Boston Bar Association

The Boston Bar Association and Greater Boston Legal Services’ CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) Sealing Clinic is now virtual!

This clinic connects low-income clients who have questions about their criminal records with volunteer attorneys who can help. To help our communities understand our initiative, Ventura Dennis of Greater Boston Legal Services will be offering a short “Know Your Rights” presentation at the beginning of the clinic. These presentations will cover sealing and expunging adult and juvenile records and updates on CORI law.

Following these presentations, we will be hosting our official Virtual CORI Sealing Clinic with volunteer attorneys from partnering organizations. These volunteers will be assisting clients online with sealing and expunging CORI records. You can sign up to receive CORI help here.

The Boston Bar Association’s CORI Sealing Clinic takes place the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday of each month from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. See upcoming clinic dates below.

Information for Potential Clients

By signing up for the CORI Sealing Clinic, you will be provided with FREE legal information about your rights and will be screened for eligibility to be matched with a FREE (pro bono) lawyer to assist you with obtaining, reviewing, and, if advised, sealing, or expunging your records.

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

For basic CORI information visit: www.masslegalhelp.org/cori

Information for Interested Attorneys

Lawyers are invited to provide pro bono services at this bi-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 that works most with their schedule.
• Volunteers must then virtually attend at least one CORI Sealing Clinic where you will be matched with a client in a Zoom breakout room
• After attending one virtual clinic, volunteers can be placed on our referral panel. As cases become available, clients will be referred to the panel
• Volunteers are expected to take on the client on a pro bono basis. This includes helping intake clients and assist with CORI request forms, administrative sealing forms, and any administrative sealing hearings after the clinic

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

How to volunteer:

• Email Chane Vanes at cvanes@bostonbar.org