CORI Sealing Project
Connecting low-income clients with volunteer attorneys
A criminal record can have a severe impact on a person’s life. It can be used by employers and landlords to deprive individuals of employment and housing. Through this program, volunteers help qualified individuals seal their records and take control of their lives.
At the clinic, low-income clients who have questions about their criminal records are connected with volunteer attorneys who can help. Presented in partnership with Greater Boston Legal Services, the clinics feature a “Know Your Rights” presentation that covers sealing and expunging adult and juvenile records, as well as updates on CORI law.
The clinics themselves are now presented virtually, to allow more flexibility for those who are in need of assistance in sealing or expunging their CORI records.
The CORI Sealing Clinic takes place on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 2:00PM-4:00PM.
Need CORI Help?
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.