Product Description

Eviction records can serve as long-term barriers to tenants seeking future housing. But, as of May 5, 2025, a new law went into effect that allows tenants to file a petition to seal certain eviction records. The training is for advocates, community groups, law students, paralegals, and attorneys. It focuses on how to determine eligibility, how to help tenants prepare to seal their eviction records, and how to use the court’s new online “Guided Interview” to complete a petition. The training also includes information about how tenant screening impacts tenants and how to challenge denials of housing.

• In-person attendees receive a print copy of the updated 2025 Legal Tactics: Tenants' Rights in Massachusetts.
• There is a 20% discount for groups of 4 or more attendees

ABOUT BASIC PUBLIC BENEFITS ADVOCACY TRAININGS

MCLE and Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) collaborate annually with a training series designed for both community-based organizations and public/private sector legal advocates who assist low income Massachusetts residents. The training series covers the nuts and bolts of federal and state public benefits, tax credits, tenant and utilities rights and more.

Agenda & Materials

• 1:00pm - 1:05pm

  Welcome and Introduction

  Annette R. Duke, Esq., MLRI , Boston
  
• 1:05pm - 2:00pm

  Overview of the Eviction Sealing Law and How to Seal

  Annette R. Duke, Esq., MLRI , Boston
  Susan Hegel, Esq., Cambridge & Somerville Legal Services,an office of Greater Boston Legal Services , Cambridge
  Daniel Jacobson, Esq., Greater Boston Legal Services , Boston
  Todd S. Kaplan, Esq., Greater Boston Legal Services , Boston
  Prof. Ana M. Rivera, Esq., Boston College Law School , Newton Centre
  Quinten Steenhuis, Esq., Suffolk University Law School , Boston
  
• 2:00pm - 2:10pm

  Break
• 2:10pm - 2:40pm

  Demonstration of the Trial Court's Guided Interview

  Panel
  
• 2:40pm - 3:00pm

  Tenant Screening and Eviction Records

  Todd S. Kaplan, Esq., Greater Boston Legal Services , Boston
  
• 3:00pm - 3:30pm

  "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session and Key Takeaways

  Panel
  

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Chair

Faculty