WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF LAWYERS

Join us for Pro Bono Partnerships: Strengthening and Innovating Collaboration, part of our Best Practices in Pro Bono series, an engaging and open forum for legal services providers, law firms, and other community members and organizations committed to promoting and increasing pro bono services. This candid conversation will focus on different types of pro bono partnerships and address the opportunities and challenges of such partnerships, exploring innovative solutions for building stronger, more effective collaborations. This panel will delve into the pain points that often hinder successful partnerships, and strategies to mitigate or avoid them. Attendees will gain insights from both sides of the table, sharing experiences and best practices for overcoming obstacles and maximizing impact. Whether you’re looking to refine an existing partnership or explore new ways to collaborate, this event will provide valuable perspectives and actionable strategies to help you advance pro bono initiatives. Our moderator will be Jen Masi, Pro Bono Director at the Children's Law Center, in conversation with: Rwanda Campbell, Pro Bono Manager, Arnold & Porter Lisa Dewey, Pro Bono Partner, DLA Piper Jen Tschirch, Director, Pro Bono Programs, Georgetown Law Kaitlin Banner, Deputy Legal Director, Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs Don’t miss this chance to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and contribute to the future of pro bono work.

Our annual Fall Kickoff is the first event of our new board year. Join us for food, drink, and the chance to build a stronger public-interest community. At this casual happy hour, you can learn about how to get involved in our work, meet our new board members,  and mingle with other members of the pro bono and public-interest community. Don't miss this chance to see old friends and make new public-interest connections, including our new board members!  You also can join one of our standing committees, learn about our trainings and programs, and sign up for upcoming events. Our Fall Kickoff is free, thanks to our hosts Goodwin Procter. We hope you will attend, and invite friends to join you!  Spread the word!  #FallKickoff24

Depositions can be useful tools in all kinds of cases. A deposition can be an effective and affordable tool for pro bono and public-interest lawyers and their clients. The course will feature a mix of lecture and demonstration with plenty of time for Q&A. We will cover the basics of both taking and defending depositions. Here are some key learning objectives: Understanding Deposition Procedures: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the rules, procedures, and legal standards governing depositions. Effective Questioning Techniques: Learn how to craft and deliver strategic questions to gather valuable information and challenge the opposing party’s testimony. Handling Witnesses: Develop skills to effectively handle different types of witnesses, including hostile or uncooperative ones. Ethical Considerations: Understand the ethical obligations and responsibilities during the deposition process. Deposition Strategy: Develop strategies for preparing clients and deponents, anticipating opposing counsel's tactics, and using depositions to advance your case. We'll discuss such topics as how to frame effective questions, proper use of direct vs. leading questions, personal style, use of outlines, and deposition strategy.  And then we'll turn to defending depositions and discuss how to prepare a witness (both on the facts of the case and on how to be an effective witness) and how to defend the actual deposition.  There will also be a demonstration on taking and defending a deposition in a housing case. Bring your lunch, and join us in learning the basics of how to prepare yourself and your witness for a deposition, what techniques are most effective, and what traps to avoid. The CLE credits for this training are pending. Scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of the D.C. Bar Foundation. Please complete this form to apply for a scholarship.