New England Law's CORI Initiative
What is the CORI Initiative?
The CORI Initiative (established in 2011) is a student-directed project of New England Law’s Center for Law and Social Responsibility, that operates as a volunteer, limited practice organization to provide criminal record-sealing services for indigent clients.
What is it like working with the CORI Initiative?
The CORI Initiative is a student-run organization that assists clients with sealing their criminal records in part to increase their employment, housing, and educational opportunities. CORI volunteers communicate directly with clients about their criminal charges and assist them with drafting affidavits and completing paperwork necessary to seal their charges.
The Initiative gives students, even in their 1L Year, a unique experience to interact with clients and perform substantive legal work. This work may include interviewing clients, drafting affidavits that are submitted to the court, and researching sealing and expungement law and policies that may contribute to legislative change sought in Massachusetts.
Information for Prospective CORI Clients
What is your CORI?
Your CORI (Criminal Offense Inquiry Record) is your criminal record that can be accessed both by the courts and police as well as employers, housing providers, and schools. A CORI indicates any time a person has been charged with a crime or interacted with the criminal legal system, even if the charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty. CORI’s reflect legal activity that may have occurred decades in the past, but their impact can continue years later.
Why should you seal your CORI?
Interactions with law enforcement in Massachusetts such as arrests or charges can prevent you from getting a job, housing, or volunteering at your child’s school. Sealing your Criminal Offense Inquiry Record with help from the CORI Initiative at New England Law | Boston can assist you in overcoming these hurdles to help you move on with your life.
Sealing your CORI means that most employers, housing providers, and schools can no longer see your criminal record when they perform a background check. Our service is free and completely confidential. Our volunteers are very experienced in the CORI sealing process and are dedicated to you.
Contact CORI
To hear more about the CORI Initiative at New England Law, start volunteering, or to inquire about becoming a client, please contact: CORI@nesl.edu