Best Practices in Pro Bono: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Pro Bono and Access to Justice Recap

On May 23, we welcomed folks from across the legal profession and in the tech world to discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pro bono service and access to justice. When thinking of AI, many minds go to the newest and hottest technologies like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. These are called generative AI, which refers to technologies that can create original content such as text, images, video, and audio. But did you know that AI has been around for a while and lawyers, especially, have been relying on it heavily? When you’re doing a quick Google search or reading through the list of cases suggested in Westlaw, you’re using AI. That older and commonly used version of AI is called predictive AI. Predictive AI looks backwards at an existing data set and predicts outcomes based on that data. 

2024 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 a summer forum panel discussion about the many ways environmental justice implicates human rights and racial justice. We are excited to hear how legislative advocacy, individual representation, class action and other tools can bring us closer to achieving environmental justice. Learn more about these important topics at our 2024 Summer Forum Panel on Environmental Justice Panel on Wednesday, June 26 from 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET.

Graphic: Managing Student Debt

Managing Student Debt

Student loan debt is a reality for most lawyers. Lawyers at law firms, non-profits, and the government all juggle student loans, so lawyers employed (or aspiring to be employed!) in all legal sectors need a smart and thorough plan for managing their student loan debt. Take control of your student debt obligations. Join Aoife Delargy Lowe, Vice President of Law School Engagement & Advocacy at Equal Justice Works for an in-depth discussion of Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Loan Repayment Assistance Programs, payment options, and student loan management. We will discuss repayment program terms and conditions and provide tips on consolidation where required. Find out the latest developments in student loan management techniques and how to maximize your repayment options. This program is ideal for law students, recent graduates, and lawyers in private and public practice. Thank you to the D. C. Consortium of Legal Services Providers for co-sponsoring!

2024 Summer Forum Preview: Criminal Law & Death Penalty Panel

The criminal legal system remains at the forefront of national discourse, especially concerning the pervasive issues of abusive policing, mass incarceration, and the death penalty. These systemic problems not only undermine individual liberties but also perpetuate cycles of injustice and inequality within our communities. Addressing these challenges requires a deep examination of current practices and the implementation of transformative reforms to protect fundamental human rights and ensure equitable justice for all.  Learn more about these important topics at our 2024 Summer Forum Panel on Criminal Law & Death Penalty Panel on Wednesday, June 26 from 12:00 - 1:30 pm ET.

D.C. Superior Court Open House: Domestic Violence Division

This event is hosted by D.C Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers and co-sponsored by DC Volunteer Lawyers Project and Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC). 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 the Domestic Violence Division – one of the Court’s highest-volume branches where pro bono representation is greatly needed. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with Superior Court Judges, and learn how you can help expand access to justice in our community by providing representation to persons with limited means. The Open House will focus on pro bono opportunities to represent petitioners seeking Civil Protection Orders (CPOs). A person can file for a CPO against someone who has committed or threatened to commit an intrafamily offense, sexual assault, sexual abuse, or sex or labor trafficking against them. By providing pro bono representation, you’ll be helping someone seeking protection from domestic and/or sexual violence, as well as enhancing your professional skills. Please note this event involves a moderate amount of standing and walking. If attendees have accommodation needs or questions, please contact Jodi Feldman at Jodi.Feldman@DCCSystem.gov.

D.C. Superior Court Open House: Domestic Relations Branch

This event is hosted by D.C Superior Court and Washington Council of Lawyers and co-sponsored by D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center and Children’s Law Center 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 the Domestic Relations Branch – one of the Court’s highest-volume branches where pro bono representation in child custody cases is greatly needed. You’ll observe court proceedings, meet with Superior Court Judges, and learn how you can help expand access to justice in our community. Pro bono counsel may represent custodial parents, non-custodial parents, or third-party caregivers in child custody matters. They also serve as guardians ad litem (GALs), representing the “best interests” of the children involved. Whether representing a party or serving as a GAL in a custody case, you’ll be helping to secure stability for a family with limited means, as well as enhancing your professional skills. Please note this event involves a moderate amount of standing and walking. If attendees have accommodation needs or questions, please contact Jodi Feldman at Jodi.Feldman@DCCSystem.gov.

Graphic: Co-sponsored event standing people in a circle with hands in the center

Meet the Next Chief Judge Candidate Forum

Join the Council for Court Excellence for "Meet the Next Chief Judge"! At this candidate forum, interested members of the public will hear from the judges who have applied to succeed the Hon. Anita Josey-Herring as the Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Come hear about Judge Marisa Demeo and Milton Lee, Jr.’s goals and plans as they seek to be the Superior Court’s next leader. This will be an invaluable opportunity for members of the bar and community at large to learn about the priorities and approaches of the Chief Judge applicants prior to the June 20 deadline for submitting public comments to the D.C. Judicial Nomination Commission.  A welcome reception will take place from 5:15-6:00 pm and the Candidate Forum will be 6:00-7:30 pm. Thank you to UDC David A. Clarke School of Law for hosting the forum. We are pleased to co-sponsor this important event with: ACLU of DC Asian Pacific American Bar Association for the Greater Washington, DC Area Bar Association of the District of Columbia DC Access to Justice Commission DC Appleseed Center for Law & Justice Greater Washington Area Chapter, Women Lawyers Division, National Bar Association Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia Washington Bar Association Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia

Join Our Board!

Applications for the 2024-2025 board year are now open! Serving on our board is both professionally and personally rewarding and a great way to become more involved with our organization and the DC public-interest community. Here is a peek at what's involved:

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