Behind the Screens: Conversations with Background Screening Pros hosted by Les Rosen - Episode 8: Jennifer Mora – The Legal Eagle Who Knits and Advocates

Episode 8: Jennifer Mora – The Legal Eagle Who Knits and Advocates

12/09/24 • 24 min

Behind the Screens: Conversations with Background Screening Pros hosted by Les Rosen

What do background screening, knitting elaborate shawls, and navigating cannabis laws have in common? They’re all part of Jennifer Mora’s incredibly dynamic world! In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer—one of the sharpest legal minds in the industry—to talk about her journey from criminal justice to labor law and why you should never underestimate the stories behind a background check. Plus, we dive into her unexpected passion for pro bono work, true crime TV, and custom Chuck Taylors. If you’ve ever wondered how to blend career brilliance with a dose of humor and humanity, this episode is for you.

Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss!

Mastering the Law and Avoiding Litigation
Jennifer explains her unique role as Senior Counsel at Seyfarth Shaw, where she advises employers and CRAs on background screening processes, compliance, and cannabis testing. She shares how her expertise in labor relations keeps her on her toes, especially with ever-changing regulations like the unincorporated LA County ordinance.
Finding Passion in Work and Life
From her accidental entry into background screening 15 years ago to the mentors who shaped her career (looking at you, Rod and Pam!), Jennifer reveals how embracing opportunities and staying curious transformed her into a sought-after industry expert.
Making a Difference Outside the Courtroom
Jennifer’s commitment to pro bono work shines as she discusses her efforts with veterans through Swords to Plowshares, where she helps former service members upgrade their discharge papers. Her belief in second chances extends beyond the legal world, influencing her work with nonprofits and her advocacy for fair hiring practices.

You might also want to check out these resources

Jennifer Mora on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mora-81458111/
Swords to Plowshares: https://www.swords-to-plowshares.org
Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA): https://thepbsa.org

Did Jennifer’s inspiring journey resonate with you? Don’t miss out on future episodes of Behind the Screens! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it really helps us spread the word. Share this episode with a colleague or friend who’s curious about the fascinating world of background screening and the people who make it tick.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with Jennifer Mora on LinkedIn or drop me a line to share your thoughts about the episode. Until next time, this is Les Rosen signing off from Behind the Screens: Conversations with Background Screening Pros.

Connect with US:

Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/
Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

This podcast is sponsored by:
The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/

Send us a text

Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss!

Mastering the Law and Avoiding Litigation
Jennifer explains her unique role as Senior Counsel at Seyfarth Shaw, where she advises employers and CRAs on background screening processes, compliance, and cannabis testing. She shares how her expertise in labor relations keeps her on her toes, especially with ever-changing regulations like the unincorporated LA County ordinance.
Finding Passion in Work and Life
From her accidental entry into background screening 15 years ago to the mentors who shaped her career (looking at you, Rod and Pam!), Jennifer reveals how embracing opportunities and staying curious transformed her into a sought-after industry expert.
Making a Difference Outside the Courtroom
Jennifer’s commitment to pro bono work shines as she discusses her efforts with veterans through Swords to Plowshares, where she helps former service members upgrade their discharge papers. Her belief in second chances extends beyond the legal world, influencing her work with nonprofits and her advocacy for fair hiring practices.

You might also want to check out these resources

Jennifer Mora on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mora-81458111/
Swords to Plowshares: https://www.swords-to-plowshares.org
Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA): https://thepbsa.org

Connect with US:

Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/
Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

This podcast is sponsored by:
The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/

Previous Episode

Episode 7: International Screening Guru, Privacy Law, and Underwater Vows with Kerstin Bagus

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Ever wondered how a nursing degree can lead to becoming the go-to expert in international background screening? In this episode, I chat with Kerstin Bagus—my friend, industry trailblazer, and privacy law wizard. From her days mastering patient care to untangling the complexities of global screening laws, Kerstin’s career is a masterclass in reinvention. Oh, and she’s got some killer spy-adjacent family stories and an underwater wedding to boot. Curious? Tune in to hear her remarkable journey, sprinkled with humor, wisdom, and a dash of adventure.

Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss!
Crafting Expertise and Making Heroes: Kerstin shares how she built a career helping background screeners navigate international challenges, ensuring they shine in front of their clients.
International Woman of Mystery: Kerstin’s stories of Berlin summers, spy intrigue, and growing up bilingual will leave you marveling at her fascinating backstory.
Advice for the Industry and the Future: From navigating AI to encouraging employers to invest in talent, Kerstin provides her invaluable perspective on what’s next for background screening pros.

Don’t miss this extraordinary episode! If you enjoyed our chat with Kerstin, be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review for the podcast. Your support keeps these conversations going. And hey, if you’ve got a moment, share this episode with a friend or colleague who’s as curious about the world of background screening as we are.

Let’s keep the conversation going—reach out to Kerstin directly on LinkedIn or let us know what you think of the episode.
Kerstin Bagus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerstin-bagus/
Episode Chapters:

[00:01:17] Kerstin’s current role: Helping screeners succeed.
[00:02:41] Privacy certifications and ChoicePoint legacy.
[00:03:57] Insights into EU privacy regulations and challenges.
[00:05:26] Kerstin’s career path: From nursing to international guru.
[00:09:02] PBSA’s role in Kerstin’s career growth.
[00:16:09] Hobbies: Hiking, travel, and National Parks.
[00:19:09] Berlin childhood and her father’s spy background.
[00:23:36] Top challenges: Mergers, AI, and private equity.

Connect with US:

Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/
Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200

This podcast is sponsored by:
The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/

Next Episode

Episode 9: How Scott Paler Juggles Law, Family, and Packers Fandom

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Let me introduce you to my guest for this episode, the brilliant and humble Scott Paler, Esq. Scott isn’t just a partner at the DeWitt law firm—he’s also a soccer dad, Packers fan, and a man who once had a very memorable lunch chat with Dr. Ruth. Join me as we explore Scott’s unique path from law school to the forefront of compliance and litigation in the screening industry. Spoiler: we even chat about his upcoming Italian adventure and life as part of a two-lawyer household!

Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss!

[00:01:50] How Did We End Up Here?: Scott recounts his unexpected journey into the world of background screening, from his days at Seyfarth Shaw to leading the charge at DeWitt.
[00:14:11] Balancing Family, Soccer, and Law: Between cheering at soccer tournaments and rooting for the Packers, Scott finds time to juggle his impressive career, family life, and even a passion for travel. Italy, anyone?[00:19:35] The Evolution of Screening Compliance: Scott offers his insights on the tug-of-war between automation and individualized assessment in background screening, all while navigating the growing tidal wave of legal regulations.

Resources:

Connect with Scott Paler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottpaler/
Learn about PBSA: Visit the PBSA website for information on conferences and resources.

If this episode made you chuckle, think, or want to book a ticket to Italy, let us know! Subscribe to Behind the Screens so you never miss an update, and leave us a review to share your thoughts. Your support helps us bring these engaging conversations to life.

Got an idea for a future guest or topic? Drop us a line or connect with me on LinkedIn. Until next time, keep navigating those compliance waters—and maybe take a page from Scott’s book: balance it all with a good Packers game!

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