Lawyers Clearinghouse

Free Legal Clinic (Cambridge Women's Center)
2024-02-09 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-11-03 09:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Free CORI Sealing Clinic (Virtual)
2024-02-08 15:30 - 18:00, 2023-12-14 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.
View the full 2023-2024 Clinic Schedule
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.

Nonprofit Governance Check-In
2024-02-08 13:30 - 16:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Apply or register here. You may apply to attend both parts, or register for just the presentation. Consultations slots are limited to 501(c)3 organizations, but the presentation is open to everyone.
Fee: $25 per organization upon acceptance. This fee supports Lawyers Clearinghouse, however if it is difficult to pay, you may forego paying it.
Good governance and compliance are the building blocks for a strong and effective organization! Join us at this Nonprofit Governance Check-In to get one-on-one assistance assessing your operations and creating a roadmap for improvement.

Accepted organizations will be paired with volunteer attorneys who can provide legal information and issue-spotting related to:

Maintaining MA nonprofit status & IRS tax-exempt status;
Boards & governance;
IRS operational & fundraising-related requirements.

This is a two-part program. You may register for just the presentation if you prefer:
1:30 PM-2:30 PM: One-hour presentation on good governance and legal compliance.
2:30 PM-4 PM: Private consultation with volunteer attorneys.
Presenter: Shifrah Halevi, Lawyers Clearinghouse
Volunteer Attorneys: Goodwin

CORI: What Nonprofits Need to Know to Help Their Clients (Virtual)
2024-02-07 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-11-15 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 Business Planning: A Roadmap for Your Organization (Virtual)
2024-01-24 14:00 - 15:30 | 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.
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 with plenty of time for Q&A.
Presenter: Lu Valena, Invisible Ink Coaching

Nonprofit Bylaws Consultation (Virtual)
2024-01-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Apply or register here and someone will follow up with you. You may apply to attend both parts, or register for just the presentation. This consultation is open to both 501(c)3 organizations and prospective nonprofits.
Payment: $25 per organization upon acceptance. This fee supports Lawyers Clearinghouse, however if it is difficult to pay, you may forego paying it.
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.

1-2 PM: One-hour presentation on bylaws basics.
2-3 PM: Private consultation with volunteer attorneys.

Nonprofit Presenter: Shifrah Halevi, Lawyers Clearinghouse
Attorney Presenter: Brittany Besler, Besler Law LLC
Volunteer Attorneys: Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop (Virtual)
2024-01-08 16:00 - 18:00, 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

Free Legal Clinic (Virtual)
2023-12-15 09:30 - 12:00, 2023-11-17 09:30 - 12:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing

Nonprofit Conflicts of Interest: How to Identify Conflicts and Protect Your Nonprofit
2023-12-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom Video Conferencing
Registration: Click here. You may apply to attend both the training and consultation, or just register for the training only.
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.
Conflicts of interest, if not managed appropriately, could violate a nonprofit director’s or officer’s duty of loyalty, raise questions for donors, trigger IRS penalties against the nonprofit and individuals, or even cause an investigation by the MA Attorney General’s Office.
Join us for this helpful workshop, presented by Michael (Mike) McGrath, a partner at the law firm of Ropes & Gray, who represents nonprofit organizations on a variety of transactional, corporate governance, compliance and regulatory matters. Topics include:

What are conflicts of interest—for small nonprofits and larger ones?
Should your nonprofit have a formal conflict of interest policy in place?
How can you protect your nonprofit from conflicts of interest that could compromise its integrity and result in sanctions or an investigation?

This workshop will begin with a 1-hour presentation on conflicts of interest from 12-1 PM, followed by an optional Q&A from 1-1:30 PM.
Presenter: Michael (Mike) McGrath, Ropes & Gray

Free Legal Clinic (St. Francis House)
2023-12-01 09:30 - 12:00 | St. Francis House, 39 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02111, United States

Free CORI Sealing Clinic (Virtual)
2023-11-30 15:30 - 18:00, 2023-11-16 15:30 - 18:00, 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.

Nonprofit Wellness Check Consultation (Virtual)
2023-11-16 13:30 - 16:00 | Zoom Video Conferencing
*Note: Consultations slots are limited to 501(c)3 organizations.*
*Note: You may apply to attend just the presentation, register for just the consultation, or both.*

Application/Registration: Click here. Someone will follow up with you soon about your status.

Good governance and compliance are the building blocks for a strong and effective organization! Join us at this 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:
1:30 PM-2:30 PM: One-hour presentation on good governance and legal compliance.
2:30 PM-4 PM: Private consultation with volunteer attorneys.
Presenter: Shifrah Halevi, Lawyers Clearinghouse
Volunteer Attorneys: Goodwin

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.

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

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 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

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 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.

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

Free CORI Sealing Clinic (Virtual)
2023-06-29 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 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.

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.
