For many of us who work with survivors of domestic violence, it is critical to collect detailed information from the client to make a competent decision regarding their case. We discuss the personal interactions between the couple, including any access to resources the survivor may need. We review custody, visitation and other issues surrounding the children, especially their relationship with the other parent.

Lisa Cope Duflock, Staff Attorney

In our last newsletter I wrote briefly about the passage of SB 731 and some of the potential positive impacts it will have for Californians seeking record clearance. I thought with the effective date of the new laws now imminent, […]

Andrew Messersmith, Supervising Attorney

New and expanded relief is coming to those arrested for and/or convicted of an offense in California. In March 2021 State Senator Maria Elena Durazo introduced bill SB 731 to expand record clearance relief. The bill was signed by Governor Newsom […]

Lisa Cope Duflock, Staff Attorney

On October 21, 2022, Pro Bono Project attorneys met with clients of Goodwill Industries Silicon Valley to talk about opportunities and procedures for record clearance. PBP Supervising Attorney Andrew Messersmith led two presentations on mandatory and discretionary expungement law […]

Lisa Cope Duflock, Staff Attorney

In 2022 California leaped to the forefront of record clearance law with new legislation to expedite and expand record clearance for eligible individuals. Senate Bill 1106, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 29, 2022, implements significant changes to how […]

Lisa Cope Duflock, Staff Attorney

Convictions with prison terms are often dismissed as available for record clearance, with the only option being a Certificate of Rehabilitation or a Governor’s pardon, both of which are onerous to obtain and rarely granted. However, California is consistently on […]

Nancy Williamson, Staff Attorney

The Aid-in-Dying Laws allow physicians to prescribe lethal medications for individuals who are terminally ill and want to end their lives. Oregon was the first state to pass aid-in-dying legislation, and California was the fifth state. There are now eleven states […]

by Nancy Williamson, Staff Attorney

Most people have never heard of a conservatorship proceeding before the Britney Spears case. This case has quite a stir and a lot of support from Hollywood and her fans. A documentary was released in February 2021 about the conservatorship […]