Richmond Law co-sponsors Pro Bono Criminal Charges Expungement Clinic

Last week, the Richmond Law Children’s Defense Clinic and Carrico Center for Pro Bono & Public Service partnered with the Legal Aid Justice Center, Justice Forward Virginia, Nolef Turns Inc., and Richmond Commonwealth Attorney's Office to offer a pro bono criminal charges expungement clinic, serving individuals who have criminal charges on their records that are non-convictions.

“Often, the presence of non-conviction charges on an individual’s record can negatively affect their ability to get a job, rent an apartment, secure a loan, and more,” said Prof. Julie McConnell, who directs the Children’s Defense Clinic. “Without the commitment of these pro bono attorneys, volunteer law students, and community partners, these clients would not have had access to representation as they sought to clear their records on cases that were nolle prosequied, dismissed, or resulted in an acquittal.”

Throughout the day, law students worked with pro bono attorneys to file petitions for expungement for clients who would not have had representation had it not been for clinic.

“I am so proud of our students who handled the challenges of taking on a new project gracefully, patiently, and professionally,” McConnell continued. “And partnering with the Carrico Center provided so much valuable support in our efforts to make the clinic a success.”