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Law School Survival Tip: Why You Should Run Your Own Background Check

Updated: Oct 1, 2024




So, you're cruising through law school, getting ready to tackle the legal world, right? Well, there's something you might not have thought about that could save you some headaches later on: doing a background check on yourself. Yeah, it might sound weird, but it's a pretty smart move for a bunch of reasons.


The Bar: When you want to be a lawyer, you need to pass the bar exam. And part of that deal is a background check to make sure you're upstanding and not lying on the application. If there's any tiny thing on your record that you forgot about, like that time you got busted for jaywalking, it's better to know about it first. That way, you can explain it before the bar committee goes, "Whoa, what's this?"


The Job Hunt: Law firms are super picky about who they hire. They're going to check you out like it's their business—because, well, it is. If there's anything on your background that you're not cool with, it's best to know and be ready to chat about it when they ask. It's like having all your answers ready for a pop quiz, but for job interviews.


Oopsies in Your Records: It is entirely possible for errors to occur in background checks. Maybe someone with a similar name did something dumb and it's on your record by accident. Or, maybe you had a court date you totally forgot about. Doing your own check lets you catch these slip-ups and fix them, so your record isn't lying about you.


Looking Like a Boss: Being proactive about your background check shows you're a responsible adult with your life together. It tells future bosses and the folks who decide if you can be a lawyer that you're serious about your career and you've got everything under control. Basically, it's like showing up to class with your homework done when everyone else forgot.


In a nutshell, checking your own background is like having the cheat codes for your legal career. It gives you the upper hand and helps you avoid any surprises that could trip you up on your way to becoming a big shot attorney. Do it, and you'll thank yourself later.


 
 
 

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