JPMorgan Chase recently hosted a legal clinic in West Philadelphia to assist individuals with criminal records in clearing their records. This event took place near 52nd and Market Streets and included pro-bono attorneys working with those seeking to improve their opportunities. The event marked the first time JPMorgan Chase has organized such a clinic in Philadelphia, with plans to hold similar events in the future.
Nan Gibson, the executive director of the JPMorgan Chase policy center, emphasized the importance of clearing criminal records for individuals to access better jobs and ultimately improve the economy and communities. JPMorgan Chase has a policy of hiring individuals with criminal records, hiring 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.
In Philadelphia, there is a fair criminal record screening standards ordinance in place, which prevents employers from asking about criminal history on job applications. The legal clinic focused on assisting individuals seeking pardons for their crimes, a process that requires approval from the governor and can take several years to complete. 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.
