2019 Equal Justice Conference

Record clearing, through expungement, sealing and other legal remedies, is a perfect fit for pro bono initiatives, as well as law school clinics, civil legal aid programs, and defender programs. Representation is usually brief and time limited, and the cases are relatively easy. The demand for these legal services is overwhelming, as an estimated one out of three American adults has a criminal record, many of which are eligible for clearing. And the benefits to the clients are great. An expunged or sealed record removes an intractable barrier to employment, housing and education. These life-changing results and overjoyed clients make record-clearing practice extremely satisfying for lawyers.

This preconference will address issues common across the fifty states in establishing and growing an expungement/sealing practice. The day-long session will include the following topics
Starting and growing record-clearing projects and clinics:
Using technology to increase efficiencies;
Record clearing for youth and other vulnerable populations;
Funding of and communications about record clearing work