This Law Firm Publication by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. discusses the expansion of the Illinois “ban the box” law within Chicago. On January 1, 2015, Chicago's municipal code was amended to extend the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act to several city agencies, as well as to private employers that are licensed or maintain a business facility in Chicago and that have fewer than 15 employees. The law prevents an employer from asking about, considering or requiring an applicant to disclose his criminal record or criminal history until it notifies the applicant that he will be interviewed or makes a conditional offer of employment. The law firm publication lists several general exceptions to the law and details the specific factors related to past criminal conviction to be considered by city agencies when deciding whether to hire an applicant.