Business Details
38 Years
experience
Connecting Legal Expertise with Community Needs
Founded in 1988 by the Boston Bar Association and Massachusetts Bar Association, Lawyers Clearinghouse has dedicated over 35 years to connecting nonprofit organizations and underserved individuals with critical pro bono legal services. Our mission focuses on addressing social and economic challenges through housing advocacy, benefits access, criminal record sealing, and nonprofit capacity-building initiatives. We operate three core programs: Clinic Programs partnering with law firms to provide free civil legal assistance, Nonprofit Programs offering governance and compliance resources, and the Access to Justice Fellows Program engaging retired legal professionals in pro bono work. With a network of 14.5 million annually leveraged legal services, we've become a national model for bar-sponsored pro bono initiatives.Our team combines deep legal expertise with community partnerships to deliver tailored solutions for housing insecurity, tax lien foreclosures, and organizational development needs. Through educational workshops, direct client representation, and policy advocacy support, we empower both individuals and nonprofits to achieve lasting legal stability. Our Boston-based operations have expanded statewide while maintaining rigorous ethical standards and client-centered service principles that earned the American Bar Association's Pro Bono Partnership Award in 1991.
Services
Pro Bono Legal Assistance
Legal Clinics
CORI Sealing
Nonprofit Resources
Fellows Program
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 37 years of specialized experience in pro bono legal service coordination
- Network of $14.5 million annually leveraged legal resources through attorney partnerships
- Pioneered national model for bar-sponsored pro bono initiatives
- Specialized programs for housing law, criminal record sealing, and nonprofit governance
- Dual focus on direct client representation and organizational capacity-building
Associations and certifications
- American Bar Association
What people say
Incredible service
Critical legal assistance
Compassionate attorneys
Lifelong impact
Excellent legal guidance
Services
Pro Bono Legal Assistance
Connecting Massachusetts nonprofits and low-income individuals with volunteer attorneys for civil legal matters. Our network provides expertise in housing law, benefits access, and organizational governance. Services include direct representation, document preparation, and legal education tailored to each client's specific needs.
Legal Clinics
Operating specialized clinics at Boston shelters for homeless individuals. Services cover housing disputes, tax lien foreclosures, wills, and trust matters. Clinics offer one-on-one consultations with legal professionals and follow-up support through our volunteer attorney network.
CORI Sealing
Assisting individuals with criminal record sealing and expungement processes. Our program helps clients overcome employment barriers through legal consultations, petition preparation, and court representation by experienced criminal law attorneys.
Nonprofit Resources
Providing Massachusetts nonprofits with governance check-ins, data privacy guidance, and advocacy training. Services include document review, compliance workshops, and tailored legal advice to strengthen organizational capacity and community impact.
Fellows Program
Engaging retired lawyers and judges in pro bono service through placements with legal aid organizations. Fellows provide specialized expertise in immigration law, housing advocacy, and court support while mentoring emerging legal professionals.
Questions
How can I access legal services?
Contact our Boston office to determine eligibility for our free clinics or nonprofit support programs. Individuals must demonstrate financial need while nonprofits must serve Massachusetts communities.
What areas do you specialize in?
Our primary focus areas include housing law, criminal record sealing, nonprofit governance, and benefits access. We also provide specialized immigration legal support through our fellows program.
Are services truly free?
Yes, all our legal services are provided at no cost through volunteer attorney contributions and our fellows program. We never charge clients for our direct services.
How do attorney partnerships work?
We connect law firms and legal departments with pro bono opportunities matching their expertise. Partners receive case management support while maintaining direct client engagement.
Can out-of-state nonprofits get help?
Our services primarily focus on Massachusetts-based organizations. Out-of-state nonprofits may access resources through our national model programs but receive limited direct support.
What volunteer opportunities exist?
Attorneys can join our network for case referrals, participate in clinics, or apply for our fellows program. Non-attorneys may assist with administrative support and event coordination.
