Meeting/Event Information
November Chapter Breakfast Meeting
November 10, 2026
7:15 AM - 9:00 AM
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The Inn at Leola Village
38 Deborah Dr
Leola, PA 17540
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For The Record: How to Read, Research, and Understand a PA Criminal Record
Pennsylvania criminal records are often more complicated than they appear, yet HR professionals may be called upon to make important employment decisions based on the information they contain. In this practical and informative session, you'll learn how to interpret criminal record documents, understand common court terminology, and navigate the differences between pardons, expungements, and Clean Slate protections. The program will also explore the Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA) and its impact on hiring decisions. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, you'll gain greater confidence in evaluating criminal records while supporting fair, informed, and legally compliant employment practices.
Learning Objectives - as a result of this program, attendees will be able to:
- Interpret Pennsylvania criminal record documents by understanding charges, grading, dispositions, court terminology, and record-clearing options, including pardons, expungements, and Clean Slate.
- Apply CHRIA requirements to support fair, ethical, and legally compliant employment decisions involving applicants with criminal histories.
- Identify common misconceptions surrounding criminal records and recognize when additional information or clarification may be needed.
- Evaluate the impact of criminal records on employment decisions while supporting workforce inclusion and appropriate risk management.
- Communicate criminal record concepts and compliance considerations effectively with hiring managers, HR teams, and organizational leaders.
Speaker:
Mark Walmer, Esq, CEO/Founding Attorney of PA Pardon Services
With over 35 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, former prosecutor, and public defender, Mark F. Walmer has become one of Pennsylvania’s most trusted names in pardon and expungement services. Driven by a deep commitment to helping those burdened by a criminal record, Mark has shifted his focus to aiding clients in clearing their records and navigating the complexities of the Board of Pardons process.
Mark’s dedication goes beyond the courtroom as he works closely with local nonprofits like CareerLink and has partnered with Representative Ismail Smith Wade-El to provide pro bono services at record-clearing events. His expertise has also led him to speak on Clean Slate Law and other legal reforms with the Pennsylvania Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL).
Mark’s dedication goes beyond the courtroom as he works closely with local nonprofits like CareerLink and has partnered with Representative Ismail Smith Wade-El to provide pro bono services at record-clearing events. His expertise has also led him to speak on Clean Slate Law and other legal reforms with the Pennsylvania Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL).
Approved for 1.0 HRCI and SHRM recertification credits
Program Agenda:
7:00 am – Doors Open
7:15 – 7:30 am – Registration, Breakfast Available
7:30 – 7:45 am – Open Networking, Breakfast Available
7:45 – 8:00 am – LSHRM Chapter Updates and Special Bylaws Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am – Educational Presentation
7:15 – 7:30 am – Registration, Breakfast Available
7:30 – 7:45 am – Open Networking, Breakfast Available
7:45 – 8:00 am – LSHRM Chapter Updates and Special Bylaws Meeting
8:00 – 9:00 am – Educational Presentation
Registration closes at 12 pm on Monday, November 9.
Missed registration? Email [email protected] for potential options
