Lawyers Clearinghouse

CORI Sealing Clinic (Virtual)
2022-12-01 15:30 - 18:00, 2022-12-15 15:30 - 18:00, 2023-01-12 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-01-26 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Video Conferencing
Do you need your CORI (criminal record) sealed or expunged? You may be eligible for free assistance from a volunteer attorney, conducted via Zoom video conferencing. Please note, this service is intended for people with Massachusetts-based criminal records.
Sign up here and someone will follow up with you.
We accept sign ups on a rolling basis, so once you sign up we will work with you to schedule a final meeting date and time.
Questions? Contact Sean by email or at 617-544-3434 ext. 110.
How it Works:

To get started, fill out the online sign up form. Within one week, Lawyers Clearinghouse will email you to confirm your registration.
When you get to the top of the waitlist, Lawyers Clearinghouse will call you to schedule your clinic date and get your consent to pull a copy of your CORI. Note: It may take some time to receive a date depending on the length of the waitlist.
On your clinic date, you will meet with volunteer attorneys for 30-60 minutes over video conferencing or by phone. They will share your CORI with you and discuss the eligibility of your record for sealing and/or expungement.
If you are eligible, the attorneys will work with you on filing a petition to request sealing and/or expungement and discuss next steps. If you are not currently eligible, they will discuss your timeline for eligibility. Note: It will take a few months to receive a final sealing and/or expungement decision from Probation or the court.

This program is offered in partnership with Codman Square NDC, Urban Edge, and the City of Boston.

Free Legal Clinic
2022-12-02 09:30 - 12:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Do you need assistance with a civil legal matter? Does your household make under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level? We may be able to connect you with free assistance from volunteer attorneys.

Common case types: Eviction, landlord-tenant issues, housing discrimination, Social Security Income and Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI) denials and appeals, credit and bankruptcy, and tax issues. We do not take family law or criminal cases.
To sign up, please contact our Clinic Manager, Sean Thekkeparayil, to discuss your legal concerns in more detail:
sthekkeparayil@lawyersclearinghouse.org or 617-544-3434 ext. 110.
If you are eligible for our services, you will receive a date and time for an intake appointment.

Nonprofit Bylaws Basics (Virtual)
2022-12-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Click here. You will receive a Zoom link upon sign up.
This practical workshop will explore the basics of nonprofit bylaws, both for people starting a nonprofit organization and those who would like to know more about what their bylaws say and how to use them. It will address:

Why nonprofits have bylaws
What all nonprofit bylaws should include, and some provisions to avoid
How to use some key bylaws provisions in your operations
How your bylaws can reflect your organization’s culture and process

Presenters: Brittany Besler, Besler Law LLC; Susan (Shifrah) Halevi, Lawyers Clearinghouse

CORI: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Help Their Clients (Virtual)
2022-12-14 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-01-18 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-04-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom Video Conferencing
*Note: This training is not designed to help advise nonprofits on their hiring practices. It is solely focused on assisting clients with criminal records.*
Registration: Sign up here. You will receive a Zoom link upon registration.
This criminal records training is intended for nonprofits whose staff are involved with counseling or offering services in the community to individuals who may have criminal records. It will address the following:

What exactly is a criminal record in Massachusetts? Who has the data? Who gets access to the data?
How can a nonprofit help a client reduce the barriers posed by criminal records?
What can be done if a client of a nonprofit wishes to seal a CORI? What crimes can be sealed? What resources are available?
What rights do individuals with a sealed CORI have when they are applying for a job? Housing?
What is the process for the new expungement laws for CORIs?
What are the concerns for an individual with a CORI who has an immigration issue?

Presenter: Crispin Birnbaum, Access to Justice Fellow

Free Legal Clinic (Pine Street Inn)
2023-01-13 09:30 - 12:00 | Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118, United States
Do you need assistance with a civil legal matter? Does your household make under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level? We may be able to connect you with free assistance from volunteer attorneys.

