Lawyers Clearinghouse

Free CORI Sealing Clinic (Virtual)
2023-04-06 15:30 - 18:00, 2023-04-20 15:30 - 18:00, 2023-05-18 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-06-01 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-06-15 16:00 - 18:00, 2023-06-29 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 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.

CORI: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Help Their Clients (Virtual)
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

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

WISP Consultation (Virtual)
2023-05-02 13:00 - 16:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Application: Apply here and someone will follow up with you soon. Please note this program is intended for organizations with 501c3 status.
Massachusetts law requires any corporate entity operating in MA which handles personal information (PI) to develop and enforce a Written Information Security Program (WISP). Apply to join us for a two-part WISP training and consultation program, where you will receive assistance updating or creating a WISP tailored to your organization.

This consultation will start with a one-hour training covering how to implement and maintain a WISP at the operational level, followed by one-on-one breakout sessions staffed by volunteer attorneys who will review your current WISP and make recommendations as necessary, or discuss how to develop a new WISP for your nonprofit if needed.

Presenter: Danny Summerlin, Jumpstart
Volunteer Attorneys: Morgan Lewis and Citizens Bank

Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop (Virtual)
2023-05-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Click here. 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; Alyssa Fitzgerald, Goodwin.

Free Legal Clinic
2023-05-19 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-06-02 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-06-16 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-06-30 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.

Nonprofit Consultation: Bylaws (Virtual)
2023-05-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Application: Apply here and someone will follow up with you soon. You do not need to be a 501(c)3–prospective nonprofits are also welcome. If your organization is an existing nonprofit, you will also be asked to provide a copy of your current bylaws to complete your application.
Fee: $25 per organization if you are approved to attend. This registration fee supports Lawyers Clearinghouse, however if it is difficult to pay, you may forego paying it.
Bylaws are a core governing document and helpful roadmap. Good bylaws provide a clear structure for governance, including electing or replacing directors and officers, officers’ roles and responsibilities, holding meetings, and key organizational policies.
Join us for a pro bono legal consultation on your nonprofit bylaws. The Nonprofit Bylaws Consultation includes a 40-minute presentation on bylaws basics, followed by a 45-minute private session between your organization and volunteer attorneys from the Boston Bar Association. The attorneys will review your current bylaws or assist in creating new ones, answer questions, and provide guidance.
The Nonprofit Bylaws Consultation is a one-time, free legal consultation designed for any nonprofit looking to change, update, or create bylaws.

CORI: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Help Their Clients (Virtual)
2023-06-07 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-09-20 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 is the process to seal a CORI? Can I refer my client to free legal resources for sealing?
What rights do individuals with a sealed CORI have when they are applying for a job? Housing?
What is the process to expunge a charge on a CORI? Are there free legal resources?
What are the concerns for an individual with a CORI who has an immigration issue?

Presenter: Crispin Birnbaum, Access to Justice Fellow

Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop (Virtual)
2023-06-15 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Click here. 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: Sue Abbott, Goodwin; Luke Blackadar, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston.

Nonprofit Bylaws Consultation (Virtual)
2023-07-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Apply here* and someone will follow up with you. You may apply to attend both parts, or register for just the presentation portion. This consultation is open to both 501(c)3 organizations and prospective nonprofits.
Payment: $25 per organization upon acceptance.
Bylaws are the core of nonprofit good governance, providing a roadmap for the organization and its board of directors. Join Lawyers Clearinghouse, attorney Brittany Besler, and attorneys from the law firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges for a presentation and consultation on nonprofit bylaws.
After an overview of bylaws basics, lawyers from Weil will review your organization’s current bylaws and discuss possible revisions. This consultation is intended for any nonprofit looking to review, update or create bylaws, from established nonprofits to those who have just incorporated.
The Nonprofit Bylaws Consultation is a two-part program. You may apply to attend one or both parts:

10 AM-11 AM: One-hour presentation on bylaws basics.
11 AM- 12 PM: Private consultation with volunteer attorneys who will review your nonprofit’s bylaws and discuss possible revisions.

Nonprofit Presenter: Shifrah Halevi, Lawyers Clearinghouse
Attorney Presenter: Brittany Besler, Besler Law LLC
Volunteer Attorneys: Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
*PLEASE NOTE: Consultation slots are very limited and confirmed organizations are paired with specific volunteers a week in advance. If you are confirmed for a consultation, you will be expected to attend on 7/13 or to notify us of cancelation as soon as possible so we can bring in an organization off the waitlist.

Nonprofit Employment Law Basics (Virtual)
2023-08-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Click here. You will receive a Zoom link upon sign up.
Payment: $25 per organization. Please consider paying this fee, as it supports our workshops and referral services.
This seminar will cover the basics of employment law for nonprofits and will answer questions such as:

What constitutes an employee?
What are the legal obligations of an employer?
How do you minimize potential liabilities to protect your organization and employees?

Presenter: Christopher Kaczmarek, Littler Mendelson P.C.

Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop (Virtual)
2023-09-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Click here. 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; Alyssa Fitzgerald, Goodwin

35th Annual Meeting
2023-09-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Nixon Peabody, 53 State Street, Boston, MA, 02109, United States
Join us at Nixon Peabody on September 28 to celebrate 35 years of pro bono service and honor Richard Muraida, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager at Rockland Trust!
Additional details coming soon.

Nonprofit Lobbying, Advocacy & Political Activities: What’s OK and What’s Not?
2023-10-11 09:00 - 10:30 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Click here. 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.
Join us for a 90-minute virtual workshop and Q&A covering the basics of nonprofit lobbying, advocacy, and political activities for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. Organizations focused on social, economic, and political issues may find it especially helpful. Attendees will learn:

What constitutes advocacy, lobbying, or political activity;
What rules apply, and what can happen if you break them;
How these rules apply to social media;
Sample language for voter education and “get out the vote” efforts; and
Tips to prevent potential issues.

Presenter: Teresa Santalucia, Klein Hornig

Pro Bono Volunteer Lunch & Learn (Virtual)
2023-10-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Want to serve local nonprofits, help people in need, and change lives?
Grab your lunch and a colleague (or two!) and join us to hear more about our volunteer opportunities and open cases at a virtual Pro Bono Volunteer Lunch & Learn!
Sign Up: Click here. You will receive a Zoom link via email upon registration.

Clearinghouse program managers Shifrah Halevi and Sean Thekkeparayil will provide a broad overview of our Legal Referral Program, serving MA nonprofits, and our Legal and CORI Clinic Programs, serving people who are homeless and/or very-low income.

Attendees will learn more about the volunteering process and what to expect when working with our nonprofit or homeless and low-income clients, and Sean and Shifrah will also share more information about current open cases that still need placement.

Free CORI Sealing Clinic (Virtual)
2023-11-02 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.

Free Legal Clinic (Cambridge Women's Center)
2023-11-03 09:30 - 12:00 | Cambridge Women’s Center, 46 Pleasant St., Cambridge, MA, 02139, 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.
View the full 2023-2024 Clinic Schedule

Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop (Virtual)
2023-11-09 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Click here. 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: Sue Abbott, Goodwin; Luke Blackadar, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston
