PUBLIC BENEFITS
EMPLOYMENT
CLS represents individuals with “indicated” child abuse reports that directly affect their employment by helping them appeal the reports and advocating with the agencies that maintain the child abuse registry.
CLS represents people to help them clear up their records through the expungement, sealing, and pardon processes. CLS also advises people about whether they have or will benefit from automated record sealing.
CLS advises individuals who have lost their jobs regarding the principle of “employment at will,” under which most employers can fire employees at any time for any reason, as long as it is not an illegal reason.
CLS advises and represents individuals who have faced discrimination in employment based on a protected status, including race, national origin, religion, gender, disability, age, and sexual orientation.
CLS advocates for workers with records to have fair access to employment by utilizing legal protections under local, state, and federal law, and challenges laws that broadly exclude people with records from work.
HOUSING
DEBT & CONSUMER RIGHTS
UTILITIES
FAMILY LAW
CRIMINAL RECORDS
CLS represents individuals with “indicated” child abuse reports that directly affect their employment by helping them appeal the reports and advocating with the agencies that maintain the child abuse registry.
CLS advocates for workers with records to have fair access to employment by utilizing legal protections under local, state, and federal law, and challenges laws that broadly exclude people with records from work.
CLS represents people to help them clear up their records through the expungement, sealing, and pardon processes. CLS also advises people about whether they have or will benefit from automated record sealing.
Individuals with criminal records may owe court fines, fees, or costs on their cases, which can prevent record clearing. CLS can help waive or reduce debts when possible, and negotiate affordable payment plans.
Individuals with felony or certain misdemeanor convictions can only clear their records by applying for pardons from the Governor. CLS advises and represents a limited number of individuals seeking pardons.
SENIORS
CLS does not draft wills, living wills or powers of attorneys, and CLS also does not probate estates, but other resources are available: