In closing out Black History Month 2022, we'd like to share thoughts from some of our dedicated board members. They are mentors and leaders in our community. We are inspired by them every day. I'm sure you will be as well.
Join the DC Bar Public Interest and Courts Community, Criminal Law and Individual Rights Community, and the DC Affairs Community on Wednesday, March 2, at 12:00 pm ET for an insightful conversation about what it means for students to be and to feel "safe" at school? How does the presence of police in schools criminalize Black children and youth? How would young people transform their schools into environments where they can thrive? Please join us for a panel discussion that includes: Samantha Davis, Executive Director, Black Swan Academy Ceon Dubose, Advocacy & Organizing Fellow, Black Swan Academy Naïké Savain, Policy Counsel, DC Justice Lab Kaitlin Banner, Deputy Legal Director, Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights & Urban Affairs This program organized by the D.C. Bar Public Interest and Courts Community is open to everyone. Pre-registration for this program is required. As a co-sponsoring organization, registration is just $15 for Washington Council of Lawyers members (join). To register, simply email communitiesregistration@dcbar.org by COB Tuesday, March 1 with your name, address, that you are a member of a co-sponsoring organization (Washington Council of Lawyers), and the date, time, name of the event. If you are not a member of the D.C. Bar and don't already have a D.C. Bar nonmember account you will need to create one prior to emailing communitiesregistration@dcbar.org. This remote program will be hosted on the Zoom platform. You will receive access information from D.C. Bar Communities staff the afternoon prior to the program. The Zoom access information should not be shared with others, as registration is required. Washington Council of Lawyers is pleased to co-sponsor this opportunity to learn more about what specific changes youth activists are calling for in our DC schools and why.
In this skills-based training, you will obtain the skills necessary to draft effective declarations. We will provide you with the tools you need to understand how and when to use a declaration to tell your client’s story. We will provide practice tips for writing declarations, including how to assist clients with language access needs and those experiencing trauma. Additionally, we will cover a range of advocacy and style considerations when drafting a persuasive declaration. We will draw on examples from immigration, family law, and housing cases, but the skills and information will be applicable to other legal services practices. During this session, you will have a chance to draft a declaration, collaborate with peers, and receive feedback in order to build your skillset. Our conversation will be led by: Andrea Mangones, Managing Attorney, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) Jenadee Nanini, Family Law Staff Attorney, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center This Litigation Skills Series session is free to attend, but registration is required, and donations are encouraged to support our programs! Grab a colleague and reserve your spot today.
We continue to live in uncertain and unpredictable times. Self-care is especially important during times of crisis. Whether you’re a pro bono counsel/coordinator or legal services attorney, you can't expect to be able to provide support and guidance to your pro bono lawyers when you're running on empty. The next Best Practices in Pro Bono session focuses on how crisis management takes a toll on wellness and how pro bono coordinators can engage in the work even if we are not on “the front lines.” We'll talk about strategies for re-charging your batteries and addressing feelings of overwhelm. When you take time to replenish your reserves, you can better serve others. And the best part is you can share these tips and strategies with your volunteers. Join our panelists from different sectors of the legal community for a dive into how to care for yourself and your volunteers. Niki Irish, Outreach and Education Coordinator, D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program Harmony Jones, Deputy Pro Bono Counsel, Steptoe & Johnson LLP Bonnie Prober, Social Worker/Attorney Murray Scheel, Senior Staff Attorney, Whitman-Walker Legal Services Our discussion will be moderated by Lise Adams, Pro Bono Counsel, Sidley Austin LLP. This session will take place on Thursday, March 3, from 12:00-1:15 pm ET. Following the panel, you are invited to join a small group breakout room for 15 minutes with one of our panelists for further discussion and networking. Join us to learn, and stay after the panel to continue the conversation! Best Practices is free to attend, but registration is required, and donations are encouraged to support our programs! RSVP today and invite a friend or colleague to join you!
