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I am curious about the background checks mentioned in every offer letter I have received. The language is pretty amorphous –-- that the offer is "subject to my background check." What kinds of things could derail an offer going forward with respect to this background check?

This language is included in most (if not all) offer letters. I've never known anyone to be rejected for background issues, and I'd assume that the language is there to provide firms an "out" (for financial crimes, felonies, etc.) rather than to retroactively ding somebody for an MIP.

apparently DUIs don't matter either...

It would take something pretty serious to derail you, essentially things that would keep you from being admitted to the bar. It's not going to be little things like a discrepancy in your job dates, etc.

It's generally immigration status, criminal record, credit check and potentially degree verification and substance abuse record depending on the company administering the service.

So if you have a charge pending for a dui from just prior to ajf, should you disclose it pre/post offer or just wait until you're officially charged, or just say nothing...