Philadelphia

ZARWIN BAUM, MAYOR NUTTER & “BAN THE BOX” SPEAKER SERIES

January 25, 2012 by HughE Dillon

On Wednesday, February 1, 8:00am-10:00am, in light of the City of Philadelphia’s introduction of ‘Ban the Box’, Zarwin, Baum, DeVito, Kaplan, Schaer & Toddy, P.C. will host an informational networking breakfast with Mayor Michael A. Nutter and a panel of city leaders to discuss what employers need to know about Philadelphia’s new law and the benefits provided by the city to employers who help ex-offenders. The event will take place at the offices of Zarwin Baum, 1818 Market Street, 13th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103. There is no cost to attend.

In April 2011, Mayor Nutter signed legislation prohibiting City agencies and private employers from knowingly inquiring about criminal background and arrests on the application for a position. Following an initial interview with the prospective employee, the employer may perform a background check. The law, titled ‘Ban the Box’, went into effect in Philadelphia on January 13, 2012. As Mayor Nutter stated upon signing the legislation, “Everyone deserves an opportunity to work to provide for their families and should not be discriminated against before they even have a first interview. Offering jobs to ex-offenders improves the quality of life for all Philadelphians, and this Ordinance is an important aspect of our overall job and public safety strategy.”

On February 1, guests to Zarwin Baum’s informational breakfast will hear more about Mayor Nutter’s Office of Reintegration Services for Ex-Offenders (RISE) and the City’s tax incentive for employers who hire formerly incarcerated individuals. Attendees will learn the key provisions of ‘Ban the Box’ and discover how the law is being enforced by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, while also learning about the City’s commitment to providing employers with trained and qualified workers, and why the formerly incarcerated may become their best employees.

Moderated by Keri Salerno, Public Safety Office, City of Philadelphia, the panel will include Sharif Street and Jill Fisher of Zarwin, Baum, DeVito, Kaplan, Schaer & Toddy, P.C.; Bill Hart, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Reintegration Services for Ex-offenders, City of Philadelphia; and Rue Landau, Executive Director, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, 
City of Philadelphia.

Says Zarwin Baum managing shareholder Mitchell S. Kaplan, “We feel that the City’s initiative to encourage businesses to employ ex-offenders is in the best long-range interests of our community; therefore, we are pleased to assist in getting out the message.”

Space for the breakfast is limited. To RSVP, contact Monique Andes at 215.569.2800 or by Friday, January 27.