Do you have to have good credit to become a paralegal?

Question

I am attending college to become a paralegal. I already have a repossession on my credit and I am considering filing bankruptcy. Will this affect my chances of getting a job?

Answer 1

Yes, it can be a problem. Employers can run a credit check on prospective employees. The job application form also often asks if you have ever filed bankruptcy. It then all depends upon the employer. If they bring it up then you will need to explain it.

If you are in college to become a paralegal then ask your professor or read about the licensing process in your text book.

Bankruptcy is a serious matter. It will ruin your credit for many years. If possible, avoid it and strive to pay off your bills.

Answer 2

I don't know of anywhere a formal certification or license is required for a paralegal. You can always do freelance work.

IMHO, you'd have been better-off if you'd have declared bankruptcy before the repo; however, if it is recent (and if you returned the vehicle instead of having someone hunt you down and take it from you), you MAY be able to get the "repo" taken off the report.

That, of course, will be up to the bankruptcy judge. If you qualify for Chapter 7, do it that way -- and don't fail to include ALL your debts when listing them. A Chapter 13 is a lot more complicated and if you'd filed soon enough, you might have been able to keep your ride under a Chapter 13 Plan.

For legal advice, contact a bankruptcy attorney in your state.

I believe your attorney will inform you an employer cannot discriminate against you on the basis of your having filed for (or your having been granted) protection under the Bankuptcy Code.

Of course, that doesn't guarantee you'll be hired, but it should take some of the worry from you.

If you're a decent person that earnestly desires to repay the debt, but circumstances have rendered you simply unable to repay the debt (at least according to the original terms of credit), the court and any prospective employer should look kindly on you.

Answer 3

For a Paralegal it shouldn't, but it depends on the company that you will apply too. When companies do background checks, they check your Criminal record, Credit history, Work history and School history. If you apply to the City, No. If you apply to Experian (Credit) or maybe a private company, they might.

I would check with various people at the company that you want to apply too, ask questions.

Better to be safe than sorry.