2023 Summer Forum Preview: Human Rights & Immigration Law Panel

"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free...." Such reads the inscription on the Statute of Liberty, the sight that many of the early immigrants of the United States first saw. Our country is a beautiful mixing bowl of different cultures, beliefs, and nationalities, thanks in large part to centuries of immigrants coming to the United States hoping to make a better life for themselves and their families. That dream of a better life still rings true in the hearts of those seeking to immigrate here today. However, for those new to the United States, navigating a foreign legal system can be a treacherous undertaking. That's where immigration lawyers become essential. This panel will give you insight into what the field of immigration law looks like today and opportunities in which you can provide assistance.

2023 Summer Forum Preview: Civil Rights & Civil Liberties

The Civil Rights & Civil Liberties Panel will explore the critical role that lawyers play in protecting individuals' fundamental rights. Although there are legal safeguards that prevent discrimination in many parts of our daily lives, these rights can often go unprotected and ignored without the help of pro bono and public interest attorneys. Our Civil Rights & Civil Liberties Panel will give attendees a glimpse at the great need for talented lawyers in this field and showcase ways that you can help protect individual rights.

2023 Summer Forum Preview: Criminal Law & Death Penalty Panel

Over the past year, our communities have continued to engage in deep reflection on the systemic harms of abusive policing and mass incarceration. There is no area of law more central to those discussions than the criminal legal system. In this session, our panelists will share their work and insights in the criminal law space to uphold central individual liberties, stem the tide of mass incarceration, and protect communities. Learn more about these important topics at our 2023 Summer Forum Panel on Criminal Law & Death Penalty Panel.
Graphic: Racial Justice Series

Racial Justice Series: Algorithmic Justice Recap

At our most recent Racial Justice Series, we discussed the intersection of algorithms, machine learning, and discrimination in law and government. One of the most concerning issues is many times the public cannot tell how algorithms make decisions or what data they use to do so. Private citizens’ data is being collected in large swaths. It is important to minimize how easily that data can be collected, but just as important to shed light on how algorithms are using that data to make biased, flawed, and unjust decisions. Read on to find out more.
Graphic: Supreme Court View From The Press Gallery

Supreme Court: View From The Press Gallery (2023)

SOLD OUT! Waitlist Open As the Supreme Court’s term ends, many organizations present panel discussions with lawyers and academics analyzing the major decisions from a jurisprudential perspective. This one is different. Our panel of distinguished journalists who have covered the Supreme Court for decades will take a behind-the-headlines look at the Court’s work, at the Justices themselves, at how the institution has changed over time, and at how journalists cover the Court. Our panel includes: Robert Barnes (Washington Post) Joan Biskupic (CNN) Greg Stohr (Bloomberg News) Adam Liptak (New York Times) David Savage (Los Angeles Times) Ariane de Vogue (CNN) The panel will be moderated by Art Spitzer, Senior Counsel, ACLU-DC. The cost of this program is $26 for Washington Council of Lawyers Members, $35 for public-interest and government lawyers, and $40 for the general public & law firm attendees. (Join here to receive the discounted price.) Lunch is provided and the program offers open seating, so please arrive early! We look forward to having you join us for lunch and a fascinating discussion of the recently-concluded Supreme Court term! Finally, if you'd like your summer associates or interns to attend and need assistance registering them as a group, email Christina Jackson at cjackson@wclawyers.org. Join and follow the conversation at #SCOTUSpress! If space does not open off the waitlist or you'd like to attend from outside DC, a Zoom link will be provided when you register.

2023 Summer Forum Preview: Poverty Law Panel

People living in poverty struggle daily to meet basic needs for themselves and their families. Critical relief: housing, nutrition, health care, fair employment, and protection from violence, often turn not on rights but on access to those rights and remain out of reach for many trying to navigate complex rules and requirements. While legal representation can transform an individual’s ability to access what they need to survive and thrive, low-income litigants are the least likely to have an attorney to help them exercise their rights. Pro bono attorneys who fill this gap literally change and save lives. Learn more about the wide-ranging legal issues individuals living in poverty face and what pro bono opportunities are available in D.C. and across the country to help address these needs at our 2023 Summer Forum Panel on Poverty Law on Thursday, June 15 from 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm ET. Register here to join the virtual conversation.

2023 Summer Forum Preview: Environmental Justice Panel

Environmental law issues impact residents in D.C. and across the country in a variety of unforeseen ways. People in poverty and communities of color are more likely to live in environmentally unhealthy places. Climate change motivates immigration all over the globe. Join us for our newest summer forum panel discussion about the many ways environmental justice implicates human rights and racial justice. We are excited to hear our inaugural panel discuss how legislative advocacy, individual representation, class action and other tools can bring us closer to achieving environmental justice. Find out more on June 8th.

2023 Summer Forum Preview: Non-Litigation Pro Bono Panel

Pro bono: it’s not just for litigators. There are a variety of pro bono matters that don't require you to step foot in the courtroom. Opportunities include setting up businesses; drafting or revising employee handbooks; protecting intellectual property; and providing tax advice among many others. And there are opportunities for system change through legislative advocacy and policy work. Trained lawyers can help draft wills for vets, navigate uncontested divorce proceedings, research novel issues, and much more. If you want to help but don't care to go to court, this panel is for you.
2023 Summer Forum Keynote Nicole Austin-Hillery

2023 Summer Forum Keynote With Nicole Austin-Hillery

We are thrilled to welcome Nicole Austin-Hillery, President & CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, as the keynote conversation for the 2023 Summer Forum.  Ms. Austin-Hillery has dedicated her life and career to fighting for systemic change for marginalized communities. Her advocacy efforts not only work to change oppressive systems, but also lead the change for how Americans understand those systems and the interconnectedness of human rights concerns. Her work is an inspiration as it uplifts the voices and experiences of those that are not typically heard or seen to better society for all. Read on to find out more.
Graphic: DC Superior Court Open House & Tour June 2023

D.C. Superior Court Open House

Co-hosted by the D.C. Superior Court Pro Bono and Affordable Counsel Committee Have you been to the D.C. Superior Court?  Have you met a D.C. Superior Court Judge?  Do you want to help persons of limited means in cases involving eviction, domestic violence, or domestic relations? Join us for a D.C. Superior Court Open House where representatives from legal services organizations and experienced pro bono counsel will introduce you to some of the Court’s high-volume branches where more pro bono representation is needed.  You’ll have an opportunity to observe court proceedings, speak with Superior Court Judges, and learn how you can expand access to justice for D.C. residents. You can choose to visit the Domestic Violence Division, Domestic Relations Branch, or Landlord and Tenant Branch at registration. Due to scheduling conflicts, the Debt Collection Calendar option is no longer available. However, there will be an option to view Debt Collection Calendar hearing in October. Please note this event involves a moderate amount of walking inside and outside the Superior Court buildings.  If you have any accommodation needs or questions, please contact Jodi Feldman at Jodi.Feldman@DCCSystem.gov. Also, attendees will need to go through a metal detector and have their bags cleared through Court security before entering the Courthouse.  This is required for all members of the public visiting the Courthouse.  Please do not bring any personal items with you that may be considered dangerous or used as a weapon. We look forward to welcoming you!

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