Lawyers Clearinghouse

Nonprofit Business Planning: A Roadmap for Your Organization
2026-01-27 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom Video Conferencing
Click here to register.
Click here to pay. The event fee is $25 per organization, however if it’s difficult to pay you may still register and attend the workshop without it.
Do you have a vision for your nonprofit, but aren’t sure how to make it happen? Is your organization ready to grow or change, with a clear, actionable plan? Does your nonprofit want a dynamic way to present its programs and finances to potential funders?
Join us for this exciting workshop on Nonprofit Business Planning with Lu Valena, an artist and business person who founded a coffeehouse and gallery in Cambridge, co-founded a tech start-up, and recently founded a nonprofit art publication.
As a coach and consultant, Lu helps people write clear and compelling business plans—for profit and nonprofit—and put them into action. This Nonprofit Business Planning Workshop will include a presentation and plenty of time for Q&A.
Presenter: Lu Valena, Invisible Ink Coaching

Free CORI Sealing Clinic (Virtual)
2026-01-29 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-12 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-26 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-03-12 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-03-26 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-04-09 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-04-23 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-07 16:00 - 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 only intended for people with Massachusetts-based criminal records.
How it Works:

To get started, sign up for the waitlist.
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 scheduled 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.

View the full 2025-2026 Clinic Schedule
Questions? Contact Sean by email or at 617-544-3434 ext. 110.

Free Legal Clinic (Virtual)
2026-01-30 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-27 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-27 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-24 09:00 - 11:00 | 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; housing discrimination; housing conditions; Social Security Income and Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI) denials and appeals; Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC); credit and tax issues; unemployment; and wills/trusts/estates.
Appointments are required for virtual clinics. 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.
Or check out the full schedule below for a list of in-person clinics, which allow walk-ins:
View the full 2024-2025 Clinic Schedule

AI Policies for Nonprofits
2026-02-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Click here to register.
Click here to pay. The fee is $25 per organization. This fee supports Lawyers Clearinghouse, however if it’s difficult to pay, you may attend without it.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) will–and already is–impacting businesses, nonprofits, and other institutions. AI will enhance, and change, the way we work and how we consume and use information. It’s important that nonprofit organizations of all sizes prepare for AI and develop policies and procedures for how to use it, and how to prevent its misuse. We look forward to working with nonprofits on this important and exciting topic!
Join us for a one-hour workshop, followed by a private consultation with volunteer attorneys for interested nonprofits. Consultation openings are limited; let us know if you’d like to participate.
This is a two-part program:
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: One-hour workshop on AI Policies (open to all Massachusetts nonprofits)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Private consultation with volunteer attorneys (501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits only)
During the consultation, volunteer attorneys will review how key aspects of an AI Policy would apply to your nonprofit and provide a sample form. Eligible organizations may request a referral through Lawyers Clearinghouse to follow up on legal issues.
Any Massachusetts nonprofit may register to attend the workshop. Officers, board members, executive directors, and senior managers of Massachusetts nonprofit corporations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) are welcome to register for the workshop and private consultation.
Stay in touch: Sign up for our email lists at http://bit.ly/ClearinghouseEmails
Need accommodations such as ASL interpretation? Please contact nonprofit@lawyersclearinghouse.org.

A2J Fellows Lunch Meeting
2026-02-10 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-04-14 12:00 - 13:30 | Mintz, One Financial Center, Boston, MA, 02110, United States
For A2J Fellows, Fellows’ Partner Organizations, and Clearinghouse board members only.
Please join us for our monthly lunch meeting. As a reminder, a photo ID is required to enter the building. If you would like to attend but do not have event details, please reach out to Talya at tpecullan@lawyersclearinghouse.org.

Free Legal Clinic (Rosie’s Place)
2026-02-13 08:30 - 11:00 | Rosie’s Place (Women-Only), 889 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA, 02118, United States
Please note: Rosie’s Place is a women-only shelter. If you are not eligible to attend, you may view the full Clinic Schedule for other dates.
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; housing discrimination; housing conditions; Social Security Income and Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI) denials and appeals; Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC); credit and tax issues; unemployment; and wills/trusts/estates.
Walk-ins are welcome at in-person clinics. If you would like to sign up in advance or discuss your legal concern in more detail, please contact our Clinic Manager, Sean Thekkeparayil: sthekkeparayil@lawyersclearinghouse.org or 617-544-3434 ext. 110.
View the full 2025-2026 Clinic Schedule

CORI: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Help Their Clients (Virtual)
2026-02-23 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-28 14:00 - 15:30 | 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.*
Click here to register. 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

Clinic in a Box® - Free Event - Compassionate Leave and Social Media Policies for Nonprofits
2026-03-06 09:15 - 12:30 | Mintz, One Financial Center, Boston, MA, 02110, United States
Click here to apply: 2026 Clinic in a Box® Compassionate Leave and Social Media Policies (This clinic is for established Massachusetts nonprofit corporations with employees in Massachusetts.)
Check-in at 9:15 a.m.
Clinic 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
*Please apply by Friday, February 13, 2026*
Compassionate Leave Policies and Social Media Policies are key components of nonprofit HR. If your organization is selected to participate in this free, in-person event, volunteer attorneys will review your existing compassionate leave and social media policies or provide guidance for creating new ones, and address recent developments in these areas.
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.

