Community Legal Aid

Worcester District Court Small Claims Lawyer for the Day
2024-04-30 08:45 - 11:00, 2024-04-23 08:45 - 11:00, 2024-04-16 08:45 - 11:00, 2024-04-09 08:45 - 11:00, 2024-04-02 08:45 - 11:00, 2024-03-26 08:45 - 11:00, 2024-03-19 08:45 - 11:00, 2023-09-12 08:45 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | via Zoom, MA, United States
VOLUNTEER CALL TO ACTION!
This remote Lawyer for the Day program is a collaborative pro bono project with the Worcester County Bar Association (WCBA) that provides Limited Assistance Representation (LAR) to low-income debtors in the Worcester District Court, Small Claims Session. This program takes places every Tuesday morning between 8:45 – 11:00 A.M. via Zoom.
SIGN UP HERE for a session between January and March 2026!

Criminal Record Sealing and Expungement Clinic (Gt. Barrington)
2024-04-09 17:00 - 19:00 | The Guthrie Center, 2 Van Deusenville Rd, Great Barrington, 01230, United States
What: Criminal Record Sealing and Expungement Clinic
Despite the fact that you may never have been found guilty of a charge, or that you fulfilled any requirements of a guilty plea or verdict, you might be having trouble finding or keeping housing or employment because of your Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)
If you want help understanding what is on your CORI and attempting to seal eligible charges, we are here to help.
When: April 9, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 PM
Where: The Guthrie Center, 2 Van Deusenville Rd, Great Barrington, MA 01230

Housing Court Training for Attorneys - Hampden County
2024-03-27 13:00 - 16:30 | Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse, 50 State Street, Springfield, MA, 01102, United States
The Hampden County Bar Association Legal Clinic, in partnership with Community Legal Aid, will be hosting a Housing Court Training to train attorneys in a new area of practice.
The Training will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse in the Commissioners Room. The Training will prepare volunteers with a basic overview of Housing Court Law and tools to assist landlords and tenants in a “Lawyer for the Day” (LFD) capacity. The Training will cover an overview of Massachusetts residential tenancy laws, a summary of process law and procedure, and the purpose of LFD/Role of the Volunteer Lawyer.
A certificate of attendance and Lunch will be provided! *Attendees must sign up for a LFD shift as the price of admission*
PANEL
• Honorable Jonathan J. Kane, First Justice, Western Division Housing Court
• Clerk Magistrate Michael J. Doherty, Western Housing Court
• Chief Housing Specialist Jenni Pothier, Western Division Housing Court
• Gordon P. Shaw, Esq., Community Legal Aid
• Dennis P. Powers, Esq., Powers Law Group LLP
• Peter T. Lane, Esq., Fierst Bloomberg Ohm LLP
• Richard Herbert, Esq., Rich Herbert Law, P.C.
REGISTER TODAY!
For questions please call 413-733-6500 or email Tamika Ortiz-Acosta, Legal Clinic Manager, at tamika@hcbar.org

Family Lawyer for the Day CANCELED
2024-03-27 | MA

Community Legal Aid Board Meeting
2024-03-25 17:15 - 18:30 | MA

Worcester Probate and Family Court Lawyer for the Day
2024-02-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Worcester Court Service Center, 225 Main St, 1st Floor, Worcester, 01608, United States
Worcester Probate and Family Court Lawyer for the Day

At this pro bono program coordinated by Community Legal Aid, low-income litigants can speak to a free volunteer private attorney to get basic legal advice, help understanding the laws, and assistance filling out forms. Please note that the program only assists with family law matters and does not assist with probate matters.
Because this pro bono program is dependent upon volunteers, we cannot guarantee a volunteer attorney is available each week. Please check our calendar to confirm whether a volunteer is scheduled for the day you plan to arrive. Occasionally, we are unable to provide an update if a volunteer cancels with less than 24 hours’ notice. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
WHEN:

Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

No sign-up necessary. First-come, first-served

Due to volunteer capacity, we can only assist approximately 5 people each session
LOCATION:

Worcester Court Service Center; 1st floor of the Worcester Trial Court

225 Main St., 1st Floor, Worcester, MA 01608
ELIGIBILITY:

Serving low-income individuals whose household income falls 200% or below the federal poverty guidelines

Can only serve U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, or those with an eligible documented status
SERVICES:

Legal advice and guidance; answer case-related questions; discuss legal options and strategy; assist drafting pleadings and court forms for family law matters
WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY? SIGN UP HERE (for attorneys only)
QUESTIONS? Please email FamilyLFD@cla-ma.org.

