McAndrews, Held & Malloy Makes Big Pro Bono Commitment to GCLC’s Criminal Records Program

In October 2019, Chicago intellectual property law firm McAndrews, Held & Malloy made a huge commitment to GCLC. More than 20 of the firm’s attorneys signed on to provide pro bono legal services through our Criminal Records Program. Aimed at removing the burden of a criminal record through either expungement or sealing, the program opens the door for fellow Chicagoans to get a job, obtain a professional license, qualify for a mortgage or achieve other milestones in life that can be hindered by an arrest or conviction.

During the first two months of 2020 alone, McAndrews attorneys helped approximately 50 local citizens who otherwise would have been left to fend for themselves in court. Each year, GCLC and its team of volunteer attorneys provide substantive assistance to an average of 250 individuals as part of the Criminal Records Program, 80% of whom receive full or partial relief through expungement or sealing. 

“The relationship with McAndrews is pretty special. At more than 20 attorneys, the level of participation has been remarkable, and it’s allowed my GCLC colleagues and me to focus our time on other priorities for our clients,” said Drew Curle, Managing Attorney for the Clinic’s Criminal Records and Domestic Relations programs.

GCLC’s relationship with the firm dates back to 2009, when McAndrews attorney Sharon Hwang joined our Board of Directors. She later served for four years as Vice President and assumed her current role as President in 2018.

“Our attorneys are making a difference in the lives of so many fellow Chicagoans and actively providing access to justice—and, more importantly, hope—to some of the most forgotten and vulnerable individuals in our community,” said Sharon. “The Criminal Records Program allows our team members to step out of their day-to-day IP practice and get a feel for what it’s like to help individuals in need as they try to make a better life for themselves.”