Photo: 2017 Criminal Law panel

Summer Forum Preview: Criminal Justice and Mental Health

By Nicole Foster People with mental-health disorders and substance-abuse disorders are overrepresented in the criminal-justice system. A recent study by the Vera Institute shows that 14.5% of incarcerated men and 31% of incarcerated women have a serious mental illness, compared with only 5% of the general population. This data illustrates the need for more lawyers with the skills, training, and resources to effectively represent indigent criminal defendants with mental-health disorders. (more…)

Law students “Walk a Month” to better understand poverty

Law students and attorneys gathered to experience the "Walk A Month in My Shoes" Poverty Simulation at American University Washington College of Law on March 9, 2018. The event was organized by the Washington Council of Lawyers in partnership with five of the D.C. area law schools. (more…)

Photo: 2016 Summer Forum Non-Litigation Panel

Summer Forum Preview: Pro Bono Is for Non-Litigators, Too

Many people (and many TV shows) think of lawyers as fiery litigators who perform in courtrooms. Most lawyers know that the profession is more diverse, but when it comes to pro bono cases, all too many lawyers still think of litigation first. But there’s plenty of rewarding pro bono work to be done by non-litigators as well. (more…)

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