Consumer Debt Training- Advising and Representing Debtors in Small Claims Court
2024-01-29 16:00 - 18:00 | via Zoom, MA, United States
A CLE webinar produced by the Social Law Library featuring:

Joy Sun, Attorney, Consumer Rights Unit at Greater Boston Legal Services
Sarah Perlman, Attorney, Consumer Rights Unit at Greater Boston Legal Services
Choyce McIntosh, Pro Bono Coordinator, Community Legal Aid

This training will provide you with the resources necessary to do so, whether you‘re a pro bono volunteer or just starting your consumer law practice. Topics covered will include:

An overview of consumer debt collection
How to validate & dispute debt
Stopping harassment by debt collectors
What income is exempt from collection
Advising and representing debtors in small claims court
Relevant consumer resources in Massachusetts
Answering your consumer debt questions

Know Your Rights: Fair Housing, Sexuality, and Gender Identity and Expression.
2024-01-27 15:30 - 17:00 | MA
Know Your Rights: Fair Housing, Sexuality, and Gender Identity and Expression.
January 27, 2024 – 3:30pm to 5pm, Forbes Library
January 30, 2024 – 6pm to 7:30pm, Translate Gender.
LGBTQIA+ individuals are protected by both federal and state anti-discrimination laws. Join the Fair Housing Project of Community Legal Aid and Translate Gender for a workshop that addresses legal rights under the Fair Housing Act and Massachusetts state anti-discrimination laws.
Register:
forms.gle/gkLMNtUCrhUe29Zt6

Franklin Access to Justice Campaign Luncheon
2023-12-13 13:00 - 14:00 | MA
The citizens of Franklin County have been asking to have a Community Legal Aid office once again in our community. Our voices have been heard. In 2024, Community Legal Aid (CLA) is opening a new full-time office in downtown Greenfield to support the legal needs of our low-income and elderly neighbors throughout Franklin County.
Please join us on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. for a free fundraising luncheon at Hope & Olive to celebrate CLA’s new Franklin County office and to learn about how important CLA’s work is to our community. Senator Jo Comerford will be our special guest.
When: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M.
Where: Hope and Olive, 44 Hope Street, Greenfield
Who: Open to members of the Franklin county legal community and beyond! Anyone interested in learning more about Community Legal Aid’s Access to Justice Campaign is welcome!
We hope that you will be able to join us. Our goal is to show an increase in the numbers of individuals, firms, and businesses in Franklin County supporting the Franklin County Access to Justice Campaign.
Let us know you’re coming! RSVP

Know Your Rights: School Discipline in MA (Zoom)
2023-11-16 18:00 - 19:30 | MA, United States
Do you want to know more about your child’s rights in school discipline proceedings?
Does your child’s school frequently call you and ask you to pick your child up early due to behavior concerns?
Do you want to know more about the relationship between school discipline,special education, mental health, and race?
¿Quieres saber más sobre los derechos de su niño en los procedimientos disciplinarios escolares?
¿La escuela de su niño lo llama con frecuencia y le pide que lo recoja temprano debido a problemas de comportamiento?
¿Quieres saber más sobre la relación entre la disciplina escolar, educación especial, salud mental y raza?
The Support Network invites you to hear from attorneys from Community Legal Aid’s Education Law Unit about the rights of MA students and their families in school discipline proceedings. Presentation to be followed by Q&A.
The Support Network lo invita a escuchar a los abogados de la Unidad de Derecho Educativo de Community Legal Aid sobre los derechos de los estudiantes de MA y sus familias en los procedimientos disciplinarios escolares. Presentación seguida de preguntas y respuestas.
To RSVP and receive the Zoom link:
Para confirmar su asistencia y recibir el enlace de Zoom:
gemond@wmtcinfo.org
(413) 530-4689

Estate Planning Clinic
2023-11-09 13:00 - 16:00 | MA
Community Legal Aid, in collaboration with Hanover Insurance Group, is hosting a one-day Estate Planning Clinic. Volunteer attorneys will prepare wills, powers of attorney, and health care proxies, free for veterans, seniors, & others who are financially eligible.
Space is limited. Advanced registration is required.

