Many new and
experienced attorneys are remaining unemployed for extended periods of
time. Some may view that period of
unemployment as a black mark against their resume and may be tempted to
“stretch the truth” a little so they can cover up their period of
unemployment. My advice: Don’t do it. Mark Villeneuve, a Connecticut-licensed lawyer who gave in
to such a temptation when he allegedly lied several times about his work
experience when applying for a staff attorney position at the state’s Workers’
Compensation Commission.
According to
state officials, Villeneuve falsely claimed that he graduated cum laude from Western New England College School
of Law in 2004 and that he served as the law review's assistant note editor. He
also allegedly claimed that he was employed at the Law Offices of Jean Smith in
Meriden, Conn., a firm that Villeneuve said handled all types of workers' comp
matters—another falsehood.
State officials
are also claiming that the inconsistencies in Villeneuve’s claims were revealed
during a face-to-face interview for the position in February 2008. If found
guilty of the charges, Villeneuve could face professional disciplinary action
because the state’s ethics rules for lawyers clearly states that lawyers cannot
lie.
Job candidates
should avoid embellishing their resume because such “little white lies” could
damage your legal reputation.
Remember, recruiters and employers are conducting more thorough
background checks before and sometimes even after employment has been
secured. Some attorneys face
background checks by clients in high profile cases that involve lots of money
or where a lot is at risk. Don’t
take the chance of ruining your reputation, remain truthful at all times.