Common case types: Eviction, landlord-tenant issues, housing discrimination, Social Security Income and Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI) denials and appeals, credit and bankruptcy, and tax issues. We do not take family law or criminal cases.
To sign up, please contact our Clinic Manager, Sean Thekkeparayil, to discuss your legal concerns in more detail:
sthekkeparayil@lawyersclearinghouse.org or 617-544-3434 ext. 110.
If you are eligible for our services you will receive a date and time for an intake appointment, either at this clinic, or at an upcoming clinic.

Maintaining Nonprofit Status Workshop (Virtual)
2023-01-25 09:00 - 10:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
A one-hour overview of the steps nonprofits must take to maintain their tax-exempt status and comply with federal and state requirements. Topics will include annual filings, board activities, governance considerations, and common problems to avoid.

Registration: Click here. You will receive a Zoom link upon sign up.

Presenter: Teresa Santalucia, Klein Hornig LLP

Free Legal Clinic
2023-01-27 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-02-10 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-02-24 09:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing

CORI Sealing Clinic (Virtual)
2023-02-09 15:30 - 18:00, 2023-02-23 15:30 - 18:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Do you need your CORI (criminal record) sealed or expunged? You may be eligible for free assistance from a volunteer attorney, conducted via Zoom video conferencing. Please note, this service is intended for people with Massachusetts-based criminal records.
Sign up for the waitlist here and someone will follow up with you. Please note it may take some time to hear back, depending on the length of the waitlist.
Questions? Contact Sean by email or at 617-544-3434 ext. 110.
How it Works:

To get started, fill out the online sign up form. Within one week, Lawyers Clearinghouse will email you to confirm your registration.
When you get to the top of the waitlist, Lawyers Clearinghouse will call you to schedule your clinic date and get your consent to pull a copy of your CORI. Note: It may take some time to receive a date depending on the length of the waitlist.
On your clinic date, you will meet with volunteer attorneys for 30-60 minutes over video conferencing or by phone. They will share your CORI with you and discuss the eligibility of your record for sealing and/or expungement.
If you are eligible, the attorneys will work with you on filing a petition to request sealing and/or expungement and discuss next steps. If you are not currently eligible, they will discuss your timeline for eligibility. Note: It will take a few months to receive a final sealing and/or expungement decision from Probation or the court.

This program is offered in partnership with Codman Square NDC, Urban Edge, and the City of Boston.

Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop (Virtual)
2023-02-09 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Click here. You will recieve a Zoom link upon sign up.
Payment: Click here. The event fee is $25 per person.
An essential overview of how to establish a nonprofit in Massachusetts and obtain a 501(c)(3) tax-exemption, with key points for maintaining tax-exempt status. Strongly recommended for anyone starting a nonprofit. Workshop participants will receive a copy of the presentation slides and additional reference materials. Topics include:

For-profit or nonprofit?
What is a nonprofit?
Incorporating & structuring a nonprofit
Fiscal sponsorship
State reporting & regulation
Federal tax exemption
Ongoing IRS reporting & regulation

Presenters: Luke Blackadar, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston; Alyssa Fitzgerald, Goodwin.

Nonprofit Board Basics (Virtual)
2023-02-28 11:30 - 12:30 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Sign up here. You will receive a Zoom link upon sign up, and all registrants will receive a recording following the workshop.
This one-hour virtual workshop will review the basics of nonprofit boards of directors, including:

How directors are elected
The roles and responsibilities of directors, officers, and staff
Why conflicts of interest matter
Resolutions authorizing or approving actions by the nonprofit
How to draft votes, consents, and minutes

This workshop is ideal for new nonprofits and nonprofits that would like to review the basics of board operations.
Presenter: Shifrah Halevi, Lawyers Clearinghouse

CORI: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Help Their Clients (Virtual)
2023-03-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom Video Conferencing
*Note: This training is not designed to help advise nonprofits on their hiring practices. It is solely focused on assisting clients with criminal records.*
Registration: This event is at capacity, but you may sign up for the April 26 Training here.
This criminal records training is intended for nonprofits whose staff are involved with counseling or offering services in the community to individuals who may have criminal records. It will address the following:

What exactly is a criminal record in Massachusetts? Who has the data? Who gets access to the data?
How can a nonprofit help a client reduce the barriers posed by criminal records?
What can be done if a client of a nonprofit wishes to seal a CORI? What crimes can be sealed? What resources are available?
What rights do individuals with a sealed CORI have when they are applying for a job? Housing?
What is the process for the new expungement laws for CORIs?
What are the concerns for an individual with a CORI who has an immigration issue?