Worcester Access to Justice Campaign Kick-Off
2023-11-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Redemption Rock Brewing Co., 333 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA, United States
Community Legal Aid (CLA) invites you to Working Together for Justice, an Access to Justice Campaign kick-off event, co-hosted by the Worcester County Access to Justice Campaign Committee Chair Lynette Paczkowski, CLA Board President, Hon. Luis Perez (Ret.), and Worcester County Bar Association President Leonardo Angiulo.
Join us on Thursday, November 2nd for an opportunity to learn about CLA’s work providing civil legal services and how it impacts our community. Then, enjoy live music performed by local music duo Ash & Eric.
When: Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M.
Where: Redemption Rock Brewing Co., 333 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester (Read about parking at Redemption Rock).
Who: Open to members of the Worcester county legal community and beyond! Anyone interested in learning more about Community Legal Aid’s Access to Justice Campaign is welcome!
There will be a cash bar and complimentary Hors D’oeuvres! Let us know you’re coming – RSVP!

Free Wage Theft Legal Clinic
2023-10-24 16:00 - 18:00 | YMCA of Central MA, 1 Salem Street, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Help is available! Wage theft and worker exploitation are rising. To help workers, the Attorney General’s Office holds Wage Theft Clinics with community partners like Community Legal Aid. Lawyers, law students, and interpreters will be at the Clinic to help you learn about your rights, draft a demand letter, or prepare a small claims court complaint. Walk-ins are welcome. If you need an interpreter, please call (617) 727-3465. Please bring these papers, if you have them: pay stubs, time sheets, letters/emails/texts from your employer. This event is FREE.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/free-wage-theft-legal-clinic

Worcester Thanks a Latte @ Fuel America
2023-10-19 08:00 - 11:00 | Fuel America, 6 Mercantile Street, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
Dear Community Legal Aid Pro Bono Attorneys and Valued Partners,
October is National Celebrate Pro Bono Month! We are honored to celebrate you during Pro Bono Month 2023.
Please join us as we kick off Pro Bono Month with a Thanks A Latte Volunteer Appreciation Event at Fuel America in Worcester. Join us for coffee and breakfast as we thank all of our volunteers and community partners for your ongoing support.
Where: Fuel America – 6 Mercantile Street, Worcester
When: October 19, 2023 from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.
How: Please RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4t4YStsY9ULwrIZ_NcMcGavIVaHGwDyg0TZFpfRDjyYjQuQ/viewform

Western Division Housing Court Lawyer for the Day Program
2023-10-12 09:00 - 13:00 | MA, United States
In partnership with the Hampden County Bar Association, this in-person Lawyer for the Day program recruits volunteer attorneys who provide counsel and advice and/or Limited Assistance Representation to litigants who have a housing court case on that day. Onsight mentorship by a CLA Attorney is provided.
When: Every Thursday from 9am-1pm
Where: Western Division Housing Court: 37 Elm Street, Springfield, MA 01103
Sign-up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DABAB2CA2FF2-western1#/

Springfield Thanks a Latte @ Nosh Cafe
2023-10-12 08:00 - 10:00 | Nosh Cafe, 1341 Main Street, Springfield, MA, United States
Dear Community Legal Aid Pro Bono Attorneys and Valued Partners, October is National Celebrate Pro Bono Month! We are honored to celebrate you during Pro Bono Month 2023.
Please join us as we kick off Pro Bono Month with a Thanks A Latte Volunteer Appreciation Event at Nosh Restaurant & Cafe in Springfield. Join us for coffee and breakfast as we thank all of our volunteers and community partners for your ongoing support.
Where: Nosh Restaurant & Cafe – 1341 Main Street, Springfield, MA
When: October 12, 2023 from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.
How: Please RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFxduY3UQ-Pt5UbT1LaohwG2axPrzOb8YtuW_bzeDYAW2tWg/viewform

CORI Sealing Clinic (Great Barrington)
2023-08-07 14:30 - 16:30 | Berkshire South Regional Community Center, 15 Crissey Rd, Great Barrington, MA, 01230, United States
Despite the fact that you may never have been found guilty of a charge, or that you fulfilled any requirements of a guilty plea or verdict, you might be having trouble finding or keeping housing or employment because of your Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI).
If you want help understanding what is on your CORI and attempting to seal eligible charges, we are here to help.

