This Law Firm Publication by Jackson Lewis P.C. discusses the Fair Chance Act, passed by the New York City Council on June 10, 2015. This new ordinance prohibits employers with at least four employees from inquiring or searching for information about an applicant's pending arrest or criminal conviction record until after a conditional offer of employment has been extended. An exception applies where an employer is required by law to conduct criminal background checks or to bar employment based on criminal record. The ordinance will become effective 120 days after receiving New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's signature (expected shortly).