Presenter: Crispin Birnbaum, Access to Justice Fellow

Free Legal Clinic (St. Francis House)
2023-03-10 09:30 - 12:00 | St. Francis House, 39 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
Do you need assistance with a civil legal matter? Does your household make under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level? We may be able to connect you with free assistance from volunteer attorneys.
This week’s Legal Clinic will take place in person at St. Francis House, located at 39 Boylston St, Boston, MA (Map). We recommend you contact us ahead of time to discuss your matter, but walk-ins are welcome to attend.
Common case types: Eviction, landlord-tenant issues, housing discrimination, Social Security Income and Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI) denials and appeals, credit and bankruptcy, and tax issues. We do not take family law or criminal cases.
To sign up, please contact our Clinic Manager, Sean Thekkeparayil, to discuss your legal concerns in more detail:
sthekkeparayil@lawyersclearinghouse.org or 617-544-3434 ext. 110.

Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop (Virtual)
2023-03-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Click here. Please note this event will now take place virtually. You will receive a Zoom link upon sign up.
Payment: Click here. The event fee is $25 per organization. This fee supports Lawyers Clearinghouse, however if it’s difficult to pay the fee, you may register for the workshop without it.
An essential overview of how to establish a nonprofit in Massachusetts and obtain a 501(c)(3) tax-exemption, with key points for maintaining tax-exempt status. Strongly recommended for anyone starting a nonprofit. Workshop participants will receive a copy of the presentation slides and additional reference materials. Topics include:

For-profit or nonprofit?
What is a nonprofit?
Incorporating & structuring a nonprofit
Fiscal sponsorship
State reporting & regulation
Federal tax exemption
Ongoing IRS reporting & regulation

Presenters: Luke Blackadar, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston; Sue Abbott, Goodwin.

Free Legal Clinic
2023-03-24 09:00 - 11:00

Clinic in a Box®: Nonprofit Privacy and Data Security
2023-03-24 10:00 - 12:30 | Mintz, One Financial Center, Boston, MA, 02110, United States
Join us for this year’s in-person Clinic in a Box®: Privacy and Data Security Considerations for Nonprofits.
Apply here and someone will follow up with you. Note: Space is very limited, but we encourage you to apply anyway. We may be able to bring additional organizations in for another consultation later this spring.
WISP and Data Security Breaches: Massachusetts law requires organizations with certain kinds of personal information to have (and use) a Written Information Security Program. What are the risks of data security breaches? What does a WISP include?
Social Media Policy: Social media posts can have consequences. What guidelines for social media use will help protect nonprofits and their clients?
If your organization is selected to participate, volunteer attorneys will provide guidance on your WISP and social media policies.
Please note: If your organization is selected to participate in the clinic, your executive director, board chair, or other senior staff or board member responsible for governing or managing your organization must be able to attend.

Fellows Program Information Session (In Person)
2023-03-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Boston Bar Association, 16 Beacon St., Boston, 02108, United States
Interested in becoming an Access to Justice Fellow? Join us for an Access to Justice Fellows Program Information Session to learn more about this innovative pro bono program for senior attorneys and judges.
Sign up here to attend or to receive a recording following the event.
This year’s information session will feature a panel of past and continuing Fellows:

Vali Buland, 2019-2020 Fellow
Paula Finley Mangum, 2018-2019 Fellow
Jack Fitzgerald, 2022-2023 Fellow
Pamela Meister, 2019-2020 Fellow
Hon. Ernest Sarason (Ret.), 2019-2020 Fellow
Margaret Van Deusen, 2019-2020 Fellow

