JPMorgan Chase Helps Individuals Clear Their Criminal Records in Philadelphia: A Step Towards Inclusive Hiring Practices and a Better Future for All

In Philadelphia, a legal clinic was recently held inside the JPMorgan Chase Bank branch in West Philadelphia to help individuals clear their criminal records. This event marked the first time JPMorgan Chase has organized such a clinic in the city, with plans to hold similar events in the future. The clinic included pro-bono attorneys working with those seeking to improve their opportunities.

JPMorgan Chase has a policy of hiring individuals with criminal records, having hired about 3,000 people with records in the past year, which accounts for roughly 10% of their workforce. The company follows a practice known as “ban the box,” which involves not inquiring about an applicant’s criminal record until a conditional offer is made.

There is a fair criminal record screening standards ordinance in place in Philadelphia, which prevents employers from asking about criminal history on job applications. However, the legal clinic in West Philadelphia focused on assisting individuals seeking pardons for their crimes, a process that requires approval from the governor and can take several years to complete.

Nan Gibson, the executive director of the JPMorgan Chase policy center, emphasized the importance of clearing criminal records to help individuals access better jobs and ultimately improve the economy and communities. Jeff Rosenthal, an attorney with Blank Rome who volunteered at the legal clinic, highlighted the life-changing impact of receiving a pardon, noting that it can lead to new opportunities, higher-paying jobs, education, and housing options. The success rate for individuals seeking a pardon is high, making it a worthwhile endeavor for those looking to move forward from their past mistakes.