WHAT: Expungement and Sealing Clinic Learn how to seal your criminal record. Private consultations available.
WHERE: Berkshire South Regional Community Center, 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230
WHEN: Monday, August, 7, 2023: 2:30-4:30

CORI Sealing Clinic (Pittsfield)
2023-08-03 13:00 - 15:00 | 2nd Street, 264 Second Street, Pittsfield, 01201
Despite the fact that you may never have been found guilty of a charge, or that you fulfilled any requirements of a guilty plea or verdict, you might be having trouble finding or keeping housing or employment because of your Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI). If you want help understanding what is on your CORI and attempting to seal eligible charges, we are here to help.

WHAT: Expungement and Sealing Clinic Learn how to seal your criminal record. Private consultations available.
WHERE: 2nd Street, 264 Second Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M.

Know Your Rights Information Session: Immigration (CWJC)
2023-07-27 10:00 - 11:00 | MA, United States
July 27, 2023 @ 10:00am
Leominster Public Library
30 West Street, Leominster, MA 01453
or you can join us on Zoom by registering:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMlf–tpj0qE9C0kELjKXNc-ZPBb3eycSNb
Community Legal Aid affiliate, Central West Justice Center, will be hosting an information session to provide the community with knowledge about immigration relief, including: asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, U Visa, and the Violence Against Women Act.
Following this presentation, we will have a limited number of spots available for on-the-spot consultations. If you are interested in a private, individual consultation, please complete the form at the following link:
https://forms.gle/SR51AQtWv5zKJm5s8
Imigração
Conheça seus direitos
27 de Julho às 10h
Biblioteca Pública de Leominster
30 West Street, Leominster, MA 01453
ou pode se juntar a nós no Zoom registrando-se:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMlf–tpj0qE9C0kELjKXNc-ZPBb3eycSNb
A afiliada do Community Legal Aid, Center West Justice Center, realizará uma sessão informativa para fornecer à comunidade conhecimento sobre alívio de imigração, incluindo: asilo, status especial de imigrante juvenil, U Visa e a Lei de Violência contra a Mulher.
Após esta apresentação, teremos um número limitado de vagas disponíveis para consultas presenciais. Se você estiver interessado numa consulta individual, preencha o formulário no seguinte link:
https://forms.gle/SR51AQtWv5zKJm5s8

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Clinic
2023-07-27 09:00 - 10:00 | MA, United States
CWJC SNAP Clinic Flyer (All Languages) – Download
Do you have questions about your SNAP benefits?
Meet with lawyers from the Central West Justice Center to answer your questions and review your SNAP benefits amount.
When: Thursday, July 27, from 9-10AM
Where: Worcester Senior Center Lobby, 128 Providence Street Worcester, MA 01604
If you can, please bring:

Any recent SNAP notices
Information about your:

Income
Out-of-pocket medical or dependent care expenses
Rent, or
If you are a homeowner: mortgage, homeowners’ insurance & property tax payments

Chương Trình Hỗ Trợ Dinh Dưỡng Bổ Sung / Phòng Khám SNAP
Quý vị có câu hỏi nào về các phúc lợi SNAP của mình không? Gặp gỡ luật sư từ Trung tâm Tư pháp Trung Tây (Central West Justice Center) nhằm giải đáp những thắc mắc của quý vị và xem xét về số tiền trợ cấp SNAP của quý vị.
Thời gian: Thứ Năm, ngày 27 tháng 7, vào lúc 9-10 giờ sáng
Địa điểm: Sảnh Trung tâm Người cao tuổi Worcester (Worcester Senior Center Lobby)

