Boston Bar Association

The Boston Bar Association’s CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) Sealing Clinic Pilot Project connects low-income clients who have questions about their criminal records with volunteer attorneys who can help. The clinic is held monthly at the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse in downtown Boston and clients can receive assistance with obtaining, reviewing, and, if advised, sealing or expunging their records.

A criminal record can make it harder to get a job or find housing. However, a CORI record may contain charges that can be “sealed” or expunged so that employers or housing providers cannot see those charges. Visit the Boston Bar’s CORI Sealing Clinic where lawyers can help you get a copy of your CORI, understand what’s on your CORI, and seal or expunge your CORI if possible. It’s recommended, but not required, to visit the clinic with a current copy of your CORI printed. See above for the upcoming clinic dates.

The Boston Bar Association’s CORI Sealing Clinic takes place the 1st Wednesday of each month from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Boston Municipal Court – Central Division.

The Boston Bar Association’s free CORI (Criminal Record Offender Information) Sealing Clinic helps low-income individuals obtain a copy of their record and, if possible, seal or expunge that record.

Questions about the clinic? Call the Boston Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at (617) 742-0625 or email us at lrs@bostonbar.org

Lawyers and law students are invited to provide pro bono services at this monthly clinic assisting low-income clients with questions related to their Massachusetts criminal record.

How it works:

• Volunteers are trained in advance regarding CORI laws and procedures. Then they are able to sign-up for the clinic months that work for their schedule.
• Potential clients visit the walk-in clinic and are screened for eligibility.
• At the clinic, volunteers help intake clients and assist with CORI request forms, administrative sealing forms, and other related paperwork. Please note that the CORI sealing process cannot be completed in one day, and volunteers are expected to continue assisting the clients they intake.
• All forms and supplemental paperwork are available at the clinic. Guidance and mentorship are provided by Greater Boston Legal Services.

Why volunteer:

• A criminal record can be used by employers and landlords to deprive individuals of employment and housing. Helping an individual seal their record can be life-changing.
• Gain clinic, and potentially court, experience while learning about a new area of law.
• Connect and network with other practitioners.

• Email Chane Vanes at cvanes@bostonbar.org