Background Search for Paralegals

[TinaM6394]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?Arizona

I have my Gibill, and am interested in becoming a Paralegal in the state of Arizona, attending a 2 year degree program. I believe with researching, Arizona does not require a certification for this. I'm wondering if a misdemeanor, I received 6 years ago will prevent a law firm in hiring me, and what kind of background requirements a law firm looks for in hiring a paralegal?

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?Arizona

I have my Gibill, and am interested in becoming a Paralegal in the state of Arizona, attending a 2 year degree program. I believe with researching, Arizona does not require a certification for this. I'm wondering if a misdemeanor, I received 6 years ago will prevent a law firm in hiring me, and what kind of background requirements a law firm looks for in hiring a paralegal?

Would you like us to call every law firm in the state and inquire, or did you have some specific geographic constraints which we could use before calling to ask?

 

[FlyingRon]

You are correct, there's no mandatory certification required in your state. How an employer will view your criminal record is really up to them. It would depend what it was for as well I suspect.

 

[TinaM6394]

Would you like us to call every law firm in the state and inquire, or did you have some specific geographic constraints which we could use before calling to ask?

It will be out of Phoenix.

 

[TinaM6394]

You are correct, there's no mandatory certification required in your state. How an employer will view your criminal record is really up to them. It would depend what it was for as well I suspect.

In doing a background search, does a law firm usually do everything, or just felonies?

 

[quincy]

In doing a background search, does a law firm usually do everything, or just felonies?

It depends on the firm.

 

[Zigner]

would you like us to call every law firm in the state and inquire, or did you have some specific geographic constraints which we could use before calling to ask?

it will be out of phoenix.

< s m h >

 

[TinaM6394]

< s m h >

I haven't applied anywhere, and have yet to finish degree. I am inquiring under generality to see if it wont be a waste of time to get a degree, just to find out that no one will hire me.

 

[Zigner]

I haven't applied anywhere, and have yet to finish degree. I am inquiring under generality to see if it wont be a waste of time to get a degree, just to find out that no one will hire me.

What did your instructor(s) have to say about this? It seems to me that they would be in a much better position to answer your questions. As far as I know, nobody on this forum is a Paralegal in AZ, nor are they members of a law firm in AZ.

 

[quincy]

What did your instructor(s) have to say about this? It seems to me that they would be in a much better position to answer your questions. As far as I know, nobody on this forum is a Paralegal in AZ, nor are they members of a law firm in AZ.

The forum does have a member who is licensed to practice in Arizona but she doesn't post very often anymore.

 

[Dandy Don]

Generally speaking, employers are very understanding and forgiving about misdemeanors, so that will not prevent you from being hired.

You can discuss this now with any law firm and see what they tell you. Now go out and pursue your dream and be outstanding at it!

 

[quincy]

Generally speaking, employers are very understanding and forgiving about misdemeanors, so that will not prevent you from being hired ...

Generally speaking, the statement I have quoted above is very untrue.