Protect your firm's
most valuable asset.
Reputation is everything. Thoroughly vet attorneys, paralegals, and staff with deep civil background checks, state bar verification, and professional license monitoring.
Trusted by top firms ranging from boutique to biglaw
Go beyond the criminal record.
For legal professionals, a clean criminal record isn't enough. You need to know about malpractice suits, disciplinary actions, and civil litigation that could indicate a liability.
LegalScreen's specialized packages for law firms include deep searches of federal and county civil court records, plus direct verification with state bar associations.
State Bar Standing Verification
Automated confirmation of active status and disciplinary history.
Federal Civil Search
Search US District Courts for lawsuits involving the candidate.
Education & Credential verification
Confirm law school graduation dates and degrees directly from the source.
Comprehensive screening for every role
From summer associates to lateral partners, ensure every team member meets your firm's standards.
Employment History
Verify past employment details including dates, titles, and reasons for leaving. Detect gaps or discrepancies in resumes instantly.
Civil Litigation
Search upper and lower courts for involvement in civil cases as a defendant, which might indicate financial distress or behavioral issues.
Professional Licenses
Real-time verification of professional licenses across all 50 states. We monitor for expirations, suspensions, and revocations.
Screening packages for legal professionals
Tailored background check packages for attorneys, paralegals, and legal support staff. Ensure due diligence with screenings that matter.
(Always consult your legal counsel to ensure compliance.)
Attorneys & Partners
- State Bar Verification (All admitted jurisdictions)
- Federal Civil Court Search (District & Bankruptcy)
- County Commercial & Civil Litigation Search
- Education Verification (J.D. Degree)
- National Criminal Database & Sex Offender Registry
- Global Watchlist (Sanctions & PEP)
Paralegals & Legal Assistants
- Employment Verification (Past 7 years)
- Education Verification
- County Criminal Search (7-year unlimited)
- National Criminal Database
- Certification Verification (e.g., NALA, NFPA)
Administrative & Support Staff
- SSN Trace & Address History
- National Criminal Database
- Credit Report (for Finance/Billing roles)
- Employment Verification
Legal Industry Insights
Navigating background checks for law firms
Hiring for law firms carries unique risks. Beyond standard criminal checks, verifying professional standing and civil litigation history is crucial to protecting your firm's reputation and avoiding malpractice liability.
Why are civil searches important for legal hires?
Criminal records don't tell the whole story. Civil searches reveal lawsuits, judgments, liens, and bankruptcies. For an attorney, being a defendant in malpractice suits or having a history of unresolved debt can be a significant red flag indicating professional negligence or financial irresponsibility.
Does LegalScreen verify Bar admission?
Yes. We contact State Bar associations directly to confirm:
- Date of Admission
- Current Standing (Active, Inactive, Suspended)
- Disciplinary History (Public Reprimands, Disbarments)
We recommend verifying admission for every jurisdiction where the candidate claims to practice.
Common Screens for Legal Professionals
| Screening Type | What it Reveals |
|---|---|
| Civil Court Search | Lawsuits, breach of contract, malpractice claims, restraining orders. |
| Federal Court Search | Federal crimes (white-collar fraud), bankruptcy, constitutional issues. |
| Education Verification | J.D. or LL.M degrees, graduation dates, honors. |
| Global Watchlist | Terrorism, money laundering, PEP (Politically Exposed Persons) lists. |
"LegalScreen's ability to pull civil records and verify bar standing in one report saves our recruiting team hours per candidate. The accuracy is unmatched."
Secure your firm's reputation
Join efficient legal teams who trust LegalScreen for FCRA-compliant, comprehensive background screening.
Compliance built-in.