Nếu có thể, vui lòng mang theo:

Bất kỳ thông báo SNAP nào gần đây
Thông tin của quý vị về:

Thu nhập
Chi phí y tế hoặc chi phí chăm sóc người phụ thuộc tự chi trả
Chi phí thuê nhà, hoặc
Nếu quý vị là chủ nhà: các khoản thanh toán vay thế chấp, phí bảo hiểm đối với chủ nhà và thuế tài sản

营养补充援助计划/ SNAP专题讨论会
您对SNAP福利有疑问吗？
与中西部司法中心 (CWJC)的律师会面，解答您的疑问并审查您的SNAP福利金额。
时间：周四，7月27日，早上9点-10点
地址：伍斯特老年中心大厅

如果可以，请携带：
任何最近的SNAP通知
有关您的如下信息：

薪资
自费医疗或家属护理费用
房租租金，或者
如果你是房主:抵押贷款、房主保险和财产税

Clínica de SNAP/ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program o Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria
¿Tiene preguntas sobre sus prestaciones de SNAP?
Reúnase con abogados del Centro de Justicia del Centro Oeste (CWJC) para contestar sus preguntas y revisar la cantidad de sus prestaciones de SNAP.
Cuándo: Jueves, 27 de Julio, de 9 a 10 A.M.
Donde: Worcester Senior Center Lobby, 128 Providence Street, Worcester, MA 01604
Si pueden, por favor traigan:
Cualquier notificación reciente de SNAP
Información sobre:

Ingresos Gastos desembolsados en médicos o atención a dependientes que corren a cargo del asegurado
Renta, o si es propietario de una vivienda: hipoteca, seguro de la vivienda e impuestos sobre la propiedad

Know Your Rights Training: CORI Sealing
2023-06-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA, 01040, United States
Despite the fact that you may never have been found guilty of a charge, or that you fulfilled any requirements of a guilty plea or verdict, you might be having trouble finding or keeping housing because of your Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI).
If you want help understanding what is on your CORI and attempting to seal eligible charges, we are here to help.
Topics include: Criminal record sealing and expungement; appealing denials of public and subsidized housing due to a criminal record and housing discrimination issues; how to apply for legal assistance with Community Legal Aid

Conozca Sus Derechos Entrenamiento
A pesar del hecho de que es posible que nunca haya sido declarado culpable de un cargo, o que cumplió con los requisitos de una declaración de culpabilidad o veredicto, es posible que tenga problemas para encontrar o mantener una vivienda debido a su Información de Antecedentes Penales (conocido por siglas en Ingles como CORI).
Si desea ayuda para comprender qué hay en su CORI e intentar sellar los cargos elegibles, estamos aquí para ayudarlo.
Los temas incluyen: Sellado y borrado de antecedentes penales; apelar las denegaciones de vivienda pública y subvencionada debido a ante-cedentes penales y problemas de discriminación en la vivienda; cómo solicitar asistencia legal con Community Legal Aid

Virtual CORI Sealing Clinic
2023-06-15 14:00 - 15:00 | MA, United States
Are you having trouble finding or keeping housing or employment because of your Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)? Join Community Legal Aid Attorney Alyssa Golden as she walks through the steps to seal or expunge marijuana and other offenses.
Participants will learn:
How the CORI system works
How to obtain a copy of your CORI records
The steps to seal or expunge records
About your rights under the law

Thursday, June 15, 2023 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Via Zoom

POSTPONED: CORI Sealing Clinic - Great Barrington
2023-06-07 18:00 | South County Recovery Center, 67 State Road, Great Barrington, MA, 01230, United States
ATTENTION: This event has been postponed.

Despite the fact that you may never have been found guilty of a charge, or that you fulfilled any requirements of a guilty plea or verdict, you might be having trouble finding or keeping housing or employment because of your Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI). If you want help understanding what is on your CORI and attempting to seal eligible charges, we are here to help.
What: Expungement and Sealing Clinic Learn how to seal your criminal record. Private consultations available.

Where: South County Recovery Center, 67 State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230
When: Wednesday, June 6, 2023 at 2:30 P.M.
