Top Law Schools

I have a minor, non-criminal, financial C&F issue. I don't think it'll cause problems. But sometimes I get pangs of anxiety about failing my firm's background check.

What the hell do you even do if, say, April runs around and they revoke your offer? Are you just fucked?

Yes, you would be fucked. But you won't fail the background check, so for you specifically, there's nothing to worry about.

Was it before law school? If so, I wouldn't worry.

Law firms really only care that you'll pass the bar C&F. Law schools think the same way, and vet you for that in the application process. If you got into law school with that blemish, chances are your law firm will be fine with it too (as will the bar).

If it makes you feel better, I was arrested after taking the bar exam (charges were later dropped). I'm doing just fine as a barred attorney at the firm I summered at.

If it gives you so much anxiety, it would help seeking out a C&F attorney.

The typical background check for the companies used by law firms for associates involves pulling a credit report, emailing registrars at schools on your resume asking if you went there, and emailing former employers asking if you went there. They are yes/no, check the box emails. This is not, like, a FBI background check where they're interviewing character witnesses and really doing a deep dive into your personal life.

Unless your “minor, non-criminal, financial C&F issue” is that you declared bankruptcy, this won’t be a problem.