Free CORI Sealing Clinic (Virtual)
2023-04-06 15:30 - 18:00, 2023-04-20 15:30 - 18:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Do you need your CORI (criminal record) sealed or expunged? You may be eligible for free assistance from a volunteer attorney, conducted via Zoom video conferencing. Please note, this service is intended for people with Massachusetts-based criminal records.
Sign up for the waitlist here and someone will follow up with you. Please note it may take some time to hear back, depending on the length of the waitlist.
Questions? Contact Sean by email or at 617-544-3434 ext. 110.
How it Works:

To get started, fill out the online sign up form. Lawyers Clearinghouse will email you to confirm your registration.
When you get to the top of the waitlist, Lawyers Clearinghouse will call you to schedule your clinic date and get your consent to pull a copy of your CORI. Note: It may take some time to receive a date depending on the length of the waitlist.
On your clinic date, you will meet with volunteer attorneys for 30-60 minutes over video conferencing or by phone. They will share your CORI with you and discuss the eligibility of your record for sealing and/or expungement.
If you are eligible, the attorneys will work with you on filing a petition to request sealing and/or expungement and discuss next steps. If you are not currently eligible, they will discuss your timeline for eligibility. Note: It will take a few months to receive a final sealing and/or expungement decision from Probation or the court.

This program is offered in partnership with Codman Square NDC, Urban Edge, and the City of Boston.

Free Legal Clinic (BHCHP)
2023-04-07 09:30 - 12:00 | Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP), 780 Albany St., Boston, MA, 02118, United States
Please note: The April 7 Legal Clinic will take place in person at Boston Health Care for the Homeless (map) and is open to the public. You do not need to sign up in advance, but it is strongly recommended so we can assess your eligibility.
Do you need assistance with a civil legal matter? Does your household make under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level? We may be able to connect you with free assistance from volunteer attorneys.

Common case types: Eviction, landlord-tenant issues, housing discrimination, Social Security Income and Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI) denials and appeals, credit and bankruptcy, and tax issues. We do not take family law or criminal cases.
To sign up, please contact our Clinic Manager, Sean Thekkeparayil, to discuss your legal concerns in more detail:
sthekkeparayil@lawyersclearinghouse.org or 617-544-3434 ext. 110.

Nonprofit Board Basics for Small Business Owners (Virtual)
2023-04-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Click here. You will receive a Zoom link upon sign up.

Joining a nonprofit board can be a great way to give back and expand your network as a small business owner, however the process can often feel confusing and intimidating due to the many differences between nonprofits and for-profits.

This webinar will teach small business owners the legal fundamentals of nonprofit governance and board membership to better equip them with the tools needed to become nonprofit leaders in their communities.

Presenter: Russell Paul, Lawyers for Civil Rights

Free Legal Clinic
2023-04-21 09:30 - 12:00
Please note: The April 21 Legal Clinic is only for guests of Southampton Shelter. Please contact Sean using the information below to sign up for an upcoming in-person or virtual clinic date.
Do you need assistance with a civil legal matter? Does your household make under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level? We may be able to connect you with free assistance from volunteer attorneys.

Common case types: Eviction, landlord-tenant issues, housing discrimination, Social Security Income and Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI) denials and appeals, credit and bankruptcy, and tax issues. We do not take family law or criminal cases.
To sign up, please contact our Clinic Manager, Sean Thekkeparayil, to discuss your legal concerns in more detail:
sthekkeparayil@lawyersclearinghouse.org or 617-544-3434 ext. 110.

Nonprofit Wellness Check (Virtual)
2023-04-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Application: Apply here and someone will follow up with you soon. You may apply to attend just the presentation, just the consultation, or both. Please note this program is intended for organizations with 501(c)3 status.

Good governance and compliance are the building blocks for a strong and effective organization! Join us at this free Nonprofit Wellness Check to get one-on-one assistance assessing your operations and creating a roadmap for improvement.
The Nonprofit Wellness Check is a two-part program. You may apply to attend one or both parts:

One-hour presentation on good governance and legal compliance
Private consultation with volunteer attorneys who will help you assess your nonprofit wellness and map out next steps

Presenter: Shifrah Halevi, Lawyers Clearinghouse
Volunteer Attorneys: Morgan Lewis and Bank of America