All Fellows A2J Luncheon
2026-03-10 12:00 - 14:00 | Mintz, One Financial Center, Boston, MA, 02110, United States
For A2J Fellows, Fellows’ Partner Organizations, and Clearinghouse board members only.
Please join us for an All Fellows luncheon. As a reminder, a photo ID is required to enter the building. If you would like to attend but do not have event details, please reach out to Talya at tpecullan@lawyersclearinghouse.org.

Access to Justice Fellows Program Information Session
2026-03-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Are you winding down your legal practice? Do you want to volunteer in retirement? Consider becoming an Access to Justice Fellow!
Learn more about this innovative pro bono program for senior attorneys and judges at an upcoming virtual Information Session on March 11. A panel of past and continuing Fellows will discuss their experiences and answer questions.
Registration: Click here

Exponentum® Webinar: The Year Ahead in Employment Law: Key Updates and Strategies for Nonprofit Employers
2026-03-12 14:00 - 15:00
Registration: Click here
Join Jackson Lewis P.C. attorneys for a webinar designed to help nonprofit employers navigate the evolving legal landscape in 2026. This session will cover the latest updates in employment law with a focus on workplace accommodation obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and Title VII’s religious accommodation obligations.
All executive directors, in-house counsel, human resource professionals, board members and other leaders of nonprofit organizations are invited to attend.

Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop (Virtual)
2026-03-12 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, however if it’s difficult to pay you may still register and attend 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; Natalie Chaudhury, Goodwin

Free Legal Clinic (St. Francis House)
2026-03-13 08:30 - 11:00 | 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.

Common case types: Eviction; housing discrimination; housing conditions; Social Security Income and Social Security Disability Income (SSI/SSDI) denials and appeals; Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC); credit and tax issues; unemployment; and wills/trusts/estates.
Walk-ins are welcome at in-person clinics. If you would like to sign up in advance or discuss your legal concern in more detail, please contact our Clinic Manager, Sean Thekkeparayil: sthekkeparayil@lawyersclearinghouse.org or 617-544-3434 ext. 110.
View the full 2025-2026 Clinic Schedule

Board & Staff DEI Retreat
2026-03-19 15:00 - 18:00
For board members, committee members, and invited guests only.
Please contact Susan to be forwarded the meeting invitation.

Nonprofit Lobbying, Advocacy and Political Activities: What's OK and What's Not?
2026-04-06 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Click here. You will receive a Zoom link upon sign up.
Event fee: If you would like to pay the $25 per organization event fee, you may do so here. This fee supports Lawyers Clearinghouse, however if it’s difficult to pay, you may register and attend 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”

Presenter: Teresa Santalucia, Klein Hornig

Free Legal Clinic (Barbara McInnis House)
2026-04-10 08:30 - 11:00 | Barbara McInnis House, 780 Albany St., Boston, MA, 02118, United States

Consultation: Written Information Security Programs (WISPs) for MA Nonprofits
2026-04-30 12:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Click here. You may apply for a consultation spot (501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits only) or register to attend only the workshop (open to everyone).
Event fee: If you would like to pay the $25 per organization event fee, you may do so here. This fee supports Lawyers Clearinghouse, however if it’s difficult to pay, you may register and attend without it.
Massachusetts law requires anyone that owns or licenses certain kinds of personal information about a resident of the Commonwealth to develop, implement, and maintain a Written Information Security Program (WISP).
Join us for a workshop on cybersecurity and WISPs, followed by a private consultation with volunteer attorneys for interested nonprofits. Consultation openings are limited; let us know if you’d like to participate.
This is a two-part program:
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM: Workshop on cybersecurity and MA WISPs
1:15 PM – 3:00 PM: Private consultations with volunteer attorneys
During the consultations, volunteer attorneys from Morgan Lewis and Bank of America will review your current WISP and make recommendations, or discuss how to develop a new WISP for your nonprofit. Eligible organizations may request a referral through Lawyers Clearinghouse to follow up on legal issues.
Any Massachusetts nonprofit may register to attend the workshop. Officers, board members, executive directors, and senior managers of Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits are welcome to register for the workshop and request a private consultation.
Workshop presenters: Ann Westerheim (Ekaru) and Shifrah Halevi (Lawyers Clearinghouse)
Volunteer Attorneys: Morgan Lewis and Bank of America

Nonprofit Lobbying: MA and Federal Lobbying Requirements and Limits for 501(c)(3) Nonprofits
2026-05-07 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Click here. You will receive a Zoom link upon sign up.
Event Fee: Click here. The event fee is $25 per organization, however if it’s difficult to pay you may still register and attend the workshop without it.
This 90-minute workshop with Q&A will take a closer look at nonprofit lobbying on the state, local and federal level. Beginning with the difference between advocacy and lobbying, and the prohibition on political campaign intervention by 501(c)(3) nonprofits, the presenters will explore the definition of “lobbying” for federal and state purposes; IRS limitations on lobbying by 501(c)(3) nonprofits; and the basics of how to register to lobby at the federal, state and local level.
Topics include:

Quick Overview: Advocacy vs. Lobbying; Political Campaign Intervention
Lobbying: Federal and MA Definitions
IRS Limitations for 501(c)(3) nonprofits
Lobbying on Federal Issues
MA Lobbying Requirements (State and Local)

Presenters: Teresa Santalucia, partner at Klein Hornig; Kate Worrall, partner at Charles Group Consulting
