In Philadelphia, an estimated 400,000 people have a criminal record. To help individuals clear their records and open up economic opportunities, a legal clinic was held inside a JPMorgan Chase Bank branch in West Philadelphia. This bank, which also serves as a community center near 52nd and Market Streets, hosted pro-bono attorneys who assisted those seeking to clear their criminal records. This was the first time the bank held such an event in Philadelphia, but they plan to continue providing this service in the future.
JPMorgan Chase has a policy of hiring individuals with criminal records, having hired around 3,000 such individuals last year, which accounts for roughly 10% of its workforce. The company follows the practice of “ban the box,” meaning they don’t ask about an applicant’s criminal record until a conditional job offer has been made. Additionally, Philadelphia has a fair criminal record screening ordinance in place, prohibiting employers from inquiring about criminal history on job applications.
Nan Gibson, executive director of the JPMorgan Chase policy center, highlighted the importance of helping individuals clear their records. By doing so, it opens up economic opportunities for them, leading to better jobs and increased income. This not only benefits the individuals but also contributes to the economy and the community as a whole. Jeff Rosenthal, an attorney with Blank Rome who volunteered at the legal clinic, emphasized the positive impact of receiving a pardon, as it opens doors to new opportunities like better jobs, education, and housing.
