background check takes up to 6-9 months.

[2lstudent]

FWIW if its a question of dates, the C+F committee (at least in my state) pulled our social security work history, so they can see exactly where you worked for how long. Don't lie.

[whymeohgodno]

FWIW if its a question of dates, the C+F committee (at least in my state) pulled our social security work history, so they can see exactly where you worked for how long. Don't lie.

What if I worked at my parents store in an unofficial capacity? (didn't get paid).

[gbpackerbacker]

FWIW if its a question of dates, the C+F committee (at least in my state) pulled our social security work history, so they can see exactly where you worked for how long. Don't lie.

What if I worked at my parents store in an unofficial capacity? (didn't get paid).

If you did, then you did. If one is being honest, then he or she should have nothing about which to worry.

That said, working for your parents in that manner cannot be easily verified. I'm sure a lot of people do put that the worked at daddy's doctors office or consultation firm on their application when they really mean that they go into ma or pa's office once a week to ask for money.

[2014]

At least with a parent's business C&F can verify that your parents do in fact own a business or did when you claim to have worked for them.

The issue with totally making up something you did to fill a gap is that you never know what is going to catch an employer's eye. Even if the position you make up to you seems to be the least important, it might be one that in an interview they choose to focus on, and you have great potential to look like an idiot if you can't even have a ten minute conversation with someone about what you did.

[ahduth]

FWIW if its a question of dates, the C+F committee (at least in my state) pulled our social security work history, so they can see exactly where you worked for how long. Don't lie.

What if I worked at my parents store in an unofficial capacity? (didn't get paid).

It is read that your parents were supporting you. I don't think anyone will bother to check further than that.

[TommyK]

These kinds of questions from future lawyers frighten me.

[anstud06]

What state is this? Did it say in the character-fitness application that the Bar Examiners would be getting your detailed earnings information from the SSA? I've never heard of that til now.

FWIW if its a question of dates, the C+F committee (at least in my state) pulled our social security work history, so they can see exactly where you worked for how long. Don't lie.

[rayiner]

What state is this? Did it say in the character-fitness application that the Bar Examiners would be getting your detailed earnings information from the SSA? I've never heard of that til now.

FWIW if its a question of dates, the C+F committee (at least in my state) pulled our social security work history, so they can see exactly where you worked for how long. Don't lie.

C&F committees are draconian. This isn't business school.

[anstud06]

I understand that, but the information on the application only states release of credit report checks, criminal background checks, driving records, etc. Do you know from experience (or through anecdotes) which states obtain SSA earnings info of all employers?

What state is this? Did it say in the character-fitness application that the Bar Examiners would be getting your detailed earnings information from the SSA? I've never heard of that til now.

FWIW if its a question of dates, the C+F committee (at least in my state) pulled our social security work history, so they can see exactly where you worked for how long. Don't lie.

C&F committees are draconian. This isn't business school.