UNITED STATES ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
BACKGROUND CHECK FOR LAW STUDENTS
Law students must pass a background check before they can begin working as interns. Common issues that arise are as follows:
- Citizenship: Students must be U.S. citizens or owe permanent allegiance to the United States (natives of American Samoa).
- Drug use: Any type of illegal drug use within 12 months of completing the background check paperwork is an automatic disqualification. Admitted drug use outside this 12-month period will require a letter of explanation describing the events surrounding the drug use.
- Credit history: All outstanding credit problems must be resolved before work can begin. A history of serious credit problems may be grounds for disqualification.
- Employment History: Students must submit a written explanation if they have been fired from a previous job, quit after having been told that they would be fired, or left a job by mutual agreement because of specific problems.
- Criminal History: Students must submit a written explanation if they have been charged, convicted, imprisoned, or been on probation or parole for any offense.